Personal space
Darla Huie
Where I live: In Little Rock’s Hillcrest neighborhood with three dogs, two cats and a messy boyfriend.
Occupation: I’ve owned Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro (200 River Market Ave., Little Rock) for 23 years.
My favorite space is: My cheerful, tiny, pink bathroom.
Why?: At the end of the evening, when I smell of garlic, basil and beef, it’s a cheerful throwback to the simple pleasure of soaking away stress in a steamy, bathhouse-style room, unencumbered by pressure to keep up. It’s simple and relatable. Basic and bright. Durable, well-crafted, standing the test of time and doing its job well. It’s a “smart” bathroom.
Gail Davis, the actress who played Annie Oakley, lived here and Dale Evans visited a few times. An older gentleman stopped in one day to tell me he rang the doorbell and asked for a kiss on a dare and Dale kissed him! Dale used this pink bathroom!
If I could make one change to
improve this space I would: Do nothing. I’ve maintained this core charm because … because. No TV. No phone. No hightech breakables. The tile and even the doorknob are works of modest art from bygone years. I start thinking about the happy little room about 8 o’clock every night, eager to go home, have a glass of wine and close the door, grateful for the artisans of yesteryear.