I remember the first moment we saw what had become of the Ketners’ home the morning after a terrible tornado ripped through Northwest Arkansas. That morning, our family, alongside others, arrived to help clear debris from the land of our friends (and Luke’s preschool teacher) that took a direct hit. This particular renovation was one Dave and I had been wanting to get started on for a while, but unfortunately, the start date didn’t happen for almost a year as the Ketners battled red tape with their insurance. As soon as we all got the green light to start, we were so happy to roll up our sleeves and get started.

The last night Nicole and Tyler spent here with their five kids was a terrifying one, so Dave and I wanted to make sure that we not only gave them a roof over their heads, but also a home where they could feel safe and at peace.

BEFORE

For the front exterior of this house, we wanted the first impression to feel like a true fresh start. The Ketners weren’t using the front porch at all and were entering through a side door instead. We made the front entrance more inviting by adding a circular driveway, along with new soffits, windows, a front door, lighting, and landscaping to help bring this house back to life.

We painted the brick and soffits white and the wood panels a contrasting dark blue, with black window frames and a black door for a clean, fresh combination that makes the house look brand new.

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Exterior Lights | Capital Lighting

Front Door Hardware | Emtek

Simonton 5500 Windows | Cornerstone

Siding Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Rain Cloud

Brick Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pointing No. 2003

BEFORE

Originally, the main door to this area was off-center, and there was only one window. We not only centered the door, but also made it much more attractive by turning it into French doors. From there, we added more windows to bring in as much natural light as possible. The new casement windows make everything feel brighter, newer, and more open. We also carried the same LVP flooring through this space that we used throughout the house, and the light color feels classic while still being durable enough to withstand the heavy traffic of five kids.

Nicole absolutely loved the custom painting by Luke that we hung on the wall. We asked our local artist and friend, Buddy, to help Luke create an art piece. My sister is a teacher, and I know how much she enjoys getting handmade gifts from her students, so I thought this would be a special gift for Nicole from her former preschool student, Luke.

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Wood Stove | Forge & Flame

LVP Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Luke Marrs

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

The kitchen area had been badly damaged by the tornado. This was the part of the house where the roof had been ripped off. The roof had already been replaced, but we repaired what remained of the ceiling damage.

The original kitchen layout had a large peninsula separating the kitchen from the rest of the main area. Since this is a smaller house, it was best not to visually cut it in half. Instead, we reoriented the layout and took advantage of wall space to add lots of storage, bringing in a soft color on the cabinets and a few statement-piece appliances that pop. I chose a shade of blue for the cabinets that I not only knew she would love, but that also fits in with the farmhouse aesthetic. Instead of an island, the family opted for a large table in the middle of the kitchen that can double as counter space and a place for meals. Plus, this is the heart of the home, and you want it to be the center of your kitchen. We did the same in our kitchen at home. Now, it’s a kitchen that’s perfectly suited for seven people.

Tyler and Nicole asked for a wood-burning stove, which I agree is a great idea. The stove fit perfectly in the corner once we trimmed the mat underneath. It looks really nice here and is also incredibly functional for warming the whole house in the winter, especially if they lose power.

Between the kitchen and family room, there was a large empty wall that needed a little something. It turned out to be the perfect spot for one of my favorite pieces from our new Marrs on Main store—a charming, country-style antique hutch that fits beautifully with the character of the house. Now, with the extra windows, we have all this sunshine coming in, and everything is so much brighter and happier.

AFTER

SOURCES

Refrigerator | THOR

Range Hood | THOR

Range | THOR

Dishwasher | THOR

Sink | Amazon

Faucet | Amazon

Sconces | Amazon

Cabinet Knobs | Amazon

Refrigerator Hardware | Amazon

Blinds | Amazon

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Cabinets | CNC Cabinetry

LVP Flooring | Tarkett

Downlights | Kichler

Art | Juniper Print

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

This room had only one window and had been painted a stark blue. We opted for a more soothing shade and added an additional window for more natural light. The second window also helps the room look more symmetrical now. We also carried in the new flooring used in the rest of the house. Now the room is cozy and peaceful, which is especially important after the chaos they’ve endured.

The bathroom had a single sink and was missing a water closet. After we gutted it, we were able to shift the doorway to the closet over just enough to create a larger wall for a double-sink vanity, and we added a dividing wall to create a water closet.

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Sconces | Capital Lighting

Door Knobs | Emtek

LVP Flooring | Tarkett

Bedroom Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Barrow Blue

Vanity Mirror | Amazon

Countertop | Santa Margherita

Vanity Sconces | Amazon 

Vanity Knobs | Amazon

Shower Wall Tile | Bedrosians

Shower Floor Tile | Bedrosians

Bathroom Floor Tile | Bedrosians

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Bathroom & Closet Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

Both the boys’ and the girls’ rooms are very small, so we had to get creative with storage and beds. In this room with three boys, it was all about making the most of the space we had. To do that, Dave built a set of bunk beds that fit perfectly along one wall, and on the opposite side, he lofted another bed with a desk and dresser tucked underneath. It turned into a comfy little space that’s functional and just right for the boys to sleep and do homework.

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Mattress | Amazon

LVP Flooring | Tarkett

Boys Bunk Bed Color | Light Walnut Stain

Boys Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Dark Olive

Just like the boys’ room, this one is also very small, so we had to get creative here too. And just like in the boys’ room, Dave handmade the furniture in this space. We snuck in some extra storage by adding drawers to the steps leading up to the top bunk. For the girls’ bunk beds, Dave cut a scalloped edge to add a fun detail. I wanted to do something a little different for them since Nicole mentioned they love very girly things. It all came together so cute and sweet.

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Mattress | Amazon

LVP Flooring | Tarkett

Girls Bunk Bed Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Girls Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Of course, the first thing the boys noticed as they pulled up to the house was the new basketball court. The Ketner kids all play basketball. They actually play with my kids, so I know how much they love this sport. As a bonus, we decided to add pickleball lines to the court and a net that easily rolls on and off so the whole family can enjoy it.

During this tornado, the Ketners had to run to a friend’s house because they didn’t have a place to shelter, so we’re surprising them with their own underground shelter. This will help give peace of mind to the parents and the kids, especially since they haven’t lived in the house since the storm and there’s still a small element of fear. There are built-in benches, and we added some homey details to make it cozy and more peaceful.

SOURCES

Exterior Lights | Kichler

Exterior Door Knobs | Emtek

Court, Basketball Hoop & Accessories | Flex Court

Storm Shelter | Survive-A-Storm