Lake House Family Bliss - Kansas City Homes & Style

This Lake Lotawana home embodies a harmonious blend of coastal elegance and family comfort.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Sherpa Media

Todd Hicks and his team at NSPJ Architects aimed to renovate this beautiful lake home to reflect the homeowners’ love for family gatherings and serene lake surroundings. Collaborating closely with the owners – Pam and Matt Bowen – NSPJ designed a dramatic new layout maximizing space and light while maintaining the home’s original footprint.

“In 2004, we purchased this home as a vacation retreat for our family,” recalled the homeowner. As the family grew, the need for more functional spaces became apparent. “After years of discussions, we decided to undergo extensive renovations. The plan was to rework the layout to add more bedrooms and bathrooms.”

The Bowens worked with a talented team to transform their vacation retreat into a modern, functional space for their growing family. In addition to Hicks, the Bowens enlisted their daughter, Molly Angold from MB Interiors, and Rebecca Bowen (daughter-in-law) and Amy Jenkins from Panemor Interior Design. Further, Phillip Sanders of Sanders Construction also provided his expertise to the dynamic collaboration, which resulted in a beautifully renovated lake home that blends practicality with sophisticated design, creating a space for cherished family memories.

“Our clients had a clear vision,” explained Hicks. “They wanted a space to accommodate their growing family and showcase the beautiful lake views integral to their daily life.”

One significant change was reconfiguring the roof to add new bedrooms and bathrooms, for a total of seven bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. Hicks and his team extended areas of the home and created seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. By adding windows, a new staircase, and a covered porch, the new unobstructed lake views wholly transformed the home.

Harmonious Color Palette and Unique Design Elements

Meticulously selected colors create a bright, fresh canvas allowing a seamless flow from room to room. Benjamin Moore’s Super White is the primary interior color, providing a clean base for playful design choices. The exterior is painted in Sherwin Williams’ Pure White, contrasting the original beige and black exterior.

Different rooms feature unique design elements showcasing creativity and attention to detail. The stairwell and railings add character, and diverse cabinet colors bring individuality to each room. The swimmer wallpaper in one of the bathrooms adds a whimsical touch. Each room’s specific color and design distinction ensures a cohesive overall look, reflecting the personal significance of this project to the family.

Culinary Delight and Entertaining Ease

The kitchen is a vibrant masterpiece, designed with functionality and style. A striking marble and limestone backsplash complements the hardwood floors and hood stain. Honed quartzite countertops add luxury, while an island painted in Benjamin Moore’s Green Meadows adds a fun pop of color. Oversized polished nickel pendant lights provide ample lighting. High-quality appliances, a popular farmhouse sink, and a convenient ice maker make it perfect for family gatherings. Thoughtful cabinet door fronts maintain a clean aesthetic.

In the dining area, a unique concept of two tables, one built-in, provides ample seating for family and friends. The custom-made concrete dining table fits perfectly, allowing seating for ten adults, maximizing practical seating for kids while maintaining a stylish and functional space.

The bar area, or “butler’s pantry,” is a showstopper with its stunning color palette and elegant finishes. Farrow & Ball Pitch Blue cabinetry is complemented by a honed granite countertop and a basketweave marble tile backsplash. Antique brass hardware and a pendant light add sophistication to the wet bar, creating a luxurious yet practical space for entertaining guests.

Serenity and Sophistication: The Master Suite

The master suite exudes tranquility and sophistication with carefully chosen colors and design elements. The bedroom features a stunning blue grasscloth ceiling paired with beautiful Thibaut fabric. White furniture brightens the space, while a lucite and polished nickel ceiling fan adds elegance. The bathroom’s polished nickel and milk glass fixtures create a refined atmosphere. White quartz countertops and porcelain tiles give a timeless feel, while natural elements in the runner and mirrors tie everything together seamlessly.

A Touch of Elegance: The Guest Bathroom

The guest bathroom is an oasis of elegance and creativity. With a narrow space, the designers chose a unique sink made of honed Carrera marble with aged brass legs and accents, adding openness and sophistication. A textured grasscloth wallpaper adds a pop of style. The combination creates an inviting and visually appealing guest bathroom.

Cozy Vibes: The Redesigned Fireplace

The family room’s fireplace is a focal point with a redesigned facade adding the perfect layer of style. The existing rug set the tone for the design, with furnishings and fabrics chosen to complement its colors and tie together connecting spaces. Neutral leather chairs provide practicality and comfort, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for family gatherings.

Creative Haven: The Playful Kids’ Area and Bunk Room

The loft area is an exciting play space for children, designed to make the most of natural sunlight with strategically positioned built-in benches and bookcases. Ample storage ensures toys and books are organized. Furniture selections are playful and practical, adding to the lively atmosphere. The bench fabric coordinates with playful blue and red chairs, creating an imaginative haven for the little ones.

Additionally. the grandkids’ bunkroom is a cozy space designed to accommodate up to eight kids with two sets of queen bunk beds.

“This was an essential feature for us, as we often have a large number of grandkids staying over,” said Pam.

The room includes a hangout nook near the windows where the kids can relax, watch movies, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s the perfect spot for sleepovers and creating lasting memories together.

Outdoor Oasis: The Transformed Back Deck

The back deck underwent a reconstruction, resulting in a spacious, functional outdoor oasis. The updated deck offers more shaded spaces and seamless transitions between areas, creating a cohesive atmosphere for various activities like hot tubbing, grilling, and gathering around the fire pit and gazebo. The covered deck, accessible from multiple French doors, is perfect for hosting gatherings and enjoying outdoor scenery. With easy dock access, the back deck feels like a private resort retreat.

The Ultimate Game Room: A Garage Remake

A stunning alteration of a single-car garage and mudroom into a versatile game room combines indoor and outdoor elements. The game room offers access to both the driveway via a new garage door and the covered patio through French doors. Designed as a family-friendly environment, it includes a shuffleboard and a large high-top table for games and additional seating. Storage for outdoor toys and refrigeration for beverages enhance its functionality and appeal.

A Family Retreat Modernized

The renovations transformed the home’s appearance, both inside and out.

“While some elements remain from the original home, the overall look now reflects a modern design that meets our family’s needs,” expressed the Bowens.

Hicks shared, “It was a collaborative effort between our team at NSPJ and the homeowners. Their input was invaluable in creating a space that reflected their unique style. And the contractor, Phillip Sanders was able to beautifully execute the plans.”

Drawing inspiration from coastal architecture and incorporating custom details, Hicks and his team achieved a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The result is a stunning lake home that caters to practical needs and provides a warm, inviting space for family gatherings and cherished memories.