Who says formality and personality can’t go hand in hand? When Cindy and Warren Simpson approached designer Kevin Walsh of Little Rock’s Bear Hill Interiors to help them remodel their home, Walsh knew the clients would want some of both. “They purchased this home not long after they were married,” he says, “so I really worked to blend their individual pieces and then give it a Bear Hill spin.”
Prior to the renovation, the house was draped in a darker palette but still had a formal air. For instance, the family room’s rich paneled walls, which the Simpsons had refinished, are original to the house. The couple’s collection of ancestral antiques adds even more dressed-up appeal. “Both of their parents were collectors, so they have a lot of pieces that were handed down,” Walsh says. Such items include the buffet in the dining room, which belonged to Warren’s mother, as well as the French mirror and botanical prints that hang nearby. “Kevin used the things that have meaning for us. From the onset that really made the home feel like us,” Cindy says.
Although numerous cherished pieces can be found throughout the home, Walsh also kept the design current with contemporary items and materials. The formal living room includes a reupholstered antique bench and a classic Baker sofa paired with modern art by Sammy Peters on the mantel and antique gilt brackets displayed in Lucite frames. “He’s not afraid to try unexpected combinations; it’s a true talent of his,” Cindy says of Walsh’s often out-of-the-box approach to mixing new and old. “This house really has sort of a transitional feel,” Walsh adds. “I think modern pieces and soft colors make a traditional space feel less stiff.”
The result of Walsh’s work is a home boasting charm and function—especially during the holiday season. “Cindy really uses her dining room; it’s not just for looks,” the designer says. “This is the spot where she hosts family get-togethers and holidays. And it connects to the kitchen, so it’s really kind of perfect in terms of functionality.” Cindy attests, noting her fondness for china and table settings. “When I was growing up, rather than playing with dolls, I always played with the china sets,” she laughs. Many pieces in her collection were handed down from her mother and her grandmother, as well as from Warren’s mother, and Cindy enjoys mixing them with contemporary plates, serving pieces, and linens to make it her own.
Elsewhere, the spirit of the season is present through understated additions such as the traditional garland on the staircase, the stockings hung by the fireplace in the family room, and wreaths placed throughout the home. “I like my Christmas décor to be the same as my houseclean lines and not excessive,” Cindy says of the approach. Walsh also notes that not everything has to be in the traditional red-and-green scheme. “For this house in particular, I didn’t think the red made as much sense as the softer colors. Cindy likes peach and pink, and those hues flow with the home’s serene palette.”
The tree sits in the formal living room and can be seen from the entry as well as through the home’s front windows. It is in keeping with the light, cheerful palette thanks to a collection of shimmering ornaments, both vintage and new. “There is so much green on a tree that you really need a little sparkle for your ornaments to show up,” Walsh says. “Plus, Cindy and I both love a hint of sparkle—especially at the holidays.” And it’s just the touch needed to echo the blending of personality and formality seen throughout this home.
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