Leawood, KS March 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

MARCH 2020

home & design

Spring Design Sale A beautiful burst of new, artisan-made furniture and home fashion has arrived at Kansas City’s Seville Home.

Just imagine the stunning possibilities . . .

up to

50% Off thru March 30

• 50% OFF Vanguard Furniture • 45% OFF Century Furniture

• 40% OFF Bernhardt Interiors Boutique • 10% OFF American Leather Comfort Sleepers

Your Seville Home Designers

Preferred By Designers and Open To Everyone

Plus 40% OFF Luxury Outdoor

Featuring new Bernhardt Exteriors exclusive to Seville Home in KC

Sale prices cannot be combined with other offers and are not valid on prior purchases.

See store for complete details, exclusions and individual offer expirations.

5205 W. 135TH STREET LEAWOOD, KS SevilleHome.com | 913-663-4663

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER

Jane Preuss | jane.preuss@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com

Letter from the Editor HOME. It is meant to be a place of retreat, rest, love, acceptance and a shelter from the outside world—a place were you can let your guard down and just be. Some homes feel just like that, while some can be filled with conflict and strife. It is never too late to change the climate of our homes. Like all expecting mothers, I was given lots of advice from well-meaning friends and strangers when I was pregnant with my first child. A few nuggets of wisdom shared with me during that time have stuck with me through the years that I hope that I have facilitated in my home.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul Versluis | paul.versluis@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Allison Gibeson, Lisa Moyer, Alan Goforth, Riley Cowing CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Paul Versluis, Andrea Nigh Photography

The first came from a very wise friend of mine about the importance of creating a home that feels like a safe haven. In a world that can be cruel, let the home feel like a place that builds you back up with love. She told me to make a continual effort to teach with love, correct with love and show my love for them every day.

The second thing that has stuck with me throughout the years is advice that came from a stranger. I was told to take the time to enjoy all the small moments with my family and really soak it in instead of getting caught up in all of the daily tasks that can steal our

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

attention away—to be truly present when spending time with them instead of dividing

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

my attention with things on my to-do list. This one has me feeling convicted at times

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

and is advice that I have reflected on time and time again. She also added that she

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

wishes that she would have allowed for more silliness in her house because life is too

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

short to always be so serious. Laughter is healthy and good for the soul.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Although I am not perfect at any of this, it is definitely something I continually strive for and work hard to get better at every day. March is our home and design issue. Creating a home that you want to spend all of your time in is not easy. In this year’s Home issue, we take a peek into some local homes that boast beautiful designs that I hope will leave you inspired.

I pray your home is full of love, peace and health this spring!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Love,

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood ON THE COVER Lee Boulevard Home PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS 6

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020

FEATURES 14 Forever on the Boulevard New Build in Old Leawood is Busy Family’s Dream Home

22 Taking her style home Local decorator makes a remodel both beautiful and her own

34 Designer by Heart Meet Jenny Manka of Manka Interiors

40 Wall-to-wall creativity Porter Teleo continues to create

22 14

luxury, hand-painted wallcoverings while exploring new mediums.

40

34

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Open House

34 Inspired By 40 Artist’s Palette 42 Lifestyle Calendar 43 Realty Report

Building Trust One Room At A Time QUALITY WORKMANSHIP I ATTENTION TO DETAIL I PERSONALIZED SERVICE EMPHASIS ON DESIGN I HIGH LEVEL OF COMMUNICATION

CALL US TODAY! 913.839.9234 CMPREMODEL.COM

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

13th Annual Challenge Your Fashion The 13th annual Challenge Your Fashion event on January 25 was filled with fun, fashion and great times. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a silent auction, dinner, a fashion show, a live auction hosted by Kansas City Royals broadcaster Rex Hudler and the Nigro brothers and an after-party with live music from Lost Wax.

5.

4.

7.

6.

8.

10.

9.

11.

1. Nicky Lopez, Kansas City Royals; emcees Steven St. John and Aly Trost from Sports Radio 810 | 2. Jeremy Gaskill, Regional President, Humana | 3. Ava Sessions, Challenger Athlete | 4. Brett Phillips, Kansas City Royals | 5. Royal Johnson and Jenny Burkhead Johnson, Jami and Fred Pryor | 6.

John Mikos, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, wife Janet Mikos; Lundy and Mike Byars | 7. John Mikos, Sheri and Scott Hedrick, Raegan Schurr | 8. John Mikos, Sheri and Scott Hedrick, Raegan Schurr | 9. Brian and Leslie Boley, Event Chair, Larry Henry | 10. Clyde Cross, Andrea Allison-Putman, Deborah Cross, Andre Putman Sr. | 11. Chloe, Chiefs Cheerleader; Brock Hurla, Challenger Athlete; J'Mia, Chiefs Cheerleader 10

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

Snow Ball Raises Over $3 Million For Third Straight Year The 46th Annual Snow Ball benefiting Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas raised over $3.1 million. Held at the Overland Park Convention Center, the black-tie event included cocktails and a formal sit-down dinner followed by dancing to the music of the Lost Wax band. Proceeds support the more than 20 programs and services offered by Catholic Charities.

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

11

AROUND TOWN

LEAWOOD IS RANKED NUMBER ONE CITY BACK TO BACK YEARS WalletHub.com performed its annual evaluation of almost 1,300 cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 across the nation reviewing 40 key metrics on economic vitality, quality of life, education, health and public safety. Leawood was ranked fifth in the country in 2015, third in 2016 and 2017, and first in 2018. Mayor Peggy Dunn was pleased to announce at this year's State of the City Address that Leawood became the back to back “number one” ranked city in the nation with a first place ranking in 2019.

2019 is almost over

BLUE VALLEY BOND ELECTION PASSES Blue Valley voters have endorsed a $186,835,000 bond election 73.8 percent to 26.2 percent. The no

Letting dental benefits expire is a waste of perfectly good money to use towards maintaining your dental health. It is always easier and cheaper to maintain good oral health than it is to repair the

tax rate increase bond will reinvest in facilities and technology, reinforce school safety and reimagine learning environments and programs that will benefit students and staff for years to come.“Today,

damage once it has done. Since your dental health

I am thankful for a community that has given us

benefits expire at the end of each calendar year, all

an opportunity to impact the next generation of

of your unused benefit dollars will be lost unless

Blue Valley students,” said Todd White, Blue Valley

you complete your procedures before the end of

Schools Superintendent.

the year. We know and understand that this time of the year can get hectic, but making your dental health a priority will have you looking and feeling confident heading into the season of holiday parties and seeing out of town relatives!

P L E A S E C AL L O U R O F F I C E T O DAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT B E F O R E I T I S T O O L AT E Take advantage of your health benefits. At the Dental Care Center, we are committed to the

“The passage of the bond election affirms our community’s commitment to investing in high-quality schools and education,” said Tom Mitchell, Blue Valley Board of Education President.

“We know that high-quality schools not only drive economic development in a community but also greatly impact the quality of life in a community.”

ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER ADDS NEW PSYCHIATRY PRACTICE

prevention of dental disease, providing you and

St. Joseph Medical Center has added a new

your family with quality care and service, and

psychiatry practice to its campus and expanded

giving you something to smile about!

the services of one of its psychiatrists to better meet the mental health needs of the area.St.

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Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

Joseph Psychiatry Associates, located on the campus of St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., will include the services of psychiatrist Dr. Janet M. Dunn. Dr. Dunn currently sees patients at St. Joseph Medical Center and will continue her inpatient work along with establishing this new outpatient practice.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/Leawood using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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OPEN HOUSE

fo r e v e r o n t h e

boulevard

NEW BUILD IN OLD LEAWOOD IS BUSY FAMILY’S DREAM HOME ARTICLE LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

14

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

WHEN DESIGNER MARCI KNOFF WAS ASKED HER PROFESSIONAL OPINION ON THIS LEAWOOD PROJECT IN ITS FRAMING STAGE, SHE RESPONDED BY OFFERING HOMEOWNER STACIE SCIFRES A JOB. “I got used to saying, ‘I love it—that looks amazing!’” says Marci Knoff of Marci Knoff Interiors. “I was so impressed with Stacie’s creativity that I asked her to come work with me on other projects.”

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

15

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Knoff says as soon as she saw Scifres’ plans and selections, she knew the project was well in hand. “Her vision of the house was crystal clear from the beginning, and she organized her selections in Keynote, which I found to be extremely helpful. I now incorporate the tool in all my projects.”

This new build located on Lee Boulevard was designed with Old Leawood integrity mixed with touches of modern farmhouse.

When the homeowners first saw the overgrown but unique lot that is just under two acres, they knew that with a little love it could be the site of their future and forever home.

16

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

17

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

After Mike Scifres, punter with the San Diego

surprise endings. “We wouldn’t change a thing,”

Chargers, retired from the NFL, his busy family

they say. “Our dream house turned out just as we

of six decided to move to Kansas where Stacie

imagined and hoped for.”

grew up, making Leawood their permanent home.

Knoff says her favorite parts of the house are the

With twin 8-year-old girls, a 6-year-old boy, and a

long front hallway, both stairwells, and the details used

3-year-old girl, they had a specific checklist, includ-

throughout the home, adding that every room has

ing bedrooms the children helped design, an invit-

something special, including trim detail on the wall,

ing kids’ study room, and a huge sleepover room

ceiling or floor (such as the herringbone tile entry inlay).

with a secret door bookcase.

“Stacie definitely thought of everything,” Knoff

They originally wanted the sleepover room in the

says. “And I loved her enthusiasm for the project.

basement, but after realizing there was no egress,

She never complained or seemed overwhelmed by

they instead located it above the garage. With four

the decisions she had to make. It was a giant puzzle,

beds and four trundle beds, this fun room now

and she was having fun putting it all together.”

sleeps eight with the added security that all bedrooms are together upstairs.

The homeowners oversaw the 12-month project daily, so it came in ahead of schedule with no

18

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

MARCI KNOFF, MARCI KNOFF INTERIORS Builder - Larson Construction Architect - Gerald Janssen with Elswood Smith Carlson

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

19

KITCHENSTUDIO:KC kitchenstudiokc.com

LOCAL DECORATOR MAKES A REMODEL BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND HER OWN

taking her style home ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREA NIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

22

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

AS AN INTERIOR DECORATOR, LANIE DRAPER DESCRIBES HER STYLE AS NEW TRADITIONAL, OR USING CLEAN LINES THROUGHOUT A HOME AND MIXING HEAVIER FURNISHING PIECES WITH SOME THAT ARE LIGHTER. While she has used this style in her designs for her business, Rooted KC, it is now reflected in how she has decorated her Leawood home.

“I have loved re-learning my personal style,” Draper says.

“Not being hyper-focused on making selections that fit a brand has given me the opportunity to have an open mind as I start to add the personal layers that transform a house into a home. Once I figured out what that means to me, I focused on consistency, authenticity and practicality.”

Lanie and her husband Brent have moved a number of times while buying, renovating and reselling properties.

When they purchased the home in Leawood four years ago, it was in need of a facelift, and they weren’t sure they were going to stay. Built in 1988 and having been vacant for a few years, the home needed fundamentals such as a new HVAC system and windows.

Yet as the Drapers made those updates, and their boys became friends with the neighborhood kids, they decided to stay and make this the first home they decorated for themselves.

Many of the old windows had arches, and they replaced those with straight-lined windows. There was also an abundance of floral wallpaper and hot pink paint to address. To give herself a clean slate, Lanie painted everything white so she could visualize the possibilities. The master bathroom was one of the first major projects they tackled.

Draper now loves all the natural light in the home and that it isn’t an entirely open floor plan. Private nooks in the home are fun, especially the formal dining room they turned into a den.

“What was once our least used room in the house is everyone’s favorite spot to relax,” Draper says. “Whether we’re watching a movie, enjoying a glass of wine or just catching up after a long day, we all always seem to end up there.”

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

23

TAK ING HER ST Y LE HOME (CONTINUED)

Also eye-catching is a long table in the hearth

“I spent time searching for furniture pieces

room accented with the natural light from a wall

and fabrics that looked a certain way, but I spent

of south-facing windows.

just as much time making sure those items were

The stone on the exterior and the chop-

24

lounge-worthy,” Draper says.

pier layout inside make the home seem older

They have enjoyed creating the boys’ rooms,

with a feel similar to what might be found in

which have grown-up furniture combined with

Brookside, but she has combined that frame-

memorable pictures on the walls. The next projects

work with some more modern furnishings for

they would like to tackle include a new front door,

a transitional feel. She also enjoys displaying

some new carpet, finishing off their full basement

local artwork.

and adding a pool and pergola in the backyard.

Upholstery has been another area of empha-

A home is always a work in progress, and

sis. Having two boys aged 5 and 6 requires

Lanie Draper’s eye for style is evident as she

furniture that is easily cleaned.

continues to use her creativity.

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

Pr e s e r v i n g y o u r a s s e t s , p r o t e c t i n g y o u r f u tu r e

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March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

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DUST Y RHODES H OM E S MAKING DREAMS C OM E TRUE

FOR CHARITY AS WELL AS LUXURY HOME CUSTOMERS

MANY KANSAS CITIANS DREAM OF LIVING IN A NEW HOME FROM ONE OF THE AREA’S MOST RESPECTED RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS. Others simply dream of a break from coping with a serious illness.

Dusty Rhodes Homes in Leawood is committed to turning both dreams into reality.

“As a family run-business, we wanted to partner with an organization that serves our community and impacts the lives of those it helps,” says Lindy Rhodes, partner at Dusty Rhodes Homes. “We’re pleased to announce our 2020 charitable home event partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri and Kansas. We have broken ground on our newest custom home, the Carmel plan, which will host this fall’s event. Our goal in partnering with Make-A-Wish is to bring awareness to this outstanding charity and raise funds to help make local wishes come true.”

28

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE ALAN GOFORTH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

29

DUST Y RHODES HOMES MAK ING DRE AMS COME TRUE (CONTINUED)

Make-A-Wish fulfills life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Their goal to help them bring every eligible child’s wish to life, believing that a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Since 1983, the local chapter has granted more than 8,800 wishes to local children with critical illnesses.

As the Kansas City homebuilding market continues to boom, Dusty Rhodes Homes, featuring the Allure Luxury Series, continues to break new ground. After 54 years in business, Dusty Rhodes Homes is known for more than its catchy name. This multi-generational business established itself on a foundation of solid fundamentals and has spent decades refining its processes to lead in innovation in luxury custom homebuilding.

The company was founded in 1966 by Erwin “Dusty” Rhodes, who was elected to the builder hall of fame in 2000. Today, his son Richard “Rocky” Rhodes and daughter Linden “Lindy” Rhodes continue their father’s legacy as partners and owners. The third generation of descendants, production manager Dalton Rhodes and CIO Sara Mai, have joined the team, building custom homes that would make Dusty proud.

With its Allure Luxury Series portfolio, the company is pleased to announce its participation in new-home development the Hills of Leawood, the newest luxury community from Saul Ellis and Mark Simpson, award-winning residential developers. Their new development is ideally positioned at 151st & Mission Road and is the last new residential community in Leawood.

The Hills of Leawood experience begins with the dramatic monument entry off 151st Street, culminating in an entrance lake featuring five glistening waterfalls to welcome home a select few lucky homeowners to a haven of peace and tranquility. The community features walkout luxury homesites and large estate lots spacious enough to allow side entry garages in a neighborhood that is in the heart of everything, yet private and serene in its innovative rolling hills land plan design. The Hills of Leawood also features private gated access to Ironwood Park’s amphitheater, more than two miles of paved hiking and biking trails, the nature center and The Lodge Event Center.

For more information about Dusty Rhodes Homes, please visit www.dustyrhodeshomes.com 30

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

DESIGNER

BY HEART MEET JENNY MANKA OF MANKA INTERIORS

34

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

JENNY

MANKA

BELIEVES

THAT

INTERIOR

DESIGN SHOULD BRING MEANING TO YOUR HOME AND TO YOUR LIFE, AS INTERESTING, INDIVIDUAL AND EXTRAORDINARY AS YOU ARE. “The right mix of bold, interesting and energetic elements should reflect your individual personality,” says Jenny Manka, owner of Manka Interiors.

“Meaningful interior designs should fit the style and values of YOUR home.”

Manka says she loves serving the interior design needs of Leawood and the area, including furnishings, lighting, carpet/rugs, custom fabrics, paint/ wall selections and artwork.

In 2017, Manka founded her design firm, but her journey there was a winding staircase. Originally from Hutchinson, Manka didn’t necessarily fit into the small-town mold.

“Instead of posters of boys on my walls, I had posters of works by Van Gogh and Monet. My high school French teacher instilled in me an appreciation for art and culture, so I like to incorporate original art, especially from local and regional artists, into my clients’ homes.”

After earning a journalism degree at KU, her career took her into software sales where her tenacity brought success but not fulfillment. Years later, after her first daughter was born, she stayed home.

One day, she made a necklace for her sister who wore it to a party. Manka’s jewelry design business took off, culminating in three employees, a rep in Dallas and a feature in Women’s Wear Daily.

“I did this for four years, then returned to corporate America (boring). It wasn’t until I got remarried that I was able to go full time into interior design.”

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

35

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

The same drive that brought success in other fields is what Manka now applies to a career she loves. “I get to know the client before starting a job, so I can ensure they’re in harmony with their surroundings. I genuinely have liked everyone I’ve worked for, and none of their homes is alike.”

Manka is a huge fan of lighting—the jewelry in a room. She also loves to mix clean lines with antiques, retail with custom.

She works with all budgets and is forthcoming in pricing with no hidden markups.

“You don’t have to be wealthy to hire an interior designer. I get a kick out of finding a ‘steal’ for a client. I often repurpose their current furnishings—painting a piece or reupholstering a chair—and I shop as many stores as possible, so their home doesn’t look like a furniture showroom.”

Manka’s own home includes the unexpected like her recent purchase of a gold mirror with rats that she got at a great price at Anthropologie Home. “It might sound creepy, but I love it. That said, I don’t push clients into a look that isn’t them. After all, they have to sleep there.”

JENNY’S INSPIRATION QUICK LIST: + Get the Manka look with no-fail wall color Dover White/ Benjamin Moore, adding “explosions of color” with original art.

Favorite local artists include Jennifer Bricker-Pugh (Overland Park), Audrey Benskin (Leawood) and Bekah Ash (Iowa City). + For a trendy upgrade, mix rich, saturated jewel tones with warm accents. Current project: a powder room painted Galapagos Turquoise/Benjamin Moore with satin gold hardware. + Light it up! Manka’s insider tip is to shop children/teen lines—similar to adult lighting but at a fraction of the price. jenny@mankainteriors.com or www.mankainteriors.com

HOW JENNY MANKA IS HELPING FIGHT LEUKEMIA I’m asking the good-hearted people of KC to help the mission of my daughter, Sarah Vrana and her friend, Natalie Swerdlow’s team: ‘Beating Cancer...YOU are the answer!’

My aunt, Ann Manka, lost her life to lymphoma at age 40 on Christmas Eve. I was in 7th grade, and it was the first real loss I had experienced. Years later, I joined Bar Method of Leawood under Hoddy Potter. She seemed the picture of health. But we lost her to blood cancer. Last June, my husband lost his sister, Marj, at age 54 to leukemia. You may have similar stories.

Sarah and Natalie are leading their team to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Greater Kansas City, and all money stays in KC for research, medical bills and treatment.. Their minimum goal is $50,000, but they’d like to raise $100,000 between Feb. 13 at 12:01 a.m. to April 1 at midnight. (https://kcsoy20.org/jennymanka) 36

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

work by James Engle Homes

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Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

A Toast to Tusks June 5, 2020

7:30pm–Midnight

Proceeds from the event feed the Zoo’s 1,700 animals and provide funds for the Zoo’s education programs.

For tickets and more information, visit JazzooKC.org

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

39

ARTIST’S PALETTE

ARTICLE RILEY COWING

w a l l - t o -w a l l creativity

40

PORTER TELEO CONTINUES TO CREATE LUXURY, HAND-PAINTED WALLCOVERINGS WHILE EXPLORING NEW MEDIUMS Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

OF THE MANY FACETS THAT COMPRISE PORTER TELEO,

Porter finds that in the high-end, sophisticated arena of

A LOCAL COMPANY THAT CREATES CUSTOM, LUX-

interior design, wallcoverings are incorporated into a space

URY HAND-PAINTED WALLCOVERINGS AND FABRICS,

like fine art. Their desire to think outside of current trends

CO-OWNER BRIDGETT COCHRAN CITES THEIR PROCESS

gives their products a timeless quality.

AS WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE.

“They use what they truly love and what they intuitively and

“Our wallcoverings are truly created as works of art,” she says.

inherently respond to,” Porter says. “Our products can move

“Each panel is made one at a time, using the finest materials and

people, shake people and get people talking. It goes beyond a

with our team making aesthetic judgments at each step. Our pro-

trend when you are working towards this as a goal, as opposed

cess allows for our product to reflect the creative spirit behind it.”

to creating what is selling or ‘what people love right now.’ I

Cochran and co-owner Kelly Porter strive to break new ground

think we will be around for a while because of this and will out-

with their designs. This commitment to innovation is reflected in

last trends. We just follow our instinct as artists, as opposed to

feedback from clients, which has mentioned the company’s fresh

the market or industry trends.”

and new artwork, patterns and colorways.

Today, the company has shifted its focus from branding to

“We design patterns that add something new and unique to

now designing products for other larger companies. They’re also

the industry,” Porter says. “We try to steer clear from ideas or

licensing their patterns, which Porter notes has opened the door

themes that are already out there. In cases where we do create

to working in different areas such as designing rugs, commer-

versions of ‘typical’ patterns, like a stripe or a floral, we always

cial grade fabrics and hospitality vinyl wallcoverings as well as

make sure to present it in a new way.”

exploring carpet and tile.

They believe wallcoverings add interest, texture, depth and

“We are moving from being identified primarily as a hand-

character to a space. Inspiration for their wallcoverings comes

painted wallcovering company to an all-encompassing design

from anywhere and everywhere.

company,” Porter says. “To be adapting into more and more types

“Inspiration comes often and sometimes when I least expect

of product is super exciting and invigorating. It is the best way

it,” Cochran says. “My camera is full of little moments throughout

to work as well-equipped artists do, in exploring many different

life that strike me as interesting or beautiful in some way.”

types of media simultaneously.”

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

41

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

14

15

24

ALWAYS & FUREVER GOLDEN GALA

MARTIN CITY ST. PATRICK'S PARADE

DISNEY TRIVIA AT PINSTRIPES

Join us for our second annual

The parade begins at 2:00 PM

Join us under the sea, before the

Golden Gala hosted by our Master of

departing from the State Line Point

stroke of midnight, in the Cave

Ceremonies, Mark Alford of Fox 4 News

Shopping Center at Washington

of Wonders and before the final

Kansas City. Enjoy a live and silent auc-

Street and 135th Street and pro-

petal falls for Disney Movie Trivia.

tion, music, and more.Tickets are $125

ceeds east down 135th Street to

Questions will focus on Disney’s

per person which includes appetizers,

Holmes Road. This year's theme is

classic animated films, from 1937′s

main course, dessert and unlimited

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.

Snow White to Coco. Now’s your

The Venue in Leawood

135th Street, Martin City

varieties of beer and wine. Questions regarding the Gala, please contact shelby@alwaysandfurever.love

Pinstripes Overland Park

chance to test your knowledge and

24

re-live all your favorite moments.

For reservations to this event, visit:

14

JUSTIN WINE DINNER

BROOKSIDE 40TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S WARM-UP PARADE

founder of Justin Wines. Justin is recog-

Rye Leawood

We are welcoming Justin Baldwin, nized as the pioneer of award-winning

https://pinop-disney.eventbrite.com

APR 4 THE ANNUAL LYRIC OPERA BALL

Brookside

Bordeaux-style wines on California’s

Celebrate 40 years of family fun at the

Central Coast. Chef Ryan Williams has

Guests of this black tie event will

2020 Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up

created an amazing 3-course dinner

enjoy an exceptional silent auc-

Parade. The parade draws partici-

around some of Justin’s finest wines.

tion, dinner and dancing. This year's

pants and spectators from around

For more information visit . This is a

Ball Co-Chairs are Regina Kort and

the metro and kicks off a spirit-filled

ticketed event and tickets must be pur-

Mary Beth Gentry, while Judith L.

week in Kansas City celebrating St.

chased through Tock. https://www.

King will serve as Honorary Ball

Patrick's Day. Over 100 organizations

exploretock .com/r yeleawood/

Chair. Visit www.kcopera.org to find

and businesses from across the metro

event/91269/justin-wine-dinner

out more or to purchase tickets.

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

entertain the crowd each year.

Established in 1990

Fam i ly Owned & Operated

Sales, Installation, Service & Repair Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers & Entry Doors

913 - 4 3 8 -7 3 0 5 / RoyalDoor.com / 13 920 W. 10 8th Street , L enexa, KS 42

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2020

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

L E AWO OD

SOLD PRICE %SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

HALLBROOK

$1,160,000

$1,060,000

91%

243

4

4.2

HIGHLANDS CREEK

$1,097,500

$1,060,000

96%

86

5

4.3

$1,049,000

$975,000

92%

181

6

4.2

BERKSHIRE

$740,000

$720,000

97%

39

5

6

HALLBROOK

$799,000

$715,000

89%

136

4

3.1

LEAWOOD LANES

$700,000

$650,000

92%

63

3

5

WHITEHORSE

$725,000

$632,500

87%

85

6

6.1

VILLAS OF HIGHLAND RANCH

$675,000

$625,000

92%

202

4

3

CHERRY CREEK

$550,000

$550,000

100%

1

5

4.1

DORSET MANOR

$525,000

$505,000

96%

0

4

3.3

LEAWOOD ESTATES

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. 2019 STATISTICS from 1/1/2020 TO 1/31/2020. * DOM=Days on Market

March 2020 | Leawood Lifestyle

43

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