When Terry and Gary Neal were building their home, they asked interior designer Lee Anne Henry of White Line Designs for a “modern lodge” that would be at home among the black walnut trees on their property situated on the banks of the White River.

Photography by Beth Hall

 

Gary prefers stained wood finishes, but Terry wanted the interior of their new home to reflect a more muted color palette. Henry merged the couple’s diverging design styles and created a home that feels right in its location, without getting, as she described it, “too themey.”

A Little More Lodge

Photo at top of page.

Fortunately for hunters around the country, a well-placed piece of taxidermy is now considered quite chic in many homes. One of Gary’s trophies, mounted above the fireplace mantel, continues the lodge design thread in the home, while staying true to Terry’s desire for simple elegance. Built-in bookcases next to the stone fireplace are stained to match the beams supporting the vaulted ceiling that runs the length of the room.

 

Interior photography of a home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Practically Perfect in Every Way

The Neals love to entertain, so the kitchen had to be functional as well as stylish. Granite countertops and a gas stove were must-haves for Terry, who enjoys hosting friends around the single-level island dividing the kitchen and dining areas. As part of a large open room, which includes the dining area and living room, the custom cabinetry in the kitchen needed to blend with the walls. To achieve this, Henry painted them a slightly lighter shade of the wall color.

 

Interior photography of a home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Casual Comfort in the Master

Casual, not-too-fussy bedding and lots of natural light make the master bedroom a shrine to simplicity. Terry keeps an eye out for bedding sales on Garnet Hill to indulge her love for Eileen Fisher sheets and cases. Although Gary wasn’t a fan at first, Terry said he has come to appreciate their rumpled quality as part of the casual elegance seen throughout their home.

 

Interior photography of a home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Welcome Done Right

With a family that includes children, grandchildren and out-of-state relatives, the Neals’ guest room sees plenty of visitors. Soothing colors and simple design choices, including a little touch of bling on the bedside tables, make the guest room a welcoming place for a stay of any length.

 

Interior photography of a home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Simple Luxury

Most lodges probably don’t have bathrooms that could be found in a high-end spa, but the Neal home isn’t a typical lodge. Easy-to-maintain quartz countertops combine with a showstopper of a soaking tub to guarantee the Neals a space that is both easy to maintain and just a little indulgent. Natural light and views of the treetops outside provide a sense of calm that is echoed in the finishes and artwork featured in the space.

 

Interior photography of a home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

At the End of the Day

With simple decorations for Independence Day ready to greet visitors, Gary and Terry Neal’s front porch reflects their personal design style: welcoming and casual,
with a focus on relaxation.