A Kansas City gem blends old-world charm with contemporary flair.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Paul Bonnichsen
In the heart of Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, a French Normandy-style home built in the early 2000s has undergone a stunning transformation. This expansive residence, nestled within a gated community, recently received a complete interior renovation that seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional elements. The project, a collaborative effort between Dani James of Crossroads Interiors and Randall Sisk, owner of Kitchens by Kleweno, along with co-designer Genevieve Hamel, has breathed new life into this already impressive home.
“This new design is eclectic, for sure, more modern than not,” expressed James, who worked closely with the homeowners to bring their vision to life. The project, which took two years to complete, involved a comprehensive redesign of the main and lower levels, with careful consideration given to preserving select original features.
On the main level, James and Sisk focused on updating key elements such as window treatments, cabinetry, and lighting. Kitchens by Kleweno installed new cabinets throughout the home, including the kitchen and powder bath. James complemented these changes with carefully selected wallcoverings, lighting fixtures, and upholstery choices.
The master suite received particular attention during the renovation. While the dark-stained doors leading to the master suite were preserved, Kitchens by Kleweno designed a new vanity and makeup area for the bathroom, which now features an inviting soaker tub and boasts geometric silver wallcovering from the Lori Weitzner brand. In the bedroom, the original limestone fireplace was updated to harmonize with the new aesthetic.
The dining room exemplifies the home’s new eclectic style. Eyelash fabric chairs with Pollack fabric surround the table, their distinctive design accentuated by fringe detailing at the top of each triangular backrest. Hand-painted panels from Porter Teleo adorn the walls, while a geometric light fixture hangs above the table. In one corner, a lamp belonging to the clients adds a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design.
The kitchen renovation strikes a balance between modern and traditional elements. James installed a striking ring fixture over the table, noting, “The geometry in this space is great.” A single light tube, integrated into the middle cross beam, now illuminates the island. The original limestone fireplace was retained, providing a classic counterpoint to the updated cabinetry and fixtures.
Sisk and Hamel applied four distinct finishes in the kitchen: walnut veneer, tan avodire, high-gloss laminate resembling grainy oak, and a stainless-steel mirror finish. “Even with these multiple finishes, it comes off well as one entity,” Sisk emphasized.
The living room underwent significant modifications, including the installation of a linear recessed gas fireplace to replace the original limestone one. James designed cherry wood paneling above the fireplace, adding warmth and sophistication to the space. A custom-designed rug by artist Brady Legler serves as a focal point. “We went to The Rug Studio and picked out the yarn, which is then woven into a rug from one of his paintings,” James explained. “The rug is a replication of a painting, made of wool and some silk.”
In the lower level, original elements such as dark plantation shutters, the fireplace, and ironwork on the stairs were preserved. A Kravet area rug was expertly fashioned into a runner for the stairs by carpet installer Bruce Young, who meticulously cut and fitted each step.
The renovation also included practical improvements. Sisk converted a former powder room into a small laundry room and opened a wall to the master closet, improving the flow of the home. A new powder room off the garage features a floating walnut vanity with a diamond-shaped mirror and cabinet faces. The floating walnut vanity is a stunning centerpiece, with its rich, warm tones creating a sense of sophistication and warmth. The diamond-shaped mirror adds a touch of geometric intrigue, while the carefully crafted cabinet faces complete the look with their sleek, modern lines.
The new powder room is more than just functional — it’s a beautifully designed space that adds a touch of elegance to the home. The carefully chosen elements work together to create a cohesive and stylish look. This thoughtful renovation has transformed a simple powder room into a standout feature of the house.
Throughout the project, both James and Sisk praised the homeowners for their engagement and openness to innovative design ideas. “The clients were very engaged and appreciative of the design, as well as amenable to thinking outside the box. They know what they like and know it when they see it,” James remarked.
Sisk echoed this sentiment, stating, “The new owners had a vision knowing what we could do for them.” He emphasized the successful balance achieved between contemporary elements and the home’s original character. “That is what we did throughout the house,” Sisk explained. “It’s a very good mix.”
This collaborative effort between Crossroads Interiors and Kitchens by Kleweno has resulted in a stunning transformation that respects the home’s architectural heritage while embracing modern design sensibilities. The project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation and the importance of client-designer partnerships in creating truly personalized living spaces.
Resources
- Crossroads Interiors ~ Dani James
- Kitchens by Kleweno ~ Randall Sisk, Geneieve Hamel
