April 2024

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

DEFINING ZEN BY TIFFANY HORTON, HORTON DESIGN STUDIOS PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

I n the Arkansas countryside, nestled amidst serene surroundings, lies the tranquil retreat of Dustin Hughes and Lily McBryde. The expansive pasture is home to grazing cattle and the family’s three adorable dogs. Bordering the pastureland stands a tree line that adds to the overall tranquility. “Dustin and I are both high- strung, always going 1000 miles per hour,” explained Lily, “so I really wanted the house to be zen, somewhere earthy and calming.” The heavily stoned exterior and clean, simple lines give the house a slight Frank Lloyd Wright aesthetic, while the black accents offer a blend of contemporary and timeless appeal. To further integrate with the surroundings and invite nature into the design, rain chains were installed in place of traditional downspouts. Ample landscaping adds the perfect finishing touch.

Walking through the home’s large metal and glass front doors, you enter an open living area with soft, neutral walls and a stunning wood-burning fireplace. A large bird of paradise graces one corner, while lush green plants adorn various spots throughout the room. Lily’s mother, a master gardener, has clearly passed on her green thumb. This thoughtful use of plants, along with a mix of fabrics, textures, and personal touches, enhances the home’s earthy palette. At the center of the living room sits a live-edge coffee table that Dustin and Lily had made from a tree at their old house. “Unfortunately, the tree was starting to die, and it was going to fall,” explained Dustin, “so we cut it down and took it to Oak Meadow, a local sawmill, and were able to make it into the tables we wanted.” Lily further describes, “I had a shape in mind

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LIFE & STYLE

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