1. Black and white drum pendant lamp with recycled, mouthblown glass finial by Stray Dog Designs. The Full Moon, Little Rock
2. Hand-tufted Sticks rug by Brink & Campman for Masland. C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, Little Rock
3. Circular metal mirror. Lewis Lighting & Home, Benton
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Mary Anne Gunter dives passionately into everything she does. The former psychiatric nurse, now pursuing a doctorate in psychology, is intent on exposing children and adults to a wide range of cultural endeavors, from conducting etiquette classes to sharing art and literature through volunteering for Little Rock’s Arkansas Literary Festival and the Ozark Film Festival.
Mary Anne’s passion for antique lace runs just as deep. She acquired her first piece of lace, a doily, at the tender age of 10. At 19, she saved up enough babysitting money to purchase her first antique dresser, where she still displays her collection more than 30 years later. And for her daughter Vanessa’s wedding, she hand-sewed a handkerchief—sewing is another passion—using remnants of lace from her first doily, her own wedding gown and that of her great grandmother. “It was Vanessa’s ‘something old,’” she says. “I made a satin ivory bow, with a loop holding her baby ring, and sewed on pearls from an antique necklace.”
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1. Handmade blown glass bowl by Vitreluxe Glass Works, from the Arkansas Arts Center museum shop, where all proceeds benefit the museum. Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock
2. Boxes from India with mother-of-pearl inlay from International Interior Design, where two percent of each sale funds charitable causes. International Interior Design, Little Rock
3. For each FEED bag purchased, one child in Africa will receive school lunch for an entire year through a donation to the United Nations World Food Programme. The FEED pouch provides food and job skill training to 10 women through the United Nations World Food Programme’s Food for Assets. EcoFab, Little Rock
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1. Magnolia Casual swing set with tote bag from the Beach Boulevard collection, featuring indoor/outdoor fabrics. Fountains, Pots, Plants & More, Conway
2. Heartwood butterfly house. Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, Little Rock
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Trend #1
Hardwood featuring natural oiled finishes, wide planks, patterns and distressing
Tapis Blanc patterned, brushed and beveled oak hardwood with a natural oil finish; also available in Marron and Noir colors. Kahrs.com for retailers statewide
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Sporting a cane may no longer be mainstream, but a select few still have enough panache to get away with it. Davis Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Antiques in Hot Springs, is one of the select few. The antiquarian began his cane collection more than 30 years ago, and has been known to don one on special occasions. “Every now and again, yes I do carry one,” he says, smiling. “I like to be a little over the top.”
For centuries, canes have served as accessories for men, often denoting power. In Rome, they were marked with eagles, while Egyptian styles featured lotus blossoms. In Asia, they also represented good fortune, and African chiefs and kings carried staffs carved from wood. “In almost every continent and culture, canes have been symbols of power and position,” Tillman says.
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“I encourage my clients to organize the clothes in their closet by color, which may seem simple but will actually save time and money. Not only will it help to simplify dressing each day, it has the added benefit of making you aware of the colors of your clothes. Next time you go shopping, you might think twice before purchasing that seventh blue sweater!”
Ashley Carson, interior designer and personal organizer
Anything and Everything Design, Conway
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Georgiana Gunn’s collection of blue and white china is a by-product of her career. Gunn, co-owner with husband Leland of Maumelle’s I-40 Antique Center, has been in the interior design and antique business for more than 40 years, acquiring china on her travels from the very beginning. “I borrowed $500 from the bank with no idea of how I’d pay it back,” Gunn laughs, recalling her first buying trip to Asia, “but when I returned home, I was able to sell everything to friends from my dining room table.”
Many more trips ensued, with most of Gunn’s blue and white china coming from Hollywood Road in Hong Kong, a street lined with all sorts of trinket and antique shops. Gunn quickly learned her way around, negotiating prices, developing relationships with local vendors, and becoming skilled in recognizing quality pieces. She also unearthed treasures stateside, including the shores of Maine, in and around Kennebunkport. “In our business, it’s called ‘the hunt,’” she says.
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At Home in Arkansas offers you a look inside the state's most inspiring homes. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home, or find Arkansas's best kept secrets. It is your definitive guide to the state's finest homes and gardens, design professionals, fashion and entertaining essentials, and premier shops and showrooms.
