Date: December 3, 2019 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Lauren Cerrato |
From architectural features to holiday décor, designer Tami Risinger kept comfort and durability top of mind when creating this Conway family home
Laid-back and comfortable were key directives from this family when they hired designer Tami Risinger of Tami Risinger Interiors to help with their new construction home in Conway. Tami, who worked with the architect to design the house and later selected the interior furnishings, took these words to heart, creating spaces where conversation flows easily and the family of five can gather for game nights, homework sessions, and meals. “They really use every room in their home, so it was important for the design to have elements that reflect that,” Tami says.
However, she didn’t sacrifice style in the name of comfort. “The architecture and style of this house really called for a lot of custom pieces. We wanted it to look pretty, but everything is also kid-friendly,” the designer says. For example, Tami mixed modern and vintage pieces in the couple’s daughter’s bedroom and paired polished fixtures and original art with durable upholstered pieces in the living spaces. Additionally, she complemented the everyday décor with an understated dusting of holiday accents. Amaryllises, berries, and greenery lightly dot the home, giving a warm Christmas feel without taking the focus away from the original design.
In the foyer, a contemporary circle motif is repeated on the chairs, sconces, and sideboard, while a gold finish adds polish and further unites the design.
Let’s Get Cozy
Using the homeowners’ directive for a casual and livable home, Tami created a living room with plenty of space and furniture for the family of five to relax by the fire or curl up on the sofa for a movie. The leather and acrylic coffee table is a durable, child-friendly option that can stand up to day-to-day wear and tear. “You can really sit back on the sofa and kick your feet up on the coffee table,” Tami says, noting nothing is off-limits or in need of extra care. Simple additions, such as the bowl of ornaments and a pair of amaryllises, bring a hint of holiday to the space.
O Christmas Tree!
Elf on the Shelf is a favorite holiday tradition for the family, so it was no surprise to Tami to find two of the characters hiding out in the home’s tree. “The family likes bright colors for Christmas, so I pulled the palette for the tree from the home’s more vivid hues,” Tami says. Under the tree, casual kraft paper and satin bows cover gift boxes.
“They really use every room in their home, so it was important for the design to have elements that reflect that.” —Tami Risinger, designer
One Big Happy Space
A 20-foot island with seating for six takes center stage in the neutral-hued kitchen. The lightly stained maple island has a gray overlay that coordinates with the other cabinetry and backsplash as well as the Taj Mahal quartzite countertops. Brass finishes on the hardware and interior of the pendants add polish. “They use the kitchen every day; it’s not just for show,” Tami says. “They’re very healthy eaters and do a ton of meal planning and prep here, so it’s a great space for them to all be together,” she adds.
In the dining room, contemporary sconces and a piece by Conway artist Maura Weir frame the banquette, which sits opposite a custom 84-inch round table.
Lighten Up
Color makes a slightly more subtle appearance in the master suite thanks to a range of purple hues. “I think this color is so peaceful and calming, and we really wanted this space to be a retreat for the couple,” Tami says. Still speaking to the owners’ desire for the home to be comfortable yet chic, Tami created a lounge area in the bedroom where the pair can watch TV and catch up after a busy day while bringing sophistication through the lighting, hardware, and even the marble flooring seen in the bath. The wallpaper is “Gigi” from the Harlequin Purity Collection.
Simply Sweet
The couple’s daughter’s bedroom is a prime example of Tami’s penchant for mixing new and old. Here, a pair of antique French twin beds and an aluminum Christmas tree blend with more modern lighting and bedding. “I wanted this room to be monochromatic with lots of pink and just a touch of ivory,” Tami says. The effect is a calming yet colorful space for the young girl.
In the mudroom, a locker for each child helps keep the family organized while a bench offers a comfortable spot to slip on shoes.
Design Resources
Architect Jeremiah Russell, Rogue Architecture Contractor Brad Johnson, Acadian Homes Interior design and Christmas décor Tami Risinger, Tami Risinger Interiors Landscape design Chris H. Olsen, Botanica Gardens Accessories, bedding, fabrics, fireplace, furniture, lighting, mirrors, rugs, wallpaper, and window coverings Tami Risinger Interiors Appliances Metro Appliances & More Art M2 Gallery and Maura Weir Fine Art Cabinetry Grant’s Cabinets Countertops Triton Stone Group Fixtures Winnelson Plumbing Supply Flooring Conway Flooring Hardware PC Hardware Millwork Ronnie Jones Paint Benjamin Moore Painting Melvin’s Painting Tile Conway Flooring and Design Wallpaper (installation) Jane Hambuchen
