Angles and Artistry - Kansas City Homes & Style

An older raised ranch home transforms into a contemporary lakeside masterpiece through strategic design collaboration.

Story by Ann Butenas / Photography by Matt Kocourek

What began as a modest home from the 1960s has been transformed into a stunning contemporary lakeside retreat that seamlessly blends sophisticated design with functional luxury. This remarkable transformation at Table Rock Lake in Missouri showcases the exceptional work of Sue Shinneman, CKD, with Kitchens by Kleweno, in collaboration with design partner Heidi Harrison, CKD.

The ambitious project involved mostly tearing down the original structure while preserving the bedroom areas, then expanding around them to create something entirely new.

“It was a basic raised ranch home originally, with most of it removed but left bedroom areas and expanded all the way around that,” explained Shinneman. The result is a home that maintains its lakeside charm while embracing a bold contemporary aesthetic.

A Foundation of Intentional Design

What makes this project truly exceptional is its commitment to architectural precision. From where the bar area begins, everything sits on a nine-degree angle off the rest of the house, which was an intentional design choice by the architect that creates visual intrigue throughout the space. This angular theme carries through multiple elements, from the kitchen island’s angled quartz sides to the dramatic beveled details that appear throughout the home.

The color palette anchors the contemporary vision with a sophisticated combination of black and neutrals, accented with bronze elements that add warmth and luxury. In the primary bathroom, soft taupe tones create a more serene atmosphere while maintaining the home’s cohesive design language.

The Heart of the Home: Kitchen Excellence

The kitchen serves as the project’s centerpiece, featuring a masterful blend of materials and finishes. The cabinetry showcases horizontal grain laminate in lighter finishes, complemented by sleek linear pulls that emphasize the contemporary aesthetic. Cambria quartz countertops provide durability and elegance, while the island makes a bold statement with its natural walnut accent countertop.

The island’s walnut surface features a distinctive back bevel around the opening that cleverly mimics the range hood area’s design, which features a polished stainless-steel surround that bevels back, creating architectural continuity. This attention to detail demonstrates how thoughtful design can create visual harmony between functional elements.

Supporting the main kitchen is an equally impressive back kitchen that maintains the same textures and materials while housing essential appliances including a coffee machine, second oven, second refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and warming drawer. This secondary space ensures the main kitchen remains uncluttered during entertaining while providing all necessary functionality.

The Bar: Where Sophistication Meets Comfort

If Shinneman had to choose a favorite space in this remarkable home, it would undoubtedly be the bar area.

“It strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort — elegant yet effortlessly inviting,” she expressed. The space features brass shelving, back-painted glass elements, and a showstopping three-inch-thick walnut bar top with repeating back bevel details that create visual depth and interest.

The bar’s design incorporates black wall cabinets on either side with smoked glass on the bottom half, while the top half features bronze back painted glass doors that bifold up for easy access.

“We repeated that bronze back painted glass in the backsplash on either side,” Shinneman explained, demonstrating how consistent material choices create cohesion.

The countertop and wall behind the middle section of the back bar wall feature Cambria black quartz. A dramatic backdrop for entertaining. Two beverage units tucked under the counter on the back wall feature bronze framed glass doors, maintaining the space’s sophisticated material palette. Above, a custom soffit structure designed by Harrison adds architectural interest, while the wood elements feature different angles and strategic lighting that creates the illusion of movement.

One of the bar’s most practical features is the built-in glass washer at the sink — “an entertainer’s dream for keeping barware sparkling clean,” according to Shinneman. This attention to functional luxury exemplifies the project’s commitment to both beauty and practicality.

Bathroom Sanctuaries

The primary bathroom showcases the Macaubas stone family with stunning results. White Macaubas quartzite countertops complement the dramatic Blue Macaubas feature wall, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The cabinetry maintains the home’s contemporary styling through a combination of high gloss and matte finishes in subtle neutrals, allowing the blue stone wall to command attention.

The shower system features Kohler products in matte black finish, including a handheld water wand for versatility. Luxury touches include a heated tile bench seat and heated large-format porcelain floor tiles throughout the bathroom. The shower niche, accented with striking Blue Macaubas stone and beautifully lit with warm lighting, creates a focal point that elevates the entire space.

The powder bathroom, located directly under the loft area, proves that small spaces can make big statements. The floating vanity features bronze metallic laminate drawers that provide storage while creating visual interest against the stone backdrop. The sink is custom-made from stone itself, with the bowl’s interior featuring angular details that echo the home’s geometric theme.

Behind the vanity, Venetian plaster with a subtle metallic feel plays off the bronze drawer fronts, while the Cambria Berkshire Brass Satin Ridge countertop features subtly raised brass alloy veins that create a tactile design element. This material choice drove the selection of brass faucets that tie into the home’s overall metal palette.

Above the toilet area, thoughtfully designed cabinetry provides storage while incorporating dimmer-controlled lighting, perfect for middle-of-the-night navigation without harsh illumination. This practical approach to lighting design appears throughout the home, demonstrating how good design considers all aspects of daily living.

The Power of Partnership

What truly distinguishes this project is the collaborative relationship between all parties involved.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with these clients and their builder on two projects now, and their trust and collaboration have made the process as rewarding as the results,” Shinneman reflected. The homeowners selected all lighting fixtures, furniture, and artwork, ensuring their personal style shines through the professional design framework.

The clients now enjoy their lakeside retreat that perfectly balances functionality with sophisticated entertaining spaces. The home’s transformation from a basic 1960s ranch to a contemporary masterpiece demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor a home’s location while completely reimagining its possibilities.

“I really loved this project,” Shinneman concluded. This sentiment captures the essence of successful design. When homeowners, designers, and craftspeople work together toward a shared vision, the results transcend mere renovation to become true transformation. Through careful attention to architectural details, luxurious material choices, and practical functionality, this home has evolved from a simple lakeside ranch into a sophisticated retreat that will serve its owners beautifully for decades to come.