Date:  January 6, 2026  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |  

O’Dea Studios takes a west Little Rock kitchen to the studs to transform its look and functionality

As Louisiana natives, cooking is a favorite pastime for Erin and Kurt Cossé—and it’s not unusual for them to be feeding a crowd. “My husband is a huge chef, and we love to have people over,” Erin says. After living in their home for several years, they were ready to make over both the style and functionality of their kitchen to match this passion. Built in 1985, an early 2000s renovation had left the U-shaped kitchen with distressed cabinets, an island cooktop, and no dedicated dining space. “Kurt wanted the big range and oven, and we also wanted to bring everything up to date,” Erin says.

They assembled a team that included contractors Clint Phifer and Jacob Feuers along with interior designer Marianna O’Dea to get the ball rolling. “Clint and Jacob were amazing. When they started, they didn’t leave our house until they finished,” Erin recalls. “And, of course, Marianna; I couldn’t have done it without her. I had no idea there would be so many decisions—down to where you want the outlets to go,” she adds.

With only the beams overhead and hardwood floors underfoot staying in place, they reworked the layout to better meet the Cossés’ needs. The in-island cooktop and built-in double ovens were traded for a large range that encompasses both in one space. This change allowed for a proper vent over the stovetop and for the island to be fully dedicated to food prep and dining. To accommodate the family, which includes seven people when everyone is home, barstools were added at the island and a built-in banquette was coupled with a round table and extra chairs to give everyone a seat. At the far end of the room, a formerly awkward pantry was given new life by bringing the ceiling down and building out a walk-in space that took the place of a series of cabinets. Marianna notes that while the nook existed before, these tweaks made it more usable. On the wall where the refrigerator is now located, counter space, an icemaker, and a pull-out trash bin create a beverage center where guests can help themselves without getting in the way of the chef.

In terms of style, “natural” was a word that came up again and again in regard to both palette and materials. “Going with stain instead of paint for the cabinets fits this house so much better because it’s on five acres and has a very indoor-outdoor feel,” Marianna says. “I wanted the kitchen to flow with the rest of the house and to look like it had been here. I did not want it to lose its charm in 10 years; I don’t want to do this again!” Erin says with a laugh.

“I wanted the kitchen to flow with the rest of the house and to look like it had been here.”
—Erin Cossé

Out of Sight
Marianna created a custom cabinet solution in a corner by the range to give Kurt easy access to spices and oils. The front cabinet houses the coffeepot to keep the counters clean. The Biggie and Tupac figures (seen on the pull-out shelf) were gifted from a friend and float around the room on whims.

Up the Wall
Wanting to create a focal point, Marianna suggested continuing the quartzite counters up the backsplash, creating a backdrop that stands out. The pot filler makes it easy to boil pasta for a crowd.

Greening Up
Pillows in fabrics from Fabricut bring in a green accent on the built-in bench at the breakfast table. “When it’s summer and all of their property is green, it’s amazing, but the color is also really complementary in the fall,” Marianna says.

Woodsy Feel
Marianna designed the base cabinetry with drawers rather than doors in an effort to keep everything in plain sight and easily reachable. The stained white oak contrasts with the black hardware and dark granite countertop on the island.

Design Resources
Contractors Clint Phifer, Clint Phifer Remodeling & Construction and Jacob Feuers, Feuers Construction Interior design Marianna O’Dea, O’Dea Studios Interior Design Accessories The Full Moon and O’dea Studios Interior Design Appliances Metro Appliances & More Cabinetry and millwork Clint Phifer Remodeling and Feuers Construction Countertops Pacific Shore Stones Fabrics and furniture O’Dea Studios Interior Design Hardware PC Hardware