Date: September 5, 2023 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Bailey Dougan |
In Northwest Arkansas, Whiteline Designs infuses a spec house with a style perfectly suited to its owners
When Megan and Andrew Mull moved from California to Northwest Arkansas to follow his career, they purchased their Centerton home sight unseen—at least not in person, due to the pandemic. “We originally planned to visit in the spring of 2020 to house hunt but were lucky to find a Realtor who FaceTimed us with options,” Megan recalls. With two young daughters, this home stood out for its open layout and welcoming neighborhood, both ideal for family togetherness; however, it lacked personal touches to reflect their style. “Once we got in, we knew we could make it our own,” she says of the new-construction residence.
Settling into the community, Megan found designer Lee Anne Stelte of Whiteline Designs after visiting local women’s clothing boutique Label, which Lee Anne designed. “They wanted something bold and moody,” the designer says regarding the couple’s vision. After getting a feel for their style and needs, Lee Anne worked on plans to infuse the space with a strict palette of black, white, and white oak along with gold finishes.
While aesthetics were a primary goal of the renovation, the cabinetry over the range was counter-depth, meaning Megan and Andrew were often hitting their heads when cooking eggs or boiling pasta. Lee Anne’s solution to this was two-fold: Remove the existing cabinetry and cover the space with a showstopping porcelain slab. “We went with the porcelain because it’s non-porous and easy to clean, so it will stand up to wear and tear,” Lee Anne says. “This slab is like art,” Megan says of the selection. “It makes the kitchen.”
Smart Solutions
The renovation allowed the Mulls to keep their existing appliances, only replacing the over-range microwave for a drawer option that fit neatly into the side cabinetry. Trading Shaker-style panels for a flat, clean option streamlined the cabinetry, while the waterfall countertop on the island brings a modern edge. The cabinetry is painted “Blacktop” by Benjamin Moore.
Beverages & Breakfast
Existing cabinetry near the breakfast table was replaced with a sleek tower that conceals the coffeemaker and other small appliances. An under-counter fridge keeps handy after-school drinks for kids and beverages for guests who come indoors from the backyard pool. A contemporary matte subway tile adds interest to the backsplash and ties in with the nearby table and chairs.
“They wanted something bold and moody.”
—Lee Anne Stelte, designer
A pull-down faucet coordinates with the gold finishes while also providing ease of use.
Design Resources
Contractor Keith Kane, Kane Construction Interior design Lee Anne Stelte, Whiteline Designs Cabinetry Justus Cabinets Countertops Pacific Shore Stones Countertops (installation) Torres Granite & Marble Painting Missions Painting
