Date:  August 25, 2015  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Chip Jones  |  

A Sherwood couple enlists the help of Kitchen Tune-Up not once but twice for practical and functional kitchen renovations

In just three years, Cricket and Bob Butler undertook two kitchen renovations. “We were in another home—where we thought we would be forever—and decided to remodel that kitchen,” Cricket explains. Little more than a year later, the couple found themselves in a new neighborhood with another kitchen in need of an update. “I called Susan [Johnson of Kitchen Tune-Up] again, because I loved the finished product from our old home and working with them.” Together they took the kitchen down to its studs to create a space the couple will love for years to come.

Warm, Natural Aesthetics

Dark, cherrywood cabinetry pairs with granite countertops and a natural travertine backsplash—which is bordered with the same granite found on the countertops—for a traditional appeal. Details, including dentil molding and weathered nickel cabinetry hardware add character. “One of the things I love about this kitchen is that it’s not so big or outlandish—its design is fully attainable in any space. It really lacks for nothing; it has all of the elements and beauty of any larger space,” Johnson says.

Practical Elements

Baking and decorating cakes is one of Cricket’s favorite pastimes, so a central island was a must-have to provide her with ample workspace. Additionally, she requested a double oven—a feature she did not have in her previous kitchen—to accommodate multiple dishes. The cabinetry extends to the ceiling and provides plenty of storage for all of her baking supplies and cookware.

Eat-In Amenities

While the kitchen remains cozy when it comes to square footage, the layout allows for a dining space at the far end. Here, Johnson also designed a cabinetry piece with glass-front doors to give the couple a place to display crystal. The Butlers love coffee and wanted a nook for their Andreja Premium espresso machine. The counter space on this built-in unit is a perfect spot for it—allowing them to easily refill their cups while they eat breakfast or read the morning paper at the dining table.

Design Resources

Contractor Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

Kitchen design Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

Appliances Metro Appliances & More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, Springdale, (479) 750-2200, metroappliancesandmore.com

Cabinets Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

Countertops and tile All Natural Stone, Little Rock, (501) 280-9777

Flooring Henry Enterprises, North Little Rock, (501) 374-2904

Florals Tipton & Hurst, locations throughout Central Arkansas, (501) 666-3333, tiptonhurst.com

Lighting TEC Electric, Jonesboro, (870) 932-7252, North Little Rock, (501) 758-5483, tecelectric.com

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com