Empty abode hosts function pre-Designer House XXIII

The massive brick house at 37 Chenal Circle had been stripped of its furnishings, appliances and other amenities, but on Feb. 18, the empty rooms were filled by supporters of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for a Bare Bones Party. The next day local designers would begin transforming the space for Designer House XXIII.

Guests toured the 8,210-square-foot house, which has five bedrooms, seven baths and a great room with a 26-foot ceiling. The home also includes a laundry room on both floors, butler’s pantry with a dumbwaiter, game room, sun room, study and family room. The 24 designers were on hand with their idea boards filled with paint swatches, fabric samples and images of how they plan to design each room.

Designer House is a fundraiser for the symphony presented by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild. The house opens April 14 with Crescendo, a Great Gatsby-themed party, and for tours on April 15. Lynne Phillips was chairman of the Bare Bones Party and Michael Upson is chairman of Designer House XXIII.

More information about Designer House XXIII can be found at arsymphonyguild.org. — Story and photos by

Cary Jenkins

Lynn Phillips and Sherry Shinn with Ray Imbro (in back),Michael Upson and Kelly Fraiser

Mark Greenhaw, Larry West, Laurie McFarland and Dora Jane Flesher

Guild president Gail Davis and George Keck

Karen Masching with Terry and Janis Williams