Living in Arkansas, we’ve had our fair share of tornado scares. It’s heartbreaking to see friends lose their homes, but it’s also incredible to witness how communities rally together in times of need. We had already been talking with Shelly Perry about renovating the home she inherited from her mother when disaster struck—a tornado brought down a massive tree, crushing half the house. Suddenly, what started as a simple renovation turned into a complete rebuild for Shelly and her daughter, Alexis.

This home had been in Shelly’s family for over 20 years, and we knew how important it was to give them a fresh start while still honoring its history. There’s always a delicate balance when renovating a family home—how do you preserve the memories while making space for something new? As Shelly put it, “You want fresh and new, but you also don’t want to let it all go.” I love how the house turned out, and I know Shelly and Alexis will be happy here for years to come.  

BEFORE

The house had been struck by a large tree during a strong tornado, and the roof needed to be replaced. Our goal was to give this house a charming Southern feel. We started by centering the front door and reworking the walkway to create a more inviting entry. We liked the original brick, but after the storm damage, it was impossible to find an exact match so we added newer brick and painted it all with a coat of classic white. 

To bring in a little New Orleans charm, we added two large French doors with pink shutters, and painted the patio’s wood ceiling a soft haint blue—a classic Southern touch that feels both welcoming and timeless. The gas lanterns were the finishing detail, bringing that warm, flickering glow that makes a house feel like home.

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Gas Lanterns | Flambeaux

Siding, French Doors, Windows & Shutters | Cornerstone

Brick Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Shutter Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon

BEFORE

The house had a formal living room and a family room separated by a wall, making the house feel choppy. Both rooms were outdated with paneling and an old brick fireplace. Shelly wanted to take down the wall and combine the two rooms to make one large family room. 

The tornado left the roof in such rough shape that we had to start fresh—which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave us the perfect opportunity to vault the ceiling, adding so much more openness and light to the space. Since we didn’t need a structural beam, we saved a little money by using a faux one instead, and the result is just as beautiful. Now, instead of two cramped rooms, we have one expansive living space that feels airy and welcoming.

We kept the original hearth but removed the outdated insert and mantle. I love how the fireplace turned out—it has so much character now. Dave found an old piece of lumber in the barn, easily over a hundred years old. He trimmed it down, sealed it with a natural, matte finish, and turned it into the perfect mantle. We painted the brick white to let the beam stand out as the focal point, tying it in with the bookcases and ceiling beam for a seamless, cozy look.

To bring in even more light, we added two sets of French doors on either side of the fireplace. They make the whole space feel bright and connected to the outdoors.

And of course, we couldn’t forget about Alexis’ favorite piece. She loved the original bookcase in this room, so we made sure to give her a brand-new one. Dave built a custom piece, fitting it beautifully into the same spot as before.

AFTER

SOURCES

Faux Beam | Barron Designs

Furniture | Howse

Flooring | AHF

Wall & Fireplace Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth

Dining Room Art | Michelle Roberts

Chandelier | Kichler

Dinnerware | DJM Collection

Entry Art | Buddy Whitlock

BEFORE

Since the rest of the home features beautiful greens and blues, we wanted to carry that same color palette into the kitchen to keep everything feeling cohesive. We also kept the same warm wood flooring to create a seamless flow from room to room.

One of the biggest changes was removing that extra door in the kitchen, which instantly opened up the space and gave us more room for cabinetry. We also pushed the wall further out by three feet—just enough to add something really special: a butler’s pantry with a hidden entrance. Inside, we created a little drop zone, perfect for tucking away everyday essentials. One of my favorite details here is the antique cabinet we found at one of my go-to vintage shops. We painted the exterior to blend in with the rest of the cabinetry and added floating shelves beside it for extra storage and display.

In the main kitchen space, we didn’t have enough space for a traditional island, so we brought in a beautiful antique table instead. Shelly’s mom loved antiques, and this was the perfect way to incorporate her style into the home. Sprinkling vintage pieces throughout a space is such a great way to make a home feel warm and collected over time.

With upgraded stainless steel appliances, soft gold hardware, and thoughtful design choices, the kitchen now feels both timeless and welcoming—just the kind of space where family and friends will want to gather for years to come.

AFTER

SOURCES

Sconces | Lulu & Georgia

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Appliances | THOR Kitchen

Faucet | Ferguson

Cabinet Knobs | Top Knobs

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Flooring | AHF

Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Treron

Pantry Tile | Bedrosians

Antique Cabinet | Southern Mercantile 

Pantry Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth

This used to be a front entryway that walked straight towards a hall closet, not a great welcome.  Since we relocated the front door, this space no longer needed to function as an entryway—so we transformed it into the perfect bedroom. To create a cohesive flow, we carried the same warm wood flooring from the rest of the house into this room. Then, we went bold with the walls and ceiling, painting them a deep, rich green that makes the space feel cozy and inviting.

The finishing touch? The yellow floral curtains—such a fun nod to the 1970s, the decade this home was originally built. They bring in just the right amount of vintage charm while adding warmth and personality to the space. Now, instead of feeling like an afterthought, this room feels like it truly belongs.

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Furniture | Howse

Flooring | AHF

Wall Paint Color | Color Matched to Curtains

This bathroom was stuck in another era—outdated wallpaper, outdated everything. It was definitely ready for a fresh start.

We completely reworked the space, replacing the old tile and removing the tub to create a more open, modern layout. For the new flooring, we chose a classic basketweave tile—one of my personal favorites (I have it in my own bathroom at home!). When Shelly mentioned that this pattern reminded her of her mother, I knew it was the perfect choice. I love when a design element holds a deeper meaning—it makes the space feel even more special.

To soften the look, we added a gold faucet, which brings just the right amount of warmth. The vanity, with its soft, feminine color, adds a lovely touch of charm. And the lighting? A little bit of whimsy that makes the whole space feel inviting.

SOURCES

Mirror | Amazon

Sconces | Lulu & Georgia

Shower Tile | Bedrosians

Floor Tile | Bedrosians

Cabinet Knobs | Top Knobs

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Vanity Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth