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Letter from the Editor
I’ve lived in the same house for 17 years, raising my four children in a neighborhood filled with families who genuinely care for one another. Over the years, our neighborhood friends have become like family, and we’ve watched each other’s kids grow through the different stages of life as they transitioned from elementary school to middle school to high school, and even for some into college and beyond. There’s something incredibly special about the bond that transcends friendship when you live life alongside others, especially as families grow up together. We rally around each other, offering unwavering support and taking an active interest in each other’s lives.
We’ve cheered each other’s kids on at sporting events and activities. As our kids entered middle school, we navigated the awkwardness of those years together— whether it was helping them deal with the desire to fit in, tryouts for competitive teams, or experiencing their first crushes. When high school came, we all nervously watched our kids gain more independence, driving for the first time, and stepping into new freedoms.Our kids didn’t necessarily all hang out together, but it has never mattered. The love and support among us has never wavered.
It’s hard to believe that all those years ago, when we nervously dropped our kids off for their first day of kindergarten, we would still be walking through life’s big moments together many years later. We’ve celebrated big milestones with each other— career changes, promotions and moving. We’ve also supported each other through heartbreaks, layoffs, sicknesses and the sorrow of losing parents. We’ve been there for one another as our kids left for college, and as we adjusted to new chapters in our own lives.
I never would have imagined the beauty life had for me when I chose this house so many years ago. Even though some of us have moved to different neighborhoods, the bond remains unchanged. We’re in this for the long haul, ready for whatever the next stage of life brings. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to raise my family, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have a neighborhood that truly feels like home. I know I am not alone in my sentiments. Whoever your village is that surrounds you or perhaps who has come and gone but was instrumental during a period of your life when you needed it, let’s cherish those who have made our community a home.
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Nolan Williams | nolan.williams@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan, Judy Goppert, Katie Currid
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Katie Currid, Nate Sheets, Alec Walsworth
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
• Five-minute shuttle to resort (24/7 )
• Spacious pull-through sites
• Clean, hot showers
• Laundry facilities
• Pool, playground, and game room
• Free Wi-Fi
city scene
1—12: Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas hosted its 51st Annual Snow Ball on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Johnson County residents, Doug and Kara Ciocca and Chris and Angie Dierks, were co-presidents for the black-tie event that featured a formal sit-down dinner, dancing to The Crossroad Sound and a guest appearance from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. This year’s celebration raised over $5.3 million in benefit of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas ministries. All funds will provide critical relief, recovery and renewal to families of all faiths.
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Where Innovation Meets Artistry
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today's kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
“Technology,
sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design.”
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone,
the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
“Style trends are no longer as rigid— whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
McCroskey Interiors offers unparalleled insight into designing kitchens that balance beauty and functionality. Founded by Laura McCroskey, the firm specializes in creating fresh, livable spaces tailored to clients both locally in Kansas City and also across the country.
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
Growing up surrounded by art, McCroskey developed an appreciation for beauty’s transformative power. Her eclectic style is shaped by international travel, classical European design, and a love of cooking. These influences converge in her designs, which prioritize both elegance and practicality.
“At McCroskey Interiors, we’re focused on making every square inch of the kitchen not just useful, but beautiful. We work closely with clients to ensure their kitchens not only look stunning but also enhance their daily lives.”
Whether you’re renovating an existing kitchen or starting from scratch, their expertise ensures a result that’s both timeless and personal. For more information, visit mccroskeyinteriors.com.
GET THE LOOK
at Blackbird Collection
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEC WALSWORTH
Blackbird Collection is a sustainable lifestyle brand that encourages you to embrace a slower pace and enjoy a more meaningful shopping experience, curated with purpose-driven brands. They offer a range of clothing for women, men, and children, all from innovative and forward-thinking labels. At Blackbird, looking stylish doesn’t mean harming the planet. They prioritize timeless, classic styles over fleeting trends. Vintage sourcing and restoration are key to their approach, ensuring homes are filled with beautiful, thoughtful pieces. Local artisan Matt Castilleja creates custom furniture in small batches for clients worldwide, and Blackbird Collection proudly serves as his Kansas City showroom. Unique rugs by Soufiane Zarib, crafted with natural materials by families in the Atlas Mountains, not only add warmth to our homes but also support the preservation of their traditional way of life. Blackbird Collection is passionate about bringing global inspiration to the homes and wardrobes of their customers.
Visit blackbirdcollection.com/
Coqui Coqui Yucatan Peninsula Collection, Tabaco
Tekla Poplin Long-Sleeved Shirt in Needle Stripes
Aysun Ay Sculptural White Ceramic Table Lamp
Made to be remembered. The Sza Sza Extravaganza is a halter-neck kaftan made of viscose-blend crepe cady, fully trimmed with almost 8 meters of airy ostrich feathers. This lightweight piece is finished with a choker-style necklace adorned with soft tassels. Model Amy Appleton Dreyer
On Left: Dress Taller Marmo Extravaganza Kaftan In Pergamena
Top Right: Custom Ottomans by Blackbird Collection
Bottom Left: Vintage Custom Upholstered Directional Channeled Sectional Sofa
Bottom Right: Vintage Milo Baughman Taupe Boucle Chrome Cantilever Rocking Chair + Ottoman
Handwoven in Morocco, Toureg Rug No. 6
Window jewelry!
How you see the world outside is enhanced with Budget Blinds.
ARTICLE BY JUDY SPAAR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Privacy, light, heat, cold and aesthetics are the key reasons to cover your windows. Budget Blinds of Overland Park, Lee's Summit and Cass County are a three-generation owned family business that is here to help you no matter the reason.
Courtney Stoddard Laufketter and her sister Taylor Kistler have been working in this industry since 2002.
Since their inception, they have emerged as an industry leader with sustainable growth as the years have passed. Their strong family and community values, paired with their caring, real desire to please customers, have worked like a charm. They also give back to the community.
This team lives, works and plays in their community and they are ready to help you make your home or office a place you want to spend your time. Their top-notch design consultants and highly trained installers make the entire process as easy and fun as possible.
Courtney explained, “Our process is simple; we start with collecting information about the project and make an in home, or office, consultation. The design consultant then comes to your home or business and brings samples and photos to help design your perfect window covering. We will
measure and quote on the spot with a wide variety of products and options. After the initial visit we will then be in contact throughout the shipping process and will set up an installation appointment with one of our trained installers. Our products come with our five-year no questions asked warranty and oneyear service warranty. We stand behind our product and always strive to be the most knowledgeable team with our offerings.”
This featured job is located in Mission Ranch, not far from their showroom. It was a dream project from start to finish and produced these breathtaking images. Alison wanted sleek simplicity with a hint of drama for her windows and Taylor accomplished that with these highly texture black fabric roller shades. The shades are from their private label Signature Series which include a variety of treatment options. They are controlled by a mixture of featherlite, cordless and Smart Home Collection Motorization.
Allison Pierce, the homeowner, is quite pleased with her new window treatments that complete her newly built home.
“I reached out to Budget Blinds as we were nearing the end of our new home build. There were lots of windows and I had used them in the previous home we built. I'm pretty particular about window treatments, because I loved the windows we chose, and wanted them to stay a focal point of the room,” she expressed. “I want all the natural light, so anything that would block or detract from the windows themselves wouldn’t work. Essentially, I wanted them to be able to be invisible during the day. The window treatments do an amazing job of adding to that
“Our process is simple; we start with collecting information about the project and make an in home, or office, consultation.”
contrast or even completely disappearing during the day and letting the windows shine and natural light in. Then at night when pulled down, they bring in beautiful contrasting color to the space. I just love the warmth and sophistication they add,” she smiled.
She worked closely with Taylor and initially wanted the exact style and color of her last home, but they were not made any more. Taylor showed her what was closest and had more suggestions, including that switch from white to black. Although uncertain, Allison trusted her that it would look amazing.
“These shades come in black-out and a more sheer option, as well as automated and self-pull. We have all the versions throughout our home. They were even able to make three small ones for our kids’ loft,” she continued. “I truly could not be happier with the result - it was the finishing touch our home needed.”
Visit budgetblinds.com for more information.
Blanc Champagne Bar
There are people in this world for whom every day is a reason to celebrate. These joyful souls raise a glass and make a toast to mark all kinds of occasions, big and small. For these individuals—and those who aspire to join their ranks—there’s Blanc Champagne Bar, located at 3835 Main Street in Midtown Kansas City.
Owner, Jordin Johnson, spent two years transforming the former Canary space into her first bubbly bar and restaurant, which opened last fall. The space retains the original bar and restaurant on the lower level, as well as the unique rooftop bar offering 360-degree views of Midtown, set to reopen this spring.
The result of her hard work is a space that feels like a playfully shaken bottle of champagne has exploded into a lush, floral garden. Rich teal tones and fanciful pink floral accents take root at the door and grow throughout the space, adorning the wallpaper, upholstery, and curtains. There’s even a piece of floral wall art that seems to grow out of its frame the longer you look at it. Are you imagining things, or is the Champagne already going to your head? Either way, Blanc exudes a deliciously unique charm, and reservations are recommended if you want to experience it for yourself.
Johnson’s love for Champagne began during a trip to Europe, where she discovered her favorite bubbly, Blanc de Blancs—a French Champagne made exclusively from a single varietal of white grapes, traditionally Chardonnay. Inspired by that experience, she envisioned a bubbles bar in Kansas City where people could enjoy Champagne not only for special occasions but for everyday celebrations.
The wine list at Blanc is impressive, featuring over 100 sparkling wines and Champagnes at every price point. In fact, Wine Enthusiast took notice last year, naming Blanc Champagne Bar one of the Best Champagne Bars in the U.S. For those seeking variety, the menu also includes a short list of still wines, craft cocktails, and no-to-low proof drinks, all expertly curated by Sage Monet. A former bartender at Drastic Measures in Shawnee, Monet now serves as Blanc’s bar and event manager, responsible for crafting both signature and classic cocktails.
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Champagne pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of foods, and executive chef, Tom Tabone, formerly of Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, seems to be having a lot of fun with the food menu at Blanc.
Small plates offer dishes like beef carpaccio, ham croquettes, and a burrata cheese and prosciutto board. However, the standout appetizer is the truffle-seasoned potato chips served with house-made French onion dip, that goes beautifully with a glass of something sparkly in your glass. Signature entrée items include buttermilk fried chicken (a classic southern pairing for bubbles), seared scallop risotto, duck two ways, and sticky Korean braised short ribs with basmati rice and kimchi.
Of course, Champagne and caviar are a classic combination, and Blanc delivers with options like a traditional caviar flight or the cheeky “bubbles and a bump.” This playful pairing features 5 grams of Osetra caviar served on either a house-made potato chip or directly on the crook of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. After slurping the caviar, you will sip a glass of Le Mensil Blanc de Blancs Champagne—an experience you can confidently say “TikTok taught me,” since the trend originated there.
Whether you’re raising a glass to toast a milestone or simply indulging in life’s everyday pleasures, Blanc Champagne Bar offers a sparkling escape to celebrate it all in style.
Blanc Champagne Bar, 3835 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 913-340-6969, blanconmain.com
Scott Hefner Executive Vice President & Principal
As the weather warms up, make sure your home is ready for the season ahead with Envirotech HVAC, your trusted partner in comfort for over 40 years.
We specialize in residential, commercial, and government HVAC services, including maintenance, repair, and installation. Trust us for honest, reliable service that puts you first. Schedule your spring maintenance today and ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently all season long.
At Envirotech, we believe in customer-first service, where your comfort is our business. No upselling, just honest solutions tailored to your needs. Check out our latest tips and tricks on our blog, social media, and YouTube channel to keep your home comfortable year-round.
HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate
AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY
There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment.
The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!
By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.
Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the home, house plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.
Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends. Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.
Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.
Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls.
No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace?
Happy gardening!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KATIE CURRID
A Cherry-Picked
Nursery
After being a boy mom for six years, I was ecstatic when we found out that our third addition would be a girl. Though I have never been a super girlie girl, I could not wait to go all-in on the nursery with some feminine touches.
One of my design constraints with this room was avoiding painting the 10-foot walls while eight months pregnant, so I thought wallpaper and painted trim would be a great compromise here for a pop of color. During my wallpaper search, I came across these fruit decals from a seller on Etsy, which ended up being even better for my pregnant self, as they took only about 30 minutes to install, start to finish. The rainbow checkerboard rug was the ultimate cherry on top, complimented by the sweet creamsicle-colored gingham curtains from IKEA. I finished the rest of the room with fruit-themed thrifted art and hand-me-downs from the rest of the house. We love laying on the rug in here watching our daughter, June, coo and squirm.
