Photography by Rett Peek
When Chris Goddard was asked to renovate the Clark family’s newly purchased estate, he had a daunting task ahead of him. Given a mere six months to make the place move-in ready, Goddard and his Fayetteville, Arkansas, design firm were charged with creating the impression that the Clarks—Steve, Jamie, and their three children—had lived there for years. “The family intended to bring only their clothes and a few personal items with them,” explains the designer. Because the owners also own a large ranch in Oklahoma, along with a condominium in Fayetteville for quick getaways, they saw this new venture as an opportunity to start fresh.
The residence, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, displayed many of the hallmarks of a Southern country house, complete with the original stone dwelling that served as its core. Although this portion was built more than a century ago, a previous owner had added side wings and a larger kitchen to the structure. “The overall layout was wonderfully proportioned, but the interiors lacked appeal and graciousness,” notes Goddard. “Steve and Jamie wanted an elegant and comfortable home that was a bit more refined than their rustic ranch, so we embarked on a complete interior overhaul.”
