Beverly and Duane Wilson moved to their two-bedroom apartment in May of 2021, choosing a quiet third-floor location with a balcony overlooking the south courtyard. They enjoy relaxing in the outdoor space with coffee or a cool beverage without experiencing too much direct sunlight. The apartment’s neutral, airy wall color offers the perfect backdrop to showcase the couple’s carefully selected art, decorative objects and furniture – some of which the Wilsons have retained from their earlier years of owning an antique shop in Fort Smith.
The Wilson’s decorating style favors classic lines with strong contrasts and tasteful pops of color. One wall features a remarkable table runner as wall décor, handmade by Butterfield resident and prolific quilter Ardith Wharry.
The apartment’s open concept is filled with natural light and offers plenty of space for a dining table between the kitchen and living room. Over the couch hangs a very special original painting of a stunning sunrise, created by their son David Wilson, an attorney and artist in Little Rock.
Appreciating a bit of whimsy, the Wilsons’ sense of fun is very evident. Nestled behind small floor-to-ceiling shelves near the front door is a metal panel to allow them to display and easily rearrange magnetic frames filled with smiling family photos.
During the remodeling process, the Wilsons selected a wonderfully textured brick-style backsplash, adding striking interest and warmth in a kitchen that boasts plenty of storage – even though they don’t have the need to cook as much since moving to Butterfield.
In addition to a full bath decorated with fun art accents and classically-styled storage furniture for extra display space, the apartment also features a convenient half-bath.
The Wilsons’ balcony offers a bird’s-eye view of the sunny courtyard, with a cheerful umbrella to offer extra shade at certain times of day. The space overlooks a large green space and faces the Wellness & Aquatic Center, where Beverly enjoys the treadmill and Duane takes fitness classes.
A treasured, awe-inspiring collection of arrowheads graces the couple’s bedroom wall. Found by Duane’s grandfather as a child on a farm still owned by the Wilson family near Goshen and the White River, the arrowheads’ artistic placement remains in the precise arrangement Duane’s grandfather dictated many years ago.
