How They Pulled It Off: A Hot Tub Built Into a Boulder

The article details the renovation of the Retreat at the Olive Grove, a 4,200-square-foot property near Little Rock designed to function as a vacation rental for groups. Kal and Becca Swarna, the owners and operators of Simplified Hosting, purchased the three-story house two years ago. The property features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a great room with a fireplace, a library, and a den, and offers panoramic views of its seven-acre surroundings. The renovation, initially projected for three months, extended to a year due to unforeseen challenges and a deliberate decision to enhance the property's quality as a future rental. The Swarnas aimed to create a unique space by moving away from conventional design, focusing on the home's existing features and integrating new elements. Becca Swarna, drawing on her design expertise and Kal Swarna's construction skills, spearheaded the transformation. The initial phase of the renovation addressed the front entrance, which was previously a mudroom with an unwelcoming door. They replaced the original door with 8-foot French doors to establish a more grand and inviting entry point. Throughout the house, additional lighting and lamps were strategically installed to create a warmer and more welcoming ambiance for guests arriving, potentially after dark. Inside, the home boasts 20-foot-tall ceilings, and while some walls were removed to open up spaces, others were retained to provide distinct areas for privacy and relaxation. Becca's design philosophy centers on selecting one inspirational piece per room and aligning the decor with it. For the Retreat at the Olive Grove, the entire renovation drew inspiration from the olive tree, influencing both the aesthetic and color palette. Considering the target demographic of large groups, the kitchen was outfitted with high-end appliances, including a FiveStar stove featuring six gas burners, a griddle, a grill, and dual fuel ovens. A large window was installed over the sink, allowing the cook to enjoy the outdoor views. Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa paint was chosen for the walls to create a balance between modern aesthetics and a warm, inviting atmosphere. In the primary bedroom, the back of the living room fireplace was updated with a modern Ambe corner fireplace, complemented by comfortable seating and luxurious bedding. Becca's passion for color and texture, honed during her time in India, influenced material selections. A significant investment in the renovation was the installation of durable and timeless bamboo flooring throughout the house. The primary bathroom underwent a complete overhaul, with a focus on dramatic tiling. A particularly notable feature is the expansive double shower, which was extended to 98 inches to fit the wall, eliminating the need for custom ordering. Becca initially presented the idea of a shiny black herringbone tile pattern for the back wall to Kal, acknowledging its complexity. Despite the challenge, Kal meticulously measured and laid the tile, resulting in a perfectly executed design. To balance the boldness of the black herringbone, a more neutral mixed white tile was used for the remaining walls. All tiles were sourced from Bedrosians. Outdoors, the focus was on enhancing the seven-acre property with attractive seating areas. New decking and several balconies were added to encourage guests to enjoy the natural surroundings. A fire pit, built with brick edgers, and patio lights were installed to extend outdoor enjoyment into the evening. Becca emphasizes practical tips for home renovation: choosing a focal point, adding ample lighting, selecting paint colors that resonate with the space, and allocating part of the budget for unexpected costs. She also suggests incorporating pops of color like mustard yellow, navy blue, and Rosemary green by Sherwin-Williams. The Swarnas’ venture, Simplified Hosting, leverages their combined talents to revitalize existing spaces, offering properties that aim to provide a sense of relief and comfort upon entry. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VacationRental #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #OliveGrove #LittleRock #SimplifiedHosting #ModernHome