We’re welcoming one more extended family member to Bentonville, and we couldn’t be happier! If you recall, a couple of years ago, my sister Angie and her husband Rob moved here from Florida, and we undertook a significant two-story renovation for them. Now, Rob’s lovely mom, Emily, has joined us from out of state, and we’ve had the pleasure of renovating her home as well.

I’ve known Emily since I was 13 years old when my sister and Rob started dating. She has been like a second mother to me, and our kids are blessed to have a Nonna living right down the street now. What could be better??!

Emily loves Angie and Rob’s house and wants to have something similar to theirs, but her budget is significantly smaller. So we set out to give her a mini version—the same modern feel, but with more cost-effective materials. 

BEFORE

The house was a classic Arkansas brick home, featuring an old shingle roof that needed replacing. The front was outdated and required a facelift. We added dimension by creating a large entryway with a front patio, modern posts, a new deck, and a wood panel ceiling. The old shingle roof was replaced with a sleek metal version that looks more modern and lasts several decades longer than traditional shingles. We also replaced the smaller front windows with larger, floor-to-ceiling windows that are beautiful on the outside and let in more natural light.

Rather than resurfacing the exterior, which would have been significantly more expensive, we opted to paint the brick white. Next, we painted the garage door black to coordinate with the home’s trim and roof. To complete the exterior, a natural wood door with window panels, new lighting, and fresh landscaping brought everything together.

AFTER

SOURCES

Windows | PlyGem

Siding & Trim | Mastic by PlyGem

Metal Roofing | Fortify Building Solutions

Front Door | Builder’s First Choice

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Exterior Light | Amazon

Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

BEFORE

The kitchen was small, outdated, and separated from the rest of the house. Emily is an incredible Italian cook who deserved a far better setup than this!

We needed to choose something dark to complement the modern style of the rest of the home. To open up the space, we removed the wall dividing the kitchen from the family room and installed a peninsula. In this case, we opted for a peninsula instead of an island, which allowed us to include a pantry at one end and provide her with extra storage. Rob and Angie have white oak cabinets, which are usually quite expensive, so we didn’t go that route. Instead, we selected paint-grade cabinets and painted them matte black to achieve Emily’s desired modern look. We installed all new appliances, including a gas range and sleek new countertops. 

Dave also made a custom pizza peel for Emily since we would be adding a pizza oven to the backyard and we engraved “That’s Amore” as an ode to the popular Italian song. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Cabinets | Premier Wood Concepts

Island Light | Lumens

Sink | Moen

Faucet & Pot Filler | Moen

Cabinet Pulls | Top Knobs

Flooring | Tarkett

Stools | Howse

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Off Black

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

BEFORE

The family room was small, outdated (complete with popcorn ceilings), and felt disconnected from the kitchen.

We reconfigured the layout to remove one of the three bedrooms—Emily didn’t need that many—and expanded the family room. For a modern touch, Emily preferred a low-maintenance option over a traditional fireplace, so we installed an electric water vapor fireplace with a sleek bench and a dark walnut-slatted hood above. Dave built iron shelving and added cabinets beneath to give her a place to display cookbooks and other items. The LVP floors in a herringbone pattern elevate the look, and now this room is both stylish and inviting.

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse 

Fireplace | Belle Flame 

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Flooring | Tarkett

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White 

Accent Wall Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Off-Black

BEFORE

The room had an unusual layout, featuring three small closets and lacking natural sunlight. By eliminating the third closet, we created space to give this bedroom and the second bedroom walk-in closets. With the new, larger windows, there’s plenty of sunlight, and the bed fits perfectly between the two windows. There’s much more space here and it’s so cozy.

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Juniper Print & Juniper Print

Wall Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Jitney

There was an old 80s-style shower that took up too much space. The whole bathroom needed a makeover. We removed the existing shower to give Emily a large walk-in shower. The space is now modern yet timeless with new cabinets, double sinks, and a large brass mirror with onyx and brass light fixtures.

AFTER

SOURCES

Sconces | Kelly Wearstler via ReBath

Faucet | Moen

Mirror | Ferguson

Shower Stone Slab | Teakwood Natural Stone ReBath

Flooring | Eden Dolomite Matte Ceramic Tile ReBath

Vanity | Riverside Wall Hung Vanity in Birch Driftwood ReBath

Countertop | Jasmine White Quartz ReBath

Toilet | Moen

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Salon Drab

This backyard turned out beautifully. I can’t wait to come with the kids and enjoy this area with all of the family. We built a large covered patio off the back door, and since there’s not a lot of room inside for a big table, this is the perfect place to seat everyone together. 

Of course, we had to give Emily a pizza oven. Like her son, Emily makes amazing pizzas, and now, with the herb garden Dave made her, she’ll be able to add basil straight onto her creations. It’s complete with a potting bench, a latch lid, and a little towel rack.

And the most fun part of the backyard—the bocce ball court. It’s not quite regulation size, but this backyard version reminds Emily of her dad playing bocce back in Italy and will bring so much joy to her grandkids (and all of us) for years to come.

SOURCES

HVAC | Daikin 

Herb Garden | Custom by Dave Marrs

Lighting | Kichler

Pizza Oven | THOR Kitchen

Fire Pit | Dream Cast

Outdoor Table & Chairs | DJM Collection

Dinnerware | DJM Collection

Bocce Ball Set | Amazon

HVAC Installer | Bud Anderson