ark_admin, Author at At Home in Arkansas

Mark Your Calendar: 24th Annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show

February 11, 2015 by ark_admin

Spring is quickly approaching, and–if you’re like us–you’re happily anticipating being outside enjoying your garden, deck, or patio in the warmer weather. On February 20-22, the Statehouse Convention Center, in Little Rock, will play host to a gardener’s dream weekend that is sure to inspire you. Featuring speaker presentations, display gardens, how-to demonstrations, silent auctions, floral competitions, shopping, and more, the event is a perfect way to prepare for spring. Don’t miss family day on Sunday, which includes special activities and workshops for children. Tickets, $10; 3-day pass, $15; Children 12 and under, free. To learn more, call (501) 821-4000, or visit the show website at argardenshow.com

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update

February 10, 2015 by ark_admin

Hello again; I hope you are having a fantastic February! Although February can be a pretty slow month when it comes to your garden and outdoor living spaces, it is a great time to organize your thoughts, make plans and get inspired for the upcoming spring. To that end, I thought I would share some more photographs from my visit this past summer to Charleston, South Carolina. While there, I took a day trip out to Middleton Place, one of the many historic properties in the area. Middleton place was first settled in the late 17th century and encompasses our nation’s oldest landscaped gardens. The estate has remained under the control of the same family for some 320 years and is well worth a visit! The formerly grand main house was burned during the Civil War. This is the principle structure still standing today…one of two accessory dwellings that flanked the main residence. It is filled with historic artifacts and antiques, and as you can see, is surrounded by wonderful, old trees and plantings. This pile of rubble is all that remains of the old main house. A reminder of a dark chapter in America’s history, it is a bit eerie, but also a moving link to our historical past. Another link to the past is this massive tree base. As someone who loves driftwood and the like, I was captivated by its sculptural qualities, and it is fun to imagine it in its former glory, shading the house with its massive branches. As you approach the house, you pass through this charming garden gate. I love gates and try to incorporate them into designs as much as possible. They are an easy and attractive way to create a sense of arrival and coziness in a garden space. This gate, painted in traditional Charleston green, is visually light and airy and gives the path beyond an intriguing, mysterious appeal. Nearby, this bench is nestled against a centuries-old brick wall. Garden benches are another of my favorite design elements, as they can transform just about any spot into a relaxing destination. The low wall is also a noteworthy design tool. Here, it divides a large lawn from a shady pleasure path, giving both areas a sense of definition and purpose. I just love garden ornaments, so I couldn’t resist the remains of this old urn. It presides over the grand lawn that sweeps past twin lakes, known as the Butterfly Lakes because their design was modeled after the wings of a butterfly. Ornaments, such as urns, sculpture and statuary, offer appealing contrast value to natural plantings and are essential additions to any garden or outdoor space. The Butterfly Lakes also frame a stunning view of the Ashley River, which actually served as the primary mode of transportation to Middleton Place back in the day. So, what you see here was basically the outdoor reception hall! Not bad, huh? The precise alignment of this vista with the bend in the river was a deliberate design decision and exemplifies the expert skill and care that was employed in laying out the property. Having a well-designed plan always pays off! Another garden ornament, this sundial joins a glorious Live Oak in stealing the show in one of the formal garden rooms featuring geometrically arranged paths and clipped boxwood hedging. While you may not be able to recreate the shelter of this unbelievable oak tree, this is also another good example of how a simple garden bench can turn a forgotten corner into a place to stop and smell the roses. The lawn in this garden room may be a little worse for the wear, but the combination of a strong, deliberate design, structured evergreen plantings and central ornamentation makes for a great example of what I call a winter-worthy garden. A well-designed garden should be appealing throughout all four seasons, and winter is the perfect time for assessing the worthiness of a particular space. Even covered in snow, the value of the pathways, hedging and birdbath in this garden could still be appreciated. This is a view across the Rice Mill Pond with the mill, itself, in the distance. The pond is and was a source of irrigation for the gardens of Middleton Place and is a beautiful setting for a garden stroll. A pump house near the Rice Mill Pond is nestled among towering oaks dripping in mood-setting Spanish moss. This marble statue serves as a focal point at the termination of this garden path. Framed by hedges, it is another good example of the value of properly placed garden ornaments. Well there you have it…my version of a garden tour at Middleton Place. I strongly encourage you to experience the real deal, if you are able. Or, at least check out their website to learn more about this enchanting piece of southern history and to garner more inspiration for your own springtime gardening projects!

Exterior designer Daniel Keeley is an Arkansas native and founder/principal of DK Design. His work has won numerous awards and accolades and is featured regularly in various publications. For more information visit dkdesignoutdoor.com.

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Make the Most of Your Hardscapes

February 3, 2015 by ark_admin

Many landscape designs incorporate ‘hardscapes,’ a term that means just what it says: retaining walls, terraces, patios, concrete, rock, and stone—all ‘hard.’ Exterior walls can define spaces, create outdoor rooms, retain slopes, and become lovely extensions of the house itself. Because they can be interesting additions to many landscapes, you should consider them to be not just functional, but also an addition that can make your yard more appealing.

These keystone block walls are actually a replacement for a retaining system of railroad ties that had deteriorated and decayed over the years. Railroad ties are perfect for performing the function: they hold back the soil. But they can’t curve, or loop. In nature there are no straight lines, so railroad ties aren’t always the best choice if you want your walls to be a natural element in your design.

The pairing of slab steps and rock walls gives a bit of serenity and even lightness, even though they are stone. Stone walls are still functional, but are more natural, and can be a reflection of your own personal style.

Walls don’t just retain an upper level; they also can create additional space, as well as define another. It’s like adding an addition to your house. When the walls intersect the ground above, you have an opportunity to create another flowerbed, or sitting area. This area of the yard is no longer just a slope for grass alone. And using keystone walls also means you can create a rounded-out area to showcase and accommodate a unique plant, large piece of glazed pottery, or a sculpture. You can relieve the monotony of a straight wall with just such a design factor. Railroad ties would never permit this kind of serendipity.

Stone walls are wonderful for terraces and patios because they aren’t dark or even heavy. An added benefit to erecting them is that you can delineate shade gardens from sun, and feature your favorite seasonal color. Use of stone walls also means that if you hang a light fixture, it’s as if you already have a room that, in turn, needs to be lit.

By having the walls level off and create more space, you also will be able to put your plantings even closer to eye level. If you have a corner, or small space, use of walls means two display areas—one above, one below–which means creating another dimension to your plantings. Translation: Your plantings will look full and lush, and you’ve made optimum use of limited space.

And isn’t there something serene and comforting about stone slab steps? These look as if they were carved out by nature, not lifted from a quarry.

Finally, stone provides texture, which can be a good counterpoint to greenery or even smooth concrete. The nooks and crannies can be home to mosses and even the occasional lizard. Your walls become part of the landscape, not just something to keep it at bay. Using stone won’t make you a rock star, but it will make your landscape so inviting that you’ll want to spend more time in it, and savor the seasons.

Chris Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. In his book, Chris shares his landscape and gardening knowledge along with his unique flair for home decor and design.He is also a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learn more about Chris and all of his work at chrisholsen.com.

Southern Living with Providence Design

January 22, 2015 by ark_admin

[image credit: http://houseplans.southernliving.com]

It’s 2015 which means the clock is ticking away closer and closer to the opening of the Southern Living Idea House! We couldn’t be more excited that Providence Design was chosen as the design team for this new construction project that opens April 23rd. This nearly 4,000 square foot home sits in the Waterview subdivision in Roland, with an amazing view! We are working closely with the five builders on this job to pull it all together. We really want this house to be a beautiful family home, while still bringing fresh, current ideas to the table.

The overall cottage style of the home is comfortable. We’ll play on this by using a very neutral, light design aesthetic, incorporating creams, blues and gray tones, while adding textures to add warmth. We purchased some fabulous pieces while at Market earlier this month that fit the style of this home but will give it that edge that you expect with an idea house. Using what we found at Market as well as pieces from our store, new and old will pull together the whole look.

One of our goals is to have this house feel like a home, to look like an actual lived in home, not staged. We achieve this with an “undecorated-decorated” look that creates pretty spaces that are equally functional. Below are some of our inspiration photos that we plan to spring off of for the look of the house.

[photo credit: http://rsassoc.com]

[photo credit: http://www.michael-abraham.com/Publications/GentileLuxeOctober2013.pdf]

[photo credit: http://rsassoc.com/project/montecito/]

How cool are the black windows? We just love how they add to the look of the space.

We are really loving the lighter tones with this home, especially the floor! It has just recently been installed, and below you can see it with some of the paint options!

Outside there is a wrap around porch with a fireplace, which we are so excited about. What a fabulous place to enjoy the view year round! There is also a covered deck in the back.

[image credit: http://houseplans.southernliving.com/plans/SL1561]

Inside there is a formal dining room with a butler’s pantry that leads to the open kitchen and casual living space. So far we plan to use white marble, shaker-style cabinetry and polished nickel and chrome hardware. The master suite features his and hers closets, a coffee bar and a large bath.

We just love the way this home is progressing along that we want to move right in. We cannot wait to share more details along the way, as well as the final project opening on April 23rd!

Are you as excited as we are?

It’s your turn. Let’s talk.

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: January Update

January 13, 2015 by ark_admin

Happy New Year! I hope you had a delightful holiday season and are starting the new year with a bang! Ok, y’all…it is cold. Really cold! Take a look at my fountain:

As I write this in Fayetteville, the projected low tonight is 4 degrees. Ouch! So, as you might expect, there hasn’t been a whole lot happening outside in the garden around here. But as I sit here in the den, bundled up in the new robe I got for Christmas and a toasty cashmere throw, I realize there are plenty of fun new things happening inside to share with you. What follows is a somewhat random collection of accessories and flourishes I have added around the house in recent months. The one theme that unites them all, though, is bringing the outdoors in which is the perfect way to Live Outside the Box this time of year (without getting frost bite!).

One of my favorite new additions is this pair of antique French garden plans. Another purchase from my friends at French Metro Antiques in Fayetteville, the plans occupy what had been a large blank spot on the wall in the living room. Next to them are two wood pieces that definitely bring in a bit of the outdoors. The ball on the floor is sculpted from the root of a teak tree, and the gnarly thing next to it is the root structure of a tree that I dragged out of the white river years ago and turned into a sculpture.

This plan shows the design for the chateau and royal garden in the town of Luneville, France:

While this one is titled simply, “General Plan for the Menagerie of the King.”

Across the room are two more framed pieces that were a gift from my wonderful parents. They came from Marshall Clements in Little Rock and are actual leaves with designs cut or scraped into the top layer.

Also in the living room is this aged wood pedestal that I used to display a sculpture I already had. It almost seems to have been made out of driftwood, which is a favorite theme of mine, and I especially like the contrast of the formal French style and the rustic material used to execute it.

Another small way I brought the outdoors in is with crystals. I got a basket full on a trip to Hot Springs this summer and went a little nuts with them all over the place! They really are naturally beautiful objects, and I like how they look combined with this sculpture.

Crystals also help bring to life this arrangement, which combines two striking elements from two close friends, as well as some creative thinking. The crystal votive holder was a gift from my friend and fellow designer, Christopher Todd, and the gilded bronze vide-poche (“empty-pocket”) came from French Metro Antiques. Putting them together and adding air plants to create a unique display was the idea of one of our employees, Rebel, and I think it came together beautifully!

Meet Barry the barracuda. He now reigns supreme over the den! Well, ok, Barry isn’t a real barracuda, but rather a stylized, silver-leafed resin sculpture, but I think he is the perfect combination of “contemporary meets rustic” for this room.

On the credenza beneath Barry is a whole host of other natural and outdoorsy items, collected over the past year or so including a deer skull, a turtle shell, river birch bark shavings gathered from a clients garden, a stone sculpture by Arkansas artist Michael Davis Gutierrez (another generous gift from great friends) a graphite leaf, geode bookends and various rocks and pebbles, several of which have been ‘donated’ by friends in what has become somewhat of a humorous custom.

This final piece also involves the generosity of friends, along with a tale of blatant copy-catting! A friend and client who takes daily walks began collecting the many beautiful feathers he would find during his outings. In an inspired moment, he decided to display them by combining them with a twig basket into a stylized nest. When I saw his creation, I fell in love with it, so he secretly began collecting more feathers for me. So, here you have my 100% plagiarized version, along with a real ostrich egg which was a gift from another friend this past Christmas. It just seemed like a natural, if obvious, fit!

There you have it: my version of bringing the outdoors in this winter. I hope these little touches might inspire you to undergo a similar project of your own. After all, just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t Live Outside the Box! See you in a month!

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: “Humble” Art Made Fabulous

January 8, 2015 by ark_admin

So I spend a decent amount of time scouring the city (and the internet) for wonderful art. No big deal, right? Whateva.

Ok, honestly I spend a LOT of (personal) time looking for art. A lot. It’s bad. I buy book after book after book. Whenever Amazon or Oprah says “read this book,” I buy a copy. You may ask, “And how many books have you plowed through recently?” Answer: Zilch. HOWEVER…I have had some amazing art finds cross my path. Picture it: me finding a vintage, scribbly, black-and-white ink drawing on eBay, showing it to a client, buying it, and finding that the signature reads “Pollock, 1954.” A good deal? Maybe. A fake? Quite possibly. A rad piece of original art?? TOTALLY.
Check out said art below…

I promise I’m making a point here, and it is this: Some people will spend a respectable amount of money on original art. Others will spend a…somewhat less…respectable amount on their art. Either way, with proper curation (and some helpful, awesome styling tips) your featured art can look simply stellar, no matter the size of your financial investment.

So let’s mix things up. Let’s tweak our frame of reference and enlarge it to include what I’m dubbing “humble art.” What is humble art, you ask? Hmmm. Let’s see…..Etsy prints, student projects, flea market treasures, phone pad doodles, Sunday afternoon craft time, magazine clippings, framed personal collections, friend art, prints of famous originals, eBay auction items, estate sale scores, kindergarten masterpieces, finds from your grandma’s closet….to name just a few.

You understand, we’re being somewhat polite here–“humble art” does not encompass those spectacular “splurge” pieces. We are not talking about that fabulous painting you proudly and preciously hang in your entryway (the one you saved up to buy after telling the kids Santa wasn’t coming this year).

Take another example, in this case a flea market treasure: four vintage lithographs of soldiers in various uniform.

No signature, no series numbering—nothing to make these categorizable as “fine art.” And yet, the coloring of the uniforms and the jaunty posing of the soldiers is undeniably interesting. Now take these pieces, pair them with gold leafing and navy blue and…wham!

Kinda great, right? The key is taking interesting art (in all it’s semi-pedigreed glory) and, with good styling and color pairings, make it stand out and work within a space in a new way.
A few other examples…

Not just a zebra doodle, friends. Nay. When paired with trophy urns, found feathers and weathered metallic accents it becomes the ultimate statement in bachelor pad chic.

I’m almost positive this black-and-white art was homemade. But accompanied by brazen mustard-yellow lamps and simple tablescaping it strikes a wonderfully austere-yet-playful chord. And what a pretty chord. One of my favs.

Lastly, take this dining room. Underscaled but elegant. Dark and moody, glamorous and inviting. If my life story ever gets turned into a movie, this would be the film set. And Ryan Gosling would be the lead star. And Lindsay Lohan would finally get her life back on track…. But I digress.
Now consider the art: expertly hung on the wall, amidst glowing sconces, radiating taste and sophistication. I can honestly tell you that while some of those life sketches are probably valuable, several are eBay finds! And through classy framing choices it all works towards a charming conclusion. Just melts my heart.

The moral of this tale: don’t be afraid of art with a questionable pedigree. Buy pieces that you love and are likely to love for years. The best pieces are the ones that speak to you, the ones that tell you a story. And remember, a murky history just makes the story all the more appealing. Cheers!

Like Joshua’s work? CLICK HERE to see a recent home design project of his!

Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.

Living the Good Life With Chris Olsen: Simple Elements Mean Strong Impact

January 6, 2015 by ark_admin

You may not be thinking about your landscape today, but you should. The depth of winter is the best time to site, plan, and design any aspect of your landscape’s ‘hard’ features. A hardscape is just that: the portion of your landscape that requires pre-planning, is semi-permanent, manmade, and involves natural elements, such as stone, rock, and also in this case, water. Winter is a great time to figure out a new design—and install it—because trees and beds are bare, typography stands out, and you can figure out placement easily. Installing a fountain is perfect during this time of year! It can be one of the best uses of corners, or a space close to the house. Don’t let the word ‘install’ scare you. You won’t need a building permit to a create a beautiful water feature that is understated in its elegance, and that incorporates nothing more than cheerful water flow and rock selected for color and shape.

We used natural rock for the fountain; in this case, ‘Baltic Stone.’ It was drilled so that the water pipe could easily be inserted. We didn’t want anything fussy, we also wanted to eliminate that “splashing” sound, so a group of three (The Magic Number) upended vertical stones would do the trick. The water simply needed to burble over the top and cascade down the sides. Select a basin for the water, thinking about how many rocks you want to surround it. You’ll want a generous amount of rock to frame your pool, so measure your area well. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plastic water basin. The larger the pool, the more water it can contain. Here, we buried a four-foot square basin purchased at a pond supply store, and surrounded it with metal grating that supports and contains the river rock that frames the basin.

Shop for a pump that will give you enough power to push your water up and over, but you aren’t installing a dam, so you won’t need something extraordinary. Water pressure is part of your design, so contemplate flow. You’re incorporating sound into this design, and more water being pushed faster means a louder water feature, so your pump selection really does matter.

In keeping with the vertical style of this water feature, we used flagstones buried on their sides to create a sort of retaining outer wall, and planted just inside. We chose plants for hardiness, as well as compact growth, to complete the design. ‘Lime’ sweet flag grass, Dwarf Mondo, ‘Wintergreen’ boxwood, ‘Blood good’ Japanese maple, and golden euonymus completed our design elements.

You can find many of these components online or at aquatic stores, and shopping for rock can be a fun adventure. Just remember to keep it simple. You aren’t erecting a public fountain, so you want the water to trickle more than gush. The gushing can come from your guests as they round the corner and see your new landscape addition. It stands out in its simple design, yet is striking in its use of rock, water, and basic planting elements. It will require an afternoon of work, but will be a focal point in your landscape for a long time to come, literally calling out to you.

DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Hadfield

December 20, 2014 by ark_admin

In the article “That’s a Wrap,” in our December issue, three leading designers offered gift wrapping inspiration and ideas. Now, we’re giving you the how-tos! PLUS, we’re asking these designers a few quick questions about their personal holiday style. Next up is Andrea Hadfield, of Fayetteville. Her chalkboard-themed wrapping and gift ideas are so whimsical and fun! Now she’s giving you a step-by-step guide to recreating this look:

STEP ONE: “Wrap your present securely in matte black paper.”

STEP TWO: “Decorate with chalk or chalk marker.”

STEP THREE: “Once you have finished your holiday masterpiece, use a setting spray or even hairspray to ensure your piece is lasting. Spray it evenly on the package.”

STEP FOUR: “Add bow and tinsel.”

Other Ideas from Andrea: “You can even wrap your present, leave it plain, add a bow with an attached piece of chalk, and let the recipient decorate! Everyone will love this giftwrap! It’s a really cute way for kiddos to participate!”

Here’s what Andrea had to say about some all-important holiday preferences:

Bags or wrapping paper? It depends on the present and the amount of time you have! Ha!!!

To peek at Your Presents or Not? I’ve peeked and wished I wouldn’t have!

Favorite Christmas Carol: I have two! Silent Night and, of course, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!

Cocoa or egg nog? Of course, egg nog!!!

Thanks, Andrea! See more images of Andrea’s gift wrapping in the article online.

[photography: Rett Peek]

DIY “Wrap” Session with Shayla Copas

December 19, 2014 by ark_admin

In the article “That’s a Wrap,” in our December issue, three leading designers offered gift wrapping inspiration and ideas. Now, we’re giving you the how-tos! PLUS, we’re asking these designers a few quick questions about their personal holiday style. First up is Shayla Copas, of Shayla Copas Interiors in Little Rock. Her glitzy and glamorous take on a traditional look is simply timeless. Now she’s giving you a step-by-step guide to recreating this look:

STEP ONE: “Place the gift on the paper and cut the paper large enough to wrap your gift. Quality wallcovering is thicker than wrapping paper, so you will need a glue gun to secure the paper, instead of tape.”

STEP TWO: “We used sheer drapery fabric for our bows. The rolls are 110” wide, so we cut it 5” wide and cut the length of the roll. We then made a bow and tied with floral wire leaving enough room to tie the wire onto the package.”

STEP THREE: “Cut another strip about 8” of the sheer fabric the length of the roll. Wrap around the package and then cross the fabric under the package and bring around the package to the top and tie and leave about 8” on each side so you can secure the bow to the package. Cut the remainder of the fabric so you only see the bow and tuck any stray strands of fabric. After tucking the strays your finished product will be about 3” to 4” in width. When using sheer fabric you will have stray threads on the sides. Always tuck them under to conceal.”

STEP FOUR: “Attach floral wire to ornaments and attach to package.”

STEP FIVE: “Finish off with fresh cedar to give your package an organic flair.”

Here’s what Shayla Had to say about some all-important holiday preferences:

Bags or wrapping paper? Ideally wrapping paper; however, I find myself continually gearing toward bags as I am so busy, especially during this time of year as we are in the midst of holiday decorating for clients. In fact, we start our first holiday décor clients in October…believe it or not!

To peek at Your Presents or Not? NOT!!! I LOVE a surprise and my husband genuinely loves to give and see the look on our faces Christmas morning. I’m so animated that he would for sure know I had peeked. Why ruin his fun??!!!

Cocoa or egg nog? Funny you ask, cocoa for SURE! I’m a chocolate addict, and I can’t get enough! My close friends ALL know that I will take hot chocolate over a latte, eggnog, or cider ANY DAY!! The Capital Hotel has the BEST hot chocolate in town, by the way.

Thanks, Shayla! See more images of Shayla’s gift wrapping in the article online, and stay tuned this week for one more “wrap” session with our third design expert.

[photography: Rett Peek]

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plaid Happy

December 18, 2014 by ark_admin

Plaid makes an instant statement! When combining textiles for design projects I always try to add a plaid or a modern geometric into the mix.

Whether it be a large, over-scale buffalo plaid or a simple check it merely adds that multi-dimentional effect that we all strive for in our spaces. Many times used for draperies or custom bedding treatments, a plaid can act as a “neutral” pattern with an added touch of sophistication.

It is a pattern that’s especially popular in any environment that leans towards the influences of French or Country French. These types of patterns can often be mixed in a dual application to further deepen the visual interest.

Often found in less heavy textiles such as silk, linen, and Madras, plaid will add an “airy” and clean feel, adapting to almost any fabrication. For a warm and cozy feel, plaid is often successfully applied to upholstered pieces in a den or living room.

‘

Cotton or heavy linen is the preferred choice to achieve this “loose” or casual atmosphere. Explore the possibility of a plaid or check when pondering your next design project and I can guarantee a deeper appreciation for textiles!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting. She is the resident designer at Designer Effects, a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock.

Mark Your Calendar: 24th Annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Make the Most of Your Hardscapes

Southern Living with Providence Design

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: January Update

The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: “Humble” Art Made Fabulous

Living the Good Life With Chris Olsen: Simple Elements Mean Strong Impact

DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Hadfield

DIY “Wrap” Session with Shayla Copas

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plaid Happy

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