Back Porch: Wilson

May 20, 2008 by ark_admin

The town of Wilson in Mississippi County was founded by logging and agricultural baron Robert E. Lee Wilson in 1886 as a company town. It was built in the Tudor style, with the town’s merchants, from the bank to the café and filling station, boasting similar façades. Wilson’s philosophy of diversification made him a key force in many industries, including real estate, railroads and manufacturing, and when he died in 1933, he owned most of the businesses and all of the residences in Wilson. In the 1950s, the homes were sold to Lee Wilson & Co.The town of Wilson in Mississippi County was founded by logging and agricultural baron Robert E. Lee Wilson in 1886 as a company town. It was built in the Tudor style, with the town’s merchants, from the bank to the café and filling station, boasting similar façades. Wilson’s philosophy of diversification made him a key force in many industries, including real estate, railroads and manufacturing, and when he died in 1933, he owned most of the businesses and all of the residences in Wilson. In the 1950s, the homes were sold to Lee Wilson & Co. employees, and today, towering trees and architecture from a bygone era dominate this picturesque village.

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The Ins and Outs

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

The home of exterior designer Daniel Keeley with DK Design and antiques dealer Alexander Hunt with French Metro Antiques, both in Fayetteville, is a blend of outdoor living spaces, contemporary design and antique furnishings. The ranch-style home received an overhaul when the two moved in, including replacing the carpet in the main living areas with bamboo flooring and painting the stark white walls. “We wanted to give it a more up-to-date look,” Daniel says.

Originally, the back of the home offered a wooden deck running along one third of the house. “We knew we’d be spending a lot of time out here, so we extended the deck to run the length of the house,” Daniel says. With this added space, Daniel was able to put his design talent to work, crafting a unique space that’s functional and design savvy. A large grill anchors one side of the deck, in front of which Daniel placed a table with three potted plants to camouflage the space when not in use. A comfortable seating area includes upholstered chairs, a sofa and a lounger, while a large mirror visually expands the space and reflects the lush green surroundings.

The inside of the home is filled with original, local artwork and exceptional design elements. The open floor plan between the living room, den, dining and kitchen allows a consistent traffic flow, although each space is delineated with key furnishings. The den holds a Louis Philippe-period secretary, circa 1830 to 1845, with burled walnut and a marble top, as well as a Louis XI-style jardinière with exotic wood inlays, circa 1860. “I found the jardinière on one of my last trips to France,” Alexander says. “I really loved it, and was grateful to receive it as a birthday present.” Juxtaposed with these fine antiques, a handmade desk chair upholstered in outdoor fabric is paired with a sleek-lined sofa and chair. “We enjoy the composition of old and new pieces,” Daniel says. “We also incorporate natural materials throughout.”

One of these natural elements stands next to the living room fireplace. At first glance it appears to be some sort of a sculpture, but on closer inspection it’s a piece of driftwood. Daniel recovered the tree root from the White River. He had it mounted upside down on a stand, allowing the entangled rocks and eye-catching form to be fully enjoyed. Continuing the more natural elements, the artwork above the mantel is a photograph on canvas by Jake Aslin, who specializes in macro photography. “The image is actually a close up of rust,” Daniel says. “Jake takes something that tends to be ugly and finds the beauty in it.”

Another room that Daniel and Alexander utilize often is the outdoor dining room. They converted the existing carport into a spectacular dining space, complete with drapery, a one-of-a-kind table and banquette. “Daniel designed the table out of scrap metal and had it welded,” Alexander says. “The curtains are made of outdoor fabric with weights in the bottom, and the space is enclosed with a wall of planters.” The teak chairs, lanterns and botanical elements are also Daniel’s design. “We use the space a lot,” he says. “We entertain out here often, and it’s just a great place to relax. I always like creating beautiful outdoor rooms in unexpected places.”

Elizabeth Nobles Long

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

Squared Away

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

1. Larson-Juhl’s Water Gilded Chateau frame blends petite ornate details with traditional style and an embossed finish. Available at frame shops statewide.

2. Available in standard and custom sizes, Roma frames are crafted in Italy, and this one offers deep moulding for multiple layers of design. Available at Cantrell Gallery in Little Rock.

3. The Showroom in Little Rock affords clients a wide variety of framing options, including this elaborate wooden frame with bronze finish.

4. From Larson-Juhl by Jonathan Adler, the Meurice bamboo frame in lime green adds a definite pop of color. Available at frame shops statewide.

5. This golden frame catches the eye with its subtle swirl relief and depth of color. Available at M2 Gallery in Little Rock.

6. Roma’s Eleganza gilded silver frame offers a cool hue with sleek sophistication. Available at Hillcrest Gallery in Little Rock.

7. From A.P.F. Munn, this moulding is hand-carved and finished with 22-karat gold leaf for pure opulence. Available at Cantrell Gallery in Little Rock.

8. For an aged look with a touch of contemporary metal design, Larson-Juhl’s Lucerne in burgandy is just the choice. Available at frame shops statewide.

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Conway

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

Downtown Conway

Walk This Way

Downtown Conway

Walk This Way

University of Central Arkansas

The Plant Outlet

Conway has much to offer residents and visitors alike, combining the best aspects of a small town with the cultural opportunities offered by two top-notch universities. Both the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College are known for amazing performing arts and special events, while Conway Regional Medical Center offers world-class healthcare in a friendly environment. Combine all these amenities with great boutique shopping and a rapidly expanding dining scene, and you’ve got the best of both worlds, whether you’re just in town for a visit or you decide to make Conway your home.

Shopping

Bevy’s
1114 Oak St., 501-329-4530
Adorable gifts and accessories for all ages fill the shelves at Bevy’s, including monogrammed baby gifts and colorful handbags.

Conway’s Classic Touch
2850 Prince St., Ste. A, 501-327-3004, www.conwaysclassictouch.net
Fresh flowers made to order are a specialty at Conway’s Classic Touch, but there’s much more to explore, from decorative accessories and candles to gourmet foods and even jewelry.

DeBoard Electronics
415 Oak St., 501-329-6308, www.deboards.com
Serving Conway since 1952, DeBoard Electronics is the trusted name for home and auto electronic equipment. Their trained technicians can help you select the perfect television or completely wire and install a new home theater.

EM Jeans
1100 Oak St., 501-329-6253
In their stunning new flagship store in downtown Conway, EM Jeans offers its clientele the best in premium denim and contemporary apparel and accessories for women and men.

Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers
1115 Oak St., 501-329-2842, www.fletchersmithjewelers.com
Located in the same downtown location since 1919, Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers is owned by the third generation of the Smith family. Customer service is key at this award-winning jeweler, where you can find styles from Kurt Gutman and Konstantino, as well as custom pieces and repairs.

Hambuchen Home Furnishings
Harkrider & 2nd St., 501-327-6523, www.hambuchens.com
One of Conway’s oldest businesses, Hambuchen Home Furnishings boasts a 40,000-square-foot showroom filled with lines like Thomasville, Broyhill and Lexington, along with decorative accessories, lighting and appliances.

House of Ivo
713 Oak St., 925 Oak St., 501-327-4044
Antiques dealer and designer Ivo Jones offers his customers complete design services, including antique furnishings, upholstery, draperies and even custom painting.

Jenifer’s Antiques
1003 Oak St., 501-764-1311
When you’re looking for beautiful antiques with plenty of personality, whether large or small, Jenifer’s is the place to go.

Just T’s N
2850 Prince St., Ste. 3, 501-450-7155
Just T’s N takes a fun-loving approach to gift giving, from must-haves for entertaining to bath and beauty products to whimsical accessories. You’ll find something for everyone on your list, and a treat for yourself too.

The Kitchen Store
704 Locust St., 501-327-2182
You could lose yourself for hours in this cooking emporium, exploring the amazing gadgets, top-of-the-line cookware, utensils, serving pieces and gourmet foods.

Lance Johnston Photographers
1022 Oak St., 501-513-0777, www.lancejohnston.com
A longtime member of the artistic community, Lance Johnston is an award-winning photographer with a varied field of specialty. Children and families are always a pleasure to photograph, and Lance combines traditional and photojournalistic styles to capture the spirit of your wedding.

Lefler’s
1114 Oak St., 501-329-3424
As the fashionable lady’s destination for years, Lefler’s is known for classic and contemporary clothing and accessories, like bags from Hobo and Matt & Nat, and the full line of Clinique cosmetics.

Moravia
1014 Oak St., 501-932-0043
There’s always a reason to visit Moravia, where you can indulge in a facial or massage in their spa or find the perfect summer dress in the boutique.

PK’s
830 Front St., 501-329-3722
The newest, most fashionable lines are flying off the shelves at PK’s new downtown location. You’ll love the stylish duds from names like Walter and Eileen Fisher, along with a huge selection of timely accessories.

Pizzazz
1120 Oak St., 501-329-2922
Fun, casual clothing is the order of the day at Pizzazz, where you can also find a great selection of jeans.

The Plant Outlet
827 Hogan Ln., 501-513-0080
Complete landscape design services have made The Plant Outlet an invaluable resource, but you can always stop in to check out their vast in-stock selection of indoor and outdoor blooming plants, shrubs and trees, plus fantastic pots, fountains and ironwork.

Room to Room
815 Hogan Ln., Ste. 9, 501-328-9595
Whether you’re furnishing a whole house or freshening up a space or two, Room to Room is filled with the furniture pieces to make it unique, along with accessories like custom pillows, serving pieces, candles and more.

Rose Cottage
813 Oak St., 501-327-4111
China, crystal and silver are just a few of the offerings at Rose Cottage, one of Conway’s most popular locations for bridal registry. They also stock everything you need for fashionable entertaining, from linens to dinnerware.

Something Blue
1014 Oak St., 501-327-4258
From personalized stationery by Crane to lively party invitations and classic wedding designs, Something Blue covers the spectrum of delightful paper products, along with gifts and embroidery.

The Sporty Runner
1016 Van Ronkle, 501-328-9255
Athletes of all ages will adore the selection at The Sporty Runner, where you can find high-tech shoes, accessories and apparel for runners, swimmers, cyclists and cross country trainers.

A Very Merry Christmas Store
923 Front St., 501-548-6177
With gifts, décor and collectibles for all occasions, every day is a holiday at A Very Merry Christmas Store.

Walk This Way
920 Locust, Ste. 101, 501-32-SHOES, www.wtwshoes.com
Of-the-moment shoes, bags and jewelry fill the beautifully designed interior of Walk This Way. You won’t be able to resist names like Naughty Monkey, Oh Deer and Jessica Bennett.

Warp & Woof
911 Oak St., 501-932-0300
You’ll want to spend plenty of time browsing the wide selection of decorative fabrics and trims for every room of the home at Warp & Woof.

Wilkinson’s Mall
1212 Harrison St., 501-329-6819
Family-owned Wilkinson’s Mall is a shoe-lover’s dream, with row upon row of brands like Chinese Laundry, Steve Madden and Jessica Simpson for the ladies, plus lots more for men and kids, plus athletic gear, bags and jewelry.

Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe
1308 Oak St., 501-327-7731, www.yeoldedaisy.net
Treat the special person in your life to a beautiful floral arrangement from Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe. Their experienced designers can craft flowers for any occasion, from a complete wedding to a thank-you bouquet, and coordinate with exclusive gifts.

Home Design

American Blinds & Shutters
5225 Tennyson Dr., 501-450-7789
Window treatments can truly make a home feel complete, and the shutters, blinds and custom draperies available through American Blinds & Shutters are available in any style and color.

Coney’s Garage Door
20 Bronnie Ln., 501-513-0510, www.coneygaragedoor.com
Choosing garage doors for your home is a big decision, and the amazing showroom at Coney’s Garage Door has been designed to make the process straightforward and enjoyable. They can even customize most doors for your special needs.

Conway Block
6 Sidebottom Rd., 501-470-1270, www.conwayblock.com
Beautiful foundations are the key at Conway Block, where they manufacture everything from simple construction block to beautiful tumbled block for stunning outdoor spaces and retaining walls.

Conway Custom Builders
4055 Seraph Dr., 501-329-4959, www.conwaycustomhomes.com
The experienced team at Conway Custom Builders stress quality and value above all else when building custom homes, from the brick to the moulding to the cabinetry, with personalized customer service making the building experience a pleasure.

Creative Concrete Solutions
1210 Hogan Ln., Ste. C, 501-764-4477
High-performance concrete staining has made Creative Concrete Solutions an industry leader, whether they’re creating beautiful designs on interior floors, outdoor patios and driveways or commercial locations.

Floorscapes of Arkansas
10 Charlie West Rd., 501-733-5339
With specialized staining, coloring and engraving processes, Floorscapes of Arkansas can transform concrete surfaces into works of art.

Hambuchen Custom Homes
24 Richland Hills, 501-329-3925, wwwhambuchencustomhomes.com
Working one-on-one with the customer, Hambuchen Custom Homes concentrates their efforts on a few homes to maintain the quality construction and beautiful appearance customers expect from them.

First Security Bank
Locations across Conway, 501-450-1810, www.fsbank.com
A wide array of locations make First Security incredibly convenient, while diverse financial services make it competitive.

First State Bank
Locations across Conway, 501-328-4663, www.fsbhome.com
Under the Home Bancshares umbrella, First State Bank offers hometown service and the most advanced financial products available, with locations across Conway and Faulkner County.

Legacy Fencing
1100 McNutt Rd., 501-327-2969, www.legacyfencing.com
From ornamental fencing to gates and access systems, Legacy Fencing is a fully licensed and bonded fencing contractor.

Pam McDowell Properties
1120 Hogan Lane., Ste. B, 501-327-3838, www.mcdowellproperties.com
Locally owned Pam McDowell Properties is Conway’s leading real estate firm, and their 30 professional real estate agents can help you buy (or sell) your dream home.

Dining and Events

Agora Conference Center
705 E. Siebenmorgen Rd., 501-327-3377, www.agoraconferencecenter.com
A full-service event facility, Agora Conference Center coordinates all the details, from bar services and catering to decorating and planning, for weddings, fundraisers, banquets, conferences and more.

Michelangelo’s Italian Ristorante
911 Chestnut St., 501-329-7278
With an extensive menu including everything from beef carpaccio to linguine with clam sauce and seafood crepes, this new destination for Italian dining is not to be missed.

Mike’s Place
808 Front St., 501-269-6453, www.mikesplaceconway.com
This private club with fantastic atmosphere inspired by Southern architecture offers a wide menu of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, salads and desserts to please every taste.

Oak Street Bistro
713 Oak St., 501-450-9908
Sandwiches, soup and salads are some of the delicious offerings at this great spot, especially popular at lunchtime.

Stoby’s
805 Donaghey Rd., 501-327-5447
Customize your own sandwich with the myriad of ingredients available at Stoby’s, and be sure to order their famous cheese dip.

A Room with a View

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

When Janell and Clark Mason speak about the backyard of their home on Sunset Circle, they focus on their incredible view. “We refer to our view of the yard and the river as the best piece of art in our collection,” Janell says. But the vista has not always been so sunny. When the Masons bought the property in 2004, the backyard was completely redesigned by Doug McCall of McCall’s Landscaping.
When Janell and Clark Mason speak about the backyard of their home on Sunset Circle, they focus on their incredible view. “We refer to our view of the yard and the river as the best piece of art in our collection,” Janell says. But the vista has not always been so sunny. When the Masons bought the property in 2004, the backyard was completely redesigned by Doug McCall of McCall’s Landscaping.

“Doug sketched his vision for the grounds, and we continue to be delighted with the results of his creative process,” Janell says. “Even before the house was in the framing stage, he was able to envision what the landscaping would look like from not only eye level, but from as high above as our upper level great room and terraces.” Janell recalls that Doug literally moved dirt for weeks, making the steep slope of the yard much more useable. “He carved out the different pools, and then the rock artists worked their magic, building falls, sets of steps, seating areas, a bridge and dining areas, followed by lighting, all under Doug’s guidance.”

The Masons’ two sons planted the flower gardens, taking into account that winter jasmine and butterfly bushes are two of Janell’s favorite plants. “On several occasions we’ve opened our front door and smelled the jasmine all the way from the back,” she says. The lush butterfly bushes with their brilliant blooms in the summer attract a wide range of butterflies. “It’s such a treat to walk through the yard and see hundreds of colorful wings fluttering,” she says. “I love photographing them.”

The Masons’ sons also stocked three ponds with twenty small goldfish, which have grown to over five inches long in just a year. The family also loves to watch the deer romp in the yard. “I’m a city girl, so deer are very intriguing to me,” Janell says. “This year we had a group of eight, which included three fawns, and it was hilarious to watch them run around the lowest pond and play chase.”

The Masons also love to entertain outdoors. “When it warms up, we head outside to grill and enjoy the view of the Arkansas River,” Janell says. “Our friends also enjoy wandering through the gardens, and we’ve had a few people ask to have their engagement and bridal portraits taken here.” One of the Masons’ favorite spots is the cabana, which is near the top waterfall. “Last year we hosted a fundraiser—dinner for over 300 people—we had so many tables that we ran out of room on the pool terrace and placed several tables in the back yard at different levels. It was much more functional than I imagined.”

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Shady Ladies

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

1. Available at The Shoe Box in Magnolia, these tortoiseshell glasses by Fossil offer movie-star styling with their oversized lenses and gold-tone hardware.

2. Set on a gold frame and accented with precious stones, these rimless Cartier glasses, available at Burrow’s and Mr. Frank’s Optical in Little Rock, are the embodiment of glamour.

3. With a neutral exterior and bright blue interior, these Jimmy Crystal glasses from Vesta’s in Little Rock are studded with Swarovski crystals.

4. The Glendora style by Brighton combines the line’s signature silver vine motif with oversized frames in a sparkling champagne hue. Available at Jennifer’s in Magnolia.

5. Amber crystals and stylized “J” detailing offer fun, stylish surprises on these Juicy Couture sunglasses, from Nia-Ja’s in Little Rock.

On the Surface

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

Set in Stone

The look of stone and brick is timeless, and these styles are sure to inspire

Irregular shaped Coronado stone is meticulously hand colored with natural oxides to simulate real stone, and this variety was inspired by river-washed creek rocks. Available at Antique Brick in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Antique Brick and Block	Affording a wonderful blend of creams, browns and black, the Juperana Ipanema granite is quarried in Brazil and makes for a beautiful countertop. Available at Bedrock International in Little Rock.
For a colorful solid surface choose CaesarStone quartz. Shown in apple martini, CaesarStone surfaces offer a variety of applications from countertops to wallcoverings. Available at retailers statewide. Photo courtesy Caesarstone	Inside Effects in Little Rock crafted this bathroom with varying forms of Angelica gold travertine. The whirlpool surround is a slab, while the shower walls are mosaic tiles. Photo by Kyle McLaughlin

For a touch of Old-World style, Robinson Thin Brick is a must. Their line of Old Brick Originals is available in various color palettes and is built to suit your space. Available at Antique Brick in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Antique Brick and Block

Tile Treatment

Create striking focal points and colorful details with the latest tile offerings

Let the talented craftsmen at Acme Brick & Tile in North Little Rock customize a work of art for you. Whether inside or out, their creations are truly one-of-a-kind, such as this one made from Jeffrey Court walnut and ivory travertine tiles. Photo courtesy Acme Brick	Almond cream marble acts as the ideal backdrop for the octagonal tile and Florentine border, all from the Antiquity collection by Jeffrey Court and available at Acme Brick & Tile in North Little Rock. Photo courtesy Acme Brick
These amazing glass mosaic tiles lend a gleaming luster, and the myriad of colors work well with any interior style. Available at Bedrock International in Little Rock. Photo courtesy Bedrock	From Sicis The Art Factory, the Waterglass series of glass tiles are formed from lightweight glass pixels, cut with mathematical precision for optimum sheen and color. Available online at sicis.com. Photo courtesy Sicis

The Asteria tile by Ann Sacks boasts jewelry-grade turquoise expertly cut into small squares, creating a truly unique surface. Asteria can be used in a myriad of applications, from fireplace surrounds to shower walls. Available at dealers statewide. Photo courtesy Ann Sacks

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The Smell of Summer

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

1. The latest addition to the Bond No. 9 NYC perfume collection is Andy Warhol-inspired Union Square, which offers a bright fragrance and lively bottle. Available at Powder & Smoke in Little Rock.

2. Marc Jacobs’ Grapefruit Splash blends grapefruit with ginger and white musk. Available at Sephora in Rogers.

3. L’Olfacive 129 by Crazylibellule and the Poppies hits high notes of orange and mandarin with base notes of amber and vanilla. Available at Bella Boutique in Little Rock.

4. Chloé Eau de Parfum is classic with its warm rose aroma, and the bottle is just as striking. Available at Dillard’s stores statewide.

5. Vera Wang’s Bouquet is a union of green botanicals and black currant leaves with a finish of lavender and white iris root. Available at Dillard’s store statewide.

6. Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is a modern interpretation of the original with an Oriental flavor. Available at Barbara Jean in Little Rock.

7. Experience a delicate blend of wild musk and natural florals in Alabaster Eau de Parfum by Banana Republic. Available at stores statewide.

8. Tiare Eau de Parfum from Chantecaille offers a delicate gardenia scent. Available at Glo Limited in Little Rock.

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The French Country Appeal

May 16, 2008 by ark_admin

The home’s yellow stucco helps set it apart, as does the lush ivy that winds its way across the exterior. “Every one thinks the home is older than it is thanks to the Old-World feel of the ivy,” Karen says.	The manicured hedges form a pristine, round courtyard in the front of the home, which holds the clay fountain and is accented by the iron door and railings by Imperial Doors in Springdale.
Urns filled with purple pansies and tall topiaries stand on either side of the front door as stately welcoming agents.	The manicured hedges are centered with a tall clay fountain from Cantrell Gardens.

Back Porch: Wilson

The Ins and Outs

Elizabeth Nobles Long

Squared Away