Modern beige stucco house in Arkansas with dark-framed windows. A metal-and-glass awning is extended over an open doorway. The roof is black and steeply pitched, and the sky is clear blue. No people are visible.

house in arkansas

This new house in Tornado Alley is located within Bentonville, Arkansas, a region of the country that is subject to lax or non-existent building and zoning codes. For protection from the potential of uplift wind forces and windblown debris, Anik Pearson Architect conceived a building structure in the traditional English Arts and Crafts style with a solid building envelope of 16” concrete masonry walls, and slate roofing on cast stone cornices. To reduce the potential release of harmful contaminants into its surroundings, the building was designed with non-toxic materials: lime stucco, raw copper, black iron, and wood windows with environmentally safe exterior paint. To save on energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels, a geothermal heat pump system was used for the building’s cooling and heating needs.

In collaboration with the interior designer, colorful furnishings and patterned upholstery were meticulously integrated into each crafted room, including the ornamental metal railing in the main stair; De Gournay wallpaper inset into the living room’s paneled walls; Diamanti panels on the door in the front hall; painted board ceilings and mosaic floors in the Orangerie; metallic floral wallpaper and polished nickel hardware in the bar, and ribbed glass in the kitchen with oversized windows and two levels of cabinetry.

Under the guidance of the design team, the client was convinced to invest in traditional building construction, which is inherently resistant to climate-related financial and environmental risk, while implementing clean energy technology that is working to build a better future for the client and for the region.

A sunlit patio features a black table with a large vase of white flowers, surrounded by four blue wicker chairs. Beige columns and ornate hanging lanterns frame the outdoor seating area. Large windows and greenery are visible in the background.
Sepia ink architectural sketch of a large house with a gabled roof, shaded windows, a columned porch, and trees in the background. The drawing is detailed yet minimal, with areas of light wash suggesting shadows and depth. 292 characters.
A two-story modern house with cream-colored exterior, black window frames, dark gray roof, and beige pillars supporting a covered porch. The lawn is neatly trimmed, and a blue sky with scattered clouds is in the background.
Modern beige stucco house with black-framed corner windows, a flat roof, and a metal awning over the entry. Copper downspout runs along the side. Green lawn and a small shrub are in the foreground, with trees and blue sky in the background.
A black metal and glass awning is mounted above a doorway, supported by angled rods. Above it are three black-framed windows, with the center one closed and shuttered. The beige exterior wall has simple, clean lines.
A modern entryway with a partially open geometric-patterned gray door, dark wood floor, carpeted stairs with a black railing, two dangling lantern lights, a metal side table with a branch vase, and two ornate chairs; light streams in.
Bright living room with floral wallpaper, a brown sofa with patterned pillows, a yellow ottoman, a wooden chair, a white coffee table with books, and a bookshelf with decor. Soft light streams in through a window with blue curtains.
Elegant living room with floral wallpaper, cream sofa, two orange chairs, and a red ceramic side table. A large mirror sits above a fireplace. A wooden clock stands in the corner. Side table holds a tall blue lamp and a ship model. Purple flowers are in a vase.
Bright, modern kitchen with white cabinets, island with two black chairs, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, large range hood, tile backsplash, fruit bowls, and large windows letting in natural light. Red-checkered mat on dark floor.
A mint-green kitchen with a large window, flowers in vases by the sink, black countertop, and checkered rug. A wooden ladder is on the left, and a stainless steel fridge is on the right. Light streams in, creating a bright, airy feel.
A bright kitchen with white cabinets, glass-fronted uppers, a rolling library ladder, double sink, cutting boards, bottles, and bowls. A large window lets in light. A patterned rug and a red patterned hanging lamp add color to the modern, tidy space.
A sunlit dining nook with a light wood table, black metal chairs, a red upholstered bench, and a glass vase holding bright pink flowers. Brown blinds cover the windows, and a patterned pendant lamp hangs overhead.
Sunny home office with large windows, floral curtains, and a black, gold-accented desk. Two brown upholstered chairs and a plaid armchair surround the desk topped with books, flowers, and a vintage lamp. Walls are teal; geometric rug in muted tones covers the floor.
A cozy study with teal walls, built-in bookshelves, a wooden desk, yellow armchairs, a gray loveseat, and animal figurines. A patterned rug covers the floor, and a window with a floral shade lets in light. Books and decor items fill the shelves.
A wooden table with two brass giraffe figurines, an open book, stacked books, a yellow bowl, and a white vase of yellow tulips. Yellow chairs and abstract dotted art on a light blue wall complete the modern, colorful scene.
A cozy bedroom with a velvet armchair, fireplace with blue trim, large mirrored wall piece, disco ball light fixture, and a view into a teal-accented adjoining room. A fire burns in the hearth; decor is eclectic and colorful.
A freestanding black bathtub sits below a large window with sheer white curtains. Blue cabinetry and floral wallpaper frame the space. Towels hang on each side, and a woven basket with red towels is on the right beside the tub.
Blue vanity with marble countertop, large mirror, and cushioned stool. Perfume bottles and a vase with green flowers sit on the counter. Bright bathroom with patterned green wallpaper, hanging lights, and white towel visible in the doorway. Modern and elegant decor.
Bright living room with large windows, patterned tile floor, a red sofa, a light blue tufted couch, a pale green coffee table with books, a vase of flowers, and a white chair. Potted plants and natural light create an inviting, airy atmosphere.
A sunlit room with large windows, a pale blue tufted sofa with patterned pillows, floral-tiled floor, a white lamp, a wall sconce, a blue chair, a vase of white flowers, and green trees visible outside. Total: 230 characters.

house in arkansas

  • Interior Design by Katie Ridder Inc.
  • Photography by Erick Piasecki
  • Featured in Southern Living and Katie Ridder Rooms