Date:  August 26, 2014  |   Story: Jennifer Bonds  |   Styling: Chip Jones  |  

Unique finishes, sleek features, and abundant storage define a small kitchen that is big on style

When it comes to keeping a home, more is not always more. Such was the case for Diann Hurley, who recently downsized to a new home on a golf course in Northwest Arkansas. “I have about half of the square footage that I did in my last home, but am finding that I could actually live with even less,” she says.

Clear Vision

Hurley worked with builder Clint Williams of CW Homes, Inc. of Fayetteville. “Clint is very meticulous and hands-on, so I knew the house was in good hands,” she says. “My previous home was more traditional, and this time I wanted a very clean, crisp look without a lot of fuss,” says Hurley of the predominantly black-and-white space. Dark hardwood floors with a distressed finish offer a touch of patina and, in contrast with the light walls and white cabinets, give the space the crisp feeling Hurley desired.

A Place For Everything

Having built her previous house, Hurley had experienced the design process before and had ideas about what she wanted for the home—especially the kitchen. “I knew that I wanted floor-to-ceiling cabinets, smart storage, and easy-to-keep finishes,” she says. Custom cabinets from TL Wood Products stretch to the crown molding to make good use of every inch of space and eliminate the need to clean cabinetry tops. A large walk-in pantry more than suits her storage needs, while a small appliance garage keeps the counters free of clutter.

Open Air

On the large island, the stainless steel under-mounted, double-basin sink allows for easy maintenance and a smooth, clean look, while an articulating Kohler faucet feels both modern and industrial. The island faces the den, where Hurley frequently entertains friends. “I love the open concept. It’s nice to not be isolated while in the kitchen,” she says. Barstools at the island and a nearby dining room negated the need for a breakfast table, so instead Hurley furnished the area with a pair of comfortable slipper chairs that invite conversation as well as reflection. “The window looks out onto the golf course, but it feels very pastoral and relaxing,” Hurley says.

Surface Area

When it came to the room’s expanse of countertops, durability was an important factor. “Diann knew that she wanted quartz because it is heat-, scratch-, and stain-resistant,” says Holly Chesnut of Springdale’s New Century Counter Tops and Tile. “We introduced her to a Caesarstone product that is embossed with a crocodile print.” Hurley’s previous kitchen had polished granite counters, and while she appreciated the ease of use, she found keeping them fingerprint-free to be a chore. “With the textured quartz, I got the dark look that I wanted without the upkeep,” she explains.

For Hurley, the time spent poring over every detail of the kitchen was worth it. “With the help of the wonderful team, the kitchen came out just as I’d hoped—sleek and open, with a relaxed transitional style,” she says.

Design Resources

Contractor Clint Williams, CW Homes Inc., Fayetteville, (479) 521-2275, clintwilliamsconstruction.com

Kitchen design Holly Chesnut, New Century Counter Tops & Tile, Springdale, (479) 756-0093, newcenturycountertops.com

Accessories and lighting Lighting Emporium, Springdale, (479) 751-8184, lightingemporium.com

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

Art Art Emporium, Bentonville, (479) 273-5990, Fayetteville, (479) 521-4141, Springdale, (479) 419-5110, aenwa.com

Cabinets TL Wood Products, Springdale, (479) 927-0472, tlwoodproductsinc.com

Countertops New Century Counter Tops & Tile, Springdale, (479) 756-0093, newcenturycountertops.com

Fixtures Anderson Electric and Plumbing Supply, Harrison, (870) 741-1044, Rogers, (479) 631-9733, Springdale, (479) 756-8055, andersonep.com

Flooring Ridout Lumber Co., locations statewide, ridoutlumber.com

Furniture Abide Furniture, Springdale, (479) 750-5225, abidefurniture.net; Lighting Emporium, Springdale, (479) 751-8184, lightingemporium.com

Hardware Hearth & Home, Lowell, (479) 770-5408

Millwork Quality Millwork, Bethel Heights, (479) 872-0222, North Little Rock, (501) 945-6545, qualitymillwork.net

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

Painting Pacheco’s Cleaning & Painting, Springdale, (479) 790-0497

Tile Whiteline Designs, Fayetteville, (479) 287-4222, whitelinedesigns.net

Windows Peck Windows and Doors, Bentonville, (479) 254-9226, peckwindow.com

Window coverings Encore Flooring and Building Products, Springdale, (479) 361-8900, encoregroupusa.com