Personal Space

Vanessa Norton McKuin and her favorite space; the kitchen and dining room.
Vanessa Norton McKuin and her favorite space; the kitchen and dining room.

Vanessa Norton McKuin

Where I live: In the Central High neighborhood of Little Rock.

Occupation: Director of Preserve Arkansas and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas.

My favorite space is: The kitchen and dining room.

Why? Throughout the five years that we spent rehabilitating our house, the thought of feeding people I love around my great-grandmother's dining table is what kept me going. Having furniture, serving pieces, crystal and dishes from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers is like a hug from the past. Every time I use a glass or a plate, I feel the presence of the women in my family and think of how pleased they would be that they get to be part of our lives today.

This area is also the most transformed space in our house. When we bought the house, there was one small door separating the kitchen and dining room. Our designer made the suggestion to widen the entry to mimic the entry between the living and dining rooms and the parlor and dining room. I'm so glad we did. It makes the space exceptionally warm and inviting. I

If I could make one change to improve this space, I would: add a bar cart to display some of my grandmother's fabulous midcentury starburst glasses.

HomeStyle on 07/25/2015

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