Open Concept Oasis - Kansas City Homes & Style

From a tech-integrated morning routine to evenings in the treetops, this modern Kansas City home is designed for ease, elegance, and everyday joy.

Story by Mollie Pfeifer | Photos by Angier Photography

It started with a tattoo. When Sid Devins promised his daughter they’d get matching ink once she graduated from medical school, he never imagined their pact would set the stage for his dream home.

Thirty years in their previous neighborhood had been enough. The area had grown too busy, and their once-perfect home no longer fit their lifestyle. The couple, Sid and Sally Devins, spent a year researching and looking at houses that never quite felt right. While Sid got his tattoo, his daughter passed the time by surfing a real estate app and stumbled across a nearby lot. Just like that, the pieces began to fall into place.

The lot, a mile from Sid’s clinic and close to two of their three daughters, felt like fate. With trusted builder Joe Woods of MOJO Built and architect Adam Pfeifer of apd_studios+ on board, the Devins embarked on what turned out to be a surprisingly smooth custom-build journey. The result: a home that’s bold, modern, and deeply personal.

Their day begins with a single tap. A “Good Morning” button on the wall cues the lights to rise and the shades to lift. The integrated smart home system, designed by Daniel Alon of Integrate IT, sets the tone.

Sid and Sally settle in at their kitchen island with mugs of coffee and watch the morning news. “The giant, oversized, white oak and quartzite island is intended to be the heart of the home,” according to Adam. The open-concept main floor flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining and living areas, connected by warm materials and expansive windows that bring the outdoors in. “We wanted a space where we could see everything from one spot,” Sid explains.

From the kitchen, they open a door to let Schmutz, their dachshund, into her very own private dog run, complete with artificial turf. A far cry from the chilly front-yard outings of their previous home, the fenced, elevated space is accessed through a dedicated dog room, which features a raised dog wash station. “It’s a detail we went extra on,” Sally says, “and we love it.”

Downstairs, Sid enters one of his most frequented spaces: a sleek home gym. With rubber flooring, built-in speakers, and full views of the landscaped backyard, it’s both energizing and serene. “I work out almost every day,” Sid says. “I wanted it to feel open and inspiring.” Adam adds, “We sunk the gym slightly into the ground to create a better visual connection with the rear landscaping and trees.”

The surrounding landscape was a priority from day one. At the front of the house, a central bald cypress anchors the circular drive, offering a warm and natural welcome to guests. In the backyard, bubbling boulders feed stone-lined streams that converge into a tranquil pond near the firepit – one of Sid’s favorite spots.

The home’s custom touches are everywhere, from handcrafted oak and walnut cabinetry to floor-to-ceiling windows that flood each space with natural light. Tall ceilings and doors lend a sense of airy elegance. “We wanted it to feel a little more grand,” Sally says. Alison Chaplick, a member of Joe Woods’ team and the homeowners’ niece, worked closely with Sally to guide the interior design of the home.

Their living room fireplace flickers between a striking steel surround and stone hearth, an architectural focal point softened by a deeply meaningful object: a menorah forged from Palestinian rockets. “We bought it in a small Israeli town near Gaza,” Sid explains. “The artist turns weapons of war into symbols of peace. It’s called Rockets to Roses.” Alongside artifacts from Africa, bronze sculptures, and handmade wooden pieces from their travels, the menorah brings a layer of humanity and memory into the modern aesthetic.

At the heart of it all is the staircase: a sculptural centerpiece that draws the eye from the vaulted foyer to a dramatic wall of glass. “As you enter the house, you’re met with a 14-foot wall of windows that floats above the staircase and looks directly into the trees behind the home,” explains Adam. “It’s the first thing everyone comments on,” Sally adds. “I get excited every time I walk in the foyer and see the entryway.”

As the day winds down, the Devins settle into their evening routines. Sally often heads to the heated, screened-in deck, which sits 12 feet above the backyard landscaping and offers peaceful views and soothing sounds of water and nature. Sid makes his way to the lower level for a game of pool at a sleek stainless-steel table, a nod to childhood weekends spent playing with his dad.

The wine room, encased in glass and lit with concealed, dimmable lighting, beckons next. Lined with walnut and stocked with favorites like William Sellem Pinot Noir and special bottles from their travels, it’s both a showcase and a sanctuary. A six-liter bottle, signed by wedding guests at their daughter’s reception, a gift bottle made the year Sid was born, and a bottle signed by former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil each hold a story.

With a glass of wine in hand, they use their Control4 app to shift the lights and music once more. Evening cocktail mode activated. “That’s what I love most,” Sid says. “One button, and the whole house changes.”

At the end of the day, they retreat to their primary suite. Nestled in nature, the bedroom feels like a peaceful canopy hideaway. “It’s like a treehouse,” Sid says. The bathroom is sleek, spa-like, and equipped with a steam shower; it offers one last indulgence before bed.

Looking back, both Sid and Sally are still surprised by how joyful and smooth the process was. “It was fun, it was exciting!” Sally said. “We were scared to build a house for years,” said Sid, “but it was amazing. We are so lucky.”

Their advice? Work with a team who listens. “We had never worked with an architect before, and our experience with Adam was incredible,” said Sid. “He was never pushy and gave us so many creative ideas. Joe was there every day and made sure things ran smoothly.”

They also encourage prospective homebuilders not to hold back. “We said yes to the things we really wanted,” Sally says. “And we’re so glad we did.”

With the touch of a button, the shades lower, the lights dim, and the home eases into quiet. The Devins hit their “Goodnight” setting and drift off in the treetop calm of their bedroom. It’s the perfect end to another day in their modern oasis.