Date:  2026-10-01 08:05:35  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Julia Glover  |  

AD Interiors Studio renovates a Northwest Arkansas kitchen with a bold color and functional design that will stand the test of time

When designer Ashli Duhamel first met with the owners of this Rogers home, they weren’t sure how far to go with plans to renovate their kitchen. Should it just be paint and countertops? Or is it time to fully redo the space? As the wish list for new appliances, color, draperies, and an overall streamlined look grew, Ashli could tell an overhaul would be in order to produce the result they desired.

Having built their home decades prior and raised their family within its walls, little had been changed through the years. Wanting to stay in the house long-term and make it a place where their children and young grandchildren felt at home when visiting, they embraced the opportunity. “Family use was definitely a priority for them, and we considered that in all our decisions,” Ashli notes.

In talks with the couple, Ashli learned that the footprint of the kitchen, including a central triangle-shaped island, was very functional for the way they cook, eat, and live. “A kitchen is a highly personal space from the way a person lives in it day-to-day to how they engage with others,” the designer notes. “I like to spend a lot of time upfront getting to know the client and being very intentional about where everything will go—down to the dog treats.” Although they kept the layout, all of the cabinetry was updated to give space for a double oven, pare down molding, and eliminate paneled appliances.

In reworking the back wall, Ashli prioritized making a focal point by selecting a custom steel and brass hood that draws the eye. “We didn’t want this to look like a long appliance wall,” she says, pointing out that it is also home to the ovens and refrigerator. A white quartz with rich blue veining that plays on the cabinetry color carries from the perimeter countertop up the backsplash and stands in contrast to the leathered black granite on the island. Across the room, tower cabinets keep small appliances concealed and create a dedicated coffee bar along with display space for special pieces. “There are not many upper cabinets in the room, so this area does the heavy lifting for storing stemware and coffee mugs,” Ashli notes.

While the cabinetry’s blue hue is a specific nod to time spent on the coast, the room’s style inspiration was threefold. “They love the beach but also love French country and true traditional style, so we wanted to marry all three here,” Ashli says. Other accents, including the mix of seeded glass and sash curtains on the coffee bar cabinetry, brass hardware, and bordered Roman shades all speak to the timeless style that will keep the room current for years to come.

The cabinetry is painted “Waterloo” by Sherwin-Williams.

“They love the beach but also love French country and true traditional style, so we wanted to marry all three here.”
— Ashli Duhamel, designer

In Contrast
“People often overthink faucets, but I like to keep them simple and timeless,” Ashli says, pointing to the bar sink’s single-lever brass option that stands out against the leathered black granite counters.

Accent Mark
With a large expanse of windows, managing sunlight was key. The designer specified linen Roman shades with an embroidered tape that gives interest without being overly trendy.

Built to Last
With everyday plates and glass baking dishes being stored in drawers—rather than behind doors—Ashli opted for durable, heavyweight pulls in a traditional antique brass finish.

Shining Example
A focal point of the room, the custom designed blackened steel-and-brass range hood picks up on the kitchen’s main finish and plays nicely with the blue veining in the quartz backsplash.

Design Resources
Contractor Fairchild Construction Interior design Ashli Duhamel, AD Interiors Studio Appliances Metro Appliances & More Cabinetry Morgan Millworks Countertops Countertop World Fabrics and window coverings M Grace at Home Fixtures, hardware, and lighting AD Interiors Studio Paint Sherwin-Williams