Date:  March 29, 2018  |   Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Lauren Cerrato  |  

Comfortable living meets transitional style in this fresh Fayetteville home

Designer Lee Anne Henry of Whiteline Designs had one goal in approaching the design of this house: Every detail had to be perfect.

While that might seem lofty, that’s the inherent draw of building a new house. “They wanted a clean, open feel to the home,” Henry says, “and they wanted to be able to do it exactly the way they wanted it. They wanted to make it their forever home.”

In doing so, Henry had the challenge of melding the couple’s opposing masculine and feminine styles. The two are recent empty nesters with an interest in art and a penchant for entertaining, so it was imperative that the home lend itself to flow and function in addition to beautiful design. Henry was involved in this project from the ground up, developing the floor plan, designing custom cabinetry and millwork, and selecting furniture that struck a balance between comfort and style. In the end, she achieved the homeowners’ dream “forever home” by setting a soft, neutral palette and lush textures against cozy, cabin-like architectural elements.

Setting the Tone
A vignette in the entryway across from the dining room “starts to tell the story of the home from the moment you walk in,” Henry says. In the dining room, the natural vibe of the live-edge table paired with upholstered chairs and mixed metals (including a silver-and-gold cork ceiling) hint at the unexpected design pairings found throughout the rest of the home.

Light & Bright
The open-concept living room and kitchen is a perfect layout for the homeowners, who entertain frequently. Henry chose acrylic stools with a gold base to allow the kitchen island, which is topped with Patagonia granite, to shine. “I did not want to distract from it with seating,” Henry says. The wide-plank hardwood seen throughout the house pairs nicely with the simple styling of the kitchen.

Above: The homeowners’ pup enjoys a sitting area off the kitchen. The space features a piece of art by Arkansas artist Duane Gardner, which was purchased early in the building process. “It acted as a guide for furnishing and paint,” Henry says.

An Artful Juxtaposition
Light blue paint on the built-ins coupled with cream-hued sofas soften the ceiling’s exposed-wood beams, stone fireplace surround, and angular side tables. Seeded glass in the bookcase windows echoes the texture found in the rug and wooden beams. Anchoring the lush seating area is a quartz onyx coffee table by Verona Prive Maison.

Cozy Classic
The luxe-cabin feel established in the communal rooms extends to the master suite, where Henry aimed for beautiful yet not too feminine, cozy yet elevated. The tall, paneled ceiling is coated in a light wash of the wall color, which exaggerates its height and adds to the airiness of the room.

Sheepish Discovery
Henry says she always tells clients to keep their eyes peeled for possible accessories and inspirations while traveling, and she was thrilled when the homeowner came back from London with a picture of the sheep-shaped footstool seen here. She had spotted this funky accessory in her room at the famous Goring Hotel, and the two agreed that it would be the perfect addition to the sitting room off the side of the master bedroom. The matching chairs swivel to provide a view of the backyard.

Chic Retreat
Floor-to-ceiling marble near the shower gives the spacious master bathroom the feel of a spa. “I wanted this to be a beautiful space for her and a great shower space for him,” Henry says. An inkblot-inspired wallpaper by Candace Olson for York, a modern sink, and suspended globe lights make the room contemporary yet timeless.

Design Resources
Interior designer Lee Anne Henry, Whiteline Designs
Contractor Monte Alter Construction
Accessories, bedding, furniture, hardware, lighting, rugs, and wallpaper Whiteline Designs
Art Duane Gardner Abstracts, Sean Shrum, and Whiteline Designs
Countertops Verona Marble Company
Painting Lasun’s Painting
Window treatments Interior Fabrics & Design