How do you believe Little Rock’s cultural diversity and influences are reflected in its interior design trends and styles?
The city’s rich cultural heritage, including African American, Native American, and European influences, has contributed to a vibrant and eclectic design scene.
Would you share a local restaurant that you love?
Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom! Go for the seasonal burrata appetizer and the wood oven pizza. My favorite is the Spicy Honey and Sopressata (also available gluten-free.) The service is amazing, and the vibe that celebrates differences is just plain fun! The cocktail menu is imaginative and captivating. My favorite is the aperol spritz. It’s located in the historic SoMa district of Little Rock.
What would you recommend as the best cocktail bar in the city?
Barnaby’s Speakeasy is a hidden gem in the back of the newly opened hot spot George’s restaurant on Kavanaugh Boulevard in the Historic Heights neighborhood of Little Rock. The interiors are beautiful, dark, and moody, and they offer a vast cocktail assortment. Whether you prefer classic concoctions or experimental blends, the menu offers something for everyone. It’s a fun place to have a thoughtfully curated cocktail and appetizers with friends after work or to pop in for drinks and dinner for a memorable date night. The food is amazing. Try the homemade focaccia and lemon ricotta!
What is your favorite hotel in the city?
The Capital Hotel. It’s a beautifully renovated historic hotel (currently celebrating its 150-year anniversary) in downtown Little Rock—the epitome of Southern hospitality and style. The hotel also houses the Capital Bar & Grille, a chic, beautifully designed, dark-paneled room and hangout with an exceptional wine list, food, and atmosphere.
Are there any boutiques or shops in the city that you particularly enjoy?
Bear Hill Interiors showcases a collection of beautifully curated antiques, original artwork, antique and vintage lighting, and so much more. Step into a world of timeless beauty and unique designs as you explore the showroom’s exquisite offerings. Each piece has been carefully selected to bring character, charm, and a touch of history to any space.
Cobblestone and Vine is a local favorite since 1993 and one of the most popular home stores in Arkansas. The showroom features some of the nation’s finest furniture and accessories. They also have two convenient locations.
By combining their love for traditional design with a fun contemporary eye, Fresh I.D. provides a broad collection of home decor and gifts. I’m obsessed with their custom monogrammed linens, acrylic barware, and everything mah-jongg. Centrally located in the Historic Heights shopping district, this one is a do-not-miss.
Sweet Home has the best selection of vintage garden everything, one-of-a-kind pottery, and glassware. Located in the SoMa Historic District, this is the place to go if you’re looking for treasure.
Tipton Hurst was voted best florist 17 years in a row. Their expansive showroom has Little Rock’s most beautiful bridal registry. Need plants? They’ve got you covered. A beautiful candle or a centerpiece? This is the place. And during the holidays, this place is over-the-top with everything you could ever desire.
Baumans offers the best in American and European clothing and has the best custom tailoring and made-to-measure program in the state. They also have a huge selection of sportswear, a vast collection of footwear, and everything golf.
B. Barnett is a 7,000-square-foot high-end luxury women’s boutique and day spa. Established in 1973 by B. Barnett, it has been recognized as Arkansas’s most tasteful women’s boutique nationally and internationally. They carry such brand names as Brunello Cucinelli, The Row, Zac Posen, and Lela Rose, just to name a few, and skincare lines La Prairie and Sisley alongside fragrances by Tom Ford and Hermès.
Barbara Jean offers high-end women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and cosmetics. They offer in-house alterations and personal shopping. It’s conveniently located on Cantrell Road in the heart of the city.
Where do you typically go for inspiration?
The list is long! Travel is a huge source of inspiration and an opportunity to let your eye see things out of the ordinary. I also love a great design book and can spend an exorbitant amount of time on Instagram.
What is your favorite place to source unique décor or furniture pieces?
Scott’s Antique Markets in Atlanta is a great source for antiques. The Dallas design district has a plethora of resources from furniture, art, fabrics, plumbing, tile, and antiques. I also love Round Top Texas Antiques Show as well as High Point Market’s Antique and Design Center.
What do you consider to be the best annual event or festival in the city?
Jazz in the Park, which occurs twice a year, each Wednesday in April and September. Little Rock’s River Market Pavilions come to life with the sounds of soulful jazz.
If you were to create a tour of the city, which landmarks or spaces would you include on your must-visit?
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock’s Historic McArthur Park. The beloved institution offers a unique opportunity to enjoy, learn, and connect with the visual and performing arts. After a four-year, $160 million dollar renovation, the museum is not to be missed.
Don’t miss the architecture, art, and breathtaking gardens nestled in McArthur Park. Park Grill is one of Little Rock’s most beautiful restaurants with amazing food and service.
The Arkansas State Capitol was designed in the neoclassical style, built more than a century ago as a replica of the U.S. Capitol. The building features Arkansas granite and six bronze doors and three chandeliers crafted by Tiffany & Co. of New York. The dome has a 24-karat gold-plated cupola.
The Old State House Museum is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. This Greek Revival building is one the most beautiful and one of my favorite buildings in the city. The museum now houses artifacts and exhibits from throughout Arkansas’s history.
The Arkansas River Trail runs 17 miles across both sides of the Arkansas River, through a portion of Little Rock, including the Big Damn Bridge, the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge in North America that has never been used by trains or automobiles.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of Bill Clinton, who served as the 42nd president of the United States of America from 1993–2001.
Loblolly Creamery offers small-batch handcrafted ice cream in Little Rock’s SoMa Historic district—it’s worth every single calorie.
