Fun family home

For casual style, soak up inspiration from contemporary colors and flea market finds.

Before, this rustic farmhouse had a minimal amount of square footage, relied on well water, and lacked the modern conveniences of central heat and air. But the small house, blessed with a setting amid 15 picturesque acres, possessed great potential. The Barnett family helped the home live up to that potential-transforming what was once a rustic building into a bright, young family home.

"We literally engulfed the existing house by encapsulating the old structure's exterior with a newer and more modern one," architect David French explains. The home's design-still in keeping with the Hot Springs, Arkansas, farmhouse tradition-sports a tin roof, lanterns, and hand-hewn details throughout.

Comfortable Approach

"Inside, the decor is comfortable, casual, and quirky," notes designer Garry Mertins. Vintage tables and lamps mix with newer pieces and modern amenities. "The home is really a juxtaposition of unrelated items that tell a wonderful story when put together," says Garry. Don't let the minimalist style of design fool you-in every way, this home was planned for an active family.

A Flexible Furniture Arrangement

"Instead of a traditional furniture placement, a love seat and a series of recliners offer more flexibility for the family," notes David. The love seat and chairs are angled for conversation rather than toward the television.

"I think the living room sports the biggest TV known to man," jokes David. Despite this fact, the Barnetts chose not to put doors on the cabinet because the TV is on more often than not. Instead, cubbies featuring a collection of glass and storage on either side of the entertainment system take the focus when the television is off.

Two elongated coffee tables were placed together to form a single unit. Even the colorful footstool-a flea market find designed from three stacked cushions-comes apart to be used as throw pillows when needed.

Cool Pool

A set of French doors opens off the family room and provides a place for party overflow. "This entire area is really an extension of the family room," Garry says of the stone terrace and inviting pool.

A large stone table, fashioned in what owner Brenda Barnett calls a "Flintstone" style, is offset by clean-- edged antique aluminum chairs. "The outdoor fireplace area is a natural place to relax and watch the kids and dog in the pool," says Brenda.

The pool is regulation-lap size, with a diving area at one end and a T shape toward the end that terminates in a volleyball court. A hot tub spills over into the pool, and a stone-slab diving board provides the finishing touch.

"We love the outdoors, and having a great spot for impromptu gatherings was critical," say the Barnetts.

Dramatic Dining

Another good use of the open combination space is in the dining room. Here, the eclectic mixes with the elegant. The dining room table and chairs are offset by a stately chandelier and the oil paintings on the bookshelf. A blown-glass centerpiece by a local artist is the perfect addition.

Color Is Key

Throughout the home, an array of greens, purples, reds, and browns dominates. "Green is my favorite color," Brenda says. "It's the one I started out collecting in blown glass and pottery. The other colors grew out of exciting junk finds."

"The foundation for the home's decor is earth tones," notes Garry. Stone, wood, and stucco were primarily used, and the walls are painted off-white. Many of the furnishings are covered in tan, yellow, and rust shades that allow the offbeat finds and kitschy collections to be the center of attention.

Another Man's Trash

"Junking is in my blood," confesses Brenda. "I haunt local flea markets, auctions, and yard sales." You see her treasures everywhere you turn.

"Brenda has a great sense of adventure," notes David. "She tried things out of her comfort zone-like the shag rug in the living room and the two coffee tables turned together." Brenda recognizes that sometimes imperfection is perfection. Take, for example, the worn purple chair in the dining room. "We thought about recovering the chair but couldn't find the right fabric." says Garry. "Then we decided not to touch it-we liked the worn, aged appearance. Like the house, it turned out to be perfect."

"We took a dilapidated farmhouse and made it a funky, fun place to be," says David. "The wonderful outcome is a reminder that anything is possible."

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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