This interior designer/builder pair cherishes the season with personal holiday décor.

Story by Judy Goppert / Photos courtesy of Bryan Casey Construction

L o v e a t f i r s t s i g h t !

That is how Bryan and Julie Casey felt about their home in Parkville’s lush National Golf Club Course. A native of Parkville, and a golfer, Julie knew it would suit them to a T. The couple met through their mutual builder friend circle and have been married 21 years. They have two teenage daughters, Makenna and Peyton. She went on to share that Bryan and Makenna are truly the big golfers of the family, while she enjoys the game but is much more laid back about it. Peyton is into equestrian and also stays busy working.

“We purchased the home on October 30th five years ago. I grew up in Parkville and have lived up north my whole life. Bryan is from Orrick, and we both wanted to live in a golf course community,” Julie explained. “We found this home and it was more about the lot because of what we do for a living. Bryan is a builder with his Bryan Casey Construction and I’m an interior designer. Together we can remodel anything, and office together in Riverside. We went straight to the back of the house, and said ‘we’ll take it!’ We wanted to put in a pool. And pretty much we have done a project every year, so the entire house has been remodeled.”

These projects have been wonderful ways to enhance their lifestyle, including in year one when they remodeled the lower level of their reverse to better accommodate the girls with their own vanity space, so they only share a shower area, as well as incorporating a half bath for guests.

Then in year two came the construction of the pool and cabana (stay tuned for the fabulous feature in a summer 2025 issue of KCH&S!). Year three saw the complete remodel of the main floor as well as the addition of the loft.

For the holidays, Julie thrives on the opportunity to decorate each space throughout their home to welcome family and friends in.

The front entry table instantly puts visitors and their family in the holiday spirit, with details and touches that evoke smiles and joy.

The basement tree mirrors the rest of the decor gently blending with the space, and the plaid accessories beg to be snuggled in, even by their beloved four-year-old long-haired mini dachshund, Gunner.

“We got him not long after we moved into the house. He definitely makes sure to be present in all things happening!” Julie smiled.

One of Julie’s favorite spaces is the modern French country Provençal-inspired cabana, which is the focal point looking out the back of their modern home with Italian influences. It features a full kitchen and bathroom. The large pool they imagined the first time they viewed the lot easily accommodates lounge chairs and pool umbrellas. The lovely Christmas tree outside on the deck and cabana is delightful and brings the holidays outdoors and makes a nice backdrop to the picturesque view throughout winter.

She shared why the holidays are such an important part of their lives: “Mostly I love decorating this time of year because we are so busy owning a business, it is the one time everybody slows down and gets together. We wanted to remodel our home to have spaces to entertain, plus I wanted to be the one who hosted all the parties! After college, I worked for companies that did holiday decorating and it’s still something I really enjoy, and I have a vision for every space. Oh, and Bryan does carry the boxes and trees out for me!”

When decorating, Julie highlights key architectural features in the house, such as the big window at the beverage bar area, the ceiling detail in the living room, and the oversized fireplace in the living room.

“I look at each space as a place for me to create. One of the things about holiday decorating is to make it a part of what the space is, more natural and not overly in your face,” she smiled. “I like to say it’s more a winter theme than Christmas. That way, I can keep it all up for a while. I figure, if I’m going to do all that work, I want to leave it up for a while! Everything looks so bare when you take it down.”

The primary goal is to not make anything too overwhelming because as she and Bryan entertain so much it needs to flow with the rest of the home.

Always the hostess with the mostest, Julie enjoys putting on three different family Christmases for their families. She loves to cook big meals and all kinds of fun things.

The loft was added, featuring another bedroom with a little suite, a full bath, a bed, and a cozy hangout area. There you’ll find another small tree, complemented by the bedding and decorated nightstands and mirror with greenery, merging the décor of the bathroom and loft.

The primary bath features more small trees that give a nod to the holidays and wintertime. The banister is decorated with pinecones and ribbons, a perfect festive addition. The tall windows with greenery bring warmth.

“I like everything to blend with the house, and every home I’ve been in I’ve changed our Christmas to match. We have so many great shops here in Kansas City, and some my favorites are Painted Sofa, Bella B Decor, My Favorite Things and HomeGoods,” she continued. “I have fun picking up little things here and there, so my home is filled with a mix of my finds, which makes me happy and comes together perfectly.”

Their home is sure to inspire imagination and free us to create spaces that make us smile in our own homes.