Beautiful and Lived In
As a photographer for most of my career, I found myself most gleeful and in the zone when I was able to photograph people in their homes. I always felt that photographing people in the spaces where they spent their days was a more fully descriptive portrait, a further developed, more well-rounded story of a person.
Sometimes, it was because the subject had a highly developed personal style that just further amplified their persona. Sometimes, it was because the lived-in aspects of the home told an important story about their life stage: a young family with haphazard toys on the ground, dings on the wall that were signs of the life that occurred there, the way the light always looked at the breakfast table or during dinner prep.
Our homes are the backdrops of our lives and also an extension of ourselves. For that reason, this “Home” issue may be my favorite of the year. We are all excited about the local home-enhancers and home creators that we have to share with you this month.
Our beautiful cover features a kitchen by Shandy Arend of Claire House Design. She talks in her smart, lovable wisdom about the timeless white kitchen, and how she often works with clients to make that classic foundation unique.
We also feature three local Kansas City artists this month that bring an element of story and collectedness into the homes of many of our readers--painter Sarah White of White Wood Canvas, and a collaboration between two beloved makers, Ampersand Design Studio and The City Girl Farm. We have a soulful and beautiful homey chicken pot pie recipe from our food contributor Bev Weidner that would make for a really lovely housewarming meal.
The Tailored Closet talks about making cramped, unassuming spaces into functional, organized parts of your home, and our friends and partners at Heartland Financial share their passion for making home ownership accessible for everyone.
As we transition from the coziness of winter into the lively months of spring, may you be inspired in new ways to organize, cook, add art, and invest in the homes that you live in.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your home,
REBECCA SPEARS, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Morgan Georgie, Bev Weidner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craige Keene Photography, Morgan Georgie, Josie Dell Photo, Nate Sheets Photo, Rebecca Spears, Sarah White, Bev Weidner
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 Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
The Forever Trendy White Kitchen
Shandy
Your
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Owner Lisa Carson poses with Shelby Welling, Miss Missouri Teen USA. 2: The annual Natalie M Foundation Benefit Fashion Show encourages girls in their confidence and generosity. 3: These community role models raise funds to benefit area schools, student scholarships and community organizations. 4: Girls of all ages and backgrounds are invited to be a part of the show. 5: This year’s event was held at the Meadowbrook Clubhouse in Prairie Village. 6: Natalie M. Studios has been actively giving back to our community for over 50 years. 7: Cutting-edge fashions were worn by different shapes and sizes down the catwalk.
Photography by Rebecca Spears
Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is Sat. March 8th, and we’re celebrating all month long!
Use code #SOJOURNWOMENSDAY and receive 25% off your services.
Scan the QR Code To Book Now
business monthly
Mission Hills City Lifestyle welcomes local florist Blush and Blossoms
From weddings and hotels to everyday arrangements for your home, Kansas City luxury florist Blush and Blossoms Co. creates one-of-a-kind floral displays that leave lasting impressions. Owner Mary Hagemeister combines her stunning artistry with unique florals to help bring your visions to life. Flower subscriptions are available for weekly delivery. Learn more about all of her services online: blushandblossomsco.com/
Scan to read more
The Museum of Kansas City announces a new name
To kick off its 85th year, Kansas City’s leading institution on history, culture, and regional storytelling is excited to announce a new name and brand identity: Kansas City Museum is now The Museum of Kansas City. The name change and new brand identity reflect a meaningful transformation of the beloved institution from a history museum focused on Kansas City’s past, to a city museum that embraces the humanities to explore the past, present, and future.
Emmalee Rathsam Photography opens new studio in Kansas City
Emmalee Rathsam Photography’s newest studio will be located on the second floor of the newly renovated Zhou B Art Center in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. On March 7, Rathsam will be hosting an opening reception and a personal photography exhibit called 366 Photographs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will showcase daily images from 2024, highlighting mostly nature and travel. View images or purchase portraits online: emmaleerathsam.com/
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Photography by David Remley
Photography by Elizabeth West Photography
trendy white kitchen THE FOREVER
SHANDY AREND OF CLAIRE HOUSE DESIGNS PUTS HER SPIN ON TIMELESS, WHITE KITCHEN DESIGNS
spec house with Fieldstone Homes
Craig Keene Photography
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIGE KEENE PHOTOGRAPHY, JOSIE DELL PHOTO, NATE SHEETS PHOTO, REBECCA SPEARS
Perhaps more than any other room in a home, the kitchen is the easiest to date. The color of the cabinets, the style of countertops, the light fixtures–even all of the details carry an age. While trends come and go, there is one type of kitchen that never really goes out of style.
A white one.
“I personally don’t think someone can look at an image of a white kitchen and go, ‘Oh that was the white of 2025.’”
Shandy Arend, owner of Claire House Designs, has transformed her fair share of kitchens in the eight years she has been a professional interior designer. A common trait she finds in many of her clients is the desire to stay neutral with color. Especially in an expensive space like a kitchen, Arend understands the precaution. Utilizing the right shades of white with a mix of texture and natural materials, she is out to prove that a white kitchen is not synonymous with boring.
“It immediately elevates the kitchen even if it’s predominantly white,” Arend said “I feel personally that kitchens that have a lot of man-made products in them, even if they’re very expensive man-made products, can feel manufactured. You feel that when you’re in a space.”
Some of her favorite ways to inject personality into a kitchen are by installing high-end Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops, custom cabinet doors, unique hardware, eye-catching lighting and clay tile. Breaking up the uniformity in materials and paint color is key to avoid that sterile, cold feeling – a style choice often missed by homeowners wanting a white kitchen.
“People trying to do it on their own will gravitate toward the brightest white on the swatch because in their mind, it’s all white. My responsibility is to help them understand the nuances of white. It’s all about how you mix those white paint colors to create the story of how it’s going to feel,” Arend said.
In the design world, not all whites accomplish the same result. Arend asks plenty of questions when starting every design project to nail down that feeling her clients want out of a space. Her process is perfectly catered to the individual, complete with mood boards, and occasionally, 3D renderings that really bring the vision to life. Recently, one of Arend’s mood boards struck a chord with a client, long before the renovation even began.
“She started to cry and said, ‘I never would have put this together.’ That’s the magic of what I get to do–capturing who they are, showing them things they haven’t thought of before and putting it together in a cohesive, elevated way.”
Reactions like those keep the excitement of interior design fresh for Arend. From the day she and her husband settled into their first home to creating her own brand two years ago, which is named after her oldest daughter, her love for the craft has only expanded.
“It grew out of this desire to make my home special, and then I just developed a passion for it that I can’t turn off,” Arend said. “I think of my brand as a mix of Paris and New York. Claire House Designs encapsulates that vibe. Traditional architecture is really important to me, but I want to put in modern light
fixtures and modern furniture. I can do some fun things with modern design.”
Knowing that design is not a “one size fits all” approach, Arend also lights up at the thought of mixing things up with color. Her very first attempt at designing her own home was adding many different colors at once, and while she admits she went a bit overboard then, Arend has since fine-tuned that relationship.
“Introducing more color into my work is important,” she said “I want it to be more subtle and layered, and I appreciate the color you can find in nature. I’ve learned that I can live with those shades longer than something that is more vibrant, otherwise you can get the crayon box that threw up in your house.”
If you look long and hard enough, anyone can point out the pros and cons of any design decision. But if consistency through time is at the top of your list, Arend can confidently say there is one certain way to go.
“Trends come and go, and then they come back and then they go again. So if someone comes to me and says that they really want something that isn’t going out of style, I think white is the most classic, timeless kitchen that I can design,” she said.
Contact Shandy: shandy@clairehousedesign.com Visit her website: www.clairehousedesign.com
spec house with Fieldstone Homes
Nate Sheets Photo
Josie Dell Photo
Nate Sheets Photo
Shandy
spec house with Fieldstone Homes
Craig Keene Photography
ARTICLE BY MORGAN GEORGIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN GEORGIE, REBECCA SPEARS
Birds of a Feather
Two local design studios collaborate to create a new collection of footstools
The City Girl Farm and Ampersand Design studio have joined forces to create a new collection of Chicken Footstools!
Birds of a Feather celebrates the powerful harmony between two visionary studios—a fusion of two dimensional designers and three dimensional artists—each led by passionate women creators. The name embodies the essence of this partnership: just as birds of a feather flock together, our collective work has taken flight, soaring with bold, vibrant colors and artful designs, united by a shared vision.
The collection will be on display at the Crossroads Hotel the first weekend in May.
Uncramping Your Style
The Tailored Closet specializes in transforming your disorganized spaces with custom storage solutions
What lies behind the closed doors of your home? Is it a closet that has turned into more of a catch-all room? Or maybe a laundry room that is more embarrassing to look at than the dirty clothes in it. The storage rooms in your house do not have to stress you out. The Tailored Closet of Overland Park wants to help you take back those spaces and allow you to breathe easy when you open those doors.
Owner Craig Aukamp says that even though the average person only spends 2.37 minutes in their closet per day, that is enough time to exasperate a person if their surroundings are not in order. He is out to prove that most people have more space than they think they do in their closets and beyond. The possibilities are endless!
Aukamp and his team are in the business of finding solutions. Give them a chance with your cramped spaces, and watch them uncramp your style.
Schedule your free in-home consultation with The Tailored Closet online: tailoredcloset.com/ Email Craig Aukamp: craig.aukamp@tailoredcloset.com
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY
Entryways/Mudrooms
“It’s a beautiful thing to feel empowered and unburdened in your home. Our talented designers will maximize your space and joy by giving you custom solutions for all your storage needs.”
An entryway or mudroom is often the first impression someone has of your home. Shoes piled high and jackets strewn on the floor do not necessarily scream “Welcome!” Take back this heavily utilized area by adding better storage and some touches of personality with accent lighting, rugs, and decor. Create an environment that makes coming home feel like a joy.
Laundry rooms
Obviously, your laundry room will not be a stop on the house tour, but it is vital to the functioning of a home. The Tailored Closet is in the business of putting a new spin on such a plain area. Adding countertops, shelves and storage will help to maximize your space, while incorporating fun textures and materials throughout. Who knows, maybe it will become your new favorite spot to hang!
Garages Wall Beds
Garages tend to hold a lot of random belongings. Ranging from small to large, finding the best way to store it all can be overwhelming. Taking advantage of every inch of space along the walls and ceilings opens up a whole new world of storage possibilities. Create a permanent home for those bikes, golf bags and yard games.
Do you want to host more family or friends overnight but do not want to throw them on an air mattress? Do you struggle with wanting to give up your office space or playroom just to put a bed inside? Normal feelings. Perhaps, there is a way to have both. Another service offered by The Tailored Closet is the installation of wall beds. Built to look sturdy and permanent, their Murphy bed builds can also disappear without a trace. Multifunctional spaces are worth the investment.
SARAH WHITE
Local intuitive painter awaits her first gallery show in downtown Kansas City
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA SPEARS, SARAH WHITE
Kansas City is home to many unique and talented artists. Each of their journeys is reflected in each distinct style, and every stroke on a canvas tells a part of their story. One of those artists is intuitive painter Sarah White, whose transformative and instinctual style has opened the door to the very first gallery show of her career.
“The title Invisible Strings came from this idea that we’re all connected in ways we can’t always see.”
“I’m equal parts exhilarated and terrified about my first show! Walking into the space and seeing my work on the walls will be surreal—like seeing my entire journey laid out in front of me. It’s such a mix of vulnerability and pride,” White said.
For the entire month of March, the award-winning and widely respected Blue Gallery in the Crossroads Arts District will house White’s collection entitled Invisible Strings with an artist talk scheduled for Thursday, March 6. Her work will hang alongside paintings by her close friend and fellow artist Tuesday Schmidt, who tied together this special opportunity.
“The title Invisible Strings came from this idea that we’re all connected in ways we can’t always
see—through people, places, and moments that shape us, often without us realizing it. I’ve always been fascinated by how one small action or encounter can ripple outward and become part of a much bigger story,” White said.
As natural as White’s art might look now, finding her voice and style did not happen overnight. In fact, her career did not even begin as a painter. However, from the moment she picked up a brush, White knew she had found what had been missing from her life.
“It was like a domino effect. Suddenly, I’d found this way to express myself that felt so natural, like I’d discovered a language that was truly mine. It’s this universal language that brings people together,
even if they’re coming from completely different places in life,” she said. “I realized that the more I painted from a place of honesty, the more my unique voice started to come out. Experiences, personal growth, and even moments of struggle and mistakes all played a part in shaping my style. It’s still evolving, but now I embrace that—it keeps my work exciting.”
Not unlike wearing emotions on a sleeve, artists tend to keep them on their brushes. The intuitive style White has developed stems from her ability to express emotions and work through thoughts that words simply cannot capture. She lets go of expectations and allows the process to unfold naturally, a practice that has truly become transformative for the young painter.
“It’s not just about creating art; it’s about connecting with myself on a deeper level,” White said. “It’s taught me to trust my instincts, both on and off the canvas, and to embrace the unexpected. That sense of flow and freedom spills into every part of my life, helping me feel more balanced and present.”
The intangible lessons are the ones most profound in White’s journey as an artist. Connecting with herself and connecting with others is at the core of her process, and she believes it should be at the core of deciding what artwork to place in a home. While mass-produced art may be beautiful, it can lack that depth and connection. White says choosing original pieces can bring a sense of uniqueness and authenticity that truly make a home your own.
“To me, choosing original artwork is like inviting a piece of someone’s soul into your space. Every brushstroke, texture, and imperfection carries the artist’s story, and that makes the piece feel alive.”
“To me, choosing original artwork is like inviting a piece of someone’s soul into your space. Every brushstroke, texture, and imperfection carries the artist’s story, and that makes the piece feel alive. It becomes a conversation between you and the work, something that inspires and resonates with you every time you look at it,” she said.
White is hopeful her paintings will leave an impression on the visitors of Blue Gallery this March-- sparking conversations full of hope, healing and depth with others and within themselves.
“I hope my work reminds people that even when things feel disconnected or random, there’s often something deeper happening beneath the surface,” White said. “Life is messy
and unpredictable, but those moments of chaos can lead to something much bigger. I want people to reflect on the invisible connections in their own lives and find beauty in the in-between spaces where structure meets fluidity.”
White’s exhibition at the Blue Gallery will be open to the public until March 29, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, its doors will be open during First Friday until 7:00 p.m.
To purchase White’s pieces, visit designsupplyshop. co/collections/sarah-white
Follow White on social media to see more of her incredible artwork: @whitewoodcanvas
Toasting Togetherness!
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL AND MORTGAGE BELIEVES HOME OWNERSHIP IS POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
Spring is the start of the home-buying season in the real estate world. For many people who dream of home ownership or are looking to downsize or remodel, the mortgage loan process is, at best, annoying and, at worst, terrifying.
“OUR
PHILOSOPHY
will take care of itself. Our philosophy is to try to help everyone who walks through the door, regardless.”
Farmer has been in the mortgage business for 40 years. When he or any of his team meet with clients, they take the time to look over their
IS TO TRY TO HELP EVERYONE WHO WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR.”
The typical industry mentality for a home buyer is they need a 20-percent down payment and a credit score in the 700s or higher to qualify for a mortgage. However, the team at Heartland Financial and Mortgage thinks differently. With the motto of “Putting People First,” they are willing to help homebuyers in all circumstances become homeowners.
“Well, it really boils down to this: I think our industry can do better,” says Heartland President Dan Farmer. “Mortgage lenders, including banks and mortgage lenders, often have a corporate mentality where the dollar comes first. However, I believe that if you take care of your people—clients and team members—the mighty dollar
financial situation and help them set realistic expectations. That includes understanding how much house they can afford, the monthly payments, and if they need a down payment. Should a client have credit issues, they will help them work on that score and eventually enjoy home ownership.
Farmer notes, “We try to treat everybody the same, whether you’re buying a $200,000 or a $2 million home.”
One of the clients’ most significant questions is whether they should buy now or wait until interest rates come down. Farmer believes the rates will continue to come down as inflation comes down. However, there are drawbacks to waiting to buy, primarily due to a lack of housing inventory.
CONTINUED >
With fewer homes for sale, as the rates decrease, more people will be trying to buy a limited number of homes, causing an increase in housing prices.
He says, “The home you can buy right now for $350,000 in two years could be $400,000.”
“Or may not be available at all,” adds Sadie Spalding, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. “We can always refinance a loan six to twelve months out when rates do drop, and you already have the home you wanted instead of waiting to buy that home when everyone else is trying to buy it, too.”
Farmer is passionate about the idea that home ownership should always be a person’s first option, and the team’s job is to figure out how to make that happen.
He says, “When I wake up in the morning, what motivates me is thinking about who we can help today, whether that’s an employee, a client, or a realtor referral source. As I mentioned earlier, I believe that if you take this approach, the mighty dollar takes care of itself, rather than the other way around.”
Learn more about Heartland Financial and Mortgage at HFMKC.com.
ingredients:
French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie
Melt into a happy house-warming dinner for the entire family
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 Tbs. butter
• 3 Tbs. flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 Tbs. freshly chopped tarragon, extra sprigs for garnish
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 Tbs. freshly chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed and cut into rectangles
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper
bevcooks.com/
@bevcooks
directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots, carrots and celery; sauté until soft and brown in places. Season with a pinch of salt. Move veggies out and cover.
3. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once foaming, add the flour and whisk until smooth and golden brown. Add the white wine and chopped tarragon. Let it bubble while you whisk for 30 seconds. Season with a pinch of salt and gently pour in the chicken stock while whisking. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk for 30 seconds. Let it simmer over low heat for ten minutes. Add salt or pepper if needed.
4. After ten minutes, add vegetables, chicken, frozen peas and parsley. Stir until everything is covered in sauce.
5. Arrange the pastry shapes on top, overlapping in places. Brush the tops with the egg. Bake 30-40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and lightly puffed.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve with fresh tarragon.
7. Serves 4-6.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 5TH – 9TH
Heart of America and Leavenworth Kennel Club Shows
Hale Arena - American Royal Complex | 12:00 PM
Support your favorite breeds and experience the best dogs in show during the Purina Heart of America and Leavenworth Kennel Club Shows. Specialty dog shows will take place on Wednesday, March 5, while all-breed shows pick up on Thursday and continue through Sunday. For a full list of shows, visit heartofamericakennelclub.org/
MARCH 6TH
Sarah White - Artist Talk
Blue Gallery | 6:00 PM
Support one of Kansas City’s distinctive artists Sarah White during her first exhibition at Blue Gallery in the Crossroads. Her show entitled Invisible Strings is meant to illustrate how relationships and connections are woven through art. Join the gallery for an opening reception and artist talk on March 6, followed by First Friday on March 7 from 11:00am - 7:00p.m.
MARCH 11TH – 15TH
Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championships
T-Mobile Center | 12:00 PM
The T-Mobile Center is once again home to both the Men’s and Women’s Big 12 Basketball Championships. New this year is the All-Access Pass, a membership program for fans at the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship. It includes club and floor seating, premium hospitality spaces, all-inclusive food and more. Learn more and join the All-Access Pass waitlist at big12sports.com/
MARCH 15TH
Westport’s St. Patrick’s Day 4-mile Run
4116 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO | 10:00 AM
Burn some calories before raising your beer glasses by signing up to participate in Westport’s St. Patrick’s Day 4-mile Run! As one of Kansas City’s most festive street runs, this event ushers in the Irish spirit with the immense amounts of green and the sound of bagpipes cheering runners on. Registration is $46. Sign up online at runsignup.com.
MARCH 17TH
Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Midtown | 11:00 AM
Since 1973, the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a staple in the community. This year’s theme is Irish Wit & Wisdom and will honor individuals who uphold Irish heritage in Kansas City. The parade passes through Midtown, starting at Linwood and Broadway and proceeding south along Broadway to 43rd Street. Read more about its history at kcirishparade.com/
MARCH 18TH – 19TH
Ben Folds with the Kansas City Symphony
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | 7:00 PM
For two nights, Emmy-nominated composer, singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds will be performing favorites from his widely acclaimed body of work alongside the Kansas City Symphony. His genre-blending music gained tremendous popularity in early 2000s and his latest album soared to the top of both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. Purchase your tickets online at tickets.kcsymphony.org
Luxury Homeownership, Simplified
