Traditional Meets Mod

At Home in Arkansas: What was your inspiration for 11-year-old Katie LaFrance’s bedroom?

Designer Kevin Walsh: Her mother, Wendy, already had the beds, and matching fabric and wallpaper by Thibaut, which we worked the whole room around. The look is glamorous, but still timeless.

AHIA: It was designed so Katie can grow into it?

KW: I didn’t want it to look ‘little girl.’ What I’ve found is that kids’ rooms are often done in light colors, and as teens they begin to want more color. So we went ahead and used more to begin with. Just pop the pink accessories out, and it’s appropriate for any age.

AHIA: What’s the key to mixing patterns?

KW: Our trick was to pull colors from the main fabric. To quiet it down, we selected a green check in silk for the headboard, which added another layer to the room rather than being a main feature. The bedspreads are a matelasse, machine washable and durable. I like bedding that’s pretty but also practical.

AHIA: The bathroom also has a classic feel.

KW: It complements the bedroom. All of the marble, the vintage mirror, and the wallpaper would have been appropriate 30 years ago, and will still look current 30 years from now. The colors are fresh and happy, which is indicative of Katie’s personality. She’s very colorful and animated. Her room has a sweet factor, and then there’s the room upstairs, which is hip and fun.

AHIA: You went all out with the playroom. It’s a little girl’s dream escape.

KW: We wanted to play with elements in this room. It’s more about details and less about prints. We added French daybeds, with playful pillows that can be changed out. The Marilyn Monroe prints gave it impact, and there’s a Lucite bubble chair hanging from the ceiling.

AHIA: What do you keep in mind when designing a children’s room?

KW: It’s the same as creating an adult’s space. The color palette might be a little stronger or a little more playful, but we stay away from themes. We still keep it timeless and classic.

Design Resources

Interior design, furnishings Bear-Hill Interiors, Little Rock

Architect Polk Stanley Rowland Curzon Porter Architects, Ltd., Little Rock

Builder Wayne Moore Construction, Little Rock

Art, furnishings Soho Modern, Little Rock

Carpet Abbey Carpet & Floor, Little Rock

Chandelier Historic District Antiques, Hot Springs

Countertops All Natural Stone, Little Rock

Faucets Falk Plumbing Supply, North Little Rock

Furnishings Park Hill Home, Little Rock; Pottery Barn, locations statewide

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide

Tile flooring Elder Distributing, North Little Rock

Window treatments Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies, Mabelvale

Sparkling Sanctuary: Doting grandparents commission designer Tracy Rivers to create a luxurious suite in their Russellville home for their young granddaughter

A Room for All Ages: In Fayetteville, the redecorating of a familiar space leads to a functional and kid-friendly playroom the entire family can enjoy

Family Flair: Designer Endia Veerman uses soothing hues and textural fabrics to update a West Little Rock home

Family Fun: At the Little Rock home of builder Justin Stewart, an open floor plan and durable materials emphasize informal, easy living for a family of five