Dream Paradise - Kansas City Homes & Style

Modern functionality blends with traditional charm for local family’s home and their celebrity-adjacent lifestyle.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Angier Photos

In the heart of Prairie Village, Kansas, a beautiful new home stands as a testament to the power of intentional design and the realization of a family’s dreams. For Vanessa and Kyle Rizi, along with their two children, this home represents not just a change of address, but a leap into a space that truly reflects their evolving needs and aspirations.

The journey to this Prairie Village paradise began in late 2020 when the Rizis, then living just three streets away, seized the opportunity to purchase a newly available lot. The previous home on this lot had been torn down, making way for three separate lots. Recognizing the potential, the Rizis claimed one of these lots as the site for their future home. Ground was broken in March 2023, and by June 2024, the family moved into their new residence.

“We wanted more space and more room,” Vanessa explained, noting their transition from the previous 1,700-square-foot split-level home in which they lived to this more expansive, nearly 3,400-square-foot haven. The increased square footage isn’t just about grandeur, however. It is also about functionality and comfort.

“I definitely love that we have more storage space in this home,” Vanessa noted, highlighting the practical benefits of their upgraded spaces.

The Rizis’ vision came to life through a collaboration with Cicada Company, a full-service design + custom build firm. This partnership proved crucial in merging Vanessa and Kyle’s distinct style preferences.

“They did a great job of marrying our two styles,” Vanessa shared, describing how her inclination towards traditional aesthetics now blends seamlessly with Kyle’s penchant for modern tastes throughout the home. The result is a story-and-a-half residence featuring four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with the master suite located on the main level. The children’s bedrooms occupy the upper floor, complete with a lofted area that provides them with their own dedicated play area. While the basement remains unfinished, it stands at the ready for Phase 2 of the Rizis’ home evolution when the time comes.

From the moment one approaches the house, its charm greets you. The brick entryway, reminiscent of a time the couple lived in St. Louis prior to moving to this area, adds balance and character to the façade.

“I think brick adds great texture,” Vanessa suggested.

Stepping inside, the heart of the home — the kitchen — immediately catches the eye. This space was designed with both form and function in mind, catering to Kyle’s culinary passions and the family’s love for entertaining.

“Kyle is the chef of our household,” Vanessa explained. “He wanted an open space with a big island with a focus on the stove and the range hood.”

The kitchen is a masterclass in blending aesthetics with practicality. A marble island takes center stage, complemented by quartz countertops along the perimeter. The color palette marries cream, gray, and dark wood tones, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Hidden appliances, including a refrigerator and two dishwashers concealed behind cabinet façades, maintain the kitchen’s sleek appearance while maximizing functionality.

Attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the custom-made curved island with traditional components to the striking tile backsplash behind the oven range. Modern appointments and brass hardware add contemporary flair, while copious storage spaces throughout ensure everything has its place.

The great room adjacent to the kitchen reflects the Rizis’ desire for a cozy, warm, and inviting space. Large windows flood the area with natural light, while a fireplace promises warmth during the winters. Hardwood floors throughout the main level add to the home’s elegant yet comfortable feel.

In a surprising departure from the home’s overall aesthetic, the main floor’s half bath showcases the couple’s willingness to embrace bold design choices. Wallpaper adds a pop of personality, complemented by a pedestal sink and brass fixtures. The mossy sage green paint ties the space together, creating a refreshing and sophisticated look that promises to stand the test of time.

The master suite, accessed through a pocket door for privacy, is a retreat within the home. The en-suite bathroom is a nod to Vanessa’s vision of a hotel-like space, featuring a soaker tub, LED mirrors, a shower with a bench seat, and dual sinks. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, quartz countertops, and a mosaic tile floor elevate the space, while dark gray cabinets and gold sconces add depth and that added hint of luxury.

Throughout the home, pocket doors — leading to spaces like the home office, closets, and the laundry room — maximize space efficiency and add a touch of architectural interest. This attention to detail and functionality, a recurring theme, reflects the Rizis’ thoughtful approach to creating a home that truly works for their family and lifestyle.

While this new home stands as a testament to the Rizis’ personal taste and family needs, it’s also the backdrop for Vanessa’s interesting side gig. When she’s not enjoying her custom-built haven, Vanessa co-hosts the popular podcast “Real Moms of Bravo” with her St. Louis-based friend Abby Steffens. Launched in November 2018, this pop culture podcast focuses on content from Bravo TV, particularly the “Real Housewives” franchise.

“We give our take on the Real Housewives shows and also speak about other matters in our lives,” Vanessa said. Despite maintaining a full-time career working for Hallmark, Vanessa and Abby (who works in sales) have managed to grow their podcast into a significant platform with 126,000 Instagram followers at present.

The podcast’s success has not gone unnoticed, either. Featured in both the Los Angeles Times and Time Magazine, “Real Moms of Bravo” has become a go-to source for fans of reality TV. The show’s popularity has even led to live appearances, with an upcoming appearance at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show on October 25, 2024, featuring special guest West Wilson from Bravo TV. For Vanessa and Abby, the podcast represents more than just a discussion of reality TV. It’s a way to connect with other moms, share experiences, and maintain a sense of identity beyond their roles as parents and professionals.

As Vanessa moves between her roles as homeowner, mother, professional, and podcast host, her new home serves as both a sanctuary and a launchpad for her various pursuits. The house, with its thoughtful design and personal touches, reflects not just the Rizis’ current needs but their aspirations for the future.

In this Prairie Village paradise, modern family life seamlessly blends with creative pursuits and entertainment, all within the warm embrace of a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful. For the Rizis, this is more than just their home. It’s where their story continues to unfold, and it promises to be a real page-turner.