Setting the Scene - Kansas City Homes & Style

Vibrant artwork, accessible design, and creative design choices hit all the right notes in this new build.

Story by Maya Brenningmeyer \ Photography by Matt Kocourek

Looking to downsize and move into a home where they could comfortably age in place, Julie and Paul Ewing set out to create their dream home in Kansas from the ground up. “In our 35 years of marriage, we had never built a home,” says Julie. “I have always wanted to build, and Paul wanted to be able to give me that experience.”

The couple already had a few key items in mind: a pool for exercise and family fun, a nice backyard living space, and an interesting lot to build their home on. When they stumbled upon Timberstone Ridge’s unique, wooded lots, they knew they had found their ideal location. “We loved that the lots had to keep a certain percentage of the native trees and plants as part of their plans,” she continues. “The pie-shaped lot seemed like a perfect place to build a home that housed a pool as its centerpiece, and because it sits so high up, the western view gives some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.”

Once they found their perfect lot, Julie and Paul turned to Brenda Freebern of Picture Perfect Interiors to help them tackle the project. “I’ve worked with Julie and Paul for years on all kinds of projects,” says Brenda. “Their tastes are always fun, creative, and different.” The home itself is built in a V shape, with the floor plan centered on the pool.

One wing of the home is a dedicated living space for the couple. The other wing holds the kitchen, dining, and living room, perfect for hosting friends and family. As a theater director, Julie wasn’t a stranger to creating and executing her vision. “For years, I’ve been putting folding chairs on an empty stage and telling actors what they are.”

“Some weeks it’s a bicycle, sometimes it’s Louis XV armchairs, circa 1760, but each time we all look at the folding chairs and see them exactly for what we have said they are and treat them as such,” Julie says. When it came to their new home, Julie had a specific vision, a space that exuded whimsy and joy. With the couple trusting Brenda to bring their ideas to life, the designer stuck to their wishes, emphasizing color while maintaining a clean, contemporary look.

On the main level, an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space allows for easy communication between rooms and maintains accessibility as the couple ages. Minimal trim and little to no hardware on the doors allow the colorful, creative elements of the home to shine. In the kitchen, this means sleek white cabinetry that allows the alternating blue/green tile backsplash to pop. Additional storage can be found in the dark green butler’s pantry, featuring a double oven and a beverage fridge, perfect for grabbing a drink on your way out to the grill deck. The pantry’s easy flow also makes it the perfect spot for buffet-style meal service when the couple hosts. In the dining room, a unique light fixture hangs above a simple, light dining table with Lucite legs, and large windows offer unobstructed views of the pool. “This family loves to entertain,” says Brenda. “Making sure the materials were easy to clean while making the entire space very livable but unique was essential.”

The living area showcases Paul’s love for glass art and the couple’s appreciation for color. “Paul did not want white,” says Brenda. “Incorporating fabrics, tile, and fused and blown glass were essential to add life and vibrancy.” Colorful glass balloons and a glass heart surrounded by blue waves add a sculptural element to the room. “We worked with Miami-based artist, Laura Lirman, to bring her beautiful art in and create a space of pure joy,” Julie mentions. Lirman’s framed abstract paintings hang above the couch and accentuate the sectional’s pink, patterned fabric. On the ceiling, wooden slats arranged in a herringbone pattern incorporate a natural element to ground the room while adding another area of interest.

As mentioned previously, the team designed the home with accessibility and aging in place at the forefront of their minds. “We have wider pocket doors, sinks, and bathrooms that allow for wheelchair access and an open plan that allows for unlimited mobility,” says Julie. To accommodate for deep steps to the lower level, two landings were added to reduce some of the stair count. Additionally, the home contains a closet that can be converted into an elevator if necessary. “Our architect, Scott Bickford, had so many great ideas for design that were not only contemporary and stylish, but met our goal of aging in place,” Julie continues.

The primary bedroom offers a vibrant yet refined escape for the couple. Jewel-toned bedding plays nicely with a soft, gold headboard. Small wooden slats decorate the ceiling and draw visitors’ eyes towards the skylight where natural light pours into the room. The primary bathroom follows the same accessible yet unique theme as the rest of the home. Wide walkways allow for wheelchair access if necessary, and a double sink vanity provides plenty of space for storage. “Brenda has always allowed me my thoughts and made them better by simple edits or by taking something I have and saying ‘yes and,’” says Julie.

Much like the collaboration necessary in theater, the design-build process requires a talented, cooperative team. “Todd Hill Homes provided me with a list of experts in their fields to build our home, and just like in theater, they became our family for the duration of the project,” says Julie. As a director, she also recognizes the importance of bringing on a team member you know and trust. “Brenda is a perfect scene partner for me; she gets my vision and adds to it.”

The final product is a perfect example of the importance of collaboration in understanding and executing a client’s vision. “This was definitely a unique project,” Brenda finishes. “The family pieces, history, and treasures collected made it a special home; this family lives their best life.” Julie and Paul moved into their new home in June and have hosted over a dozen parties and family get-togethers. Paul retired in 2025, and the couple is focusing on family, health, and enjoying good days in their eccentric, colorful dream home.