Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, owners of Providence Design, will host an anniversary party celebrating six years in business on October 24. The event is 5-8 p.m. and will feature live music and refreshments. “We’ve really enjoyed growing the business over the past six years and our relationships with our customers and clients,” Talena says. Join the party at Providence’s showroom, 2314 Cantrell Road. providenceltddesign.com
Providence Design: It’s Spring and Time to Get Outside!
Spring is our very favorite season…We are so ready to get out and dig in the dirt and enjoy the sunshine after being cooped up all winter! We love helping our clients plan outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and useful.
Herbs are so fun to plant, and they give instant gratification in this kitchen cutting garden…
It’s time to clean out those fountains and plant annuals you’ll enjoy all season long. We like to plant in the ground where the sprinkler can take care of them and also in pots, which lets us layer and achieve different heights. You can also move the pots around to different locations when entertaining.
One of our very favorite spaces to decorate is a cozy porch…Great for relaxing with family or entertaining with friends…
We love, love screened in porches. We did this one several years go and it’s still our clients’ favorite spot in their home…
Love a fireplace on the porch too…makes everything cozy and beautiful year round…
We like to mix materials and furnishings on outdoor porches just like we do inside the home. But remember: less can be better or the space can become cluttered looking. This little courtyard is perfectly manicured and well appointed. A great spot to enjoy morning coffee…
Always edit…But no reason to skimp on great details like this awesome old concrete statue or the antique iron balcony console with the concrete top…
We furnished the porch off an upstairs master bedroom in Fayetteville in a fresh palette of blue and white. A perfect spot to sit and watch the neighbors stroll by.
Slip covers can be wonderful used outside…We use them all the time. So easy to throw them in the washer to keep clean.
Outdoor entertaining is what Spring is all about…Every detail for this party was planned to perfection. Notice how well the bright colors coordinate and pop off the neutral background. And again we have mixed lots of different textures for interest.
Set aside a weekend to do some outdoor cleaning and planting…Make a list of a few fresh additions like pillows, lanterns, or garden statuary…When you have pulled it all together… throw something on the grill and invite a few friends over…That’s just a good time waiting to happen.
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.
‘Tis the Season with Providence Design
[photo credit: http://traceryinteriors.com/
It is the time of year when we are all well into our holiday festivities. Shopping, parties, wrapping, and traveling are all going on as we speak. We decided to dedicate this post to the last minute details that can help take your holiday gathering to the next level. Easy recipes, tablescapes, and last minute decor all really help to make for an unforgettable event.
We all spend so much time and effort decorating our homes for the Holiday Season, and everyone has his or her own unique take on decor. Here at Providence Design one of our favorite touches is incorporating fresh greens into the decor. We usually start with a faux base and decorate it to completion with ribbon, ornaments–the whole nine yards. Then just before the event we plug in some fresh stems to take it over the top. Nothing beats the smell of fresh Christmas greens.
The arrangement in the above picture was done with real poinsettias and dried moss, mixed with faux red kalanchoes from our store. How nice all you have to worry about is the poinsettias! In the next photo we started with faux christmas greenery and berries mixed with the sugarcones. Then we added a few fresh stems in and what a statement without fear of it all being dried out in a day or two!
Our next tip is for your table. You may be having a sit down dinner or a buffet setting, but you always want your table to be a statement. Let’s start with a buffet setting. Try to find some serve ware that have varying shapes and sizes, even heights. Varying the pieces will add visual interest to your tablescape.
The above photo shows many different serving pieces, as well as some placed on stands. Once you add a fabulous centerpiece (here we went back to our fresh greens) you are well ahead of the pack in having a gorgeous tablescape.
[photo credit: http://beechtreephotography.
Its important to try to make each placesetting special if you are having a sit down dinner. We love using the stockings made from antique fabric, each one being different really makes each setting special. You could even use them as the placecard holders, or place a small gift inside for your guests to take with them.
Another tip! Candles, Candles, Candles! If you ask us, you can never have too many candles. Right before the guests arrive light the candles. It might seem small but candles automatically set the tone for a lovely event.
[photo credit: http://boards.weddingbee.com/
[photo credit: http://www.diynetwork.com/
[photo credit: http://www.houzz.com/photos/
Lastly, what is a great party without great food? You certainly don’t have to spend a fortune or all your time dedicated to cooking, however making some special dishes really makes the event personal. Pictured below our some quick and easy dishes that really are delicious and will have your guests talking. For more yummy dishes and the recipes, head over to our blog.
[photo credit: http://slimpaley.com/
[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/
[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/
Hope these little tips will help take your party to the next level.
Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas from Providence Design!
[photo credit: http://hative.com/fun-
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.
Round Top Ready with the Ladies of Providence Ltd.
It’s that time of year again: the sisters are off to Round Top to find all kinds of things, both for our retail store and for clients!
This time we are asking YOU to give us YOUR shopping list and let us search for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the awesome finds from past trips.
We always find really unique, cool, old doors. Many of which we have built into clients’ homes as fully functional doors.
We love when we stumble across any old architectural elements.
We use them in our designs all the time. Hanging on a wall, sitting on a console; we even take fragments and make them into a one-of-a-kind piece. Like these shutters, for instance:
Now look how awesome they are hung on a wall as a base for layering objects on top!
The above shutters were recently purchased from our store and graced the cover of the newest issue of At Home in Arkansas! How much fun to imagine all the places these old shutters have been before.
Maybe you are in need of a new piece of furniture for that special spot in your home?
We found this piece at Round Top and it ended up in a client’s Breakfast Room.
We find some great pieces for that small spot, like benches for extra seating.
Maybe you don’t need furniture, but you’re still in luck: we find some of the coolest accessories and wall hanging pieces!
We are packing our bags and making our list, but there is still time. Send us your shopping list and you never know what we might find! HAHA
To contact us…
Providence Design Store (ask for Zac) – 501-372-1886
or email [email protected]
Be sure to come and check out our finds on October 23rd from 5-8 at our Anniversary Party, located at our retail store…
Providence Design
2212 Cantrell Road
Little Rock, AR 72202
Are you Round Top Ready?
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.
From Providence Design: Layering for Impact
Country French, Fall/Winter 2011
We love the idea of layering special objects together for even more impact. May it be a pair of old shutters with an antique mirror, or hanging art on bookshelves, the options are endless. Layering objects together really brings focus to the space, and the particular object. It is also a great way to add depth to an otherwise flat object. These images really get us thinking.
Design by Michelle Nussbaumer (from the book Domestic Art: Curated Interiors by Holly Moore)
Look at how much more interesting the art layered on top of the fabric is.
Design by Providence Design
In a powder bath we added interest, and dimension by layering the rock wall with an iron piece and mounting a mirror onto the iron. A starburst mirror on a wall of windows really turned up the volume in this living room, not to mention the fabulous architectural fragment attached to a wooden panel. Below an otherwise average mirror was taken over the top by adding a second mirror.
Design by Providence Design
House Beautiful magazine
House & Home magazine
A simple yet awesome idea is to hang your favorite art on your bookshelves. What a great way to get a fabulous and personal look.
Elle Decor magazine
So what do you think? Are you as excited about layering objects as we are?
from the ladies of Providence Design: things we love…outdoor spaces
Sunshine and fresh air energizes us. Everyone wants to spend more time outdoors and so these “outdoor rooms” as they are often called have become an important extension of our homes. This is no longer a trend…it’s the way we live.
From the first image that we designed ourselves through all the other images we’ve collected for future inspiration…we hope to inspire you as well to make the most of all of youroutdoor spaces from the front porch to the back…Enjoy!
Design by Providence Ltd.
Barry Dixon Traditional Home
Architectural Digest
How about a sleeping porch? Wouldn’t that be nice?!
Some of the very best “outdoor rooms” are only partially covered or not covered at all…
Trisha Troutz in At Home in Arkansas
Architectural Digest June 2011
House Beautiful
Architectural Digest April 2012
Don’t forget the front porch…or side yard…
House & Home Showhome 2010: Lynda Reeves, Gordon Ridgely, builder PCM and landscape designer Ronald Holbrook
Medfield Architects & Designers David Sharff Architect, P.C.
Outdoor living is the best…now is the time to start dreaming and making plans to expand your home by moving outside as well.
Any plans in sight? We would love to hear about them.
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Learn more about the ladies behind Providence Design by visiting their Website, providenceltddesign.com!
the quaint and the elegant…and a giveaway!
Our talented sister duo of guest bloggers, Mona Thompson and Talena Ray of Providence Ltd., are back with a glimpse of everyday elegance, PLUS a giveaway you won’t want to miss.
Simplicity and attention to detail are at the core of our design philosophy.
We love to mix the quaint and the elegant…
(Interiors photography by Nancy Nolan)
Great style icons have always embraced this same philosophy.
Image via CGS.blog
Image via puppylovepreschool/blog
Image via JamieHerzlinger.com
Image via Boubonandpearls.tumblr
Neely Phelan, a talented vintage jewelry designer in Little Rock, Arkansas, has embraced the mixing of quaint and elegant in an amazing way. Her designs reflect today while remembering the past.
We are thrilled to introduce you to Neely and her fabulous collection of one of a kind designs.
Click here to view this entire collection available in our online store exclusively through May. Â Just click on the featured items once you get there. Neely is also offering this special Bronze Religious Medal Necklace as a giveaway to one lucky viewer.
All you have to do is click here to view the collection and come back here and comment on your favorite piece for a chance to win. It’s that easy and the prize is phenomenal. One winner will be chosen via random.org on Thursday, May 10.
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Design images by Providence Ltd., At Home and jewelry images by Neely Phelan.
the freestanding tub
For today’s Room of the Week…the bathroom, especially one with a freestanding tub, like these two in our Waterfront Homes issue (visit here and here). What makes the look work so well? It’s all in the details….a spacious room, a sculptural tub, and an eye-catching chandelier.Take a peek at a few other favorites in the houses here, here and here. Which room captures your attention the most?
And the November cover winner is… 9.29.10
Thanks to all our friends and fans who commented on our blog and Facebook page and voted for their favorite cover for the November issue. Both of the lovely choices are from a feature on interior designer Mona Thompson’s (of Providence Ltd.) own home. And the winner is…..
Of the 157 votes we received, 94 were in favor of this option, noting how inviting the open doors and roaring fire looked. And since we’re in Arkansas, we can spend our Novembers on the patio!
Those is favor of the living room shot…no worries, we’re running a beautiful full page image as the story intro.
Thanks for voting!
At Home for the Holidays with Providence Ltd.
Our very talented friend and interior designer Mona Thompson of Providence Ltd. Interior Design continues to charm us with her casual elegance. (We featured her home on the cover of our November issue.) And her holiday style is just as we imagined: beautiful yet cozy. Below she shares a few design ideas, plus tips on hosting a holiday get-together and a delicious recipe to warm up a Sunday dinner party. All you have to do is add friends and family.
PS- Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a year-long subscription to At Home in Arkansas magazine! Click here for details, and to see our month-long Holiday Guest Blogger Series schedule.
It doesn’t matter if you are dreaming of a White Christmas or longing for more traditional season colors to decorate your home, our Holiday Designs are always inspired by nature.
This table setting was featured in House Beautiful last year and is Drama Plus. The masses of white flowers artfully arranged in the carved out Birch is amazing. Actually this is a very simple idea that could be achieved using a variety of materials for a very different look.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…If only it would, I’d hunker down somewhere in this house and never leave. Lisa Luby Ryan of Dallas is one of our very favorite designers. Her shop is a must see when in Dallas. You can visit her here.
Obviously this entire home is drop dead gorgeous, but notice the small details in the holiday decorations that make it extra special. Many would not be that hard to incorporate somewhere in your own home, such as the jar attached to a tree limb with wire and filled with water and fresh flowers. How fun would this be to do for a special party? It wouldn’t have to be an entire tree either. You could add these to a wreath or garland.
Another example of a similar idea. I added these rustic wire lanterns filled with battery operated wax candles I found at Park Hill Home into my tree this year. They cast a magical glow along with the tiny white lights at night. You cannot tell that they are not real.
Entrances are very important. Simple but welcoming is the very best.
Tablescapes are always a challenge. Your mantels and tree may not change much from year to year but it’s always fun to come up with something different for the table.
I opted to mix boxwood, pinecones and berries in my dining room this year. I plan to get creative with these wire napkin holders from Our Shop.
We usually host several small gatherings during the holiday season. I can attach a placecard or a small gift similar to the ornament shown here.
For larger gatherings, we normally choose to do a buffet setting rather than seated dinner. Guests always seem to enjoy this.
Speaking of Entertaining, for those of you who follow us, you’re already familiar with our Sunday Suppers. I’m sure we’ll do some Sunday holiday entertaining this year. Those dinners are always cozy and casual. A hearty soup is always a crowd pleaser, so we’ll try this recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup from my friend Yvonne over at Stone Gable. She tests, and retests, every recipe and they are always delicious.
STONEGABLE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP
10 baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
3 ribs celery, diced
2/3Â cup grated carrots
8 green onions, sliced (use green parts too)
1 cup flour
12 cups milk
2 lbs thick sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
3-4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (I use 4)
16 oz. plain Greek yogurt
salt
pepper
freshly grated nutmeg, a couple of good grates~ dash
6 hard boiled eggs, cooled, peeled and chopped in medium pieces
Bake potatoes. Cool, peel and cut into medium size chunks.
In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add celery and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add green onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add 1 cup of flour and stir. Cook and stir for 4 minutes. Add milk and whisk. Cook, stirring occasionally until it bubbles. Watch the pot so you do not scorch the milk. Add potatoes and bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper and nutmeg. When cheese melts and Greek yogurt is incorporated add hard boiled eggs. If the soup is too thick more milk can be added. We love it thick!!!!!
Garnish and serve.
Whatever your plans for decorating and entertaining this Holiday Season, I wish you the very best. As long as you include plenty of family and friends, whatever you do will be a huge success.
