Date: January 5, 2023 | Story: Rebekah Hall Scott | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Lauren Cerrato |
In Searcy, designer Meridith Ranouil creates a warm, contemporary family home that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior
After connecting with Kirk and Kristen Smith through a past client, interior designer Meridith Ranouil began working with the couple before they broke ground on their new build in Searcy. While the plans had already been drawn, Meridith was able to consult with builder Jackie Stevens of Stevens Custom Homes to finalize layout and select materials. Together, they customized every element of the home. “I had so much fun working with Jackie,” Meridith says. “He and I really worked hand in hand. I think that contributed to this house feeling so comfortable and warm and really making sense.”
After 26 years in their former house, which was more traditional in style, the Smith family was ready for the change. “It was totally different,” Kristen says. “There were smaller rooms and lots of unnecessary walls. We wanted every space in our new house to be accessible and usable.” Meridith helped translate her clients’ desire for a more streamlined look into a residence that is contemporary yet inviting. “I think bringing nature in and keeping it simple helps the house feel calm without being stark or cold,” she says. “They definitely wanted a warm, organic feel.”
To this end, the intentional use of natural elements—including stone, quartzite, and wood—creates a design that feels in harmony with its surroundings. For example, a wooden treatment on the ceiling of the primary bedroom adds to the serene ambiance of the space. Even the light fixtures are inspired by nature, including the foyer’s show-stopping chandelier. With this piece, Meridith says she wanted to create “a sparkle effect like a starry night.” She worked with Michael Trevisone of Little Rock’s Light Innovations and electrician Ethan Wilson to meticulously plan how each of the fixture’s 48 pendants would appear once hung. Likewise, the chandelier over the dining table was chosen for the organic shape of its hanging glass discs. “Because this room is very open, I didn’t want this chandelier to visually break up the room,” Meridith says. “It should be something you could see right through.”
In addition to the flowing interior spaces, areas for outdoor living and entertaining were also a priority. Complete with a pool, dining area, and a fireplace, the backyard courtyard also includes an outdoor kitchen with bar stool seating, meaning the house is truly made for indoor-outdoor living.
Using the same white stone indoors (like in the fireplace, below) and out creates continuity in the design.
COLORS IN CONVERSATION
Creams, browns, grays, and touches of slate mingle to create a palette that mimics the stone fireplace, continuing the color story present throughout the home. “I wanted it to be very cohesive and calming,” Meridith says. She worked with Mac Murphy of Little Rock’s M2 Gallery to curate pieces that would complement the character of each space, such as this pair of charcoal horses by Jeaneen Barnhart.
“I think whenever you’ve got a team that works well together, you can create something magnificent.” —Meridith Ranouil, designer
OPEN & EARTHY
To highlight the lines of the kitchen cabinetry, Meridith surrounded them with mocha-toned trim. “I wanted a modern feel but to still have a little bit of warmth with a darker wood,” she says. “I love a good strong line, and I thought, why not just carry that line and really accentuate it?” Leathered Perla Venata quartzite countertops form a waterfall on the island and a backsplash behind the range, while the wet bar area features a three dimensional concrete hexagon tile that the designer says is “pretty darn badass.”
A mix of wood tones creates depth in the contemporary kitchen.
MODERN MUSIC ROOM
A “formal but fun” sitting room combines classic lines with an abstract mixed media artwork by Vanicka Terhune. “This art was a little step out of the clients’ comfort zone, but they loved it once it was hung,” Meridith says. She carried the piece’s chartreuse hue throughout the space with the addition of light green throw pillows.
“These clients trusted me, and I’m so grateful, because they were stepping away from something so traditional.” —Meridith Ranouil, designer
MEDITATIVE MOMENTS
In the luxurious primary bedroom, Meridith knew she wanted to add something special to the vaulted ceiling, so she repeated the same wood used as flooring in a treatment overhead. “It makes this space so open and comfortable,” she says. A sputnik-style chandelier brings personality to a cozy seating nook where the Smiths can enjoy their morning coffee. In the bath, the same Perla Venata quartzite used for the kitchen counters is featured here for a spa-like effect.
ELEGANT RETREAT
The kitchen’s cabinetry style reappears in the built-ins of a relaxing study concealed behind pocket doors. A painting by artist Milan Todic commissioned for the space hangs behind the desk. “This art hit on everything we wanted, both with the colors and the modern landscape feel,” Meridith says.
GROWN-UP GAME ROOM
With plenty of space for conversation, cocktails, and games of pool, this room’s color story was inspired by the look of rolled steel. “We didn’t want to cover the entire wall in steel because that would be a little pricey,” Meridith says. “I found this tile that did the trick, and it spawned the whole color palette.”
Design Resources
Contractor Jackie Stevens, Stevens Custom Homes Interior Design Meridith Ranouil, CKBD, Allied ASID, IDS, MLH Designs Landscape Design Richard Stafford, ASLA, Stafford Landscape Architecture residential design Chris Milligan, Dwellings Accessories, bedding, fabrics, furniture, rugs, and window coverings MLH Designs Appliances Metro Appliances & More Art M2 Gallery and MLH Designs Cabinetry and hardware Restructure Design Carpet and flooring ProSource of Little Rock Countertops Casa Blanca Granite, Marble & Tile Fixtures Southern Pipe & Supply Lighting Light Innovations Lighting (installation) Ethan Wilson, Seark Services Mirrors Sherwood Glass Painting Jose Roman Morazan, Roman Painting Pool/Spa Grindley Pools, Fletcher Stoneworks, and Omar Chavez Tile MLH Designs and ProSource of Little Rock Tile (installation) Omar Chavez Windows Ridout Home Center
