Date: September 1, 2022 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
In El Dorado, designer Andrea Brooks maximizes a spacious bedroom’s function with defined zones and an artful aesthetic
Having grown up in the beloved South Arkansas home she now shares with her husband, David, Renee Skinner has seen the midcentury residence evolve through the years. “Her mom was a collector and very into design,” designer Andrea Brooks says. Since moving into the house in 1998, the couple had taken it through their own iterations, working with Andrea—who is also a close friend—on past decorative additions in the bedroom. Yet it had not undergone a structural change until last year. “There were pieces of the ‘recreation room’ era and past attempts at inexpensive updates. We were ready for a finished space that made sense as a bedroom,” Renee says of the decision to hire Andrea to help with a full-scale renovation.
The first order of business was to remove a pony wall that separated the bed from what Andrea refers to as a “saloon-style bar.” “It divided the room right after the first set of windows, so taking that out allowed us to center the bed,” she says. Now the space is home to four defined zones: the bed, a sitting area for morning coffee, a lounge space for television and drinks, and an office.
Each of the areas are united with a common aesthetic that reflects the couple’s style. “She wanted a look that was eclectic and collected but still sophisticated,” Andrea says. Perhaps the most cohesive feature is the walls, where cedar planks were traded for drywall covered in a dramatic, high-gloss blue-green hue. “Because the room is so expansive, we wanted to make it feel cozy; painting it one unifying color achieves that,” Andrea says. The designer also brought in scale-appropriate pieces such as the four-poster bed, Kelly Wearstler light fixture, and a massive Asian screen. Finishing touches such as vintage glassware and contemporary abstract throw pillows are reminiscent of Andrea’s philosophy of mixing old and new whenever possible.
“She loves to shop. I usually go to clients with an all-over plan but can also back that out and let them do some of the legwork if they enjoy it, ” Andrea says, pointing to several of the art pieces and finds Renee selected herself as well as treasures the couple already owned. “Andrea guided our purchases so there wasn’t a bad dollar spent,” Renee says. “In the past I have bought things that didn’t quite work, but we just lived with them. With Andrea, every decision moved us closer to this final vision.”
As a dog-lover, Renee was captivated with this vintage oil painting she found on a trip to Little Rock’s Fabulous Finds.
The Spaces to Be
Nearest the bed, an antique barley twist table and pair of plush swivel chairs create a nook for morning coffee. Andrea notes the table is large enough to be used for games as well. Opposite this area sits the lounge space. Here, the couple can pour a drink from the nearby carved furniture piece (a find from Mina Rea’s in El Dorado) before relaxing in front of the television on the sofa. In the office area, a vintage desk pairs with a contemporary chair and rug.
Andrea guided our purchases so there wasn’t a bad dollar spent.” —Renee Skinner, homeowner
Make a Pattern
Andrea used a Trend fabric with an embroidered ogee lattice to bring in a strong, true blue against the wall color. “It feels classic but is done in a more modern way,” she says.
Think Pink
Shades of pink like the dusty rose seen on the coffee nook’s swivel chairs are sprinkled throughout the room. An abstract pillow from Laura Park lends a modern touch against the classic chairs.
Run a Screen
The painted Asian screen—a vintage find scored from Bear Hill Interiors—was the first purchase Renee and Andrea made for the room. Andrea notes the large-scale piece functions as art and brings dimension to the wall in the office area.
Give It Some Texture
Grasscloth nightstands frame the four-poster bed. Their drawers keep the tables free from clutter while the glass top protects the piece’s finish. Gold ring hardware coordinates with the drapery rods.
Design Resources
Contractor McKinnon Brothers Contracting Interior design Andrea Brooks, Andrea Brooks Interiors Accessories Bear Hill Interiors, Casey Sarkin Home, Cobblestone & Vine, and Four Seasons Art Bear Hill Interiors, Fabulous Finds, and Blewster’s Antiques Flooring Storey’s Floor & Carpet Fabrics, upholstery, and window coverings Andrea Brooks Interiors Framing Mina Rhea’s Furniture Andrea Brooks Interiors, Cobblestone & Vine, Fabulous Finds, and Mina Rhea’s Paint Benjamin Moore Painting Rick Russell Rugs Hadidi Rug Gallery Windows Pella
