The empty nesters who bought this Kansas house had a clear vision. The remodel had to be bright, light and modern for just the two of them every day but holiday-ready, welcoming and roomy enough for their four young adult kids and any guests they bring for visits (including, fingers crossed, grandkids in the future).
The couple wanted to dial up the style and ease of the outdated floor plan in Olathe. With designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co, they created a suite of sunny rooms, including the living room, kitchen and adjacent hearth room, with plenty of seating and an emphasis on gathering around to cook and savor family meals, a favorite pastime here. “We added openings for a full entertaining flow between the rooms and better light,” says Robins.
It was important that the final design reflected a fresh aesthetic but also incorporated pieces of family history. In the living room, for example, the heirloom wood secretary, with its drop-down desk, glass doors, shelves and drawers, is set off by a contemporary salt-of-the-earth coffee table, wood-frame chairs, and comfy upholstery and carpet in neutral colors.
The old kitchen in the Midwestern property, built in the 1990s, was closed-in and cramped, with the island at an awkward angle. In addition to breathing air into the layout, the team added cookbook shelves with ledges so the books lay flat and the covers face out, new white dishes to restart from scratch and airy greens in pretty pots. They modified the windows and casings for a more open feel. Despite the dramatic improvement, the footprint was not increased.
“The homeowner said she had spent her life with her back to her family, cooking,” says Robins. “The most important thing we did was to put the French stove in the custom island.” Now, whoever cooks is in the midst of the action, not working alone.
“We often strive for uninterrupted islands without sinks and seams, but the Lacanche Range in Frangipane hit every functional goal of the client and is a visual showstopper.” In an elegant warm, mushroomy tone, the aesthetic anchor inspired other color accents. The pendant lighting with woven basket shade by Marie Flanigan for Visual Comfort adds interest but doesn’t overwhelm the room.
The wood floors are original. The family had lived with the red oak 1990s hue and wanted a lighter, brighter feel and sanded them down. A Red Out treatment was applied, then a clear coat for easy maintenance. The rug was made on request by an Etsy vendor.
The kitchen flows into the hearth room, with a set of cozy swivel chairs for gathering and chatting. No rush, no worry. Just recharging, in person, with love. Slow times, not fast food.
Photography by Nate Sheets.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.