Date:  February 27, 2026  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Tiffany Adams  |  

After more than 20 years in their home, a Conway couple turns to Beth Reed to reimagine their kitchen

When Kelly and Tony Staley built their home on the outskirts of Conway in 2000, they did what anyone would do next: went about their daily life and enjoyed their new abode. More than two decades later, floor plan preferences, design styles, and their needs had changed, prompting them to embark on a kitchen renovation. “The kitchen was closed off and very segmented,” Kelly recalls. “We wanted an open space that was a bit brighter and updated.”

A friend who had worked with Beth Reed on her home suggested Kelly give the designer a call. On Beth’s first visit to the house, she immediately envisioned a room with more natural light and views of the wooded property. “The windows were the jumping off point for me. I thought, How can we utilize more natural light? because there was a lot of fluorescent and artificial light in the room,” Beth says. With the couple owning Staley Glass, they were able to talk extensively through these plans with Beth and select a pair of arched windows they felt would immediately change the room’s feel. “The arch gives such a peaceful flow. You feel rejuvenated when you walk into the room,” Beth says.

To address their desire for a more open floor plan, a wall of cabinetry and appliances came down, opening the space to the adjacent dining room. This allowed for a generous-sized central island with storage and a sink and also prompted a reordering of the perimeter appliances and cabinetry to maximize functionality. With plenty of seating at the new island, the former breakfast area was turned into a dedicated coffee station with a pair of lounge chairs. “We didn’t add square footage to the room but used it all in a better way,” Beth says. She notes they were even able to use their existing refrigerator in the redesign, placing it alongside new GE Café ovens and a range.

In terms of palette, the Staleys wanted a deep blue island that was mixed with cream hues. “They love to travel, so the blue felt like we were bringing in some of their favorite waterside
destinations,” Beth says. Other details, such as the more modern pendants and hardware, curved-back barstools, and the light quartz counters and backsplash keep with the clean, classic look the couple hopes will serve them well for decades to come.

Two paint colors were used on the kitchen cabinetry. The lighter shade being “Ballet White” by Benjamin Moore and the dark cabinetry is painted “Gale Force” by Sherwin-Williams.

“We didn’t add square footage to the room but used it all in a better way.”
—Beth Reed, designer

POLISHED & PRACTICAL
Preferring to mix finishes throughout a room, the designer sourced a Delta faucet in a polished nickel finish. The pull-down gooseneck style can toggle between spray or stream functions as needed.

ON THE DOT
Curved-back, swivel barstools were a priority on the couple’s wish list. Beth sourced a custom option with a Kravet small-scale, dotted blue fabric that hints at an animal print and coordinates with the palette.

WELL ROUNDED
Quartz countertops with an ogee edge bring a traditional flair to the island. “We wanted the island to look more like natural stone,” Beth says, adding that the color contrasts with the deep blue on the base.

GOLDEN TOUCH
Beth selected contemporary-style pendants, which she notes have a gold finish that is almost like copper, to illuminate the island. While they are a standout feature, they don’t impede the sight line to the view beyond.

Design Resources
Interior Design Beth Reed, Interiors by Beth Reed Appliances Metro Appliances & More Cabinetry R&D’s Cabinet Solutions Countertops Alpha Countertops & Tile Fabric, furniture, hardware, and lighting Interiors by Beth Reed Fixtures Southern Pipe & Supply Flooring ProSource Wholesale of Little Rock Paint Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams Windows Staley Glass