Date:  June 30, 2010  |   Styling: Mand Keener  |  

The Goal:  

Unify the main living areas of their Little Rock home–the living room, dining room and kitchen–to create one large open room. The Mangans wanted the ability to cook, entertain and spend time with friends and family all within close proximity, which was not possible in the original divided floor plan. “This renovation helped us make the most of the entire space,” says Robin.

What they did:

Knocked down the walls, adding support beams where necessary and capitalizing on unused attic space by raising the ceiling. In the kitchen area, they further emphasized the openness by moving the cooking range away from the wall and over to a peninsula facing the adjoining living spaces. They also replaced a large window with sliding glass doors, which are painted black to create a focal point, extending the views outside.

The overall décor is “transitional,” according to Robin. “We wanted to incorporate contemporary elements while keeping it warm and welcoming,” she says. Stainless steel appliances and modern lighting offset traditional slipcovered dining chairs and whimsical touches like a chalkboard used for jotting down menus and grocery lists. Fabric from Cynthia East, used on the armchairs in the living area, was the jumping off point for the blue-gray walls and vaulted ceiling, creating a neutral backdrop for the couple’s colorful accessories and local art collection.

The biggest challenge:

Deciding what to do with a fireplace located in the center of the renovated area. “Removing it created a better traffic flow and allows views of the backyard and pool,” Robin explains.

Their favorite part:

The openness. “You walk in the front door and immediately see what’s going on in the kitchen,” Robin says. “Our great room is comforting and where we now spend a majority of our time.”

What the judges loved:

The cohesiveness impressed Beth Davis. Tobi Fairley noted the kitchen’s added storage and work surfaces. Sandy Sutton appreciated that the Mangans chose furnishings that are of a suitable scale. And Phil Purifoy, applauding the Mangans’ documentation of the renovation process, said that the space came a long way from how it looked when they began.

Design Resources

Contractor, hardwood floors Homecrafters, Cabot

Appliances Metro Builders Supply, Maumelle

Backsplash, counter All Natural Stone, Little Rock

Fabric Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock

Furnishings Mertinsdyke Home, Little Rock

Rugs Pottery Barn, locations statewide

Sliding door handles Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock

Sliding glass doors Pro Window and Door, Little Rock