I know what it’s like to move from one state to another and create a new home in a very different place. I moved to Arkansas from Florida years ago, and then not too long ago, my sister also moved here with her husband and kids. So, I know how hard it can be for kids to start over in a new place, but it can also be a very exciting time for everyone! With the Layugen family having just relocated from California, Dave and I truly wanted to make this a home where Dustin and Hannah’s three young children would be excited to live in and feel immediately right at home.

BEFORE

The exterior of this home was pretty straightforward. Dustin and Hannah wanted to brighten up the dated brick with a traditional white color. With so much brick, we thought it would also be a good idea to break it up a bit with the contrast of black shutters. Dave whipped those up quickly, and they make such a big difference. We also switched out the front door for a more modern statement with a large window, and we finished everything off with fresh landscaping and new outdoor lights.

AFTER

SOURCES

Exterior Lights | Kichler

American Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Landscaping | Blossom Landscape & Design

House Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Trim and Door Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Off Black

BEFORE

The living room was large to begin with, but it felt so dark and outdated. We chose to close up the tray ceiling and add recessed lighting to modernize it. For the brick fireplace, Dave built a sleek and sophisticated mantle and then we covered the brick with concrete for a streamline finish. Since the living room was such a big room, we split it up to make it a little more cozy and created a family dining area with a round table. We switched out the ceiling fan for a more modern version and brought in natural fiber lighting for a bit of a California feel. We installed new flooring to the living room and kept it consistent throughout the entire house.

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture, Rug & Art | Howse

Living Room Fan | Kichler

Wall and Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove 

Can Lighting | Kichler

Dining Light | Crate and Barrel

BEFORE

Removing the remainder of the wallpaper and the wall between the kitchen and the living room made a big difference in brightening up the space. I love the color contrast between the darker color on the island and the white quartz countertops. Even though we knocked down a wall of cabinets, the newly installed cabinets and the large island allow this family plenty of storage. Plus, we took a little bit of the old dining room and created a long walk-in pantry. Finally, details like the gorgeous brass knobs and inviting lighting make the kitchen a bright and cheerful gathering place for the Layugens.

AFTER

SOURCES

Cabinets | NorthPoint by Hardware Resources 

Countertop Material, Fabrication, Install | NWA Marble & Kitchen Specialists  

Appliances | Metro

Rugs | Turkish Trunk

Flooring | Ridout Lumber 

Island Light | Kichler

Kitchen Faucet | Gerber

Kitchen Cabinet Brass Knobs | Top Knobs 

Kitchen Cabinet Brass Pulls | Top Knobs 

Kitchen Cabinet Black Pulls | Top Knobs 

BEFORE

The main bedroom needed a simple refresh. A new coat of paint gave the room peaceful, calming effect. We also added new flooring and a huge closet for Hannah and Dustin. The biggest change was the bathroom. This bathroom was so typical of the 1990s and early 2000s when we used to leave a huge open space in the middle of the bathroom to make it seem so luxurious! It was easiest to just gut it all and start over with a clean slate. The large space allowed us to install a free-standing bathtub, a double vanity and a walk-in shower. I love how the large porcelain tile gives off a Calcutta marble feel.

AFTER

SOURCES

Bedroom Furniture | Howse

Bedroom Fan | Kichler

Bathroom Faucet | Gerber

Bathroom Sink | Gerber

Bathroom Sconce | Kichler

Bathroom Rug | Turkish Trunk

Toilet | Gerber

Shower Head | Gerber

Hand Shower | Gerber

Shower Trim Kit | Gerber

Diverter Valve Trim Kit | Gerber

Tub and Shower Valve | Gerber

Single Handle 3 Position Valve | Gerber

Bathroom Mirrors | Birchlane

Bedroom Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Blue Grey

Like many families with small children, the formal dining room was not a space the Layugens pictured themselves using much. Instead, since it’s right off the kitchen, it would serve a better purpose as a play area right off the kitchen and living room where a family spends most of its time. This is where Dave and I felt we could make the greatest impact for this sweet family. We wanted the kids to be excited about their new house and happy about their move to Arkansas. For this room, we ran with the circus tent theme by painting the ceiling with red and white stripes like a big top. Then, we incorporated the red into funky, whimsical bookcases made by Dave, and added a fun custom stage in front of the bay window – complete with a special star design in the center. I can picture the kids putting on shows or using it as a reading nook.

We hope the Layugen family will be as happy in Northwest Arkansas as we are!