Issuu

FEELING GOOD

THIS ISN’T APPLES WE’VE REDESIGNED

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Add Sparkle to Your New Year!

Love where you live by creating spaces that invite you home and deliver a deep sense of calm and comfort.

And as your new year unfolds, refresh your favorite retreats for the warmth and excitement of what’s to come.

At your local, family-owned, Seville Home Fine Furniture and Design, our expansive collection of unique, in-stock creations from America’s finest makers is available for your immediate consideration.

Plus, if completely custom is your desire, we are here to help. For every room and every style, Seville Home is your trusted, Kansas City partner in fine home furnishings.

“Seville Home makes luxury personal, approachable, lasting, and deeply connected to how Kansas Citians live.”

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NEW LUXURY

Creators of Living Art

From Dirt to Diamonds

“When I was first sent photos of this pool—recently unearthed after 50 years on a floodplain in the heart of Leawood—I truly believed I was being punked. Once I met the owners and realized their desire to breathe life back into this pool, and create an oasis with an old world vibe of Frank Lloyd Wright, I was all in. At the end of the day, it’s all about the dreams of others and just making it happen: My vision of the Versace Highway. Cutting diamonds.”

obert Bledsoe

Katy Sullivan, Designer

Sure, we have beautiful granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite! But that’s not what makes Rocktops awesome. Our people do. Good, talented, honest people who genuinely love making Kansas City countertops look amazing. In addition to our remarkable products and dedicated team, we are proud to announce that we are now serving the Kansas City metro area with both our Olathe and Lee’s Summit showrooms. Further enhancing our commitment to bringing exceptional countertops to this vibrant community. Come say hi!

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1140 S. Enterprise St. Olathe, KS. 66061

913.782.0802

2890 NE Independence Ave. Lee’s Summit, MO. 64064

816.272.0526

OVER 50 YEARS OF BEAUTY, VALUE AND INTEGRITY

BUILDING A LEGACY

Your dream home should be as unique as you are. We only build custom homes tailored to your specific needs and desires. From homesite selection through the design phase to the final touches, we are committed to providing exceptional service and quality craftsmanship. Visit our website to browse floor plans, explore photo galleries, and view our available building sites.

GET THE LOOK

Form

78 Shop Local

A Northland lifestyle store invites shoppers to nd tactile joy in decor that’s anything but ordinary; alluring and unforge able scents made by two KC perfumeries linger in the senses.

90 Live + Stay + Play

Beating the winter blahs with pop-up feasts for the palate from Savor & Swirl; making a ritual of pause for the soul in the West Bo oms’ Klā Sanctuary; the soothing sounds of water fountains—at home and around town.

112 Community Culture

KC creatives show their hearts with beautiful housing for those in need.

122

Creative Type

Women of the design-build community share successes; Amie Jacobsen makes steel bloom under her impressive talent for welding; jewelrymaker Shannon Jones shows that her eye for design extends from ne wearables to interiors.

150 Design Detail

Creative cra smanship at an art gallerist’s home.

161

Past Perfect

Blending architectural authenticity with contemporary comfort, a turn-of-the-century home is reborn through design that bridges eras.

236 A Pavilion with Presence

A bold architectural addition to a stately Ward Parkway

Georgian rede nes backyard elegance with stability, beauty, and livability.

242 Coming Full Circle

The past is happily prologue for one busy professional who moved her active young family into the lovely Old Leawood home she had previously owned.

250 California Modern, Midwest Roots

At Shoal Creek Valley, Freeman Custom Homes rede nes what Midwestern minimalism can look like far from the coasts.

258 Layered Living

Inspired by Texas Hill Country style, B.L. Rieke’s latest model home showcases a livable work of art.

268 Crafting the Modern Classic

Heritage home builder Edward Franklin steps out of the city into the suburbs, nodding to the past while emphasizing best ways to live in the present.

THE WINTER ISSUE 2026

278 The Story of Home

From London to Leawood, a young family begins a new chapter on Lee Boulevard.

170 Kitchen + Bath

A mid-renovation decision changes a project for the be er; a teensy Drummond makeover leans into midcentury whimsy.

187 The Well-Lived Life

Designers explore the spa bath as self-care.

196 Rooms We Love: Lower Levels

A Pla e City family out ts their walkout level as a Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat; a ve-point, multi-zone makeover dramatically expands the use of a family home; empty-nesters design the ultimate lure to bring the kids back home; a Liberty showman unleashes ‘Green Lady Lounge’ vibes in his twostory basement.

226 Outdoor Lifestyles

A cozy, covered outdoor living area becomes a stepping stone to a future indoor kitchen renovation; a Ward Parkway home’s formal roots nd a relaxed spirit in a backyard renovation.

292 Resources

296 Advertisers

302 Sanctuary

A call to action to help nish the HALO Girls Home.

Where innovation meets personal style

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Home, Well and Whole

As the pace of life slows and the days grow shorter, our homes take on a deeper signi cance. In this issue, we explore the intersection of design and wellness, and how the spaces we create can nurture all ve senses.

Wellness at home isn’t only about a yoga room or a quiet corner—it’s about atmosphere. The way light lters through a window, the textures under our ngertips, the gentle hum or hush of a space. Touch, taste, sight, smell, and feel are powerful in their own and together can transport us through time, stirring memory and emotion. It’s a beautiful reminder that the smallest details o en hold the biggest meaning.

We also look ahead to what’s new in home construction and design trends for 2026. From coastal aesthetics to hidden rooms, builders and designers are ge ing creative. The focus isn’t on more—it’s on be er. Thoughtful cra smanship, natural materials, and intentional design are leading the way, creating homes that feel grounded yet forward-thinking and always personal.

And since winter o en nds us spending more time indoors, we venture downstairs, where homeowners take di erent tacks on design, from fun kids’ spaces to sultry wine rooms to boutique bar vibes to wellness retreats. These once blank canvases have been reimagined as bright, functional extensions of the home. No longer merely storage areas, these spaces o er exciting possibilities for connection and comfort.

Throughout this issue, you’ll nd homes that not only look beautiful but feel beautiful—places

where design and well-being meet. You’ll see how homeowners and professionals alike are nding harmony between style and sensibility, proving that luxury and livability aren’t opposites— they’re partners.

As you se le into the season, I hope this issue inspires you to see your own space through a sensory lens. Light a candle that reminds you of a cherished place. Rearrange a corner to catch the morning sun. Add so ness underfoot or a touch of green to breathe life into winter’s pale e. Because when home feels good, everything else follows.

Harvesting hard-earned produce from our garden. Photo by Andrew White.

An Ashner Development from the $600s

The Ashner Family is proud to present our newest community The Ashner Family is proud to present our newest community

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

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ON THE COVER: Outdoor living and Hill Country style at this available spec home by B.L. Rieke Custom Homes. Photo by Josie Beneﬁeld.

John Geer Custom Homes

Our Favorite Things owners Nickole StarkGlover and Shannon Stumpenhaus have been real estate agents and design professionals in the area for years. However, it was only in the last several years that they decided to open a retail store to bring their design ideas to more customers.

With several di erently-styled rooms, their store o ers a blend of traditional items that you can't nd anywhere else, along with unique colors and styles.

Stark-Glover and Stumpenhaus described the store as a “one-stop shop” where customers can request design consultations, choose custom decor and furniture, and shop for gi s of any price range.

With the Midwest sometimes a latecomer to trends, they hope to provide Kansas City residents with a place to nd bolder and braver statement pieces where they otherwise couldn’t, Stumpenhaus says.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

From custom furniture to fearless color, this Northland lifestyle store invites shoppers to nd joy in decor that’s anything but ordinary.

WORDS

Sara Maloney

PHOTOS

Brynn

Burns @bbphotography11

Owners Nickole Stark-Glover and Shannon Stumpenhaus are real estate agents and designers who decided to venture into a retail space a few years ago. Clearly, they have a talent for styling pretty things.

Our Favorite Things, a decor and gift shop in Parkville, has items for all kinds of design tastes and all seasons.

Homeowners who feel overwhelmed by the idea of choosing wallpaper or new furniture can nd assistance at the store.

Sometimes spaces don’t feel like home because they aren’t full of the things that you love and that make you happy, Stark-Glover says.

“It's so funny how making your house your home, by what you put in it and the things you utilize, can make such a di erence in your day-today,” she says. “And, you know, I always feel like life’s too short not to be happy and enjoy every moment of it. And that’s what we want to do.”

Design trends now focus more on colorful, unique looks rather than cookie-cu er beige walls, she notes.

The shop features diﬀerent rooms that serve as vignettes

6300 N. Lucerne Ave. Kansas City, MO (Village at Burlington Creek) ourfavoritethingskc.com @ourfavoritethingskc

The store encompasses di erent styles because, as designers, it’s hard for them to pick one favorite. It also shows that your space doesn’t have to be just one thing—it can be a culmination of many di erent elements that bring you happiness.

Mixing it together sometimes can just be more personal, and then that’s somebody’s style Stumpenhaus says.

The shop owners happen to love the trending eclectic, colorful designs over cookie-cutter styles, ﬁlling the shop with personality.

The shop’s wide variety of objects cover the style spectrum from playful to sophisticated.

of unique styles.

LINGERING NOTES

In the hands of Kansas City’s scent makers, perfume becomes a portal—each whi a whisper of nostalgia, beauty, and the art of being unforge able.

All of our senses ma er, but smell is perhaps one of the most mysterious. It protects us—warning of gas before a spark, or food gone bad. But it also elevates us, instantly shi ing mood, memory, and emotion. A single whi can transport us through time, unlocking moments we thought were long forgo en.

The Memory Maker

Scent is eeting, ephemeral, yet incredibly powerful. Perfumers call its layers ‘notes’— deliberate compositions that can de ne an era, a mood, even a life.

Coco Chanel’s legendary No. 5—still the world’s most iconic fragrance—is proof of that power. But even Chanel herself couldn’t fully explain the magic behind its creation. Perfume lives in a space between science and art,

WORDS

Gloria Gale @gloriagaleartist

PHOTOS

Jill McKeever

Jill McKeever (second from left), owner of For Strange Women, knows a team is essential when there’s more than just mixing and sniﬃng. Perfume must be a perfect ﬁt. This all-female crew wants you to be daring, not to mention, entranced by the unusual.

Inspiration procured from natural elements saturates For Strange Women’s palette. Believing deeply in the essence of nature’s botanicals, this company assures that the perfumes match the client’s mood, with clean, raw product. If Winter Kitty isn’t your preference, perhaps Ghost Town or Salt Mine will be better suited.

trovehomes.com •

Below: Scents come packaged in a variety of ways: solids, essential oils, tinctures, amulets, incense, and candles. Each individual wears a scent diﬀerently. This is why time spent analyzing seasons, mood, destinations, and botanicals from the earth is vital for a match.

where formulas are guided as much by intuition as chemistry. It takes a master ‘nose’—an expert trained in the cra —to create something unforge able.

Two such creators are Jill McKeever, founder of For Strange Women, and Emily Voth, the force behind The House of Cade Black. Between them, they’ve built reputations on mystery, artistry, and a devotion to natural beauty.

For McKeever, the image that launched her brand was as enigmatic as her perfumes: a woman draped across a Victorian sofa. What started as a personal experiment turned into a thriving perfumery.

Seventeen years later, For Strange Women is run by a small, all-female team devoted to every step of the process, from blending to shipping.

Her customers, she says, are as discerning as her fragrances: “They’re well-versed in sophistication and nd that resins and plant extracts are satisfying to the senses. Our physiology has evolved to understand the messages in these properties, and my customers respond to this emotional language.”

With names like Winter Ki y, Persian Love Cake, and Night Sky, perfumes aren’t just scents—they’re stories waiting to be worn.

When the showroom is open, you can experience the perfume ﬁrsthand. Each person’s choice comes from a deep reserve of nostalgia. The experiential process of making an elixir is trial and error.

Entranced by something intangible is exactly how Voth wants you to experience her signature scent. Culled from the bark of a coniferous tree, this is a scent steeped in mystery through the aromatics of botanicals.

Design Inspiration

at Rensen House of Lights

Mid-Century

Dark Seduction

Meanwhile, on Southwest Boulevard, Emily Voth has cra ed a di erent kind of olfactory story. Known for her Zum creations with Indigo Wild, she’s now channeling her artistry into her own perfumery The House of Cade Black.

Working mostly alone—save for two parttime helpers she a ectionately calls ‘gems’— Voth creates scents that are dark, velvety, and magnetic. Her Cade Black 10 scent was distilled from the bark of a Mediterranean tree.

“The sap smells like re: smoky and hypnotic,” she says. The fragrance went on to win a prestigious award from the International Fragrance Board as best new luxury scent of 2024.

Voth’s pale e is a heady mix of spices, woods, mosses, and resins. Thus, every blending is natural, pure and boasts a bold essence. Expanding beyond perfume, the Cade Black scent is also in soap, incense, and candles. Her newest release, Willin’, is a scent that she describes as “a natural resinous glow for all who indulge.”

There’s more than perfume at this atelier. Voth is re-purposing her storefront oﬀ Southwest Boulevard with a dedicated team who is transforming the space into a luxurious haunt. There’s product from soap to candles, incense to room spray.

A World Beyond the Noise

Together, McKeever and Voth remind us that scent isn’t just something we wear—it’s something we experience. Whether wild, sultry, or ethereal, their creations o er a way to step outside the noise of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the invisible, unforge able language of fragrance.

Here’s to the power of scent.

For Strange Women

115 W. 18th St., Ste. 107 Kansas City, MO forstrangewomen.com; @forstrangewomen

House of Cade Black 2125 Washington Kansas City, MO houseofcadeblack.com; @thehouseofcadeblack

See Cade Black’s new showroom here.

Dark, sexy, and luscious are the essences behind Voth’s small-batch botanicals. Her creations are derived from her personal landscape. “This scent is a personal indulgence with invisible allure,” she says. The bottle, too, can be the object of desire and art—noted French designer Pierre Dinand brought his artistry to craft the product.

Beating the Winter Blahs

WORDS

Sarah MacFarland

PHOTOS

Amy Free @amynoonfree

With Savor & Swirl, cozy up to chef-driven pop-up feasts, unexpected venues, and the simple joy of gathering around a great meal.

Baby, it’s cold outside and the winter doldrums are se ing in with a mix of brrrr and ho-hum.

Wouldn’t it be great to savor a pop-up feast at a secret location where you can swirl ne wines in the glass and make new friends? That’s the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Kyle and Hannah Williams, who started Savor & Swirl in 2019. Kyle is a chef who has honed his culinary skills at Michelin-starred Relais & Châteaux restaurants in Hawaii and the Amal Coast, working under super-star chefs Todd English and Daniel Boulud, and wowing party guests of Rihanna and Alicia Keys, among others. Hannah is all about creating ve-star ambience, from table se ings to printed menus, music, candlelight, and linens.

Chef Kyle Williams puts the ﬁnishing touches on each dish.

Savor & Swirl pop-up dinners feature great wines and stellar food at unusual venues, like this event last fall at Silo Hills Farm in Belton, Mo.

The pair grew up in Kansas City, traveled and worked in amazing places, but wanted to come home when they were expecting their second child. “On a ight back from Napa, we wrote out what we wanted this business to be on a cocktail napkin,” Hannah recalls.

“We are big believers in the magic that happens when people are gathered around the table to enjoy wonderful food and wine,” she says. “You can relax, kick back, and enjoy the evening, let the worries of everyday life dissipate.”

Just imagine a long table set in a rustic lodge or a barn. A roaring re. A ne Burgundy in your glass. And the aromas of a multi-course Hunter’s Dinner or perhaps a soul-warming hand-rolled pasta with duck con t, pâté en croûte, boeuf bourguignon, and winter greens.

“Whatever the se ing, we want our popup guests to feel welcome and to leave with a memory of a wonderful time—and perhaps new friends,” Hannah says.

Even the desserts are plated to perfection—as beautiful as they are delicious.

Kyle and Hannah Williams nurture relationships with notable wineries, from grape to glass.

Dinner in a horse barn? Why not? It’ll be a night you will never forget.

Photos on this page Janie Jones @uncommon.jane

Sign up for their email list to get info on their next pop-up event or contact them to create your own feast. savorandswirl.com; @savorandswirl

Savor & Swirl o ers these pop-up events throughout the year, featuring seasonal foods and great wines in se ings that make it all even more special. They also do custom private and corporate events, whether at your home or another venue. Soon, they will be o ering special food and wine travel experiences to Napa and Tuscany.

Partnering with Perchance Estates during their Winemakers Series last November, the wine ﬂowed all night.

Where else would you witness a tableside ﬂambée?

Pop-up style dinner events mean you can meet new best friends dining at your same table.

Winter dishes focus on seasonal foods with the ﬂavor of the hearth.

photos by Craig Keene Photography

RITUAL OF PAUSE

An unexpected oasis of calm emerges in Kansas City’s West Bo oms, transforming a district once de ned by industry into a sanctuary of serenity.

WORDS Gloria Gale

@gloriagaleartist

PHOTOS Michael Robinson

@mrobinsonphoto

ARCHITECT

DRAW Architecture + Urban Design @drawarchitecture

CONTRACTOR Cardinal Crest @cardinalcrestkc

Klā Sanctuary is the embodiment of a soothing retreat. There’s good reason: Architecturally, the presence of rounded portals mimics the body’s aﬃnity towards psychological calm. DRAW Architecture + Urban Design was able to craft the interiors of Klā minimizing sharp edges while keeping the integrity of the building’s historic, classical design. Utilizing the natural appeal of arches is a connection to antiquity meant to slow and soften the way.

The spa’s architects and owners embraced the idea of ‘ﬂow’ utilizing softer transitions from one space to the next. One of many areas embracing this element features an architectural semi-wall echoing the design element of the treatment pool it surrounds.

Slowing down is a rarity in our society since an intentional pause feels counterintuitive. Yet, the Greeks and Romans rst introduced the idea of taking time for spiritual renewal through public bathing millennia ago. The O omans expanded this concept by building hammams, which served as ceremonial bathing and social meeting places. These bathhouses still exist across the Middle East.

Today, what Westerners refer to as the Turkish bath continues to evolve. From the 27,000 hot springs that de ne Japan’s onsen, to Finland’s saunas and plunges, cultures around the globe embrace the healing power of water and heat.

Slipping into Stillness

Kansas City now joins this global tradition with the opening of Klā Sanctuary (pronounced “Clay”)—a wellness destination for those seeking sensory indulgence and an intentional dive into self-care.

Founded by co-owners Ma hew Matsch and Kathryn McCormick, the project’s vision propelled it as a collaboration for mindful indulgence.

“Both of us are entrepreneurs and wanted to invest in a project that supported a healthy lifestyle with rituals of intention. We dreamed of a place, in this case, a bathhouse that would allow people to honor their own space—communally or alone,” McCormick says. Matsch adds, “Our vision was a cultural sanctuary welcoming the community.”

This historic building had innate features that the partners wanted to respect and re-purpose. “Why cover vintage wood and brick elements inherent in this 4,000-square-foot space when we could use these to advantage in the overall design?” McCormick asks.

Breathe In

Initially, the couple scouted locations in Weston but ultimately chose a more urban location when their architect, Dominique Davison, invited them to consider the building she was buying and developing with husband Robert Riccardi in the West Bo oms.

McCormick recalls: “The rst oor was beautiful, revealing exposed wooden columns. We realized we wanted to keep the integrity of the building right from the start. It was lled with vintage charm—exposed beams, original windows, and weathered brick. This was the perfect place to house our project.”

Matsch and McCormick collaborated with Greg Goss, principal with DRAW Architects + Urban Design, as the designer for the venture.

“Together, we sought to preserve the building’s architectural soul,” Goss explains. “By carefully

incorporating these original elements that de ne the space, authenticity was preserved.”

A er a year of construction, Klā opened its doors last July.

Engaging the Senses

Inside, guests are invited to immerse themselves in an experience designed to awaken the right brain.

Abbigale Porter, Klā’s spa director, describes the o erings as a sensory indulgence. “We don’t realize how important it is to utilize our senses, particularly touch,” she says.

Four di erent pools, including thermal and warm soaking baths, mineral and cold baths, all

Nothing within Klā disturbs the zen. Even in the powder room, simple furnishings welcome the opportunity to freshen up. Once again, the use of wood ﬂooring complements—instead of intrudes—on the modern design.

Original brick walls were painted a neutral hue to blend seamlessly into the master design. Complementing all, quiet shades of watery blue glass tile that ﬂank a quiet niche. This area promotes rest before moving along to the next treatment option.

feature salt water immersion.

Guests can choose from various treatments, including a hot stone massage, therapeutic steam room, salt exfoliation, and infrared sauna. The spa menu features 60-150 minute treatments starting at $105.

Porter is following the lead of Matsch and McCormick, who have unabashedly fallen in love with the ritual of pause.

“We’re in the business of bringing a menu of self-care to the local community while making the experience a ordable and indulgent,” Matsch says.

McCormick continues, “We want a healthy,

open interaction between guests and our team. The happier our team, who, by the way, we pay a thriving wage among other perks, the more it transfers to our overall practices.”

Beyond the spa, everyone, including the public, is invited to unwind at Selah, a lounge for replenishment, conversation, and re ection. Anyone who dips a toe into this aromatic atmosphere will discover that Klā is more than a spa, it’s a welcome pause of quiet care—all good for the soul.

1400 W. 13th St. Kansas City, MO klasanctuary.com; @klasanctuary

Klā

Left and above: Refreshments in the Selah lounge come in the form of camaraderie and small bites. Selah, a Hebrew word for sacred pause, oﬀers a moment to spend when gathering before or after the spa. “It’s a place to connect with others or just reﬂect and recharge. We purposely encourage the public to experience Selah with no rush,” Matsch says.

The essence of calm merges with few barriers—smooth, natural surfaces in a neutral palette provide continuity with uncluttered sightlines. Even though the spa is unisex, a sense of privacy is maintained throughout. The spa features a private changing area and lockers. Bathing suits are required.

Where the Water Flows

In the City of Fountains, Kansas Citians are drawn to a de ning design element: the sound and sight of owing water.

WORDS

Katy Schamberger

@katywrites

PHOTOS

Real Estate

Marketing KC

@realestatemarketingkc

FOUNTAIN DESIGNER

Good Earth Water Gardens

@goodearthwatergardens

Today, fountains are symbols of beauty, a uence, and peace—popular spots for coveted photo opportunities or an inviting place for relaxation accompanied by the so sounds of splashing water.

In earlier centuries—including in Kansas City— fountains ourished for a more practical use: to make water accessible to people and horses preplumbing. (Fun fact: the metro area’s Intercity Horse

The team at Good Earth Water Gardens brought more than 50 tons of boulders to this Platte City home to create a picturesque backyard retreat complete with multiple waterfalls and fountains.

Trough Fountain, said to be one of the city’s rst fountains, is on display at the Wyando e County Historical Museum in Bonner Springs.)

If you’ve spent any length of time in Kansas City, you’ve likely heard reference to the city’s extensive array of fountains—more than 150, second only to Rome. In the 1990s, Kansas City adopted the moniker, “City of Fountains,” as part of a citywide renewal initiative, wrote Amahia Mallea in A River in the City of Fountains: An Environmental History of Kansas City and the Missouri River

One can only imagine how high the number of Kansas City-area fountains would climb if it factored in private residential fountains. For example, Doug and Angela Saus’ picturesque backyard oasis in Pla e City would add two fountains to that count, plus a waterfall that trickles gently over locally sourced boulders.

The water features are part of an idyllic swimming pool enveloped by rocks, boulders, and lush landscaping that you’d expect at a luxury resort. That’s where Good Earth Water Gardens comes in. The landscape design company, owned by brothers Dan and Kevin Stanza, specializes in creating and building low-maintenance water features that immediately alter not only the look of an outdoor space, but also the feeling of and experiences within that space.

“The most traveled destinations on Earth are typically around water,” Dan says. “Having a water feature of any sort will bring you outside more and give you so much more enjoyment than if you only focus on landscaping or features like a re pit.”

The Sauses originally envisioned a berglass pool in their Northland back yard. They quickly realized that they wanted something with a more natural look, so their landscape designer connected both the homeowners and the pool builder with Good Earth Water Gardens. Once Doug and Angela started exploring the company’s portfolio, they realized their preference for a more natural concept could be achieved.

Collaboration ensued, but Dan says that Doug took the prize for the most involved.

“He learned a 3D CAD program and created the best, most accurate design that showed how water would ow over the rocks,” Dan says with a laugh. “We all agreed that he captured the essence of the project.”

Approximately 50 tons of boulders were brought to the site as the water features took shape around the already-completed pool shell. Dan and his team took into account the

backyard terrain and opted for a full-length design to o er di ering views depending on where someone is si ing.

“We decided on multiple waterfalls: a main grand waterfall in the middle, then two cascading waterfall tributaries on each side,” Dan says.

Every project starts with a plan, but Dan explains that it’s equally important to let the natural materials guide in-the-moment creativity.

“We always say that you have to let the rocks talk to you a li le bit,” he says. “That’s where you use your artistic abilities to make it all t and work together.”

And for the Sauses? That’s exactly what happened, and the resulting masterpiece impresses every time.

“It stuns people when they come around the side of the house—you don’t know it’s here, and all of a sudden you’ve got this oasis,” Doug says.

Homeowners Doug and Angela Saus created their backyard oasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, envisioning a natural sanctuary that made spending additional time at home something to anticipate and savor. Who needs a getaway when you already live in paradise?

Tour de Fountains

Looking for inspiration for your own athome water feature or curious about Kansas City’s fountain-focused history? Consider these resources for learning and sightseeing.

The Gi of Good Design

WORDS Ma Smithmier

@ma smithmier

PHOTOS Brynn Burns

@bbphotography11

KC creatives give back in big ways.

Wintertime, the holiday season, extra time with friends and family— it’s easy to be in a giving spirit this time of year, and as Americans, our charitable giving habits prove it.

Yet, here in the Kansas City metro, our charity and philanthropy have never been con ned to a single season.

“We really feel like Kansas City punches above its weight philanthropically—and it has for a long time.”

As vice president of communications for the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Leanne Breiby knows a thing or two about philanthropy. With nearly $7 billion in total assets, the foundation is the third-largest such organization in the country. Through the foundation, donors used charitable funds to grant more than $1.2 billion to causes in 2023 alone.

AmeriCorps research also highlights our generosity, with Missouri and Kansas both either meeting or exceeding the national rates of charitable giving and formal volunteering. In 2023, volunteers from both states combined to contribute 147 million hours of volunteer time, making a $4.5 billion impact on the economy.

Kansas City’s local design community is also doing its part, with donations of their time and talents making a di erence for local nonpro ts.

Elevating shelter through interior design

Julie Arnold began volunteering with The HALO Foundation more than 10 years ago, even bringing her kids along for the experience. As the founder of Place Interiors, Arnold has a background in interiors, product design, and art and found herself inspired by the organization’s mission of serving at-risk and homeless youth.

A er building housing programs around the world for kids in need, HALO was able to devote more resources to a new multi-phase development in its hometown with the 2025 opening of the Kansas City Girls and Boys Homes and adjoining Learning Center on 37 acres near the Truman Sports Complex. The new facility is all about “raising the dignity level of a shelter for homeless youth,” says Nicole Gerken, HALO’s chief operating o cer. As a long-time volunteer, Arnold once again stepped up to help, this time donating 100% of her interior design services for the new buildings.

“The intention was to elevate the design and not invoke an institutional feel, but rather to create a welcoming and enriching home environment for these youth to feel all the comforts of a home—a place to gather, feel loved, learn to cook, and have family meals together,” she adds.

And that kind of intentional design does more than just pre y up the space.

“It helps them to know they’re appreciated and that care was taken in designing a space they’ll be using,” she says. “I think emotionally

The new HALO facility also includes a Learning Center for collaboration and group projects, including this art room for art therapy workshops.

The HALO Makers program leads youth like Antayia in the production of serving trays made from reclaimed wood. The activity teaches

skills and oﬀers

beneﬁts, as well as raises money for a scholarship fund. Photo by Pilsen Photo Co-op

that de nitely plays a role in grounding them and helping them to take down those barriers, helping them feel loved and heal from everything they’ve been through in their lives.”

Arnold also plays a role in the day-to-day activities of the organization as well, rst with her involvement in the art therapy workshops, and lately through her supervision of the HALO Makers program. Arnold, along with HALO sta , leads HALO youth in the production of serving trays made from reclaimed wood, which not only teaches life skills and o ers therapeutic bene ts but also raises money for a scholarship fund. She says she feels passionate about both HALO’s mission but also her obligation as a member of the design community to give something back.

“Volunteering fosters a human connection to local organizations, and it’s been signi cantly rewarding to o er my time, talent, and treasure to local nonpro ts,” she notes. “Your volunteer e orts don’t have to always be design-related either; pick a nonpro t that aligns with your favorite hobby.”

The invaluable bene ts of Arnold’s work have certainly been felt by HALO’s leaders and sta .

“I cannot even imagine this space without her guidance,” Gerken says. “She’s just got an eye for things. There’s a reason why we have designers in the world.”

Find your giving place

Want to give back but not sure where to start? Try one of these online tools to explore nonpro ts that match your passions and interests:

• Charity Navigator – charitynavigator.org

• GuideStar – guidestar.org

Want to check out some reviews and analytics of a certain charity before you make a donation?

• Charity Watch – charitywatch.org

You can also dig deeper into the local nonpro t scene with some KC-based resources:

• Greater Kansas City Community Foundation –growyourgiving.org/nonpro ts/nonpro t-search

• United Way of Greater Kansas City –unitedwaygkc.org/community-partners-directory

• Nonpro t Connect – npconnect.org

From heartbreak to home: KC trades unite

In 2019, Erin Langhofer was working as a social worker at Rose Brooks Center, the Kansas City-based domestic violence agency, when the 25-year-old was struck and killed by a stray bullet at a First Friday event in the Crossroads Arts District.

The Do Good for Erin Foundation was formed a er her death, and three years later, the Erin’s House project began as a way to provide stability and safety for women and children who needed it the most—serving the very people to whom Langhofer had dedicated her career.

Alex Roach, co-owner of Overland Parkbased Martanne Construction, had worked with

An intimate study lounge in the HALO Boys Home provides a quiet place to work. Wallpaper donated by Elworthy Studio.

Arnold used an accent band of color to add interest and ground the furnishing in a boys' bedroom at the new HALO facility.

Featured nonpro ts and contributors

HALO Foundation 6101 East 52nd Terrace Kansas City, MO 64129 halo@haloworldwide.org haloworldwide.org

Do Good for Erin 13153 Grandview St. Overland Park, KS 66213 dogoodforerin@gmail.com dogoodforerin.com

Place Interiors

@place_interiors

Martanne Construction @martanne_construction

Langhofer’s mother and was close to the family. She felt compelled to do something.

“For us, Erin’s House was about more than construction,” she says. “It was about honoring Erin’s life and continuing her mission of care and hope.”

Martanne donated labor, materials, and money—and also pulled together more than 200 community partners to donate their time, supplies, and talents—to renovate and design a home that can now house up to six women and their children who may be recovering from substance abuse or domestic violence.

“Supporting this project was an opportunity for Martanne to use our cra in a way that truly ma ers, ensuring Erin’s legacy continues through a home where brighter futures can take root,” Roach says. “That collective generosity is what made this project so powerful.”

The project showed her that the charitable spirit and sense of community she witnessed are simply baked into our city and the local industry.

“Kansas City has always been known for its pride and spirit of collaboration,” she says. “When builders, designers, and trades come together for a cause, it shows that our work is about

more than business. … By reinvesting our time and talents into the community, we strengthen the neighborhoods that sustain us and support those in need—just as Erin dedicated her life to doing.”

Turn to page 302 to see how you can help HALO nish their home.

The Boys Home, designed by Clockwork Architecture + Design, and built by Harmon Construction.

Martanne Construction donated labor, materials, and money to lead the construction eﬀorts of the Erin’s House project, built to house women and children recovering from substance abuse or domestic violence.

WORDS Jen Moore @misses.moore

Women Who Build

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we speak to some of the visionaries shaping Kansas City’s design future.

In high school, few of us females saw builder or architect listed on the career-day poster as real options for us. Maybe teacher, nurse, accountant—but rarely contractor or designer of record.

That’s changing: Across Kansas City, women are not only entering the design–build industry, they’re running it.

From concept to construction, women now lead ﬁrms, manage multi-million-dollar projects,

and redeﬁne craftsmanship through empathy, collaboration, and curiosity. We make up nearly 11% of the construction workforce and 27% of licensed architects, a record high. Among new architects, almost 43% are women—proof that the pipeline is ﬁnally widening. But numbers tell only part of the story. The rest is written in the determination, mentorship, and creative energy of women who are building, designing, and leading right here in Kansas City.

Christina Franklin and her team lean in at the Kansas City Current Stadium—the ﬁrst professional women’s stadium, where Franklin oversaw the interior design and experience of the facility. Pictured: Kaitlyn Mahnken, Lead Interior Designer; Alison Gordon, Project Manager, Interiors; Christina Franklin, Director of Interior Design + Partner; Megan Russell, Interior Architectural Associate.

Seven Ways to Supercharge Your Creative Career

From women leading the design–build industry

1

ELEVATE THE CLIENT.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there’s no such thing as a stupid one. In the interconnected world of design and construction, every question expands your design knowledge. The more you learn, the more creative, innovative, and impactful your designs will be.”

Tara Davis, Chief Executive and Creative O cer, Cicada Co.

The Builder’s Mindset

Chris Ragland | Homes by Chris

For more than twenty years, Chris Ragland and her husband, Roy, have built some of the Northland’s most recognized homes through their company, Homes by Chris. She holds an economics degree from the University of Missouri, an MBA from Rockhurst, and spent two decades in corporate project management before joining Roy in the building business.

“I came from a corporate world where everything was about timelines, budgets, and keeping teams aligned,” she says. “Those skills translate perfectly to homebuilding—every house is its own project plan.”

Chris manages the business side while Roy oversees construction, a balance that’s helped the company thrive. “There’s just always so much going on,” she says. “Kids, clients, projects—it’s nonstop. You learn to keep things moving and not get stuck on the small stu .” That calm practicality de nes her leadership. “At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of people,” she says. “If we can do that well, everything else falls into place.”

LEAD THE WAY FOR OTHERS.

“When I started a ending the International Builders Show about 10 years ago, I was one of just a few women a ending the education classes. There has been a signi cant increase in women since then, which in itself is exciting. What excites me the most, though, is knowing that all of the young girls in school will see it as a career choice and be welcomed into the eld in all aspects.”

Sarah St. Peter, Founder PCDI Homes

St. Peter’s home was featured as part of the 2022 Artisan Home Tour and featured in the Summer 2023 issue. Photo by Matthew Anderson.

Photo by Paul Versluis.

Photo by Michelle Haskell

Photo by Julia Smith, KC Home Builders Association

Building with Belief Angie Beerup | Elevate Design + Build

Angie Beerup spent more than a decade in the medical eld before discovering her true calling in homebuilding. In 2017, she founded Elevate Design + Build, bringing an operational mindset and a heart for people to an industry she quickly fell in love with.

Her company has since grown from its Jackson County roots into neighboring Johnson County, Kansas—an expansion that re ects both ambition and care. “I love the process,” she says. “Watching families step into their nished homes never gets old.”

Beerup’s leadership blends business acumen with compassion, a combination she believes the industry needs more of. “We can build smarter and lead be er when we care about the people behind every decision,” she says.

LEAD WITH PURPOSE + PROFESSIONALISM.

“Earn your credibility through excellence, education, and perseverance.”

Robyn Schmitz, Owner/CEO, High Prairie Outdoors + Pools

Leading with Purpose

Robyn Schmitz | High Prairie Outdoors & Pools

For Robyn Schmitz, entrepreneurship started with a Jeep, a trailer, and a shovel. Today, her company, High Prairie Outdoors & Pools, is a local go-to for luxury outdoor living. A published author and educator, she’s passionate about sharing knowledge with others in the industry.

“My job is to elevate the standard,” she says. “That means showing what excellence looks like—and helping others rise to it.”

Schmitz teaches both students and professionals, blending horticultural science with artistry. Her story proves that cra smanship, leadership, and education can all be acts of generosity.

Photo by Nostalgia Photography

Photo by Jack Jostes

Pictured: Life Collection –Petrol Glossy and Petrol Glossy 3D Slide

Grace Under Pressure

Lauren Browne | Grace & Nell Homes

Lauren Browne is a third-generation homebuilder and the founder of Grace & Nell Homes, a company she started to make the building process more transparent and personal. Before launching her rm, she served as Chief Operating O cer for one of Kansas City’s largest homebuilders, overseeing multiple communities and large-scale operations.

“I started my company to give people something I didn’t see enough of—honesty and grace in the building process,” she says. “Whether it’s a remodel or a new build, it should feel human. The goal is to create homes that feel like they were always meant to be.”

Her background in healthcare IT and corporate leadership taught her to manage complexity, but it’s her people- rst approach that de nes her work.

“It’s about relationships,” she says. “If you can communicate clearly, stay calm, and keep your word, everything else follows.”

FORGE YOUR OWN PATH…AND KEEP GOING.

“Persistence pays o . You don’t have to ght every ba le head-on to earn respect—just keep doing great work.”

Lauren Browne, Founder/ Owner, Grace + Nell Homes

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE.

“Find mentors who challenge you as much as they champion you. Comfort can be the quietest trap in your career—growth only happens when you keep stretching.”

Christina Franklin, Director of Interior Design, Generator Studio

Designing for Belonging Christina Franklin | Generator Studio

Christina Franklin is Director of Interior Design at Generator Studio, where she brings a hospitalityforward approach to every project. A former boutique hotel designer, she knows how to make spaces both functional and emotionally resonant.

“I’ve learned that listening is everything,” she says. “Every project starts with understanding how people want to live and how they want to feel in a space.”

That philosophy guided her work on the Kansas City Current Stadium, the rst stadium in the world built speci cally for a women’s professional sports team. “It was about creating an environment that celebrates women athletes and welcomes everyone who walks through the doors,” she says.

Franklin believes design is most powerful when it serves people.

“It’s not just about how something looks,” she says. “It’s about how it makes you feel and the kind of connection it creates.”

Photo by Sydney Sneed

Photo by Adri Guyer

Intuitive

Karin Ross | Karin Ross Designs

Belgian-born designer Karin Ross built her namesake rm on cra smanship and collaboration. Her remodeling projects pair OldWorld technique with modern sensibility—a balance shaped by her formal design training in Belgium and Italy.

Even a er decades in the eld, Ross still encounters people who assume the business owner must be a man. She smiles at it now. “It happens all the time,” she says. “People don’t expect the woman to be in charge, but they remember when she is.”

Ross believes women bring an intuition and sensitivity that strengthen every project. “You can’t design in isolation,” she says. “You have to understand the process, the cra smanship, and the people who bring it to life.”

The Story We’re Building

Each of these women took a path that wasn’t paved for them. They entered boardrooms, job sites, and dra ing studios once dominated by men—and didn’t just nd a place, they made one. Together, they’re proof that design–build isn’t just a career. It’s a calling to create, collaborate, and bring beauty into form.

And for the next generation—the girls who still don’t see builder or architect on the poster— these women are already rewriting the list.

ELEVATE THE CLIENT.

“I align myself completely with each client’s personal style and vision, ensuring every design re ects who they are while elevating it aesthetically and functionally. My goal is to create spaces that not only feel authentic to them but are infused with the re ned sensibility and design perspective that de ne Portfolio.”

Geri Higgins, President/CEO

Portfolio Kitchen + Home

Photo by Randy Van

This kitchen renovation project from Karin Ross exempliﬁes a female's attention to detail, blending colors and shapes that are aesthetically pleasing and timeless. Photo by Randy Van

Building a Place for Women to Belong

The Kansas City Chapter of Professional Women in Building (PWB)

The Kansas City chapter of the Professional Women in Building (PWB) began with a moment of frustration. At a meeting early in her home-building career, Angie Beerup realized she’d been quietly dismissed—her idea ignored until a man repeated it minutes later.

“I don’t want to go on the record with my reaction,” she says, “but I told myself this will never happen again.”

Months later, while a ending the International Builders Show, Beerup saw a booth for Professional Women in Building. Inside, she met women whose stories mirrored her own. “They said, ‘You need to start a chapter in Kansas City.’ So I did.”

That decision sparked a thriving network of women across every facet of the home-building industry—from architects and interior designers to tradespeople and realtors. The Kansas City PWB hosts monthly events, education sessions, and an annual PWB Week celebration, creating what Beerup calls “a space for women to have a

seat at the table—and the con dence to take it.”

Founded under the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, PWB is part of a national movement championing mentorship, leadership, and equity in construction.

kchba.org/pwb

An example of Beerup’s work through her company, Elevate Design + Build, The Somerset Reverse is located in the Stonebridge South community.

Photo by Nostalgia Photography

The look of a shade will vary based on style, shape, size, color and texture of fabric.

We offer hard backs and soft tailored shades. Drums, Cylinders, Empire, Coolie, Bouilotte are shapes of hardbacks. Soft tailored offers some of the same shapes, along with Bells, Corset, Scallop, Oval, Dome, Umbrella, Square, Rectangle, Pleated, French, Octagon and Hexagon.

We have shades for swing arm lamps, floor lamps, table lamps and we offer clip-on shades and Uno shades as well.

Let our experienced designers help you find the perfect combination. We always suggest to bring in your lamp when purchasing a new shade. You wouldn’t buy a hat without your head and the same applies to lamp

shades! You may be used to a certain shape but when we start trying on (hats) a change can make a huge difference! As a client said “I never thought an oval shade would look so good on this lamp and it saves space on our night stand.

We have 1000’s of Lamp Shades in stock! In our adjacent Custom Design Showroom we offer complementary Design Services specializing in Bespoke Reupholstery, Window Treatments, Bedding and Pillows for the home, with an extensive selection of Designer Fabrics for sale. You can find some very unique pieces from our Curated Collection of Designer Vintage and Antique Furniture. Some in pristine condition and others that we have Reupholstered.

turning this public pavilion into a spray-ground in the summertime.

Where Steel Blooms

Sculptor Amie Jacobsen’s nature-inspired steel and glass forms add an element of wonder to public spaces across the country.

WORDS

Andrea Glinn

@glinn.interiors

Native Color at Unity Square Bartlesville, Okla. Jacobsen’s work is often inspired by nature. The towering stainless steel and cast glass ﬂowers include an interactive water feature,

Give Them Wings, Coral Springs, Fla. The fact that this 12-foot butterﬂy is missing a body is no accident. The design invites pedestrians to pose in front of the wings and become the butterﬂy.

The whimsical style of the butterﬂy recalls the illustration work Jacobsen did earlier in her career.

Amie Jacobsen is a lifelong artist who has worked in multiple disciplines— illustration, painting, and sculpture— and now focuses almost entirely on largescale public art. Specializing in steel sculpture accented with colorful cast glass, Jacobsen creates dynamic, organic forms inspired by nature. Her pieces—ranging from abstract gestures to representational ora—capture a sense of joy and wonder that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Though she has always been proli c, Jacobsen discovered her true calling later in her career. A simple home renovation le her with scrap materials that sparked the idea for her rst three-dimensional artwork. At the same time, a television segment featuring Kansas City metalworker Dick Jobe of Machine Head ignited her interest in welding. She reached out, became his intern, and quickly immersed herself in the world of fabrication.

Under Jobe’s mentorship, Jacobsen mastered welding, metal fabrication, and the practical side of running a fabrication studio.

She soon became Machine Head’s in-house designer, building con dence while forging lasting artistic partnerships. It was there she connected with glass artist Dierk Van Keppel and woodworker Tim O’Neill—now her husband—collaborators who continue to play an essential role in her projects. Jobe’s encouragement of collaboration and experimentation gave Jacobsen the freedom to shape her own artistic voice.

Her rst solo public commission came in 2017: a twisty stainless steel fountain piece for Genesis Hospital in Davenport, Iowa. The success of that project launched a steady stream of commissions for zoos, hospitals, and parks nationwide. In the years since, Jacobsen’s work has become synonymous with upli ing, family-friendly spaces.

Today, Jacobsen’s career is ourishing. She is currently exhibiting at the New York Botanical

At first glance, this large sunflower is a cheerful gateway and landmark. Upon closer inspection, the artwork tells a story. The inside of the archway is lined with illustrations representing the history of the park and surrounding area, including Native American history, immigrant history, and Jewish History. Jacobsen collaborated with artists from each of these groups for the design of the pictorial panels. At night, Gateway becomes a lantern as each flower petal illuminates, casting a warm and welcoming glow.

Gateway at Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village, Kan.

The Flame of Inspiration, Fremont, Calif. This 22-foot-tall stainless steeland-cast glass abstract sculpture represents the spark or “ﬂame” of an idea. Dierk Van Keppel—a Kansas City-based glass artist—often collaborates with Jacobsen on her projects, creating the glass elements that complement her metal work, as seen in this piece.

Photo by Duane Hallock

Garden in the Bronx, has just nalized an installation for AdventHealth’s B.E. Smith Family Center, is fabricating a permanent public art piece for the Kansas City Zoo, and is designing new public work for Liberty City Hall. Looking ahead, she is leading a major civic project in Spring eld, Missouri, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, set to debut in 2026. With a small team assisting in fabrication, her studio remains booked well into the year.

Known for their organic movement and vibrant interplay of steel and glass, Jacobsen’s sculptures feel simultaneously grounded and ethereal. It’s no surprise that gardens, zoos, and civic spaces regularly seek her work to create experiences of beauty and delight. Through her art, Jacobsen continues to transform public spaces into places of wonder, reminding viewers of the joy found in the natural world.

amiejacobsen.com; @amiej_art

Van Gogh’s Flowers, New York Botanical Garden. Translating this infamous painter’s still-life paintings into 3D was a feat and required a diﬀerent approach to fabrication. The bouquets include laser-cut and hand-manipulated sheetmetal that is arranged, painted, and assembled by hand to bring depth, dimension, and texture, as well as the movement of the painterly strokes and colors to life.

DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN PROJECT THAT BELONGS IN THIS BOOK?

YOUR PROJECT MAY QUALIFY IF IT MEETS THESE REQUIREMENTS

• Your client’s story is so compelling that it demonstrates the Life-Changing Power of Design.

• A statement from the client that explains how your work and the design changed their lives. What they learned by working with an ASID designer.

• Professional photography of the project.

• There is no time limit on when the project was completed.

• The project can be in any category of design.

• You can provide releases from yourself, the client and photographer to have the project published in the book.

We are accepting fourteen true-life stories that demonstrate the Life-Changing Power of Design. If you have a qualifying design project, send an email to: carol@signaturedesignstudio.net

Scan to read more about Carol’s research into the impact of design in The Influential Today Magazine.

Carol Way Cisco, ASID Allied LEED + WELL AP | EBDC

President ASID Missouri

- Kansas Chapter 2024-25

The decor of Maggie Jones Fine Jewelry shop is the brainchild of one talented, imaginative, and quirky lady. There’s a touch of magic inside the shop and studio, located in the heart of downtown’s Westside neighborhood. Entering this unique space brings curiosity with a smile. The interior vibe is fancy and feminine, yet do ed with kitschy features foretelling something about the proprietor. Imagination is the hallmark of owner and independent jewelry designer Shannon Jones.

A JEWEL BOX WITH PERSONALITY

Designer Shannon Jones turns her Westside jewelry studio into a whimsical haven where ne design meets playful charm.

WORDS

Susan Cannon @susancannon1

PHOTOS

Samantha Levi @samstownusa

The hands pillow made by Hands of Haus is Shannon’s fave thing about the decor, followed by her Bauble Bar covered in velvet, which her husband designed and Andrews & Abbey-Riley upholstered. White bouclé sofa is from World Market. The painting is by local artist Lexi Rothschild, and the ﬂowers were designed by The Arrangement by Naomi Pennington. Pearl, of course, wears a Maggie Jones pearl choker and silver chain with a charm.

She and her husband, Mark Horne, an architect with HOK, have resided in Westside for several years, and for Jones, dreaming of having a design studio outside of the home became a reality when prior occupants le this space.

Jones’ nearly 15 years in business have allowed her to garner a dedicated clientele by creating custom designs, reworking old, precious pieces, and creating everyday ne jewelry, while developing trusted friendships along the way. Thus, Maggie Jones will be a full-service jewelry shop and studio, not only o ering repair, heirloom restoration, and accommodating clients with custom and in-house designs, but also introducing independent and emerging jewelers into the retail fold, exclusively for Kansas City. In true support of his wife, Horne dove in and gave a faceli to the exterior of the shop, and remodeled the interior, creating a concealed work studio for Jones in the back, while re ning the front of the shop for the furnishings she has collected over time that are perfect for this moment.

— Shannon Jones “

So many people think there has to be an occasion to put on your jewels, but Gram says just going out to the mailbox can be occasion enough.

18k gold stackable rings (above) and bracelets in an assortment of 18k gold and diamonds (right) are part of the Maggie Jones Fine Jewelry Collection.

Photo by Anna Petrow.

Left and below: Jones completely refurbished a midcentury jewelry display case.

The painting is by local artist Lexi Rothschild, and the rug is vintage, purchased from a dealer friend in Turkey.

Important to the mix is a vintage dining table and chairs, next to a beautiful mid-century display case, all of which Jones restored herself. The table allows her to work with clients and also serves for jewelry-making events. A fun, ruby red velvet “Bauble Bar,” lled with charms, beads, stones, and chains, is the spirited counterpoint to her ne jewelry display. And the chic salon-like si ing area, including a quirky gold pillow with manicured hands, really shows the designer’s personality.

“It was my intent when designing this space to make you feel like you’re entering the most lovely jewel box of your dreams. I used to love to play in my Gram’s jewelry, and she let me try it all on and put it on my dolls. The goal is for it to be worn,

loved, and appreciated. So many people think there has to be an occasion to put on your jewels, but Gram says just going out to the mailbox can be occasion enough.”

This cheeky spirit is de nitely something Jones adopted from her business’s beloved namesake, whom she honors.

Inspired by her sweet bulldog, Pearl, who is an endearing shop xture, Jones will be holding a pet jewelry-making event this season, o ering a photo op with Santa and your pet, with proceeds going to Unleashed Pet Shelter. It is one of many events to come, including designer trunk shows and pop-up opportunities for other creatives in her space.

1705 Summit St. Kansas City, MO maggiejones.shop @maggiejonesshop

In the front of the studio, Jones created quite a fem sitting area with vintage chairs covered in floral damask fabric she bought at Nell Hill’s and had squirreled away. The upholstered cheetah print ottoman, also from Nell Hill’s, is officially Pearl’s spot to greet customers. The rug is vintage Turkish, the cocktail tables are acrylic, and the light fixture is by Lindsey Adelman.

Jones’ husband refreshed the exterior by re-painting the rooﬂine, eaves and the door, also applying the graphics, which he designed, as well.

Maggie Doolittle

Midcentury, Modernized

An

artist, a carpenter, and a contractor come together to reimagine a 1990s ranch as a modern home with vintage soul.

WORDS

Andrea Darr

PHOTOS

Cedar Steel Media

@cedarsteelmedia

LEAD CARPENTER

Pi er Pa er Carpentry

@pi erpa ercarpentry

CONTRACTOR

SV Home Improvement

@stephenveliehome

Sheila Shockey’s downtown Overland Park art gallery, 80 Santa Fe, is a visual punch—anything but stu y. Her home is much the same way.

When it came time to remodel her 1990s ranch, Shockey trusted her instincts—just as she does when selecting artists for her gallery.

“She knew exactly what she wanted,” recalls Samantha Dawdy, owner of Pi er Pa er Carpentry, whom Shockey enlisted to help reinvent the home with a midcentury modern soul.

At the front entry, a fully custom storage solution immediately invokes the mid-century era with its intricate peg detailing, sliding closet door, and round, inset hardware.

The homeowner, an artist and gallery owner, hung large-scale artwork on the back side facing the dining room.

Handmade pegs pull down on a track system for hanging coats and bags and disappear for a clean look when not in use.

Dawdy partnered with contractor Stephen Velie to complete the project in mere months. Both took unconventional paths to remodeling and found commonality in their values. Velie spent 32 years as a Benedictine monk before pursuing construction, while Dawdy walked away from a career in fashion to follow her passion for working with her hands. “I just wanted to build,” she says. A er years doing full remodels, she focused on what she loved most: ne carpentry.

To start, the project team removed a wall that ran through the house, adding a support beam to create an open-concept oor plan. They also joined two baths together for a larger primary en suite.

Then came the clever details.

“Sheila was speci cally interested in midcentury modern style,” Dawdy says. “She

Alongside the kitchen, a more current trend—a slat wall—features open display niches on the left side and a push-to-open door that conceals wine storage tucked in above the basement stairs on the right.

The project team aimed to mix vintage and modern together in all aspects, including this bar, tucked in near the living room. Bright blue tile is a throwback color choice, paired with open glass shelves, above a repurposed sliding-door dresser base.

loves vintage and wanted to incorporate all those aspects, like natural wood, curved corners, and sliding doors.”

Shockey handed over a collection of midcentury pieces she’d gathered, which Dawdy refurbished with so -close functionality and topped with stone for modern use. Other features she built entirely from scratch.

By the front door, Dawdy cra ed a custom walnut coat rack with handmade pegs that pull down as hangers. A sliding inset closet door—

perfectly period-appropriate—opens to reveal a traditional hanging rod. Along the back side, a planned set of bookshelves was scrapped when Shockey decided the space was be er suited for displaying art.

Near the kitchen, which remained in its original condition, Dawdy designed a striking walnut storage mass with recessed cubbies

and a hidden push-to-open beverage cabinet. Inside, its curved pro le echoes the shape of the basement stairwell, cleverly capturing what would have been wasted space to house a wine fridge and bo le storage.

“Oh, the math on that one…” Dawdy laughs.

Throughout the home, details nod to classic MCM design—circular inset pulls, curved trim, textured materials, and pops of turquoise, rust and orange that evoke the pale e of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

Dawdy says of all of her interior projects over the years, “not one of them is the same,” a point an artist like Shockey truly appreciates. Between the three of them, vision and execution resulted in a most unique and livable home.

“Collaboration is such an important part of the job—my favorite,” Velie says. “It’s rewarding to have a hand in bringing someone’s vision to life.”

In Shockey’s art room, Velie added wood square tiles to the ﬂoor to protect the hardwood ﬂoor underneath from any mishaps during creative moments. Her paints, stored on open shelves, are pleasingly organized by color.

Shockey requested to not put plumbing into this old dresser, so Dawdy added extra framing to raise the surface and covered it with mitered quartz that reads three-inches thick from the front.

SCAN TO GET STARTED

Classical details such as dentil molding and symmetrical columns extend across both original and new sections, blending the historic facade with its thoughtful additions.

A Legacy Reimagined

Blending architectural authenticity with contemporary comfort, a turn-of-the-century home is reborn through design that bridges eras.

Tucked within a serene neighborhood just west of Prairie Village, a grand white-columned home stands as a beacon of heritage and renewal. Originally built around 1900 and lovingly held in the same family for more than 60 years, this historic estate has been meticulously brought into the modern era without sacri cing its architectural soul. Thanks to a visionary team that included MOJO Built, KM Architecture, Crossroads Interiors, and Kitchens by Kleweno, the home now

embodies the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and thoughtful design.

“The challenge was not only to adapt and add to the house in such a way that met the homeowners’ needs and expectations for modern living, but also to do so in a way that honored its historical scale and authenticity, and connected major indoor living spaces to the majestic mature landscape that surrounds the house,” says architect Keith Mueller.

At the heart of the transformation lies a story—not just of renovation, but of legacy.

WORDS

Meghan Craig @meghan_craig_writes

PHOTOS Je Stultz @je stultzphoto

CONTRACTOR

MOJO Built @mojobuilt

ARCHITECT KM Architecture kmarchitecture.com

DESIGNER Crossroads Interiors

KITCHEN DESIGNER

Kitchens by Kleweno @klewenokitchens

The homeowners approached the project as caretakers of both memories and materials. The renovation was a chance to bring it into the modern era without erasing its past (or quaint details such as the original pond, stone benches, and chicken coop). The last major renovation was in the early 1960s; this time, the work was more ambitious. It included a full HVAC installation, all-new electrical, and even a rebuilt garage that mirrors the dormers and dentil molding of the original home.

Randy Sisk and Genevieve Hamel of Kitchens by Kleweno led one of the most dramatic changes: relocating the kitchen to the space

A soaring glass ceiling transforms the rear sitting room into a sun-drenched conservatory, creating a seamless connection between home and garden. The couple ordered this most deﬁning feature from Parish Conservatories in Connecticut.

The relocated kitchen, once the living room, now serves as the home’s heart, where function meets ﬁnely tuned craftsmanship in a serene palette of sea glass and quartzite.

that once served as the living room. Their goal? To design a kitchen that felt like a curated collection of heirloom pieces, not a collection of matching cabinets. Sea glass and bisquepainted cabinetry mingle with a cherry wood armoire concealing the refrigerator, and a mullion-front dish cabinet echoes the home’s entry door. A handcra ed Lacanche range, topped by a custom zinc hood with hammered brass banding, o ers both sculptural beauty and culinary performance. Above it, original crown molding was preserved to lend elegance and cohesion to the redesigned space. Functional beauty was equally important. Every drawer and cabinet has a purpose, from the mixer li and pull-out spice racks to the integrated beverage unit and freezer drawers. Da Vinci quartzite, with its luminous book-matched pa ern, anchors the island and reappears as a backsplash, adding textural luxury.

Through a preserved original arched door lies a newly constructed pantry room, which

From hidden spice racks to mixer lifts and a concealed armoire refrigerator, every cabinet in this kitchen was designed with purpose and polish.

The second kitchen has plenty of storage space, as well as an additional dishwasher and refrigerator for added convenience.

provides another nod to balance between past and present. This second kitchen area o ers open shelving for pantry goods and small appliances, a secondary farmhouse sink, wine fridge, and additional prep space, all dressed in a crisp pale e of white and so gray.

While the kitchen is a favorite gathering spot, the homeowners are equally fond of the newly built covered patio on the south side of the home. Designed for entertaining, the space includes a replace and pizza oven, all integrated seamlessly by Henrik Andersen of Scandinavian Co-Op LLC. From this vantage point, the property’s heritage unfolds: the original arbor, the pond, and the stonework lovingly maintained through generations.

Inside, natural light plays a starring role. A newly added glass-ceilinged si ing room

Here and above: Wrapped in soft marble and botanical wallpaper, the primary bath marries classic luxury with quiet comfort—a private retreat grounded in timeless design.

California Closets custom-designed a place for everything—including beauty—in the primary bedroom.

invites the outdoors in and lls the home with sunlight from above. Designed as a modern conservatory, it’s a tranquil space for morning co ee or evening beverages, with the sky always in view.

Throughout the home, original plaster moldings and hardwood oors have been preserved and extended into new additions. Even details from the home’s basement, such as unused arched doors, have been repurposed to enhance the primary suite and closets, ensuring continuity across time.

This project took over two years, with surprises and discoveries around every corner. Yet the result is a space that feels not just updated, but elevated: a living tribute to cra smanship, care, and connection.

“We were very fortunate and lucky to work with an absolutely wonderful team on this project,” the homeowners say. The home has always been part of the family, and now it’s ready for the next chapter…and the generations to come.

The newly added south-side patio, complete with a ﬁreplace and pizza oven, extends the home’s hospitality outdoors—ideal for alfresco evenings with friends and family.

The arbor is original to the home and was built in the early 1900s, as well.

Large-scale green and white floral wallpaper makes a standout space in the thirdfloor dormer. It even includes papering the ceiling—the fifth wall.

@craigkeenephotography

Residential/Commercial. | Renovations/New Builds.

Design Deux Lynne, formerly Neely Home, was founded by “two” or “Deux” sisters as they share a family name as is common of their Southern heritage and of their home state of Louisiana. With over 20 years of creating residential and commercial spaces, Stacey Lynne Neely and Ashley Lynne Loganbill, an experienced power house team are ready to make your space beautiful and functional.

FOR INQUIRIES:

Call/Text 225-803-2581 / 225-964-1285

hello@designdeuxlynne.com

@indialovephotography

Expertly engineered to deliver commercial performance, tested to ensure ultimate dura-bility and built with American Pride in Ripon, Wisconsin. Speed Queen® laundry products truly are in a class by themselves. We put our more than 110 years of experience into every machine and test them to 10,400 cycles—25 years of life in a normal home.

Generous natural light pours in through new skylights.Vaulting the ceiling was a major undertaking that involved structural reinforcements, as well as relocating electrical and HVAC systems.

An Unexpected Sky View

When demolition shows a new path midroute—and the client leaps in wholeheartedly— the end result is transformative.

“ I love any type of project where the client desires unique and thoughtful design,” says Betsy Kersten, architect and owner of OAK Design Studio. And she got that challenge with this main-level renovation.

The existing home’s footprint was tight, and she needed to create a brighter, more connected space for a family of four without an expansion. The starting point? Their dated, original kitchen.

WORDS

Christine Emming

PHOTOS

Josie Bene eld

@josiedell_photo

ARCHITECT

OAK Design Studio

@oak.designstudio

CONTRACTOR

Specht Construction

@spechtconstruction

A standout feature is the custom wood slat screen that now gently separates the kitchen from the family’s cozy den. Paired with a new textured wood wall paneling, it preserves the warmth and character of the original space while tying it into the updated design.

Instead of being the beating heart of the space, it was dark and felt isolated from the rest of the house with only a large corridor connecting it to the formal living room.

“This corridor had very shallow shelving and was not functional in a meaningful way,” Kersten notes.

Her redesigned space provides additional cabinetry and countertops throughout the kitchen, and utilizes the former corridor to create a generous pantry space with room for an appliance garage, enlarged refrigerator, and a co ee bar.

Opening up walls became necessary, so Kersten tapped long-time collaborator Henry Specht of Specht Construction. While the kitchen was de nitely the main focus of the project, the design team touched nearly every space on the main level. Major renovations were made to the den, powder room, laundry room, mudroom, and pantry, with minor renovations to the formal living and dining rooms.

“Each space was generous enough that we could talk through many di erent design ideas, and we were able to re ne those to best t the client’s goals for their project,” Kersten says.

Now a custom-built, white-oak slat wall seamlessly integrates the living spaces, its vertical visuals echoed in the cabinetry throughout. The reimagined mini-bar in the formal living room was originally hidden behind concealed doors.

“We redesigned the mini-bar to be more prominently on display,” Kersten says, and she used materials that tie into the new kitchen’s design, improving cohesion between spaces that weren’t redesigned in this round. Architecturally,

the renovation improved functionality because the spaces now open to one another and create connection across the entire living area.

But sometimes, even a er all the plans are nished, projects evolve unexpectedly.

Permi ing done, this project was deep in the demolition phase when the client called Kersten, asking her to come over. The ceiling was gone and only the ra ers ribbed above the kitchen. Seeing the volume of space uncovered had given the client the same idea Kersten had on viewing it: “We were certain that the project needed to take advantage of this space,” she recalls.

Reworking the layout and vaulting the ceiling—an undertaking that involved structural reinforcements, as well as relocating electrical and HVAC systems—added architectural study, structural engineering, and construction time to the project, plus a budgetary increase. But the entire team felt strongly that this was the right move for this home.

“Despite the complexity,” says Specht, “the transformation was well worth it.”

With the vaulted ceilings pouring natural light in, the end result is a home that feels more open and livable, perfectly tailored to how the family lives today.

A reinvented hallway now oﬀers prep room, storage, an appliance garage, and a well-concealed refrigerator.

Bright white kitchen counters and cabinetry make the most of the overhead skylight.

The reimagined mini-bar connects visually to the family’s new kitchen, and oﬀers all the functional amenities without any extra fuss. The whole home feels more open and livable, all the spaces interconnected in a useful way.

Color-Filled Corners

A teensy Drummond renovation leans into midcentury whimsy, becoming a photographer’s dream.

WORDS

Christine Emming

PHOTOS

Kaley from Kansas @kaleyfromkansas

DESIGNER

Maggie Routon Studio @maggie.routon

When Maggie Routon and her brand-new spouse asked their wedding photographer and her partner to meet for drinks, she never guessed the couples would soon live down the street from each other.

“We hit it o immediately and became really quick friends,” says Routon, who founded Maggie Routon Studio three years ago.

Now the couples share more than dinner parties—Routon has helped transform key spaces in her friend’s midcentury home, including this tiny, once-dark hallway and bathroom.

“We ordered so many concrete samples to nail the color!” says Maggie Routon of the perfectly buttery sink by Nood Co.

Striped Tekla towels from Blackbird Collection play into the color story, and echo in the bubbled Jean-Baptiste Fastrez mirror.

A er years shopping for a home built by iconic Kansas City architect Don Drummond, the young couples’ le er writing nally paid o . In 2019, the new homeowners rst slept in their Drummond home the same night as the Routon wedding. This pair of passionate midcentury enthusiasts began renovating li le by li le; but when it came to this part of the house, they were stumped.

The long, dark hallway led past an unused side door to the backyard, then continued on to their guest bedroom and bath. All visitors to the home utilized this space. Candles or nightlights lit the way, as the bathroom had only a hanging wire where

the light should have been installed. A washer and dryer, stacked at the end of the passage, impeded the walkway.

“The whole area was an a erthought, as far as design,” Routon says.

While the space had been previously renovated, it hadn’t nailed the time period of a Drummond home with builder-grade porcelain oor tile, IKEA closet doors, and a cookie-cu er shower. Because it’s such a small space, Routon explains, “Everything stayed in its spot, we just reimagined it.”

The homeowners, who love to entertain, wanted their guest zone to be fun, colorful, and inviting, but also to function well for them on a daily basis. Swapping the backyard door for a oor-to-ceiling window ooded the area with natural light and was

Swapping out the backyard door was the first decision, turning it more into a floor-to-ceiling window to bring in some natural light. Terrazzo tile and creamy birch offer an ideal foil for the antennae-like light fixture from Entler Studio.

Leaning more neutral, the homeowners needed a little push to embrace something brighter. Says Maggie Routon, “They wanted to know how they could push the boundaries and still love it forever.”

a perfect rst step for the project, as it allowed for be er use of color. Hallway lighting was hung: a handmade, pink, ceramic xture that shines onto the laundry space.

“We were intentional about all of the nishes, selecting smaller, more artisanal makers,” Routon says.

Perfectly midcentury, the bubbly bathroom mirror lends a whimsical air that was absent in the former, dreary iteration, and a bu er yellow concrete sink brightens the room at all times of day.

Handmade shower tile plays o the gorgeous terrazzo oor work, making a lengthy statement out of the nite space. A European-sized washer

and dryer solve the laundry issue, nestled side by side in a custom birch frame with slider doors that hide them from view.

Despite a lack of storage, the homeowners weren’t even using the full wall closet because it was ugly and hard to see. Routon added custom shoe shelving and three sliders—one mirrored—to the closet to make it aesthetically pleasing—the perfect backdrop for a live-in photographer!

Routon, currently busy designing the couple’s nursery, sees her friends using the hallway as a backdrop on their Instagram feed.

“It’s so special for me to be, in a small way, a part of that,” she says.

Here and left: A custom birch top and slider doors by EPM Services hides the European-sized washer and dryer when it’s not in use. The top provides a folding area, and a stool from Big Game oﬀers respite.

FEATURING: VINTAGE ICE QUARTZITE

It’s Time to Rethink the Blueprint for Homebuilding in KC and We’re Leading the Way!

WORDS Sarah MacFarland

Beyond Beautiful: The Spa Bath as Self-Care

Designers explore how intentional materials, lighting, and sensory details can promote wellness at home.

PHOTOS Josie Bene eld @josiedell_photo

DESIGNER/CONTRACTOR Amanda Lee Interiors @amandaleeinteriors

DESIGNER Knapstein Design @knapsteindesign

CABINET DESIGN Bootlace Design & Build @bootlacedesignbuild

In a midtown home, the owners dedicated space to an entire wellness room, including a multi-person infrared Sunlighten sauna and a stainless cold plunge tub. A monochromatic tile palette, highlighted by bamboo accents, gives the space a Japandi vibe—a mix of two cultures that prize spa culture.

Interior design can be so much more than the sum of its parts. A space, of course, should look good. But how does it feel when you’re in it? How does it function to work with you, not against you? How does it enhance your sense of well-being? As one of designer Carol Cisco’s nonpro t Designing for Veterans clients discovered, “Virtually every element of one’s physical environment contributes to perceptions, moods, spirit, and level of inner peace.”

Cisco, principal and owner of Signature Design + Studio, knows that design can be therapeutic when all elements come together: color, lighting, access to nature, texture, function, scent, and the way the space re ects someone’s personal story and addresses their unique physical and emotional needs. “I found that something beautiful and functional can also serve another purpose—improving one’s health and wellness. It can be a place of healing,” she says.

And we certainly need that in winter. Our self-care focus might be making our bathrooms more spa-like.

Whether you want to add holistic and therapeutic elements to your bath, renovate an existing bath, or create a new one, there are many ways to enhance that feeling of wellbeing.

Color

Kathryn Grube, professor of interior design at Johnson County Community College and owner of Functional Color Solutions, likes to start with color. “Color is re ected light, and light is energy,” she says. “The warmer colors have more active energy, while the cooler colors are more soothing. That’s why blues and greens are o en used in spa bathrooms. Blues and greens are also biophilic colors that connect us to nature. Lavender can help promote mental or emotional balance.” Regan Romero of Regan Romero Design, known for her urban eclectic style, likes to go with so er, earthy colors.

A recessed alabaster chandelier crowns the space with a warm glow and surely emits good vibes along with it. A large steam shower oﬀers a wet heat alternative to the dry sauna, a preference that is highly individual.

Here and below: A sitting room connecting to the space oﬀers contemplative serenity, with a pair of chairs facing a ﬁreplace and an Asian daybed calling for a nap. Textured walls and featured art elevate the surroundings.

PHOTOS Brynn Burns @bbphotography11

DESIGNER

Regan Romero Design @reganromerodesign

Lighting

Light in a bath not only helps us nd our way around but should also make us look good as we view ourselves in the mirror. “Layered lighting is important,” says Grube. And so are fullspectrum lightbulbs that mimic natural sunlight without the harsh blue tones that can make us look and feel washed out. Chromotherapy bulbs can deliver colored light in saunas or showers. Some jacuzzi bathtubs have chromotherapy features that allow you to soak while being bathed in light, which alters your mood.

Access to Nature

Biophilic design is all about tapping into nature’s healing power, “creating an outdoor haven inside,” says Grube. Whether you have a bath with a window onto a courtyard or a private fenced area, or one that suggests nature with rock features and greenery, or art, connecting to the natural world is therapeutic.

Texture

How something feels on the skin can also be comforting and soothing. “Tatami mats feel like grass,” says Grube. Think heated oors and towel racks. You can also go a step further with a heated bench in a large walk-in shower. “If you have wonderful co on towels, so and absorbent, and a robe and slippers, you can feel like you’re in a luxurious spa,” she adds.

Function

How a space works with you, rather than against you, can have a daily e ect on well-being. A drippy faucet, a clu ered vanity, or a hardto-clean bathroom represent daily irritants that can detract from peace of mind. Wall-mounted vanities and toilets let you easily clean under and around; vanities with deep and personalized storage keep personal care products out of sight.

Terrazzo tile on the ﬂoors follows the wall up behind the freestanding tub for a seamless feel. “They wanted a place that felt fresh, bright, and inspiring,” Romero notes.

Romero maintained ﬂoor space by ﬂoating the vanity and a wall-hung toilet.

The owners of this Edwardsville, Kan., home wanted a spa-like experience in their primary suite, including a steam shower, which has diﬀerent mechanical and design considerations over a regular shower.

PHOTOS Amber Dawkins @amberdawkinsphotography

DESIGNER

Deatherage Home Designs deatheragedesign.com

CONTRACTOR

Gartman Remodeling gartmanremodeling.com

Toilets and bidets with heated seats and water for cleansing keep you clean as well. Romero likes to use bath cabinets with integrated outlets to hide that electric toothbrush. “When you can see the tile on the backsplash, it makes the room feel bigger,” she says.

A traditional Swedish or an infrared sauna, perhaps paired with a cold plunge pool, helps the body function be er, especially for those who work out a lot or have speci c physical needs. Romero has used a Swedish sauna with pink Himalayan salt blocks that release humidity into the air.

Scent

“Scent is linked to memory,” Grube says. “So when you add scent to a spa experience, you ask yourself ‘where do I want to transport

This guest bath was designed for visiting house guests but also for the owner to enjoy for herself, including a soaking tub and large, two-person shower. After researching the benefits of infrared saunas, she purchased a freestanding unit with corner glass, which Deatherage designed around to make it appear built in. Heated flooring makes the space extra comfortable, while a tropical-patterned wallpaper ties together the many differing tones in the material selections.

myself?’” Beyond the time-honored lavender and eucalyptus, bath products and candles in various scents can take you back to your childhood, a favorite vacation spot, or a beloved garden. Romero recommends a steam shower that can also release essential oils for a sensory experience.

But the most important part of designing a spa bath involves being both personal and intentional. Since this room is used primarily twice a day, Romero asks her clients, “What parts of your morning or evening ritual are important to you?” One client wanted a deeper sink bowl with a spray faucet because he likes to wash his hair in the sink, and another prefers to shave in the shower. Some clients want a deep soaking tub; others would rather “soak” by si ing in the shower. A mood board with photos and clippings of the overall look and feel you want can get you one step closer to that spa retreat.

Floating live-edge shelving brings an organic and light touch to the space, with the owner’s spa products within easy reach.

You

Photo by Matt Kocourek Photography

Tranquility Within

A lower-level remodel in Pla e City turns a family home into a year-round wellness retreat.

APla e City couple, former college athletes who run a non-pro t dedicated to youth sports training, wanted to make their home a staycation for themselves and their four grown children and their friends.

“They really wanted to invest in the house, creating a sanctuary of health, wellness, and tness for the family,” says Ma hew Hu , lead architect and principal of Hu , a Kansas City architecture and interior design rm. “The remodeling project started out small—perhaps building a guesthouse—but then it grew in both

A Platte City home has become a wellness retreat for family and friends, including a large-scale pool, hot tub, ﬁre pit area and covered pool house.

size and scope. They realized they wanted to feel like they were on vacation at home.”

They certainly got their wish.

If you viewed their house and its grounds from a drone ying overhead, you might think it was a fabulous resort. The large, contemporary structure leads out to a backyard waterpark with a lazy river, a chute-like slide, a zero-depth entry pool, and plenty of space to bask on a summer day. Rolling Missouri hills surround all the watery and sun-dappled blue with leafy green.

The passive yin to this active yang is the quieter, moodier lower level walk-out that o ers a place for rest, recovery, and rejuvenation. Water therapy beckons in all forms—warm outdoor pool, hot je ed tub, cold plunge, and steam. Distractions are kept to a minimum. And the ancient process of healing through step-by-step rituals soothes both body and mind.

A sliding pocket door opens from the outdoor pool area to a stainless-steel hot tub and cold plunge pool from Diamond Spas.

Walk down a few steps and you’re in a lounge area where the ickering ames of a gas replace might help you meditate or simply relax.

“The lights are low and the temperature and acoustics are restful,” Hu says. If you want to start the day here, you could drink your co ee until you’re ready to face the morning news on a atscreen TV. In the evening, you could relax a er a dip in the hot tub, lounging before the re with a warm drink in hand.

Day or night, you can de-stress in the walkin infrared sauna with a steam feature from Sunlighten.

The view from the indoor hot tub. Architect Matthew Hufft and team not only designed the home, but also fabricated the casework and some furnishings.

FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN

Custom Home Design

Residential Remodels

Furnishings & Styling

RETAIL STOREFRONT

5001 W 119th Street

Overland Park KS, 66209

Hours: M-F 10-5 • Sat 12-4

“This custom sauna has panels that wrap around the walls,” Hu explains. “With infrared technology, heat waves move out from the panels and heat the human body quicker than a traditional sauna.” Infrared spas are touted for detoxi cation, relaxation, and muscle recovery. With the steam feature, the sauna could be dry or wet.

During the remodel, there were also building challenges. Because of the high moisture in this area, “We had to use non-porous materials,” says Mason Homoly, project manager with Homoly Design + Build, the rm who carried out the construction. That meant plaster instead of sheetrock, porcelain tile, stone, and marine-grade paint on the cabinetry to ward o mildew. “We also had to work with our HVAC guy to make sure the ventilation would bring in su cient fresh air.”

Even the lighting plan had to adapt to the humid conditions. “We wanted indirect lighting, cove lighting around the ceiling,” Hu says. Overhead lighting would have been too harsh and the metal surrounds for the lights would have been prone to rust over time.

The overall design of the lower level wellness retreat taps into eastern Asian design, Hu says. He cites the zen simplicity of Japanese rock gardens that encourage contemplation, minimalistic furnishings that center our

a ention back to mind and body rather than “stu ,” and the all-important connection to nature, which helps us revive and restores our physical and mental health. Earth tones of wood, dark stone, and leafy green reference the natural world. Hu ’s company also fabricated the casework and some of the furniture.

Could a wellness retreat like this one replace the home gym as a must-have for homeowners?

“It’s a lot of fun to think about,” Hu says. “With all the emphasis on mental health these days, this is a space that involves both body and mind. Relax the body and quiet the mind. I think a space like this could really change the lives of the people who use it.”

The infrared sauna delivers heat and optional steam faster than a traditional Swedish sauna.

Indirect cove lighting sets a quiet mood.

Just outside the relaxed quietude of the wellness area lies a more active gathering part of the home.

FIVE STARS

A multi-zone basement remodel in Old Leawood showcases seamless ow, standout style, and the nal ourish of veteran designer Gayle Jagoda’s career.

WORDS

Amy Thurston @amytkc

PHOTOS

Ma hew Anderson

@ma hewaphoto

DESIGNER/CONTRACTOR

Schloegel Design Remodel @remodelagain

Creating a oor plan for a basement remodel can be a heavy li .

For this project in Old Leawood, Schloegel Design Remodel was up to the task.

Asked by their client to create ve di erent zones, the seasoned company made each spot unique, resulting in a sum that ows naturally. Retiring designer Gayle Jagoda, a 23-year industry veteran with the company, handily checked all ve boxes—and added in a few additional surprises. Bunk room: check. Entertainment kitchen: check. Bar: check. TV viewing space: check. Bonus points: wine room and a hidden door: check, check.

A complementary bar opposite the sink shows how the two elements tie together in the large, open spaces that accommodates a variety of niches.

Honed White Mountain Danby marble pairs perfectly with the white oak cabinets and counters; the island is capped in textured soapstone.

The rst impression upon descending the stairs is the large window ooding the space with light—aren’t you supposedly in a basement? The roomy kitchen and bar look stunning with marble counters and backsplash, white oak cabinetry, and a large island capped in textured soapstone.

“Our client had a very strong vision for the space and excellent taste with which to make it come to life,” Jagoda says.

Adjacent to this, a paneled TV room coated in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove feels fresh rather than frosty, grounded with camel leather and rich gray textiles. Vintage rugs lie where needed, while a whimsical brass deer bust, mounted on the wall and wearing Chiefs gear, looks on. Complementary modern lighting o ers an ambient glow—a purposeful choice over the glare of ceiling cans. It’s comfortable for family time yet sophisticated enough for a full-on adult celebration.

Benjamin Moore White Dove coats the paneled viewing room wall, while brass accents and hardware give this casual space a tailored ﬁnish. Rich gray textiles and warm leather are both comfortable and stylish.

Across from the wet bar, a dry bar mimics the same materials for continuity.

If that rst space feels special, wait, there’s more. The bunk room with its clearly de ned zones is peaceful for sleepovers but playful for sleepunders—cozy, de nitely, but somehow energetic, too. With punchy wallpaper and clever touches, most kids will never want to leave. The project team hardly wanted to leave it.

“The team of carpenters that brought this room to life kept coming to me with ideas like building a tunnel between the bunks,” Jagoda says, applauding the team for building a solid space that also sparks the imagination, combining fun and function.

The adjoining bathroom repeats the tones of the bunk room with hand-picked tiles and a warm wood vanity.

In the other direction, more whimsical brass animals adorn the hallway walls. Jagoda painted the ceiling deep blue to signal more creative embellishment—like a secret door to a wine room, drenched in that same deep blue and lit low, a slab of dark granite and brass ings

Left and below: Two bathrooms oﬀer two diﬀerent moods. The kids’ full bath is fresh and fun, while a more mature powder room is dressed up in marble and brass.

For sleepovers, a built-in bunk room is pure fun and function. Peek at the tunnel connecting the sleeping spaces.

anchoring one side of the room. Opposite, a pink neon sign reads: Happy Hour. Over the corner banque e hangs a crystal globe, creating the perfect spot to taste wine and spill tea. These xtures strike a balance between masculine and feminine, assuring that every guest feels welcome. Coveted vintages are displayed in a temperature-controlled wine cellar with a glass wall sure to inspire conversations that make for memorable evenings.

Jagoda made light of her role in wrangling all the ideas, selecting the nishes, and listening to her clients’ wishes. Sometimes designing turns into project managing, but she managed to do both jobs beautifully.

As her nal project with Schloegel Design Remodel, Charlie Schloegel sends her o with accolades: “This sensational project shows her incredible a ention to detail and passion for design. Paired with our clients’ amazing style, this basement is the perfect way to celebrate Gayle’s nal project and the many homes she’s touched throughout her career.”

The snack bar is elevated with brushed titanium granite and oﬀers plenty of storage and serving space.

A corner outfitted with a banquette and bar table offers a dark and cozy spot to open a bottle of fine wine with friends.

A secret hall leads to a glass-enclosed wine room.

CLUB LEVEL

Family membership has its privileges at this stylish lower-level remodel, where an empty nest becomes the ultimate family hangout.

WORDS

Amy Thurston

@amytkc

PHOTOS Laurie Kilgore

@lauriekilgorephotography

DESIGNER

ML Designs

@mldesignskc

Empty Nest Syndrome is a real thing. We parent through all the stages and milestones of life and then send our children out into the world. Some of us use this newfound freedom to travel; some take up puzzles; some even move entirely, selling it all and moving to a lo downtown. But one of us decided to turn the basement into a destination to lure adult children home. Yes, what this client wanted was a club.

Dressed in olive leather, gray velvet, and bronze, the main room exudes a luxe

Elizabeth Crawford of ML Designs understood the assignment: Make a unique and personal space that her clients’ grown kids can’t wait to come back to, along with their spouses, friends, or whole families. Peppered with references to their youth, moments spent with dad, or personal interests pursued wholeheartedly as kids, Crawford created a backdrop for the spaces where new memories will be made.

When you arrive at the curved vestibule— paneled and painted in a warm shade of white— the vintage table and dramatic, modern light xture signal that you should be prepared for the unexpected. As you continue into the TV room, a crushed-velvet sofa and olive green leather club chairs are anchored by a heavy bronze co ee table.

“The client’s husband and sons watched all the Bond lms together, so I found a framed image of Roger Moore as James Bond,” Crawford points out above an upholstered console table. Textures and orals so ly complement this more masculine moment.

A clever slat wall transitions into the game room. Crawford says she loves this wall trend but wanted to incorporate it subtly in case the homeowner wants to change it down the road. A subtle use of trends almost always ensures timelessness.

Details abound. Upper left: Brass nailheads adorn an upholstered door to the powder room. Upper right: A transitional slat wall signals entry into the deep red game room. Lower left: Chairs upholstered in alternating sophisticated plaid and bold orange fabrics draw your eye to the oﬃce. Bottom right: A brass wall-mounted faucet installed in a black granite backsplash makes a reﬁned line against the herringbone wallpaper.

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The game room is drenched top to bo om in high-gloss coats of Sherwin-Williams’ Raisin and embellished with brass hardware and fencing. This pale e lends a jewel box and jewel-toned e ect perfect for late nights. Under the Cynara chandelier from Visual Comfort, the wood table and upholstered swivel chairs counter the deep tones and add the necessary element of comfort. The mood continues to the powder room, where an upholstered door, dressed up with brass nailheads, opens to reveal geometric and oral wallpapers, crystal lighting, and brass ings. A framed Slim Aarons mixed-media piece, placed appropriately, recalls the vibe of decades past.

Across the room, one wall was painted black for e ect, displaying prized vintages and large-scale vintage art of the rst astronauts—a childhood fascination of one of the clients. Crawford says that taking notes and being a good listener helped her to ne-tune the design and make the project extra personal.

More details abound at the bar. The nailhead trim on the walls and the brass inlay on the legs of

Glass partitions to the oﬃce bring more light into the space while oﬀering a quieter separation.

Windows infuse the space with daylight, making the lounge a comfortable draw. Look closely at the welt and rope on the chairs.

Visual Comfort Adrian Globes bathe the island in a warm glow; tweed bar stools are parked under a slab of Cristallo Quartzite. With brass inlay legs, this island stuns.

the island are just bit players next to the Cristallo quartzite statement stone and classic Visual Comfort Adrian Globes. Comfort is key in the furnishings for the bar and adjacent si ing area, where rich, chocolate velvet and creamy boucle are paired with contrasting fabric details. These spaces are all about a good hang and lingering conversation—you can almost hear the ladies catching up and the men talking sports.

Somehow, a er Crawford assembled all the fun spaces, she managed to squeeze in a wellappointed o ce for her client to get some work done. Behind an iron-and-glass wall, a seating area and desk are revealed, bathed in natural light. On the wall above the desk is a very special print that belonged to the client’s father. Crawford found a way to incorporate it seamlessly, framing it in acrylic and backing it in leopard.

With family at the forefront of this remodel, it’s good that the client’s dad has his own place on the Club Level.

Large-scale images of astronauts ﬂank a wine display wall for an eye-catching twist on functional storage.

Sherwin-Williams’ Raisin in high gloss strikes the perfect tone for this luxe game room.

Purchased for its scale and color, a dramatic abstract art piece complements the wood and texture of the game table.

A VIP lounge with a textured velvet backdrop overlooks the blacked-out billiards table. A curved settee is tucked inside a cozy nook underneath.

The Pavone E ect

An event pro’s lower-level lounge struts its stu with moody, Italianinspired boutique hotel bar vibes.

Kris and Courtney Nardini were on track to build a new custom home in Liberty—an ambitious build that required shaving o the top of a hill—when a friend told them about a unique home that popped up on the market nearby. The homeowner was eager to sell— including everything in the house, down to the glassware and liquor bo les.

Having already sold their house, the Nardinis— along with three of the couple’s four daughters and ve cats—were living in an apartment and ready for more space. This new option was the easy answer, plus it came with a nished basement and pool—two things they weren’t going to get with the new build.

So, they pivoted.

A new project emerged, of course, but one that was way more fun and less stressful.

“We have been xing it up to our style ever since,” Kris says.

A chainmetal curtain reveals the VIP lounge from behind the bar. Note the gold peacocks that reference the name of the space.

The house was built in the 2000s, and not decorated to the couple’s taste. Courtney leaned toward a more Traditional or French Country style upstairs, while the walkout lower level spun o in its own direction.

“The basement is more my style; it’s showy. It’s what I do for my business—I create a wow-factor,” says Kris, owner of Platinum XP, a company that produces next-level events with lighting and sound. “I love to transform a ballroom or even a street party.”

With two levels and soaring ceilings, the basement o ered a blank slate for his imagination. A hands-on creative whose ipped every home he’s lived in since ge ing married, Kris never shies away from a challenge. If he can’t

nd something he wants, he builds it—like the custom bar that now anchors the room.

Once the kids were grown and the oncepristine white carpet had su ered its last share of teenage parties, the parents reclaimed the space for an adult playground. The former home theater became a lounge-worthy destination—moody, musical, and unapologetically dramatic.

“We are an event family—every one of us is in events. We can have movie night upstairs,” Kris says.

He approached the space with speakeasy style, including old-fashioned gold door hardware and antiques. He is fond of intricate gold picture

frames that he lls with blown-up photos of the family’s travels, which he is amassing in preparation for a full-scale gallery wall.

The atmosphere took a de nitive turn in 2023 a er the family’s rst trip to Italy—the rst of a few trips since then.

“I, in particular, fell in love with Italy; I feel like I belong there,” says Kris, whose grandfather was Italian. “I’m a quarter Italian, but I totally identify with that life—their art, aesthetic, culture, life. In their architecture, it’s all about the details, beauty in everything—in every restaurant, even the bathrooms are gorgeous.”

That appreciation for art and detail found a

Sexy in black, the full basement bathroom reminds Kris of the attention to aesthetics of every space he entered while abroad.

Perfectly preserved antiques add character to the space’s entrance. The phonograph still works!

Because of the lot’s steep nature, the lower level is a two-story space with a walkout patio and pool outside the sliding doors. Ornate picture frames and authentic Murano glass chandeliers relay the Italian spirit the Nardinis wanted to bring home from their travels. Leather banquettes along the half-wall provide plenty of seating.

home in what the couple now call The Pavone— Italian for “peacock.” Elegant references to the bird appear subtly throughout the lower level, from tone-on-tone wallpaper to statues, lamps, and even bathroom accessories.

The couple sourced key pieces directly from the Murano Glass Factory in Venice, including two smoky black glass chandeliers—custommade, engraved with their anniversary date, and shipped in 52 carefully packed pieces back to the U.S. Suspended from the double-height ceiling, the chandeliers cast a sultry, golden glow across the room.

Naturally, every light is on dimmers and colorchanging modes. “Sometimes I’ll ‘Green Lady’ it,” Kris jokes, referencing the famed downtown jazz bar at 18th and Grand.

Because the oor-to-ceiling windows can ood the space with daylight, Kris installed 40foot black drapes—seen at the likes of T-Mobile Center or Union Station—that create an instant mood, whether it’s 2 p.m. or midnight.

“I wanted to shrink the scale, to make it feel like a true lounge,” he says.

There’s a small stage platform—complete with a drum set Kris plays—and two pianos, one small

enough for the next generation of musicians. “I’m still looking for the perfect old-school mic and stand,” Kris adds.

The Pavone has become the site of a growing number of celebrations—proposal parties, wedding showers, even a 100-person wedding reception. The Nardinis have cra ed a personalized bar menu featuring drinks named

Sound of the Space

Kris’ preferred playlist is Spotify’s French Jazz Cafe, a mix of foreign-language melodies.

a er their kids and pets, ensuring every detail has a point of reference.

“When people come down here, they immediately notice the lighting, the sound, the music,” Kris says. There’s even a speaker in the bathroom, so no one misses a moment of a Chiefs game watch party (even if they are trying to hide from the nal play).

Still, the perfectionist in him sees more to do.

“There are blank walls waiting for tile or art. I want more layers,” Kris says. “In Europe— especially in churches—I was in awe of that level of detail. We went to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and it was mind-blowing. We’re not going to that level here, but the inspiration is real.”

For now, Kris calls it “75 percent done”— though everyone else might argue it’s already a masterpiece.

Because for the Nardinis, it’s less about checking boxes and more about creating a space that keeps evolving—just like a good story, told to friends over a glass of wine, surrounded by a warm glow and lovely things.

The Nardinis serve up drinks named after family members and memories at the fully tiled bar with a custom quartz counter.

Kris used event-style drapes to block out all natural light so the space feels moody even in the afternoon. A mini stage is elevated next to the marble-facade ﬁreplace.

Builder: Helm Construction. Photographer: Matthew Anderson.

Photos by McKenzie Ensminger

@craigkeenephotography DESIGNER

Regan

CONTRACTOR

Porch with a Purpose

A cozy, covered outdoor living area becomes a stepping stone to a future indoor kitchen renovation.

When a Leawood couple first reached out to builder Blaine Arbuckle and designer Regan Romero, their goal was simple: a new kitchen. But as with many older homes in that area, their charming Colonial had a traditional, compartmentalized layout. To achieve the open, family-friendly kitchen they envisioned—with a larger island, new pantry, and reconfigured flow—they’d need to rework the entire first floor.

“The magnitude of that kind of renovation, especially with young kids at home, was too much at once,” Romero says. “So we pressed pause—but we didn’t stop planning.”

The design team completed a full interior layout anyway, mapping out the future kitchen and adjoining spaces. That foresight informed what would become Phase 1: transforming the backyard into a cozy, functional outdoor living area that aligned perfectly with the eventual interior remodel.

In advance of the ﬁrst-ﬂoor renovation, the project team installed new windows and doors in their new spots, allowing for construction to continue outside without interruption. The seating area, dining area, and outdoor grill station spread out comfortably across the covered patio.

“As we were developing the exterior plans, we already had a game plan for the inside so we wouldn’t have to re-do any work,” Romero says.

By squaring o the home’s rear exterior wall—removing a bulky bay window in the process—Romero set the stage for future interior changes while giving the family a beautiful new place to relax right now.

A poured concrete patio with a checkerboard design adds texture and elevates the surface. “We created the look by saw-cu ing diamond shapes into the concrete instead of using tile,” Romero explains. “It’s a smart way to save on cost while giving them that look.”

At one end of the patio, a stone replace draws family and friends together year-round; at the other, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, drink fridge, and porcelain countertop makes entertaining easy. A standing-seam metal roof shelters the space, with warm cedar tongue-and-groove

planks beneath, adding a layer of coziness and cra smanship.

Though the front of the home remains classic brick, Romero introduced a custom blend of stone to the rear replace for a so er, more natural texture. “The so ness of stone is just a touch cozier,” she says.

For the homeowners, this project o ers the best of both worlds—an inviting, livable extension of their home now and a thoughtful foundation for the next chapter.

“It’s a space they can enjoy every day,” Romero says. “And when the time comes to move inside, everything will already ow together beautifully.”

A custom grill station mirrors the stone ﬁreplace across from it with a natural stone base and built-in stainless steel appliances, including a drink fridge and trash bin. The porcelain top is a solid choice for outdoor use.

Formal Roots, Relaxed Spirit

WORDS

Andrea Darr

PHOTOS Ha ie Kennedy

DESIGNER

The Greensman @thegreensman.7213

A blend of classic materials and so curves elevate this Ward Parkway backyard.

Nina and Marc Hollabaugh’s stately home o Ward Parkway is every bit as impressive as the neighborhood it resides in—big, beautiful, and grand. But a er years of living there, the couple realized their exterior spaces needed a refresh to be er suit their lifestyle as empty nesters who love to host friends and family, especially their grandchildren.

Their pool was rst on the list for repair—new plumbing and lters were essential, a service easily handled by Swim Things. A second opportunity emerged with the building of a new carriage house a er they had converted the original garage into a family room years ago. With these upgrades in mind, the Hollabaughs called on longtime garden designer Kristopher Dabner

New bluestone pavers were laid across the entire backyard expanse. Brick pavers act as paths that direct users to diﬀerent places, such as the new carriage house and the side sleeping porch. Circles at those doorways deﬁne points of transition.

Colorful trim details, cafe lights, and a wind spinner bring light-hearted spirit to the majority sophisticated brick and stone structures.

of The Greensman to reimagine the backyard with a sense of cohesion and timelessness.

“The key was to make everything look appropriate for the house,” Dabner says. “They love their home and wanted to ensure that anything new would feel like it had always been there.”

The premise was simple, especially in this older home, where formality rules: it needs to look appropriate with the style of the house. Brick is the obvious starting point. Dabner likes to stick with the existing pale e—usually one or two materials only—and use pa erns to denote special spaces and way nding.

Paving brick, laid in an elegant herringbone pa ern, forms the main material pale e, while Ashlar bluestone marks transitions with circular motifs that naturally guide movement through the space. Drawing inspiration from the home’s raised stone foundation, Dabner also incorporated limestone touches on features like the grill island and re pit zone.

Dabner prefers to keep the material palette to one or two choices, but added a third—natural stone, the same as the foundation of the house—to the base of the grilling station, located just outside the door to the family room and kitchen. Its curves soften the look, and the double-height bar counter oﬀers a place for guests to linger.

The formality of the house lent itself to formality in the landscape, which Dabner executed with boxwood-lined beds ﬁlled with hydrangeas.

Right o the kitchen and family room, the outdoor grill island overlooks the refreshed pool, its stone base a near-perfect match to the home’s exterior. Nearby, a wood-burning re pit with a gas starter, semi-encircled by a stone bench built by Meyer Masonry, provides a cozy gathering spot. Custom cushions make the seating both stylish and comfortable. So curves and circles balance the formality of the architecture, giving the landscape a relaxed, welcoming rhythm. Visitors will encounter one at each directional turning point, such as at the corner of the house.

Traditional boxwoods frame the planting beds—a suitable choice for the era of the house and are o en employed to add structure and de ne high-maintenance planting beds.

“I really like boxwoods,” Dabner notes. “They give a nice framework for certain areas.”

Dabner lled these beds with hydrangeas and other perennials for seasonal color and bouquet making. Along the back property line, hornbeams planted four years ago now provide privacy and lush greenery.

At night, landscape lighting highlights key features like a Hinoki cypress and a Lyman Whitaker wind sculpture, while café lights cast a warm glow over the entire yard.

“It’s super user-friendly, entertainmentfriendly, family-friendly,” Dabner says.

Updates required for the existing pool had a domino eﬀect on the whole backyard, resulting in a much more user-friendly experience for the homeowners.

Though not visible from the front exterior, the backyard takes cues from it. “It’s a big, beautiful, grand home,” Dabner says, “and we wanted the backyard to be just as nice with the same level of details.”

Circles and curves deﬁne the ﬁre pit seating area, with added texture and “softscaping” from the greenery behind it.

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A Pavilion with Presence

Bold yet balanced, this outdoor living space rede nes backyard elegance with architectural precision and enduring charm.

The project team didn’t want to cover up the windows along the back side of the house, so they pushed the pavilion out across a courtyard to allow light into the interiors and space for two water features. Built by Stranger Creek Pools, the spa serves triple duty, also as a fountain and a cool plunge pool in the summer.

WORDS Andrea Darr

PHOTOS

Ma hew Anderson

@ma hewaphoto

ARCHITECT

Wendlandt & Stallbaumer wendlandtandstallbaumer.com

CONTRACTOR

Hurst Construction @hurstbuild

DESIGNER

ML Designs @mldesignskc

Dan and Katie, head of a blended family of six grown kids, knew their Ward Parkway home’s outdoor area didn’t live up to its Georgian elegance. The existing uncovered patio and oversized replace felt disconnected—more monolith than retreat. So they turned to architect Bruce Wendlandt for a complete reimagining.

“They told me what they didn’t like and how they wanted to live—cooking, entertaining, lounging—but mostly they said, ‘We want to see what you can do,’” Wendlandt recalls.

The stately brick home is a real beauty from the front. Inspired by its grace and stature, the team developed the pavilion based on the same principles.

Dan, an industry professional himself, understood the creative process and fully trusted it. A er the initial conversation, Wendlandt disappeared for three weeks and returned with a sketch that, as Dan puts it, “was 95 percent what we have here.”

The resulting design is an all-encompassing outdoor living environment that complements the home’s architecture in stature and materiality. The pavilion stands as a separate but connected structure, maintaining an elegant bu er between interior and exterior spaces.

“We didn’t want to tuck this big structure up against the living room, which would have compromised the natural light in the interior spaces,” Wendlandt says.

Instead, an open courtyard frames the new pavilion beautifully, with three connected “cells” de ning dining, kitchen, and living zones under a substantial roof. Between them sits a re ecting pool and oversized hot tub—o ering both serenity and function.

Maureen Lindstrom of ML Designs, who, along with Heather Gormsen, had previously refreshed the home’s interiors, recalls a conversation about whether the couple should incorporate a pool but ultimately decided it wasn’t necessary. The spa functions as a cool plunge when the heaters are o , and without young children at home, they don’t need the space to swim.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Lindstrom says. “They have the water element without taking up space for a full pool.”

A ﬁreplace anchors the pavilion from the driveway entrance. A cupola atop the roof funnels sunlight down into the center of the space during the day, while at night, layered lighting from inside makes the top glow.

Brick pavers deﬁne the transition between the house and the courtyard.

A mix of brick and millwork columns visually break up the space and deﬁne entry to the pavilion from the side yard.

A perfect ﬁt: a two-tiered woven chandelier suspends from the cupola.

Millwork is a major component of the pavilion, equivalent to the home’s interior detailing.

Double grills and double vents give Dan options and opportunities for cooking with ease. The location along the back wall hides all the mechanical components.

A central island extends prep and serving space, with a handy sink and storage on the cook’s side and barstool seating on the cantilevered side.

Designed with Precision

For Wendlandt, alignment and sightlines were key. Every axis—from the centerline of the structure to the hot tub and dining area—creates a visual rhythm that feels intuitive. “People know it feels good, but they aren’t sure why,” he says. “It’s subtle.”

Natural light was also paramount. From inside the home, you can see through the pavilion; from within it, light streams between columns and lters down from the cupola above, creating an airy, almost cathedral-like space.

That same a ention to proportion and detail extended to the materials.

“The eave work is all prismatic,” Wendlandt notes. “When it’s illuminated at night, it’s spectacular.”

For the courtyard’s brick pavers, he met with mason Adi Shehu to hand-select a pale e that matched the home’s front stoop and walkways and laid the herringbone pa ern with exacting precision down the centerline.

Behind the scenes, Hurst Construction executed the vision awlessly, incorporating steel supports that lend the pavilion a sense of permanence. “His infrastructure was so beautiful I hated to cover it up,” Wendlandt says.

That sturdiness was tested last spring when tornadoes swept through nearby Prairie Village.

“We didn’t get wet,” Dan says. “Even with 50to 75-mile-per-hour winds, we sat out here the whole time—it was amazing.”

Inside the pavilion, ML Designs curated the durable aesthetic with elegant woven outdoor seating, a large textured rug, and a dramatic twotier woven chandelier that crowns the cupola.

Color cues echo the home’s interiors: while the house leans blue and white, the pavilion shi s to black, brown, gray, and green—tones that blend into the landscape.

“The whole back of the house is windows,” Lindstrom says. “It’s a short distance from inside to out—and it feels completely cohesive.”

With its custom copper gu ers, stone counters from Sturgis Materials, and surrounding landscape by Earth Expressions, the pavilion embodies outdoor living at its most graceful. With the addition of Bromic heaters, fans, and speakers, the usable season extends comfortably.

“We cook dinner out here almost every night— more if the weather holds,” Dan says. “Other than January and February, we use it year-round.”

Layered lighting is part of the space’s success story, giving it a warm glow and usability any time of day.

The formal dining room, once used as the front living room, is situated between the dry bar and the entrance hall, and features the black-and-white checkerboard ﬂooring throughout the three spaces. The designers created a more contemporary yet elegant ﬁreplace using marble from Carthage Stoneworks, and fabricated by Material Bespoke in Texas. Two standout gold-leaf Prescott Chandeliers by Arteriors hang above the dining table, surrounded by leather and brass chairs by Gabby.

FullComingCircle

WORDS

Susan Cannon

@susancannon1

PHOTOS

Josie Bene eld

@josiedell_photo

DESIGNER

LaMira Interiors

@lamirainteriors

The past is happily prologue for one busy professional who moved her active young family into the lovely Old Leawood home she had previously owned.

Sometimes life takes us in directions we would never expect. And sometimes becoming re-grounded in what feels nostalgic can be a surprising and invigorating experience.

For this homeowner, nding comfort in the familiar may have been her impetus, but seeking new design iterations for her beautiful former home seemed just right for this time in her life.

Enter LaMira Interiors, co-owned by Roxanne Baker and Kimbra Callaghan. As an interior design team, they cast a silhoue e of duality— one of distinct dedication and ebullience for their work, and the other, a signature, sophisticated, and o en feminine mood conveyed in their design. These qualities make them fun to work with, but more importantly, make them a skilled team to trust as they easily cater to their clients’ wants and needs, continually hi ing the mark.

What was once the formal dining room is now a dry bar that flows beautifully into the new dining room and kitchen. The Cristol flush mount light fixture is by AERIN for Visual Comfort, the faux marble resin table is by Made Goods, and the acrylic and brass chairs are by Gabby, all sold through LaMira.

LaMira kept the crown molding and coﬀered ceiling for traditional elegance and to soften the modernity of the living room, which had formerly been treated as a casual family room. The modern space is elevated with freshly painted walls and contemporary furnishings in a neutral palette. The pair of white chenille armchairs by Sunpan and the Chapman & Myers Alabaster Cora chandeliers were sourced from the shop. The classic black-andwhite checkerboard porcelain tiles are from Bedrosians. The paint color is Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore.

The kitchen received a fresh update that brightened the space considerably. Removing wooden beams and replacing darker hardwoods with engineered white oak gave the space a cleaner look. The black countertops and sink were replaced with white, and glossy ceramic tiles replaced the backsplash and a window surround up to the ceiling, creating refinement. Hudson Valley Acrylic light fixtures were a final, airy touch.

In 2020, the two launched their interior design rm, naming it LaMira Interiors, likely for one or all of its etymological meanings: radiating brightness through leadership, symbolizing beauty and mystery, or more simply, shining light.

Baker had just go en her interior design degree and was ready to open a design studio. She also dreamed of opening a shop but wanted a likeminded business and design partner. At the time, Callaghan was working for Roxanne’s husband as an interior designer for his company. In a de

move, Baker stole Callaghan from her husband. All copasetic, the two women moved forward in designing, building, and styling for clients.

In 2022, they opened their LaMira Interiors storefront in Hawthorne Plaza, situating their design studio within the shop for convenience and proximity to all the statement-making lighting, furniture, accessories, co ee table books, and material and wallpaper samples.

In that rst year of their retail business, this homeowner was introduced to the designers

through her mother, who had become a LaMira shop customer.

“From the moment our client walked into our shop, she knew we were the right t,” Baker explains. “The aesthetic spoke to her, and she trusted us with full creative freedom.”

And indeed, she had new eyes on the type of environment she wanted for her family’s new home. Her mandate was to keep the charm and architectural details of the house while updating it to re ect her modern style, blending the two cohesively. She wanted each space to feel special while also being functional for her blended family. Because of the client’s busy family life, Baker and Callaghan drove the design and project management of this renovation.

“Together, we brought her fun personality to life in every detail, balancing the way she wanted her home to look, feel, and function,” Callaghan says.

The redux here created a more reﬁned, yet casual mood for a newly functional home oﬃce. The designers added wainscoting on the walls and minimized the cabinetry.

A wood-paneled library became one of the most vibrant spaces in the home thanks to the choice of enameled Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore for the paneled walls, shelves, and trim. By removing the wood shutters, a fresh and airy appeal emerged. They carried the same white oak ﬂooring into the space, brightening the new oﬃce up, and blending it nicely with the abstractly patterned swivel chair for balance.

Design details from LaMira's activity on

Instagram.

The oldest daughter wanted a bedroom with a “glam” vibe, and that wish was met. The starting point was choosing the right wallpaper, so the designers turned to Area Environments wall coverings. The pattern is East Hennepin, by artist Emily Donovan, and can be interpreted as an abstraction of Italian marble. They used Universal Home for the bed and side dressers with pull-out trays, Uttermost for the alabaster lamps, and Gabby antique brass mirrors.

One of the more clever conceptual moves was to close up the cathedral ceiling that soared to the second ﬂoor, and utilize the new upstairs space above the entryway as a loft for the kids to hang out. The wallpaper is New Beat in light beige by Backdrop for Schumacher. All of the furnishings are from the LaMira shop, including the Palacek Coco Magnolia Chandelier, the framed Swim/Surf art by photographer Christine Flynn, and the hide throw pillow in Dalmatian print by Made Goods.

The designers aimed to redesign the downstairs by replacing the ooring, repainting, and minimizing woodwork details, sometimes removing them in favor of a more modern look. For example, the original front living room was transformed into the formal dining room. Its more elaborate, stately replace, which felt a touch dated, was removed and replaced with a custom-designed, streamlined marble replace. A handsome dry bar replaced the original dining room next to the kitchen. The family room— now the main living room—was also renovated and minimized just enough to feel like a quiet conversation between modernity and traditional, timeless style. Wainscoting and built-in cabinetry were removed, yet the elegant co ered ceiling and crown molding remained, monochromatically painted in the perfect white.

A total renovation of the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms ensued, e ectively meeting the needs and personalities of the three daughters.

“Because making sure we understand the clients is part of our onboarding process, including on an individual level for each room within the home, we interviewed the three girls to make sure we created a space that felt true to each of their individual styles,” Callaghan says.

The oldest daughter had her eye on a more sophisticated glam style, while the middle daughter was a racted to a coastal surfer vibe. The youngest wanted a bit more of a funky and colorful mood. With each of these requests, Baker and Callaghan delivered and managed to

maintain a sense of visual cohesion throughout. Then came a clever solution for be er lighting and livability upstairs. The designers conceived of a lo -like space for the girls to hang out by closing o the cathedral ceiling of the entryway below, allowing for extra space naturally lit by one of the home’s dormer windows.

“We wrapped the lo walls in a playful Backdrop for Schumacher wallpaper, layering the room with cheeky art, tactile textures like printed hair on hide and bouclé, touches of gold, plaster, and marble. My favorite element in the space is the Palacek light xture, which is an artful piece cra ed from coconut shells, bringing in that beautiful natural texture. I love how this

space feels both creative and cozy for a fun teenage retreat,” Baker says.

Asked what the favorite aspect of this redesign was for Callaghan, she says, “We absolutely slaughtered the game when speaking of lighting! One of the highlights of this project was the creative freedom our homeowner gave us to play with lighting in every room. It allowed us to incorporate some of our all-time favorite xtures, and the results truly shine.”

From statement pieces by Arteriors to timeless designs from Visual Comfort and Hudson Valley, each xture was carefully chosen to elevate the modern, high-end feel of this renovation.

LaMira, indeed!

WORDS

Jen Moore

@misses.moore

BUILDER/INTERIOR DESIGNER

Freeman Custom Homes

@freemancustomhomes

STAGER

Lemondrop Home

@lemondrop.home

Cul-de-sacs and pitched roofs o en de ne the suburban outskirts of Liberty, Missouri, but one house in particular looks more Monterey than Midwest. Its pale limestone, black-framed windows, and stained wood garage doors mark it as California modern transplanted into Missouri soil—proof that warm minimalism can thrive far from the coasts.

Kyle and Liz Freeman have been building custom homes for nearly two decades, but none of their projects feel like replicas.

“We like versatility,” Liz says. “One house might be dark and moody, the next light and European. What ties them together is that they’re comfortable and timeless.” That philosophy has

The entry courtyard—framed by timber beams with hidden LED lights—sets the tone with a central fountain, perfect for quiet mornings.

Limestone, black-framed windows, and stained wood give the house its California modern edge, even on the back side, which faces the community’s golf course.

California Modern,

Midwest Roots

A spec home at Shoal Creek Valley rede nes Midwestern living with warm minimalist, inventive cra smanship, and timeless comfort.

The kitchen island, paired with stained wood cabinetry, features minimal lines and Taj Mahal quartzite.

Even in the dining room, the lighting remains understated—no chandelier, just clean lines and a rhythmic feel.

A stone fireplace anchors the living room, flanked by bookcases that float off the wall with concealed LED backlighting.

earned them a reputation for creating houses that stand apart in a landscape o en de ned by sameness, like this one.

The house welcomes visitors with a surprise of sorts: a front-of-house courtyard, rarely seen in this part of the country. Timber beams stretch overhead, their undersides cut with LED channels so the space glows so ly at night. At its center, a fountain sets the tone for a feature unusual for suburban design.

“It’s an outdoor room,” Kyle says, “a place for co ee or si ing still,” a beautiful welcome home. Inside, a barrel-vaulted stone arched entry way opens the home with soaring, 12-foot ceilings

that evoke old European wine cellars. In the kitchen, a full-height backsplash—Taj Mahal quartzite for those who track such details— spans uninterrupted from the counters to the ceiling, thanks to a custom exhaust system Kyle engineered to eliminate the need for a standard range hood.

“We didn’t want to cut the wall in half,” he says. “This way the room keeps that expansive, calm feeling.” The cabinets stretch the full 12 feet as well and li the room with a vertical cohesion that feels grand yet approachable and unfussy.

Lighting is another area where the Freemans’ creativity turns into a trademark. Beams over the

Every appliance is tucked away, keeping the kitchen’s lines and angles clean and minimal.

courtyard glow from hidden channels, bookcases oat o the wall with so LED backlighting, and the stone entry arch features recessed lighting that illuminates without drawing a ention to its source. In other rooms, distinct xtures show o stylish contours without competing for a ention. “At night, you can turn o all the overhead lights and the house still glows,” Liz says. “It feels tranquil, not staged.”

Their nishes also make a statement. Opalescent, handmade tile in the primary bath brings texture to the space with its uneven edges and thick body, while a brass-framed shower enclosure intentionally uses more metal than required “because it’s more interesting that way,” Liz explains. Unlacquered brass faucets and

Vertical shiplap and statement lighting avoid suburban cookie-cutter ﬁnishes.

The lower-level bar draws inspiration from restaurant-style seating, featuring ﬂoating shelves and backlit wine racks.

A deep green color palette and inspired tile patterns create a moody hideaway oﬀ the home’s main entrance.

The brass-framed shower intentionally shows brass bones, exposed and ready for patina.

metal framing in the primary shower were le exposed to invite patina over time. “Some people want perfection,” Kyle says. “But handmade has a warmth that factory-made can’t replicate.”

Throughout the home, small, inventive gestures delight a keen-eyed observer. A hidden bookcase slides open to reveal the mudroom. A continuous loop connects kitchen, pantry, and utility spaces, making everyday circulation both practical and discreet. In the lower level, a restaurant-style bar with oating shelves, backlit wine racks, and a built-in booth turn an entertainment zone into a destination.

“We like it when a oor plan gives us an odd problem to solve,” Kyle says. “That’s usually where the most creative ideas come from.”

Even the structural details carry a quiet twist. The stained wood garage doors make a striking counterpoint to the limestone. Interior doors, too, are nished in warm wood rather than paint. In a bathroom, tile layouts feature dark tones that climb only three-quarters of the way up, topped with lighter nishes “just di erent enough to be noticed,” Liz says.

We like it when a oor plan gives us an odd problem to solve. That’s usually where the most creative ideas come from.

— Kyle Freeman “

For the Freemans, the goal isn’t to stamp every project with a recognizable signature. It’s to give each house its own identity while maintaining a throughline of comfort and timelessness. “We don’t want people to walk in and say, ‘This is the Freeman style,’” Liz says. “We want them to say, ‘This feels like home.’”

Suburban living doesn’t have to be predictable, they say. It can be inventive, elegant, and yes— even a li le coastal.

“Trends come and go,” Liz adds. “But if the bones are warm, comfortable, and thoughtful, it will always feel like home.”

Handmade tile creates a soft, casual texture across the vanity wall, with its irregular edges and tonal variation.

With its soaring recessed ceiling, the primary bedroom stays airy and calm, consistent with the Freemans’ “resortlike” theme for the house.

An ode to Frank Lloyd Wright’s mastery of organic architecture, the contemporary front elevation captivates attention with its low-pitched roofline and oversized soffits. The native Kansas limestone was custom-cut to specific thicknesses, lengths, and heights, then finished with a distinctive heavy-pitched capstone. Metal awnings, hand-scraped timber posts with custom iron brackets, and dramatic dayto-night lighting are hallmarks of B.L. Rieke’s signature style.

Inspired by Texas Hill Country style, B.L. Rieke’s model home transforms a wooded Lenexa lot into a livable work of art.

WORDS

Savannah Newson

@sociablysavvy

PHOTOS

Josie Bene eld

@josiedell_photo

CONTRACTOR/INTERIOR DESIGNER

B.L. Rieke Custom Homes

@blriekecustomhomes

ARCHITECT

KC Architecture

@kcarchitecture.biz

From the timeless works of Mozart and Van Gogh to the cozy warmth of hometown desserts and winter wardrobes, the world’s nest masterpieces and our everyday comforts share a unifying thread: purposeful, thoughtfully constructed layers. These layers of construction, whether composed of avors, textures, or melodies, establish a profound sense of dimension and depth, heightening our experiences in the moment while leaving an enduring impression.

Home building—especially in the realm of highend custom design—is no exception. Intentional layers of detail create substance, richness and character, elevating rooms from blank canvases to immersive, beautifully livable works of art with true wow factor. It’s a transformation that Bruce

Scan to watch the video featured on KCTV 5.

Left and below: The backyard unfolds like a private destination—nestled among native cedars and framed by layered and lit landscaping—featuring multiple seating areas, self-watering planters and a custom Core-Ten steel ﬁre pit (complete with its own gas line). Sightlines from the patio all the way to the front door reinforce the home’s natural ﬂow.

and Toni Rieke, the husband-and-wife team behind B.L. Rieke Custom Homes, bring to life again and again. This time, it’s with the Pensacola Hill Country model.

Set high on a wooded daylight lot within Lenexa’s Timber Rock community—Bruce’s highly successful rst foray into real estate development—the residence commands a ention with its inspired elevation and undeniable curb appeal. It impressed during its debut in the Spring 2025 Parade of Homes, earning both the Pick of the Parade Gold Award and First Place for Distinctive Plan & Design. The residence, however, is much more than an award-winning showpiece—it’s a layered story

of architecture, landscape, and lifestyle woven together in seamless fashion.

Drawing inspiration from Texas Hill Country architecture with a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Pensacola’s exterior pairs native Kansas limestone and hand-scraped timber posts accented by custom iron brackets with expansive black-framed Andersen windows and signature metal awnings. Oversized so ts and a low-pitched roo ine introduce geometry and proportion, while the interplay of stone, wood, metal, and glass strikes a balance between natural and contemporary.

“It’s a layering of materials, visual interests and ambiance,” says Toni, the interior designer of the

Complementing the home’s geometric architecture, the backyard landscape feels wholly organic—its stone paths, winding walkways and native timbers accentuating the natural contours of the terrain.

home. “We carefully blend them so they’re not in your face. People see [the details] but they don’t really know why the house is di erent unless they truly study it.” The couple’s harmonized design method applies to everything from lighting to stone selections.

Even the entry sequence reveals a deliberate moment.

“You’re immediately drawn to the outdoor living features as you rst enter the home,” Bruce illustrates. “You cross the threshold, and right away you see the blazing re pit out back... It’s a big focal point.”

The outdoor living areas extend the home’s nature-loving embrace. Dual sliding doors open to a covered lanai paved in porcelain, mirroring the front entry for continuity. A honed marble replace, granite countertop, and built-in grill elevate the

Striking from every angle—even curbside—the light-ﬁlled stairwell curves around a cascading chandelier, all while the staircase itself appears to “ﬂoat” behind a two-story wall of black-casement windows, creating a dramatic display—especially after dark.

The great room offers a graceful midpoint between the home’s main living areas. Vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light and solid white-oak floors with an oil finish infuse the space with warmth and character, while a sleek, linear fireplace adds a balancing touch of modern edge. Dual sliding glass doors by Andersen extend the space outward, forming a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Geometric motifs throughout the kitchen echo the home’s architectural thread. Troy Lighting’s Origami pendants and gold detailings lend a note of warmth and artistry. The two-toned oak cabinetry provides a rich backdrop for the room’s main attraction: a soft green, T-shaped quartzite island with a customfabricated metal base.

Anchored by expansive black-casement windows and a raised roofline, the front office serves as both a functional, flexible workspace and an architectural statement. “The front office is kind of a signature feature,” Bruce explains. “It gives the elevation its character.”

The ﬂoating two-tier vanity mirrors the kitchen island’s quartzite countertop, hardware and richly stained wood detailing, all softly illuminated by LED.

The primary bath is accessed through deep-blue barn doors from the suite or via the adjoining primary closet and connected laundry room. A spacious walk-in shower and freestanding soaking tub, set against a natural stone accent wall, create a soothing focal point.

experience, while thoughtful touches like selfwatering planters, natural stone pathways and a Core-Ten steel repit with a dedicated gas line enhance functionality. The landscaping, artfully cra ed by EPIC Landscaping Productions, further grounds the retreat in its se ing.

“We nestled [the outdoor living space] into the trees and natural se ing of the lot,” Bruce says, adding that trimmed up and thinned out trees made way for the design.

The result, as Bruce describes, is “resort living at your own home”—an al fresco retreat where architecture and nature ow together in harmony.

The lower level continues this intentional layering through texture, geometry, light, and a few hidden gems. A rounded wall of vertical

glass panels frames the game niche, guiding visitors into a whiskey-and-wine room out ed with oating iron shelves, custom wine racks and subtle libation-themed details revealed only at certain angles—a playful addition by iron artisan Jack Brock. A comfy barside lounge and adjacent theater are anchored by individually cut and painted wood slats, adding dimensional warmth. Triple picture windows ood the space with daylight, while ceiling accents, uplighting, and repeating geometric motifs ensure cohesion. Discreetly tucked away are two more surprises—a cozy under-stairs hideaway and a cra ing/safe room—demonstrating how even practical spaces can carry layers of creativity and charm.

Serene and sophisticated with a modern sensibility, the primary bedroom is deﬁned by light, symmetry, and continuity. A dimensional accent wall anchors the space, while an airy vaulted ceiling and sweeping views of the wooded backyard elevate its tranquil allure.

One of the most popular features of the Pensacola Hill Country is its lower level—and understandably so, with its bright, inviting ambiance and relaxed sophistication made for eﬀortless entertaining. The space oﬀers something for everyone, featuring a suave bar with a glass-front

and ﬂoating glass-and-iron shelves, a striking whiskey-and-wine room, and multiple seating areas.

Monogram fridge

“It doesn’t feel like a lower level,” Toni re ects. “It’s full of light, texture, and visual interest. Everything is open but sectioned. It’s not just one big open room—you still feel the spaciousness while having organized living spaces.” The layering of recurring design elements, along with the visual connection to the outdoor living areas, ties it seamlessly to the rest of the home. “We try to keep a continuation of things—a thread through the house,” she adds. Her words echo the very essence of the Pensacola Hill Country, where every space is orchestrated in layers—stone and timber, light and landscape, design and detail—woven together to welcome its new owners.

Deﬁned by a rounded wall of frameless vertical glass panels, the game table niche oﬀers a view into the whiskey-and-wine room beyond. The fully custom, stone-clad enclosure features underlit wood shelves and artisanal iron wine racks crafted by Jack Brock of Custom Products.

A

heritage home builder steps out of the city into the suburbs, nodding to the past while emphasizing best ways to live in the present.

ast spring, Chris and Tara Merkel toured a property in the Terrybrook Farms community in southern Overland Park, one of hundreds of model homes open to tourgoers in the Greater Kansas City Home Builders Association’s biannual Parade of Homes. “We weren’t looking for a new home,” Chris says. “We were looking for ideas.”

PHOTOS Ma hew Anderson @ma hewaphoto

ARCHITECT

Elswood Smith Carlson Architects @escarchitects

BUILDER AND DESIGNER

Edward Franklin Building Co. @edwardfranklinbuildingco

Timeless elements, such as the crystal chandelier and the traditional, tone-on-tone landscape wall mural, blend eﬀortlessly with the home’s contemporary furnishings.

WORDS

Sarah MacFarland

They found lots of ideas…and so much more.

When they walked through the model home by Edward Franklin Building Company that won a First Place Award for Distinctive Plan and Design, they were stunned. “The primary suite was like nothing we had ever seen,” Tara says.

“The quality upgrades, the xtures, and the nishes throughout the home, the care and a ention to detail really impressed us,” Chris recalls.

“The range hood looks like an old Italian replace, and the scullery lets me keep the kitchen clu er-free,” adds Tara. “I love that wallpaper in the dining room.”

Everything was nearly perfect as-is, but the couple asked their agent to request a quote from the builder for nishing the basement, installing a pool, and expanding the patio. “We toured the house on a Sunday, and by that Thursday, they had all the information for us.”

That sealed the deal. The Merkels moved in not long a erward, and work began on the basement, patio, and pool.

Flex space galore: A den or home oﬃce could also become a media room.

A boutique-style closet and dressing room provide ample storage.

Floor-to-ceiling draperies ﬁlter light and soften lines in the primary bedroom.

Back-to-back shower and European-style tub in the primary bath make a great use of space.

either direction.

The high window placement lets in light but allows privacy over the centralized his-and-hers ﬂoating vanities and a Hollywood-style make-up mirror.

The walk-in shower features glass doors on two sides for entry from

Brazilian quartzite on the backsplash and countertops looks luxe and is easy to clean.

“Their communication throughout the project management has been great,” Chris says. “You really feel like they are working on your behalf.”

“That’s just what we like to hear,” says Chris Ruhl, co-managing partner of Edward Franklin with Grant Baumgartner. “Because this was a spec home, we were making decisions for a future homeowner, and we hoped we would make the right ones.”

The spec building process is one of trial and error, but with the transition to homeownership, Baumgartner emphasizes, “We know it’s important to be responsive to our clients.”

The days before their spec home debuted on the Parade, Baumgartner admits to a few “nailbiter” moments. “We were there until 3 or 4 in the

Banquette seating in the breakfast area has views of the patio and outdoors.

The hard-working scullery keeps kitchen prep work out of sight.

morning, ge ing everything just right,” he says. “The reception we got made it all worthwhile.”

Founded in 2018, Edward Franklin started building homes in urban and downtown Kansas City on in ll lots, where the challenge was to echo the architectural and neighborhood style of the surroundings. “We began working with Gerald Janssen at Elswood Smith Carlson Architects to get the right mix of timeless classic and modern living,” Baumgartner says. “They have been a good t for what we want to do.”

When Baumgartner and Ruhl decided to tap into the Johnson County market, they snapped up the last lot in Terrybrook Farms. “We did a lot of driving around,” Baumgartner says. “When we saw this wide lot with a view of the fountain across the street, we knew it was the one.”

Typically, in ll lots require building up, not out. “The wide lot allowed us to design a sprawling home with a side-entry garage,” Ruhl says. The front elevation resembles a house that has been added onto over the generations, yet it maintains

Light ﬂoods through the black-framed windows into the entry and adjacent dining room.

An asymmetrical pairing of the stacked stone ﬁreplace and built-in bookcase blend timeless with contemporary.

A double-barrel vaulted ceiling paired with a contemporary Palladian window, make the living room soar to new heights physically and stylistically.

a cohesive look. The lot, surrounded by other homes, also presented a challenge. “We decided to go with a courtyard feel,” he says, with kitchen and master suite wings that let in light but don’t give neighbors a view inside the home.

Privacy was paramount in the primary suite wing. “We used large windows and yet nobody can see in,” he says. The oating vanity islands, with mirrors suspended from the ceiling, o er hisand-hers sinks. A large tub that would be right at home in a Parisian apartment, along with a makeup vanity, adds a luxurious touch. Baumgartner and Kuhl also planted a row of hornbeams to form a backyard border, which further screens the interior from view.

Throughout the home, Baumgartner and Ruhl seamlessly married timeless design elements with modern living. Twelve-inch baseboards echo the woodwork in centuries-old homes yet provide

The primary suite wing on the left and the covered patio extension create a cozy courtyard for entertaining ﬁreside.

A drone shot shows its connection to the Terrybrook community.

a way to hide HVAC returns and vents. Brazilian quartzite in a moody green is a natural stone that is sturdier than granite, making it ideal for countertops and ooring. Venetian plaster allows for dramatic vaulting in the soaring living room yet adds quiet, eco-friendly texture. The range hood in the kitchen might feel at home in a Tuscan villa, but it also incorporates a powerful hood vent and a handy pot ller.

Timeless with modern elements is also on view in the dining room, featuring a traditional mural landscape wall done in a contemporary tone-ontone wallcovering, lit by a crystal chandelier. “Our

interior designer works hard to nd that mix,” Ruhl notes.

Edward Franklin is now expanding into Johnson County with a spec house and model homes in the new Woodmyre neighborhood at 181st and Quivira. “We love to create, to go from an idea to a concept to a home that ts the way people want to live,” Baumgartner says.

“We do this because we love it,” Ruhl adds. “You learn so much about the homeowners you work with, and friendships develop. We are happy to play a part in their lives.”

The “historically modern” home was designed to feel like a centuries-old estate with a touch of the contemporary.

THE STORY OF HOME

From London to Leawood, a young family begins a new chapter on Lee Boulevard.

The home’s painted brick exterior and copper gutters establish a timeless, lived-in character from the street. Landscape design by Laura Stack’s Creative Outdoor Spaces.

WORDS Jen Moore

@misses.moore

PHOTOS

Nate Sheets

@natesheetsphoto

DESIGNER

Ensley Interiors

@ensleyinteriors

CONTRACTOR

Homoly Design + Build @homolydesignbuild

The house on Lee Boulevard doesn’t look new. Its painted brick exterior, sloped roo ines, and copper gu ers already deepening with patina give it the presence of a home that could have been there for decades.

A round stair window punctuates the façade, while an arched front door gestures to familiar Kansas City traditions.

For Blake and Leigh Foster, who recently returned from seven years in London with their three young boys, that was the goal: to build a

new house that felt rooted in history, built for modern family life, and re ected their family values. “We’re story people,” Blake says. “The question we kept asking was: what does this house communicate about who we are?”

Leigh didn’t have to look far for roots. She grew up on this very street, and her mother lives next door. Building here meant coming home in the fullest sense. But London shaped her family, too. There, in a compact house one-third the size of this one, they learned to live e ciently and treat every corner with purpose. They also absorbed native rhythms: meals that spilled outdoors at the rst hint of sunshine, dinners stretched long around crowded tables.

Together, those in uences became a blueprint of sorts. Local architectural details gave the house its familiar presence; London

Custom built-ins and graceful archways give the main ﬂoor a sense of layered history.

The island is visible from the living room, yet it maintains its own distinct space.

See video interview with Publisher Keith Sauro.

Through a sequence of arches, the dining room becomes both passage and pause—linking daily life with the home’s sense of history.

Left: A navy-painted coﬀee hutch with brass hardware and marble backsplash layers everyday ritual into the kitchen’s timeless palette.

Below: A tailored banquette and woven pendant give the dining nook a layered, lived-in charm.

The mudroom balances durability and beauty, with leather seating and ample built-in storage.

The powder bath in the back hall layers ﬂoral wallpaper, oak wainscoting, and a marble console sink for a richly detailed moment.

gave it e ciency and a spirit of hospitality.

“We wanted a home that could gather people easily—not extravagant, not pretentious, but welcoming in a way that creates community,” Blake says.

Because they were an ocean away during the design and build process, the Fosters placed their trust in Paige Posladek of Ensley Interiors, a friend before she was their designer.

Weekly calls with Paige and Homoly Design + Build created a cadence for and con dence in the project that felt surprisingly freeing to the Fosters. “If we’d been here during the build, it would’ve been more stressful,” Leigh admits.

“Being overseas meant we had to trust the team—and that distance actually helped.”

For Blake, Posladek’s role was more than decorative. “We needed someone who could

Leigh’s Nook, a pocket office located off the kitchen, offers private space with a café-like ambiance.

The kitchen strikes a balance between openness and deﬁnition, connecting to the living room through arches rather than a single, large open plan.

A sunny, round window and sculptural light ﬁxture crown the soaking tub.

help us design a space that told our story. Paige wasn’t just making something pre y. She re ected us in the house.”

Posladek and her team also drew inspiration from the surrounding neighborhoods. “We wanted the house to feel like an old Kansas City home, so we studied Brookside, Ward Parkway, and Loose Park—all those arches and brick details laid in traditional pa erns give the house a presence that feels older than it is.”

Inside, she resisted the common urge to create one vast open plan. “We wanted it to feel like it had been renovated over time,” Posladek explains. Distinct rooms ow together gracefully: arches are thick and substantial, not trendy; white oak oors carry warmth throughout; marble anchors replaces.

Vaulted wood beams elevate the airy primary suite, where a commissioned Moroccan-inspired painting and limestone-wrapped ﬁreplace with custom ironwork anchor the room.

In the primary bath, an arched niche frames the double vanity, where oak cabinetry and marble counters balance warmth and reﬁnement.

Vertical paneling and hidden utility access make the laundry room as inviting as it is hardworking.

A “Narnia closet” hidden behind a bookcase opens to a tucked-away playroom designed for Legos and imagination.

A child’s bedroom strikes a balance between whimsy and calm, featuring a built-in window seat, a vaulted shiplap ceiling, and a paper lantern light.

Custom full-size oak bunk beds with built-in storage ensure the boys’ room will grow with them.

The o ce includes a dramatic steel-framed interior window ed with “click glass” that turns opaque at the touch of a bu on. The staircase—continuous spindles with no newel posts or rose es—was an engineering feat. “It took a year to gure out,” Posladek says. “But it gives the house both old-world resonance and modern clarity.”

Everyday life with three boys was a design brief of its own. The mudroom bench is covered in leather rather than fabric, ready for sports gear and muddy shoes. The bunk room holds full-size beds to carry the boys through

adolescence. Behind their closet lies a secret. “The Narnia closet leads to a hidden playroom where the older boys can leave their Legos safe from the toddler,” Posladek says.

For Leigh, the oor plan gi ed her a room of her own. “The li le nook o the kitchen feels like a London café. It’s where I go to work or hide away. I can’t imagine the house without it.”

The family room o ers another pause: walls and ceiling painted in pale blue, shelves stretching to the ceiling with something to read for everyone, a space that “feels like a cloud.”

The family library is color-drenched in soft blue, creating a space that feels like a cloud.

Hospitality shows up most vividly outside. At the heart of the back patio sits a 16-seat table—less a piece of furniture than a symbol of how the Fosters live. “It felt important to us, because in London we saw how much life happens around a table—long dinners, beautiful meals, people gathered together,” Leigh says. Neighborly yet secluded, the gathering place features a wood-burning replace for warmth, skylights that keep the adjoining living room bright, and built-in heaters that extend Kansas City’s seasons.

Throughout the house are echoes of the Fosters’ travels, details that turn design into biography. Ironwork in the o ce recalls a hotel in Myanmar. Textiles from Morocco so en the primary suite. The basement carries a chalet sensibility, layered with photographs of the French Alps. Cornwall, with its wild coastlines

Inside the entry, the custom steel-framed “click glass” window shifts from transparent to opaque for privacy.

Continuous oak spindles give the staircase a sculptural grace, merging engineering precision with modern simplicity.

The oﬃce showcases dramatic steel detailing, paired with glass that shifts from transparent to opaque with the click of a button.

The family room leans into playful personality, with modular seating and shelving styled with travel mementos.

In the basement kitchenette, Kansas limestone cabinet fronts and a matte black counter bring a Scandinavian edge to the space.

Julie Blackmon’s photograph sets a lyrical, Midwestern note above a sculptural cabinet in the upstairs landing.

Green clé tile wraps the shower, with graphic Fireclay ﬂooring adding playful contrast.

A banquette in the lower level brings cozy Scandinavian vibes to a corner.

An arched shower wall and brass ﬁxtures bring old-world elegance to a secondary bath.

and mythic feel, inspired art in the kitchen and family spaces.

Looking back, the Fosters say the process worked for them because they started with values, not square footage or nishes. “If you’re clear on your mission, vision, and values, you have a toolbox you can carry into every decision,” Blake says. “For us, it was about enough—de ning what’s enough space to be hospitable, enough design to re ect who we are, never more than we needed.”

Posladek echoes that intention. “From the beginning, we wanted this house to feel di erent than a normal new build, like it already had a layered personality and soul,” she says. “Even a new home should have room to evolve. You nail the details, but you leave space for the family to add their own story.”

And for the house on Lee Boulevard, the story is just beginning.

A 16-foot outdoor table stretches across the patio, designed for family gatherings around a wood-burning ﬁreplace.

The rear façade strikes a balance between symmetry and charm, featuring patinated copper and small-pane windows that evoke an old-world character.

RITUAL OF PAUSE

Architect: DRAW architecture + urban design Structural: Apex Engineers MEP Engineers: FSC Inc. Contractor: Cardinal Crest Pools: Waters Edge Aquatic Design Lighting Design: Derek Porter Studio

MIDCENTURY, MODERNIZED

Architect: Tyler Waldorf Contractor: Stephen Velie Home

Improvement Cabinets: Pitter Patter Carpentry Tile: Palomino Tile Painting and Finish: Distinctive Quality Painting Trim + Framing: Encompass Remodel Flooring: Ortiz Flooring

COLOR-FILLED CORNERS

Designer: Maggie Routon Studio Shower Tile: Fireclay Tile Floor Tile: Ceramica Fioranese Shower & Sink Fixtures: Phylrich Sink Basin: Nood Mirror: Moustache Toilet Paper

Holder: NewMade LA Paint: Backdrop Light Switches: Buster & Punch Pocket Door Handle: Emtek Laundry Light: Entler Studio Florals: The Cottage Rose Art: Dear Society Ceramics: The Object Enthusiast (via Duet) Towels + Bathmat: Tekla (via Blackbird Collection) Stool: Moustache

CALIFORNIA MODERN, MIDWEST ROOTS

Builder/Interior Designer: Freeman Custom Homes

Architectural Collaboration: A3G Architects Staging: Lemondrop Home Cabinets and Tops: Miller’s Custom Cabinets and Signature Solid Surface Lighting: Visual

Comfort Carpet and Tile Materials: Kopp’s Decorating Tile

Installer: Turner Ceramic Tile Hardwood: Kenny’s Tile & Floor Covering Stone: KC Stone Finish Carpentry: Thomson Custom Carpentry Lumber + Trim: Owen Lumber

LAYERED LIVING

Contractor/Interior Designer: B.L. Rieke Custom Homes

Architect: Thomas P. McDonough, KC Architecture Cabinets: Miller’s Custom Cabinets Landscaping: EPIC Landscape

Productions Custom Ironwork & Stair Railings: Jack Brock, Custom Products LLC Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors

Rooﬁng: Imperial Rooﬁng Hardware: Locks & Pulls Flooring–Tile & Carpet: ProSource Flooring–Hardwood: SVB Wood Floors Countertops: SCI Surfaces Appliances + Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Home Lighting: Rensen House of Lights

Electrical: Electrical Investments

FIVE STARS

Designer/Contractor: Schloegel Design Remodel

Appliances: Factory Direct Cabinets: WW Wood Cement

Work: KC Coring Countertops: Dimensional Stoneworks Doors and Trim: KC Millwork Drywall: Tom Lee Drywall & Plaster Electrician: Jason Wright Electric Insulation: Hayes Insulation Hardwood Floor Installation: SVB Wood

Floors HVAC: City Wide Heating & Cooling Lumber: McCray Lumber Painter: R & S Painting Plumber: Tschirhart

Plumbing Plumbing Fixtures: Grandview Winnelson; Neenan

Company Shower Door: Westport Glass Tile: Central States

Tile Tile Installation: Eddie Cummings Tile Co. Wallpaper

Installation: The Wallpaper Guy Window Well Caps: Stony Point Hardscape

Jewelry shop owner Shannon Jones gives her pup, Pearl, a bisou atop a stash of bijoux in Westside. See the shop’s interiors and wearables on page 142. Photo by Samantha Levi.

Luxury Resource Directory

PUTTING ON YOUR HALO

Your contributions can help youth feel at home.

From Their House to Yours

A puzzle or a project o ers a meditative way for people to forget their worries for a moment. For youth struggling with homelessness, a safe place to stay is a lifeline, but a chance to build something is life-changing.

At The HALO Foundation, HALO Makers are given a chance to learn valuable life skills through the entire process of making a product. Sanding and nishing reclaimed wood serving trays o ers youth therapeutic bene ts, while funds raised from the sale of items support the maker’s future in impactful ways, such as helping to pay for higher education, rent, or a car payment.

“It’s been inspiring to see the enthusiasm for learning a new skill, and they’re always so excited to see the nished product that they’ve made with their own hands,” says HALO volunteer Julie Arnold, who initiated the HALO Maker program.

Each year, youth in the program create serving trays sold throughout the year at haloworldwide.org/halomakers, and Arnold also works with them on a larger, highly coveted auction item, like this reclaimed elm co ee table seen here sold at HALO’s annual fundraiser, held February 28.

From Your House to Theirs

Or, if you'd like to help make HALO a cozy place for youth to live by lling in a few missing pieces, consider donating to haloworldwide.org. Click the donate bu on, and then comment “Home Decor.” These nal ourishes of design—throw pillows, baskets, plants, and books—can enhance a youth’s stay and help them nd comfort.

PHOTO Pilson Photo Co-op @pilsonphotocoop

Homesites start in the mid $200s

The Next Evolution of Luxury Living in Kansas City

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