Friends of ours bought an old rundown motel and, happily, I got to live out a real-life version of Schitt’s Creek. This was the biggest renovation we’ve ever taken on, and of course, we did it in the shortest amount of time—transforming a 1960s motel (which looked like it had never been updated) with 23 rentable units, a lobby, a lounge, an office, a fire pit, and a pool area, all of which had to be remodeled and made fully functional in just 90 days. But we did it and I couldn’t be prouder to unveil Arka Motel! 

Ryann and Kristin had been dreaming about this motel in Rogers, Arkansas for two years— while asking the previous owner to sell.  Ryann grew up fishing on Beaver Lake with her dad, and Kristin was eager to take on this big adventure—not just as an exciting investment, but as a way to give back to the community. They were joined by two friends they’ve known for years who also saw the potential for this old motel to become Arka Motel – a retro midcentury hotspot for locals and out of towners.

BEFORE

The biggest thing we had to tackle was the roof, or actually roofs. The motel had four different roofs that were making it look disjointed and the rest of the exterior also looked tired and outdated. The sign up the road was just as faded and outdated as the motel itself. None of it stood out to drivers as they passed by. 

The first thing we tackled was the roof. We had already planned on resurfacing it, but unfortunately, it had some rotting metal from long-existing leaks, which meant that instead of resurfacing, we needed to completely remove the roof and start over. We went with a black roof, black soffit and black gutters. This contrasted perfectly against classic white walls. Then, we leaned into the motel’s midcentury roots by freshening up the stone and adding light green doors with large numbers to make them stand out. We finished off the front of the motel with new lighting and fun patio chairs that make it extra cozy for guests to sip their morning coffee while enjoying the view of the lake.  

To make Arka Motel stand out even more, we added a bold new sign and a statement mural. Now, as you drive up the road, the illuminated retro sign instantly catches your eye, making you look over and notice the motel. Then, as visitors pull in, they’re greeted by a stunning mural on the side wall. I asked my friend Paige—who’s created some incredible murals throughout NWA—to adapt the motel’s logo into a large-scale work of art. It adds so much personality to the space and sets the perfect tone for guests as they arrive.

AFTER

SOURCES

Signage | Sign Studio

Landscaping | JC’s Landscape

Roofing Materials & Installation | Norton’s Roofing

Windows & Sliding Doors | Cornerstone

Balcony Railing | Regal Ideas

Dumpsters | Ozark Dumpster Service

Exterior Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist

BEFORE

This area upstairs used to be the two bedroom apartment for the previous motel owner. We weren’t sure if we would have enough money in the budget to remodel this, but we did know that for sure we needed to update the balcony area that faces the front of the motel. The balcony had an old hot tub that wasn’t up to code and the whole area needed to be refreshed to match the rest of the motel, especially since this spot is the center and main focus of the whole building. 

If you missed the episode, go back and watch how I got the hot tub off the balcony. Let’s just say I take full credit for this one.After removing it, we replaced the outdated railing with aluminum and glass, which means zero maintenance. The aluminum panels, designed to look like wood, warm up the space and pair beautifully with the stone, all while being completely hassle-free—no repainting needed!

And the best part – we added a large,  beautiful sign that says Arka Motel in large bold letters with cute sunbursts on the sides. It lights up at night and is sure to bring in lots of visitors.

AFTER

SOURCES

Sliding Doors | Cornerstone

The back area is huge and there was a lot of potential here. For the firepit area all we needed to do was trim down some overgrown bushes and add the fire pit stations. The goal here was to make the area inviting. 

Dave found a person who recycles old 500-gallon propane tanks. He takes the middle part and repurposes them for gas and water pipes, and then sells the ends. The large size and rounded shape makes these the perfect fire pits. First, Dave removed the old paint, then he added legs and repainted them. He also made two metal triangular firewood holders that go perfectly with that midcentury vibe. We spaced everything out to create two cozy gathering areas complete with chairs and string lights.

Ryann and Kristin mentioned that they would love to someday have some sort of trail going off the back of the firepit area.They have so much room back here, we thought why not make this a feature by adding a bike trail. Biking is huge here in NWA. We have over 550 miles of mountain biking trails and the area is one of the top off-road cycling destinations in the nation. We asked our friend Phil Penny, a bike trail expert, to assess the property. He estimated the project would cost about $20,000. There was no way we could afford this with the money we had left in the budget. Amazingly, out of love for the community, Phil said “you get the dirt and I’ll build it for free.” We already had the dirt from all the construction we had done around the pool so this came out as no cost to us. Phil and his team went so far beyond what we imagined. He created a bike trail with drops and turns and even added a cedar deck.   

AFTER

SOURCES

Bike Trail Materials | Rogue Trails

BEFORE

The pool was a disgusting green when we first saw it. It needed to be drained, cleaned and resurfaced. Unfortunately, when we drained the pool we realized it had a leak in one of its underground pipes.  We had to dig into the concrete to find it and repair it. Because of that added expense, we had to scrap our original plan for composite decking and pivot to concrete around the pool, with sod covering the sloped area between the pool and the firepit area. It’s not what we originally envisioned, but the end result came out beautifully. 

For the pool tile, we went mosaic on the steps and a striped pattern along the inner edge – nice and modern and clean. It has an old Hollywood feel to it. To finish off the space, we installed sleek new railings around the pool deck and brought in retro black-and-white striped lounge chairs, layering in bold pops of color with the umbrellas. Yes, this was a large chunk of our budget, but it was absolutely perfect. Everything looks clean and fresh.

AFTER

SOURCES

Outdoor Table | Walmart

Side Tables | Wayfair

Pool Umbrellas | Wayfair

Lounge Chairs | Walmart

Lounge Chair Cushions | Wayfair

BEFORE

The lobby had an old fisherman’s lodge feel to it with faux stone, dark wood, heavy pieces of furniture and a huge check-in counter. For the new motel, we wanted something lighter and more inviting. Plus, since check-in would be automated, we didn’t need a big counter. Instead, we opted for a small table centered at the entrance of the lobby. We painted everything a nice crisp white and brought in two standout elements that make the space feel special—a custom floor mosaic and a striking piece of artwork. The whole space feels more open, airy, and boutique-inspired, with plenty of room to breathe.

Our friend Emma—who had helped us with the decorative mosaic at the Mercantile—came back to create something equally beautiful here. The design features the motel’s signature starburst logo, framed in its three signature colors. It turned out so pretty and makes for the perfect photo moment, setting the tone for the entire space.

We also wanted the lobby to feel personal and inviting, like a true home away from home. So we reached out to our friend Buddy, a talented local artist here in Northwest Arkansas, to create custom pieces for both the lobby and the guest rooms. His artwork adds warmth and character, making the entrance feel even more welcoming. Now, when guests step inside, they’re greeted by original art, thoughtful design, and a space that feels like a destination in itself.

AFTER

SOURCES

Mosaic Tile | Daltile 

Mosaic Tile Design | Emma Lambeth 

Art | Buddy Whitlock 

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Alabaster

BEFORE

In addition to painting the walls a fresh white and adding some comfy midcentury style furniture, we added a new electric fireplace, which instantly makes the space feel warm and inviting. I love the tile around it—it’s modern, but still has that cozy charm. This is where I picture guests settling in, relaxing by the fire, and feeling right at home.

When we removed the old Beaver Lake Lodge sign at the front of the building, we didn’t want to lose that piece of history. So, we repurposed the original letters to spell Arka and gave them a fresh new home on a wall in this sitting room. Dave made the frame while I glued the letters on. And then someone else redid it after we realized I had laid them out crooked.

AFTER

SOURCES

Fireplace | Dynasty Fireplaces 

Tile | Tile Bar 

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Alabaster

BEFORE

This used to be an office with a window on each side of the doorway. Instead of closing up the windows entirely, we removed the glass and used the framing for open shelves. Dave made three white oak floating shelves for each opening. They’re perfect for little plants or displaying some of the merch. Painting the room green, makes it extra cozy and sets it apart from the rest of the lobby. 

AFTER

SOURCES

White Oak Shelving | Custom by Dave Marrs

Flooring | Adleta Corporation

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Laurel Woods

Ceiling Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

This two-bedroom apartment had been the living space for the previous motel owner. Our plan was to convert it into a rental suite. We updated the place with new flooring, new kitchen, new bathrooms and new furniture. We also moved the entrance so that instead of coming in through the lobby, people can access it from the outside through the breezeway. There was already an outside entrance so we only needed to close up the one in the lobby. 

For the kitchen, we were able to save money by keeping the lower cabinets and getting rid of the upper ones. We went with open shelving along the top and added the same terrazzo tile as the backsplash, just like in the bedrooms so it feels consistent with everything else. New appliances, new furniture and a large dining table complete the open area of this unit. 

When it came to the bedrooms, we wanted this space to feel more custom. While the rest of the motel has uniform beds, Dave built both beds in this unit from white oak, giving them a handcrafted, custom feel. The main bedroom’s bed features soft, curved edges with an upholstered center, while the second bedroom has a more classic platform design—both fitting perfectly with the motel’s mid-century aesthetic.

Dave also made custom wooden nightstands, adding a beautiful half-moon arch detail on the front and little round feet at the base. They bring just the right amount of warmth and character to the space. To complete the rooms, we hung Buddy’s artwork above the headboards—his pieces are soft, soothing, and truly set the tone for each space. The combination of modern and eclectic furniture ties everything together, making this suite feel like a stylish yet comfortable retreat.

The bathrooms are not gigantic but the colors are really nice. I love the matte tile. It feels much more modern, clean and updated.  

The deck looks beautiful.This is a space guests are going to use a lot. It has a beautiful view of Beaver Lake. Now that we added outdoor furniture, this has become the best spot on the property. 

SOURCES

Art | Buddy Whitlock

Flooring | Adleta Corporation

Countertops & Cabinets | New Century Countertops

Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs

Bar Faucet | Kohler

Bar Tile | Tile Bar

Bedroom Furniture | Custom by Dave Marrs

Bathroom Sink Faucet | Kohler

Shower Head | Kohler

Bathroom Tile | Tile Bar

Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Mediterranean

Bedroom Accent Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Mediterranean

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Trim & Door Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray

When we first stepped inside, they were completely outdated—old carpeting, stained furniture, and a lingering musty smell that made it clear these spaces needed a full refresh. So, we started from the ground up, following a design template that brought in warmth, style, and a mid-century modern aesthetic.

Each room is designed around one of three color themes—green, blue, or terracotta—which carry through into the bathrooms for a cohesive feel. The bathrooms got a full upgrade with new tile, vanities, and fixtures. I love the matte finish on the tile—it has just a little variation in color, which adds so much depth and character. We didn’t change the size of the bathrooms, but just updating them made all the difference.

In the kitchenette area, we kept things clean and modern with terrazzo tile backsplashes, open shelving, and new appliances—giving guests everything they need without feeling cluttered. Throughout the motel, we used the same countertops, plumbing fixtures, and lighting to keep a sense of consistency, but we personalized each space with different tile, bedding, and accessories.

One of my favorite details is the painted stripe of color behind each bed. These block walls needed something, and this simple pop of color completely transformed the space.

And, of course, no space feels complete without art. I asked Buddy to create a unique piece for each of the three color themes, giving every room its own personality. Art has a way of setting the tone, making a space feel lived in and welcoming. I hope guests will sit, relax, and truly enjoy their time here

SOURCES

Carpet | Patcraft

Flooring | Adleta Corporation

Countertops & Cabinets | New Century Countertops

Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs

Bar Faucet | Kohler

Bar Tile | Tile Bar

Bathroom Sink Faucet | Kohler

Shower Head | Kohler

Green Bathroom Tile | Tile Bar

Terracotta Bathroom Tile | Tile Bar

Blue Bathroom Tile | Tile Bar

Green Bathroom Tile | Tile Bar

Bathroom Art | Juniper Print

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Ceiling Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

Trim & Door Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray

Terracotta Room Accent Paint | Sherwin Williams Chivalry Copper

Blue Room Accent Paint | Sherwin Williams Mediterranean

Green Room Accent Paint | Sherwin Williams Laurel Woods