Date:  April 2, 2011  |   Story: Interview by Lila Ashmore  |   Styling: Mandy Keener  |  

At Home in Arkansas:

How did this stately home, which you share with your husband, Neal, and your children, Elizabeth and Wesley, become yours?

 Lisa Kirkpatrick:

We fell in love with our home more than 22 years ago. Neal and I would drive by often and just knew one day it would be ours. The dream became a reality nine years ago and since then we’ve poured our hearts into creating a look that the home needed and deserved.

 

AHIA: Your home is filled with beautiful antique treasures.

LK: Neal and I began collecting antiques early in our marriage. Neal’s parents enjoyed this hobby and we quickly became hooked. Our first purchase was a bachelor’s chest we both fell in love with. Neal researches particular pieces for authenticity and I enjoy the aesthetics of the process. We look for objects that have character, and enjoy old wooden pieces that have life to them.

 

AHIA: The home boasts pieces from various periods.

LK: We really don’t have a favorite period. We have many favorite pieces, which come from different eras. Our home is Georgian and we tried really hard to stay with English Regency antiques, but we also love French Empire and Asian antiques. We really do love all periods; it would be very difficult to pick just one.

AHIA: Vignettes of collectibles are displayed beautifully in many rooms as well.

LK: We enjoy collecting bronze pieces and have enjoyed finding tortoise shell treasures. Our most vast collection is Neal’s assortment of leather-bound books. Neal began his collection more than 20 years ago and they have come from all over the world. He looks for both condition and content when acquiring new pieces. Neal’s late father, Don, collected leather-bound books and we are carrying on the tradition.

 

AHIA: With your passions directed at finding unique pieces, how do you incorporate color and fabric in your home?

LK: Over the years, we have relied on Jim Clements and Reggie Marshall of Marshall Clements and their ability to select fabrics for window treatments, bedding and upholstered pieces in several rooms. I have come to accept that my husband and I have a good eye for antiques, but really need help selecting paint colors and textiles. We also enjoy visiting their shop and seem to always find something special to take home.

 

AHIA: What home project is next for the Kirkpatrick family?

LK: Our daughter is away at college and Wesley is a busy 17-year-old. Add four dogs to the mix and you can visualize how active our family is. We knew the home would always be a work in progress. When we moved in, our dining room had wallpaper and we opted to leave it for at least a year. Well, eight years later, a good friend and designer, Bill Beringer, helped us freshen things up around the house and highly suggested we remove the wallpaper. This began the last major project in our home. It was amazing what a difference it made to take down the wallpaper and incorporate new window treatments and dining room chairs. Bill shared our vision for this particular area of the house and we are thrilled with the result.

 

AHIA: Any words of advice for those desiring to collect antiques?

LK: Do your research and be patient. We had been looking for the perfect piece for our dining room table for quite a long time. Bill helped in our search and when he found a gilt bronze piece for our table, it was love at first sight. Antiques speak to you. When you find a keeper you feel it. No matter what period it comes from, you just feel it.

 

 Design Resources

Builder John L. Ulmer & Son Builders, Little Rock

Interior design Marshall Clements, Little Rock

Dining room design Bill Beringer, Trianon & Blackmon Antiques, Little Rock

Furnishings Antique Co., Cobblestone & Vine, Marshall Clements, Trianon & Blackmon Antiques, Little Rock

 

 

Welcoming Homes, Warm Hearts

Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Lisa Kirkpatrick’s involvement with Arkansas Children’s Hospital began when her daughter, Elizabeth, participated in the Star ACHievers program run by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Geared for ninth grade girls, Star ACHievers teaches the importance of giving back to the community and involves touring different areas of the hospital and volunteering for various auxiliary projects.

The group’s parent orientation moved Lisa to become a lifetime member of the auxiliary. “I quickly began serving on various committees and chairing events,” says Lisa. “I’ve met wonderful people along the way and I’m grateful to be a part of such an amazing hospital.” Lisa is past president of the auxiliary and now serves in a vice presidential role. With more than 400 members, the auxiliary supports the hospital through a range of fundraising efforts including Arkansas a la Carte, the Miracle Ball, the Playaway Gift Shop, Star ACHievers, and holiday cards featuring artwork by patients. In 2010, the auxiliary raised more than $800,000 for the hospital.

In April, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary and Chenal Country Club will host Arkansas a la Carte, offering tastings from more than 20 area restaurants and caterers. Guests will also enjoy a silent auction and live music.

 

Thursday, April 21

Chenal Country Club, Little Rock

6:30 – 9 p.m.

For more information: (501) 364-1476 or [email protected]