Date: August 29, 2019 | Story: Cate Willis | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Lauren Cerrato |
A Little Rock family adds a second story while adhering to the neighborhood’s charm
For Mollie and John Campbell, the decision to renovate their home was due in part to their growing family. With three children ages 2 to 7, they were in need of a larger home. While they wanted to expand the house by adding a second story, the couple wished to keep the history and style of Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood at the forefront of the design by maintaining an appropriate scale for the home.
BEFORE
The “renovation dream team,” as the couple referred to them, included builder Nathan Cooper, designer Chandler Bailey, and architect Rodney Parham, whom Mollie notes grasped their vision from the very beginning. “Rodney understood our lifestyle and was able to design a home that fit us uniquely,” she says. From there, Nathan made their dream a reality by keeping the house’s history intact. “His care protected our home’s original hardwood floors and other treasured features,” Mollie says. Additionally, the couple had worked with Chandler of B. Interiors on previous projects; she knew the Campbells’ personal aesthetic as well as the style of the neighborhood and was able to blend the two beautifully in the remodel.
“The structure of our home is perfect for us in every way,” Mollie says, “but seeing our kids run and play on the green space on our lot is just as precious.”
ALL-INCLUSIVE HANGOUT
“One of our favorite exterior features is our front porch,” Mollie says. “It has achieved everything we dreamed it would: endless kid play time, relaxing morning coffee, fellowship with neighbors, and post-bedtime ‘date nights’ for my husband and me.”
CUSTOMIZED CREATION
The shutters are painted in “Naval” by Sherwin-Williams, while the white brick is a custom color—the result of a search for what Mollie describes as “the cleanest white possible.” The shutters surround picture windows, a feature Mollie and John fell in love with when they purchased the home eight years ago.
“The structure of our home is perfect for us in every way, but seeing our kids run and play on the green space on our lot is just as precious.” —Mollie Campbell, homeowner
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Chandler encouraged the homeowners to go with a classic choice for the exterior lighting. For the front door, the homeowners wanted something open to mimic the picture windows. “We just love the inviting feel it creates for all of our guests, as well as the extra natural light that comes inside,” Mollie says.
IN FULL BLOOM
Blue planters coordinate with the shutters. “The pinks, purples, and yellows that pop out of those containers make our day every time we see them,” Mollie says. “And it’s so fun being able to accessorize our front porch with different colors depending on the season.”
Design Resources
Architect Rodney Parham, Polk Stanley Wilcox Contractor Nathan Cooper, River Valley Builders Interior design Chandler Bailey, B. Interiors Landscaping Carlos Marquez Brick Antique Block & Brick Doors and windows Ridout Lumber Hardscaping Stone Works, LLC Painting Finishing Touch Painting
BEFORE & AFTER
