Date: November 1, 2022 | Story: Tate Gunnerson | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Casey Sarkin transforms a Fayetteville home into an elegant yet approachable dwelling
After a decade living in a ranch style home in Fayetteville that never quite suited her, an attorney, business owner, and mother of three teenagers commissioned interior designer Casey Sarkin along with HTW Architects to spearhead an extensive renovation. “She wanted a happy family house,” Casey says. “We gutted every inch of it and created a completely new space that feels like her.”
The updated home’s new features include a spacious primary suite, a new dining room, and a screened-in porch that overlooks the lush landscape. In addition, the designers created a more gracious flow by enlarging the rooms, raising the ceilings, and opening the kitchen to the living areas.
While the homeowner didn’t give specific directions in terms of style, Casey recognized a common thread in the inspiration images she saved. In response, the designer conceptualized a classic yet contemporary interior incorporating comfortable furnishings, patterned and textured wallcoverings, and an array of finishes—including oak, rattan, marble, steel, and brass. “Using a mix of textures makes a space feel more comfortable,” Casey says.
Even the ceilings have been treated. For example, white oak adds a sense of warmth in the TV room, and a graphic patterned paper draws the eye upward in the formal dining area. “The whole box needs to be decorated or at least be paid attention to,” the designer adds, pointing to the office ceiling’s soft lavender hue.
The result is at once a relaxing family home and an elegant spot to entertain out-of-town friends and business associates. In fact, Casey and her design team have broken bread in the well-appointed dining room, which is rendered in a palette of blue hues—the client’s favorite color. “This is one of the most special spaces,” Casey says. “It’s everyone’s favorite room.”
Happily ensconced in the newly updated abode after a year-and-a-half renovation, the homeowner continues to enjoy the upscale yet comfortable design. “She loves it and is so happy to have a home that works for their family,” Casey says, noting they became close friends during the project. “Designing this house was a really great experience.”
A seating area comprised of four chartreuse swivel chairs invites conversation as soon as guests step foot in the front door.
Living Easy
Acquired by the owners while on honeymoon in Santa Fe, a vibrant abstract over the fireplace makes a dynamic focal point in the open living room. Here, a chenille-covered sofa and black leather and white-oak chairs befit the setting. Adding to the upscale vibe, a pair of demilune consoles and framed art by Kayce Hughes flank the fireplace. “It’s comfortable but classic,” Casey says, “more current than traditional.” (Wall color: “Natural Choice” by Sherwin-Williams)
Elevated Classic
Open to the living and dining areas, the kitchen showcases a dressier look with cabinetry painted blackish blue and accented by brass pulls from Baldwin Hardware. A Venetian plaster hood and white marble countertops further elevate the space. “It lives large, and the details make it feel upscale,” Casey says. To celebrate the completion of the project, the homeowner hosted Casey and her design team, hiring a chef to teach them the art of making pasta. (Cabinetry color: “Railings” by Farrow & Ball)
The Jewel Box
A pleasing rhythm of blue hues define the newly created dining area, where a one-of-a-kind wool and silk rug anchors a walnut table. A lantern-style chandelier illuminates the moody space while calling attention to the graphic wallpaper overhead. A Phillip Jeffries grasscloth and navy velvet draperies add to the sense of luxury.
“Using a mix of textures makes a space feel more comfortable.”
—Casey Sarkin, designer
A wooden ceiling treatment fosters a warm and cozy milieu that befits the kid-casual TV room, which is separated from the more formal living area by steel-framed glass doors.
Work & Play
A grasscloth wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries creates a textural backdrop for in the light-filled home office. Adding a fitting touch of femininity, Casey had the ceiling and built-in bookshelves painted in a light lavender hue accented with rattan. A tiered brass light from Arteriors illuminates the space. A painting by Nashville artist Kayce Hughes hangs in the built-ins.
The office’s graphic triptych is an india ink painting by Zoe Bios Creative out of California.
Pink Perfection
Playing off the abstract art from the owner’s collection, the primary suite is rendered in a soft palette of pinks and neutral shades that establish the feminine retreat the client envisioned. The fluted wood four-poster bed draws the eye up to the room’s high ceilings, while the plush loveseat and a round-back chair create a spot for the homeowners to relax at the end of the day.
Custom cabinetry, marble countertops and flooring, and brass hardware create a luxurious vibe in the primary bathroom. The brass and crystal sconces are from RH.
White shiplap walls and brick flooring distinguish the covered porch, which Osage Custom Trim brought to life during the addition.
Design Resources
Architect HTW Architects Interior Design Casey Sarkin, Casey Sarkin Interior Design Accessories, fabrics, furniture, lighting, and tile Casey Sarkin Interior Design Cabinetry Justus Cabinets Fireplace NWA Cast Stone Fixtures Ferguson Plumbing Supply Window coverings Callista’s Creations
