Bright Beginnings - Kansas City Homes & Style

Couple enjoys a fresh start in a Kansas City condo

Story by Rachael Hedgcoth | Photos by Gary Rohman

Sometimes moving into a new home offers an opportunity for an entirely new start.

That was precisely the case for one couple as they settled into their new two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Kansas City.

Located in an upscale complex, the cozy residence offered a chance to start fresh amidst the sights, sounds and experiences of the benevolent City of Fountains.

In search of interior design guidance, the couple consulted with The Design Gallery at Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) in Kansas City, Kan.

Known for its unparalleled home furnishings shopping experience, the 450,000-square-foot NFM showroom beckons with infinite selections of everything from sofas, chairs, TVs, and tables, to electronics, flooring, fitness equipment – and so much more.

The iconic company also offers in-home and in-store interior design services through the Design Gallery to assist customers in transforming their living space and expressing their personal style.

In this case, NFM design professionals worked with the existing palette of paint, wallpaper, flooring and cabinetry that was already in place.

“The homeowners didn’t want to do any major renovations to the existing place,” explained Wes Hodge, NFM Designer Gallery manager.

After an initial in-store consult, NFM designers met with the couple in their home to assess surroundings and build a plan for going forward.

“It’s incredibly valuable to get things correct right from the start,” said Hodge. “The designer wants to be in the space, look at the rooms, understand the flow, and determine the client’s tastes and spending plan. We can work with original pieces or build a whole new plan.”

Hodge said when clients work with the NFM Design Gallery, about 50 percent of the merchandise is in stock at any given time, while the other 50 percent is custom or needs to be ordered.

In this condo, the goal was to achieve an elegantly modern environment complete with sophisticated yet functional furnishings.

Working with a neutral foundation defined by shades of soft ivories and beige, as well as plenty of natural light, NFM designers began assembling custom furnishing options for the living room, dining room, and master and guest bedrooms.

Subtle Complements

After several months of selecting styles, choosing fabrics, and ordering pieces, the design process came to fruition in a graceful space that is both luxurious and inviting.

The heart of the home features an open floor plan that connects the kitchen, living room, and dining room.

High vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and creamy ivory walls provide a soft backdrop to this light and airy space.

The dark kitchen cabinetry and see-through fireplace, located between the living and dining room, provide contrasting color while the tasteful, custom furnishings complement the tranquil ambiance.

Simple and uncluttered, the living room features an Elite Leather curved conversation sofa, recliner, and oval ottoman.

The leather delivers classic style and easy durability in this comfortable living space ideal for watching television, reading, or simply enjoying company.

Massoud club chairs dressed in beige leather cushions and printed fabric add a fun little visual twist to the room. The chairs’ fabric pattern is continued across the room on the sofa’s square pillows.

Three end tables and a room-sized monochromatic rug add to this room’s intimate feel. The living area’s windows are dressed in Silhouette® Window Shadings from Hunter Douglas that use specially crafted fabrics to diffuse strong sunlight and instead create a soft interior glow. The homeowners opted for the motorized option, so all the shades open and close by remote or iPhone app.

Another subtle thread connecting the kitchen, dining, and living space can be found in the rich stellar black granite that ties all three rooms together.

The homeowners worked with Kansas City, Mo.,-based Carthage Stoneworks to identify the granite originally used in the kitchen countertops and incorporate it in the pedestal dining table’s top and two of the living room end table tops, also.

Airy Charm

The condo’s calm, neutral theme continues into the master and guest bedrooms where small details generate a sense of sleek and serene style.

Mirrored artwork on either side of the bed, rich mahogany scalloped night chests, and a channel-tufted headboard and footboard add a deco influence to the master bedroom.

Light, metallic Eastern Accents bedding embellished with intricate pleating and pops of earthy mineral tones fuse with the sandy grass cloth wallpaper for a peaceful aura.

Finals touches include the patterned chair and Drexel accent table by the window, as well as the crystal lamps which help pull attention to the furthest points of the room, thanks to their prismatic reflections of light.

A spa-like master bath, showcasing a large steam shower, roomy tub, and soft blue-gray hues complete the master suite.

Down the hall, guests are sure to enjoy the comforts of the spare bedroom dressed in navy, cream, and grey shades reminiscent of coastal living.

Again, simple, organic appointments such as the large quartz geode and elemental sculpture deliver a relaxed sense of elegance and luxury.

“The homeowners really wanted an uncluttered look and feel with simple hints of color,” said Hodge of the pristine condo. “They created contrast and visual interest with materials and furniture, rather than color, and used cream and ivory hues for a soft, ethereal ambiance.”

Through thoughtful design, this Kansas City condo seems to celebrate all that is natural, uncomplicated, and balanced.