Date: December 22, 2017 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek |
Designer Chris Goddard updates a Fort Smith home for a couple who love both antiques and contemporary art
As the saying goes, “Opposites attract.” When interior designer Chris Goddard teamed up with this Fort Smith couple, he was tasked with the challenge of marrying modern with traditional. “The husband is an avid supporter of public arts and a collector of contemporary art, whereas the wife is a lover of horses, gardening, and antiques,” Goddard says.
Having worked with the pair on three prior residences, Goddard was eager to remodel this home to make it suit both him and her. To do so, he employed a number of design tactics—including a unifying palette, eye-catching wallcoverings, and statement-making accessories. “Overall, my goal—with an eight-month deadline—was to create a space that looks curated and collected over time,” Goddard says.
Jewel of a Space
“The library was previously a bedroom but I thought it had wonderful windows and great light so it was converted into a getaway,” Goddard says. Cerused oak paneling with a custom lime wash covers the walls and ceiling, while jewel-tone upholstered pieces give the space what Goddard refers to as a “cozy English gentleman’s lounge vibe.” The artwork seen over the sofa is an original piece that was painted on aluminum by London-based artist Chloe Early.
Opening Statement
In the entry, a round table accessorized with a modern bronze horse sculpture hints at the mix of classic and contemporary seen throughout the house. Goddard and his clients took several buying trips together to find antiques, custom furnishings, and original artwork for the home. One of their first purchases was the large pair of antique Black Forest carvings, which hang over a set of custom-designed benches.
Goddard notes that a “subtle, equestrian, hunt-country theme” flows throughout the home. This is perhaps most evident in the dining room, which features a custom Gracie wallpaper depicting the owner and her horse as part of the outdoor scene. The designer also incorporated a large tree, seen to the left of the fireplace, into the paper’s design to provide balance with the window on the opposite side. Hoof-footed chairs, layered plaids, and antique silver further the look.
Character de Cuisine
In the kitchen and breakfast room, Goddard used timeless materials to evoke a classic look. For example, antique European marble in a black-and-white checkered pattern covers the floors while soapstone was selected for the countertops. Elements of nature appear in the wallcovering, which features what Goddard refers to as a “subtle oak leaf pattern,” as well as on the draperies and upholstered host chairs. As in the dining room, an iron light fixture drops the formality of the space a notch, giving it a regal yet approachable feel.
Blurred Lines
The juxtaposition of a French chest with a contemporary piece of art is meant to represent the design tastes of both the husband and the wife. The painting is an original work from the Miaz Brothers, who, Goddard notes, “are Italian siblings who spray paint their canvases to evoke the spirit of the Old Masters in a modern way.”
Raising the Bar
“The split-level family room is the most eclectic of all the rooms,” Goddard says. The upper level features a built-in bar that is covered in antique glaze to highlight its definition and add character. A colorful tweed wallcovering lines the back of the shelves for added texture. The lower level of the room is home to a sitting area that can accommodate a small crowd. Again, antiques—including the coffee table, which was repurposed from a mid-19th century artist’s paint station—are mixed with contemporary furnishings for a refined yet comfortable appeal. Goddard also designed seasonal slipcovers for the furniture, allowing the homeowners to change out the look as the air chills or the grass greens.
Serene Suite
“I wanted the master suite, which also includes a separate sitting area, to be the lightest and most airy of the all the spaces,” Goddard says. A faint blue string-cloth wallcovering introduces a hint of texture, while a silk Stark rug grounds the space. The designer also notes that a custom tufted bed in a herringbone fabric and a pair of onyx slab lamps give the room “an organic feel.” In the master bath, a Jacuzzi bathtub was swapped for a mercury-washed standalone version, while the chandelier was a find that previously hung in the foyer and was updated with chalk paint prior to being installed here. The wallpaper features a nature-inspired scene, a theme that is evident in many of the wallcoverings throughout the home. Its acorn print complements the trim on the Roman shades.
Pattern Play
Prior to moving in, the homeowners’ teenage son was given first choice of the home’s bedroom. The spacious room he selected is layered in plaid prints and velvet textures for durability. His love of global travel is reflected in the accessories.
Design Resources
Contractor Tony Kimes, Kimes Construction
Interior design Chris Goddard, ASID, ISD, Goddard Design Group
Landscape design Daniel Keeley, DK Design
Accessories, bedding, carpet, fabrics, fixtures (bath), furniture, hardware, lighting, rugs, upholstery, wallpaper, and window coverings Goddard Design Group
Appliances Metro Appliances and & More
Countertops New Century Counter Tops
Fixtures (kitchen) Ferguson
Outdoor furnishings DK Design
Paint Farrow & Ball
