Victorian Gingerbread Garage Apartment Addition in Bentonville, Arkansas

Creating a Cozy, Timeless Garage Apartment Addition

There’s something truly special about designing a space that feels like it has always belonged. For this Victorian Gingerbread–style garage apartment addition in Bentonville, Arkansas, our goal was to honor the history of our clients’ 1890s Victorian home while creating a warm, functional space for modern living.

Before beginning the full historic renovation, our clients chose to build a garage apartment addition that could serve as a temporary residence and later transition into a charming guest retreat. From the architectural details to the interior finishes, every decision was made to reflect the home’s original character while supporting everyday life.

First Floor: Functional Design with Victorian Charm

Mudroom with Custom Dog Wash Station

The mudroom was designed to balance practicality and personality, proving that beautiful design isn’t just for people. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage for daily essentials, while built-in dog kennels are thoughtfully integrated into the cabinetry, blending in seamlessly so the space feels polished rather than purely utilitarian.

A custom dog wash station adds an extra layer of function (and fun), making cleanup after muddy adventures easy and stress-free. Finished with patterned tile for a touch of Victorian charm, this hardworking space was designed with both humans and their four-legged family members in mind.

Timeless Laundry Room Design

Just beyond the mudroom, the laundry room shows how even hardworking spaces can feel warm and elevated. A beautifully patterned wallpaper inspired the earthy green custom cabinetry, grounding the room with depth and character. Custom cabinetry with delicate fretwork details adds a sense of craftsmanship, elevating this Victorian-inspired laundry room beyond a typical utility space.

A black farmhouse sink and warm brass hardware bring contrast, while open shelving paired with a brass hanging rod keeps the room functional and inviting. Thoughtful details and timeless finishes ensure this space feels cohesive with the rest of the home while supporting everyday life.

Charming Powder Bathroom 

Tucked into the first floor is a small but impactful powder bath. Though compact, it carries the same level of detail and intentionality as the larger spaces. A vine-inspired wallpaper wraps the room in charm, while gingham-patterned floor tile adds a playful touch.

A Thoughtful Transition: Entry and Stairwell

The stairwell acts as a thoughtful transition from the functional first floor to the main living spaces above. A grasscloth block-print wallpaper brings texture and softness to the walls, while a custom stair runner adds warmth and pattern underfoot. Finished with brass stair rods, this in-between space feels intentional and inviting, gently nodding to the home’s historic roots as you move upward.

Second Floor: Heart of the Home

At the top of the stairs, an open-concept living and dining space welcomes you with a vaulted ceiling that makes the room feel bright and spacious. Exposed wood beams add warmth and visual interest, and custom drapery brings softness and a sense of coziness. Layers of textures, patterns, and tones create a collected, lived-in feel that is both inviting and timeless.

The design blends Victorian influence with modern comfort, honoring the spirit of the home’s history without recreating a period interior. Every detail, from the textiles to the finishes, was thoughtfully chosen to keep the space fresh, functional, and perfect for everyday living.

Victorian-Inspired Kitchen Design

The kitchen sits just off the living and dining areas and strikes a careful balance between old and new. An arched window references classic Victorian architecture, while clean-lined cabinetry and modern storage solutions support everyday use.

Brass accents and patterned tile subtly reinforce the historic inspiration, while a calm color palette keeps the space approachable. Designed for gathering as much as cooking, this kitchen encourages slower moments and connection.

Primary Suite Retreat

Upstairs, the primary suite was designed as a calm and restful retreat. Soft textures, muted tones, and natural grasscloth wallpaper reminiscent of the pattern of tree bark create a serene, layered backdrop. In the adjoining bathroom, blue zellige tile brings depth and subtle color, paired with a classic clawfoot tub that adds timeless charm. Modern fixtures and finishes are thoughtfully mixed in, balancing historic inspiration with contemporary comfort. Together, these details create a private sanctuary that feels cozy, collected, and perfectly in tune with the character of the home.

Designing a Timeless Victorian Home in Bentonville, Arkansas

This Victorian Gingerbread garage apartment addition is just the beginning of our clients’ journey. As we prepare to restore their 1890s Victorian main house, this thoughtfully designed garage apartment provides both immediate functionality and long-term flexibility.

At Audrey Scheck Design, our goal is always to create spaces that feel warm, personal, and deeply connected to the people who live in them. Based in Austin, Texas, we work with clients nationwide on projects big and small. If you’re considering a historic renovation, new build, or timeless interior design, we’d love to help.

Let’s create a home that feels thoughtful, functional, and beautifully lived in. Inquire today!

All Photos by Cassie Constanzo

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Victorian Gingerbread-Inspired Home Decor