Date: August 31, 2022 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Larry West helps the owners of Duke Custom Cabinets bring vitality to their central Arkansas new build
As the owners of Duke Custom Cabinets, Rhiannon and Doug Duke have had the opportunity to work with numerous local designers on one-of-a-kind cabinetry for their clients’ homes. That was one of the reasons designer Larry West felt honored when the couple asked him to help bring style to their new construction home. “Doug and I have always had a great relationship, and he has worked on some favorite houses,” Larry says.
Knowing the residence would also function as a showpiece of his work, Doug was especially thoughtful about selections. “I took some time designing this house,” he says, noting he enjoys that process as much as crafting the pieces, which include everything from doors and millwork to traditional cabinetry. “We make everything from scratch, and I try to bring some customers over to let them see how the final product will look and to show them different door styles,” he adds.
To pinpoint their style, Larry took the couple on several shopping trips, getting their takes on accessories and furniture. “Their past home was traditional but they definitely have more of a transitional style now,” Larry says. “I always start with something like a countertop because it’s a more permanent fixture rather than a tile, which you can change throughout the years.” In the kitchen, two styles contrast—light “White Pearl” quartzite is on the island and a darker “Black Pearl” granite is seen at the edge. “I’m a big fan of using a countertop with movement on the island and then something more simple for the workspace around the perimeter of the kitchen,” the designer adds. The workspace side of the island has drawers—rather than doors—to maximize storage space, while other areas include organizational amenities such as lifts for small appliances and built-in spice racks.
In the primary bath the walls are wrapped in a soft cream that blends with the quartzite countertop and is accented with contemporary art and a backsplash around the tub. “That tile looks like water bubbles from far away but when you get closer, it’s almost like an alligator or animal print,” the designer says. Leading into the closet, Doug’s artistry is on display with an abundance of both concealed and open storage as well as an island of drawers that offers a place for folded clothing and accessories. A patterned carpet carries over from the primary bedroom, giving interest underfoot without overwhelming the dressing space.
High-Style Hutch
Adjacent to the kitchen island, an expanse of cabinetry features a diamond motif on the glass front, an element that Larry notes makes the built-ins feel more like a stand-alone piece of furniture while also offering display space for beloved collections. The transitional-style silver backsplash carries over from the rest of the kitchen.
“Their past home was traditional but they definitely have more of a transitional style now.” —Larry West, designer
Design Resources
Interior design Larry West, L West Jr Designs Accessories, furniture, lighting, and window coverings L West Jr Designs Appliances Metro Appliances & More Cabinetry, hardware, and millwork Duke Custom Cabinets Countertops Pacific Shore Stones Countertops (Installation) Countertop World Carpet and tile ProSource of Little Rock Fixtures Southern Bath & Kitchen Flooring Arkansas Wood Floors Mirrors West Little Rock Glass Paint Sherwin-Williams Painting J & B Painting Rugs Hadidi Rug Gallery Tile (installation) Cypert Tile
