Date: July 1, 2026 | Story: Virginia Brown | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Under-utilized spaces become functional favorites after the transformation of this Hillcrest bungalow
Some home projects begin with big ideas and Pinterest boards. This one began in the hallways of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where designer Sarah Finley, who had stepped away from design during a difficult personal time, met doctor and homeowner Lauren Appell.
The two forged a relationship, and soon, Lauren and her husband, Jonathan Aronson, also a physician, mentioned that they could use a few updates to their charming 1922 Hillcrest bungalow in Little Rock. When the time came for Sarah to reenter the design field, she partnered with friend and fellow designer Kendall Jones, and the two took on projects around the couple’s home, including the adjoined parlor and dining room.
“They are a young family, and as Kendall and I learned how their family lives, we realized this space needed to be a casual place to unwind at the end of a long day,” Sarah says. “The goal was to create a home that reflects their personality and functions for their needs.”
They started by updating the large, brick fireplace, which visually dragged down the room. “The fireplace needed to lose a hundred pounds,” Kendall quips. They refreshed the focal point with custom millwork to streamline the shape, introduced a contrasting granite, and incorporated two modern brass sconces.
To create cohesion between the front parlor and the dining room, the two designers paired a bold, botanical wallpaper with a subtle pinstripe grasscloth. “We wanted the dining room to be moody and make a big impact since it’s one of the first rooms you see from our front door,” says Lauren. “The green trim in the dining room brings attention to the detailed millwork, beautiful windows, and craftsmanship of the home,” says Kendall. “They don’t build them like that anymore, and painting it green allows it to really pop.”
Throughout the spaces, texture took center stage. Rich velvets, custom-upholstered ottomans, and layered textiles make the rooms feel collected over time rather than overly staged.
Today, the once-unused parlor space has become a favorite retreat where Lauren and Jonathan can unwind at the end of a long day, host friends for mahjong nights, and enjoy quiet moments together while their children play nearby. “We are big fans,” Lauren says. “I love reading bedtime stories to the boys in the front living room with the fire going during the cold winter months.”
For Sarah and Kendall, the project has become the catalyst for their new joint studio, Finley Jones. “This is such a great example of a trusting client who allowed us to be creative,” Sarah says. “Good design is really fun, and when a client is willing to go there with us, good things happen.”
Above: An abstract mixed-media piece by Little Rock artist Zac Woodiel hangs over the fireplace.
Through the intentional remodeling of the fireplace, the addition of comfortable seating, creative texture-layering, and a calm color palette, the space has become a favorite of the homeowners.
Sourcing from local vendors as much as possible, the designers curated a mix of high-end and budget-friendly items, and everything in between, seamlessly blending vintage and modern pieces. “Our job is to prioritize elements in the room when it comes to mixing these,” Sarah says. “We help clients determine where the dollars matter most.” A modern chandelier sets the tone for the dining room, while layered drapery and woven blinds add attention to the original windows. Chairs with a fretwork back and an espresso-hued table give texture and warmth.
“We are really passionate that a home be reflective of both the client and the style of the house.”
—Kendall Jones, designer
Bring on the Color
With clients open to color and adventure, Kendall says, “It felt like a no-brainer to do a punchy dining room.” They paired Thibaut’s “Desert Flower” wallpaper in Wild Sage with Benjamin Moore “Backwoods” paint below the chair rail.
Light the Way
With traditional architectural elements, including the millwork and windows, already at play, Sarah and Kendall saw an opportunity to make the space more current with lighting. Heavy fixtures were traded for lighter, bronze sconces with a contemporary flair. “They modernize the house while keeping with tradition,” Sarah notes.
Create Cohesion
In the parlor, ottomans upholstered in Thibaut’s “Berber Blanket” in Ochre and Brown act as a “hero” fabric to tie all the colors together. They also stand out alongside green velvet chairs and a small, neutral sofa.
Form a Trio
Kendall, who is an art lover, perked up when Lauren said she appreciates mixed-media and that her favorite artist is Van Gogh. As a nod to this, a collection of small, framed Van Gogh-inspired works hangs on the grasscloth-covered wall.
Design Resources
Interior design Sarah Finley and Kendall Jones, Finley Jones Accessories A Shade Above, Finley Jones, Urban Pad, and Waverly Wood Art A Shade Above and Zac Woodiel Fabrics and wallpaper Designer Effects Furniture Cobblestone & Vine, Kaufman By Design, Providence Design, and Studio West Lighting Ferguson Home Painting G&M Painting Rugs Cantrell Furniture Design Center Stone Casa Blanca Granite, Marble & Tile Window coverings Budget Blinds and Finley Jones
