Date:  December 30, 2019  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |  

A Fayetteville penthouse design employs a vivid hue to highlight its owners’ art collection

D*Face, a multimedia street artist who contributed to Fort Smith’s first “Unexpected” event to create outdoor urban art, painted this contemporary Marilyn Monroe work. 

Art was at the forefront of the design conversation when the owners of this Northwest Arkansas condo contacted Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group. “The goal was to create a modern setting to display their extensive collection of urban contemporary artwork,” says Chris, who has designed other residences for these clients as well. “The penthouse is a sharp contrast to their main residence, which is a traditional English home, and their ranch, which lends itself to a rustic and more casual environment,” he notes.

The weekend getaway plays host to the owners and friends during University of Arkansas sporting events and town festivals. It features two bedrooms and baths along with an open living area that leads to a large terrace with a stunning view of Old Main as well as additional space for relaxing or entertaining.

The residence’s previous owner, another client of Chris’s, also had an extensive art collection; however, many of his pieces were modern ceramics, and Chris had chosen to highlight them in custom built-ins accompanied by a more traditional neutral backdrop. For this project, the designer went in the opposite direction, removing many of the built-ins to allow room for canvases and turning to a less expected color palette. “Most spaces for art are primarily white, but we thought it would be fun to use blue as the neutral and camel as the accent in this project,” Chris says. “We achieved the same effect as an all-white space, and the art actually pops out more.” During the process several art advisors questioned the choice of the blue, Chris notes. However, once the renovation was complete, they all agreed the artwork became the focal point in what he calls a “sea of blue.” “The changes we made for the new owners were dramatic, and it was a fun experience to re-envision the space for yet another art collector,” he says.

Have a Seat
Chris notes the custom “zipper” sofa is a classic 1970s piece. “It gives the space a lounge feel that’s great for entertaining, plus it creates a sense of history,” he says. The textured, custom wall covering is made from blue lapis grass and natural reeds. A work depicting New York City streets by artist Anthony Lister stands in contrast to its earthy tone and feel.

All in One
One large space offers room for relaxation and dining as well as a spot for work or playing cards. The game table is constructed from a steel pipe and paired with chairs featuring a pop art graphic etched into their backs—a nod to the penthouse’s art collection. Features such as the contemporary floor lamp help define the areas without limiting conversation or flow. Underfoot, bleached oak floors are covered with an array of blue overdyed antique rugs.

Chat Room
The choice hue envelops a conversation area—which is also part of the large, multipurpose living space. The designer notes the color was inspired by an old Ralph Lauren blazer, which the paint store was able to match. “Nobody does navy better than Ralph Lauren!” he says. Fossil stone covers the fireplace, offering a light contrast while complementing the historical feel of the space. “The texture of fossil stone always draws one’s eye to the material, and it’s also great fun to search for all the different plants and animals embedded in the stone,” Chris notes.

Culinary Arts
The owner’s love of the arts extends to the kitchen where a wall of cabinetry was removed to make room for a charcoal seascape by Jake Wood-Evans. “The owner is a fan of nautical-inspired art, and this modern work fits the space perfectly,” Chris says. The remaining cabinetry was covered with a lacquer of the same blue seen throughout the condo.

Artist Doze Green created this neon sign, which hangs in what serves as a TV room and reading nook. Green began his creative career as a hip-hop pioneer and member of the Rock Steady Crew before moving to graffiti and then expanding to other mediums. His work was also a part of Fort Smith’s “Unexpected.”

Layered Lair
In keeping with the penthouse’s layers of texture and blue hues, the master bedroom features a headboard made from antique blue velvet complemented with camel-colored raw silk bedding. An exposed antique brick wall—which is original to the structure—once again adds a historical air to the design. What the designer refers to as “an abstract blue cloud wall” offers a contemporary juxtaposition for balance.

Bathed in Blue
Prior to the renovation, the master bath featured cream Venetian plaster walls and had what Chris calls a “stark modern look and feel.” Covering the walls in a metallic blue cork covering allowed light from the skylight to reflect throughout the space. The cabinets received the same blue treatment seen throughout the space, while an overdyed rug brings the hue to the floor. A work by artist Doze Green hangs behind the tub.

Design Resources
Interior design Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group Accessories, bedding, fabrics, furniture, and wallpaper Goddard Design Group Appliances Metro Appliances & More Countertops New Century Counter Tops Fixtures Ferguson Plumbing Supply Flooring The Wood Floor Gallery, Inc. Rugs Joey Sabb Rugs