When our clients purchased this classic 1990s Lenexa home in 2022, they loved the location and space—but they knew it needed updates to truly become their “forever home.” With college-aged children at home and a busy lifestyle, they wanted a house that was functional, modern, and reflected their unique, artistic style. They envisioned bold, dramatic interiors with Art Deco influences and luxurious finishes, while still being a comfortable, family-friendly home perfect for hosting.
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The Existing Home & Challenges
The house had great bones: generous rooms, a classic layout, and plenty of natural light. But the flow and functionality didn’t support the family’s lifestyle.
Key issues included:
- Kitchen inefficiency: small awkward shaped island, poor layout for cooking and entertaining.
- Laundry location: main-floor laundry was inconvenient and disruptive.
- Unused office: wasted space that could better serve the family.
- Dated finishes: traditional surfaces didn’t reflect the clients’ modern, funky style.
- Garage entry: awkward pathway interrupted with laundry room entrance created clutter and blocked high traffic spaces.
Dated finishes and an awkward layout.
Awkward layout with side door to back deck.
Original laundry room to the left of the door from the garage into the main floor.
Awkward entryway from garage into main floor. The mudroom nook didn't provide enough storage and the area felt cluttered.
Traditional family room with dated fireplace and fluted fireplace details.
Main floor office that our clients didn't really use.
One of the wings in the upstairs primary closet. It served as overflow storage but wasn't being used to its full potential.
These pain points made daily routines harder and limited the home’s potential as a space for entertaining and family life. Paired with the dated aesthetic, our clients new it was time for an overall modernization while incorporating personality.
Client Goals & Design Vision
We began by asking lots of questions to understand how the family lived, entertained, and envisioned their dream home. From there, we created multiple kitchen layouts combining the old kitchen and laundry areas, with options for a butler’s pantry and various island options. The clients selected a design that perfectly matched their vision.
Our clients had a clear vision:
- Reconfigure the kitchen to include a butler’s pantry, large island, and better indoor/outdoor flow.
- Move the laundry room upstairs near all of the bedrooms for convenience.
- Create a drop zone/command center at the garage entry.
- Repurpose the office into a lounge area.
- Update finishes throughout the home with bold, modern, and Art Deco-inspired touches with room to show off their unique art and style.
They wanted a home that was fun, dramatic, and luxurious—but also functional for family life and entertaining.
Plans and Rendering
To begin with, using detailed floor plans as well as 3D renderings, our clients were able to see exactly how each space would look and function before construction ever began. In this way, early visualization allowed us to refine layouts, test ideas, and, as a result, make confident design decisions from the start.
During the planning phase, Donna Kirsopp and Kenny Choikhit led our clients through each step in order to strike the right balance between functionality, flow, and bold design. Not only were aesthetics carefully considered, but also livability. From the kitchen and butler’s pantry renderings to the reworked layouts, every decision was made with this purpose in mind.
As the plans moved from concept to reality, Shannon Washam oversaw the job site and construction phases, ensuring the design intent was executed perfectly.
Below, you’ll see how the design evolved over time—from the main floor plan to the transformation of the second-floor closet wing into a dedicated laundry room. Additionally, the updated front elevations set the tone for the exterior, while the kitchen and butler’s pantry renderings illustrate how form and function ultimately came together in the final analysis.
Once plans were finalized, it was time to bring it all to life.
The Construction Phase
Firsts things first: dust protection and then demo! We ripped out everything in the kitchen.
We replaced all of the dated windows throughout the home. In addition, the existing sliding door on the main floor was replaced with a larger sliding door in order to create a stronger visual connection to the backyard. To further enhance this indoor-outdoor flow, we added the same large sliding door in the kitchen area, where the original windows had previously been.
Since we closed off the awkward side door, it was important to add insulation in order to maintain comfort and energy efficiency.
In addition, we removed the dated, visually heavy built-in entertainment center in the hearth room, allowing the space to feel lighter and more open.
Then came fresh drywall. You can see the new butler's pantry really taking shape!
Our clients were on a mission to find the perfect floor stain. We tested several shades, but quickly ran into a challenge. The builder-grade hardwoods were a mix of red oak and white oak, which meant each stain absorbed differently across the floor.
At first glance, this variation might not seem like a big deal. However, one of our clients’ top priorities was eliminating warm red tones (which we initially thought were just the existing stain until sanding). With this in mind, having two different wood species reacting in opposite ways made achieving a light, neutral finish a little tricky.
At that point, our team got to work experimenting with custom stain combinations. Through trial and error, we tested multiple variations until, finally, we landed on the right balance. To take it a step further, we tinted the final coat in order to neutralize the remaining red and achieve the soft, light tone our clients wanted.
In the end, the extra effort paid off. As a result, the floors now feel cohesive, neutral, and exactly aligned with our clients’ vision.
Then cabinetry was installed!
As part of the overall reorganization, we added custom storage solutions to the new command center area off the garage entry. For example, the bottom row includes deep drawers designed for shoe storage, and the upper middle area functions as coat and bag storage with hooks. At the same time, we added more shelves in the main pantry to further support everyday functionality.
Then, the countertops were installed. For the kitchen, we used Calcatta Prado, a creamy white quartz with subtle veining, for both the island and the perimeter surfaces. In contrast, Cambria Delamere was selected for the butler’s pantry to add depth and moodiness.
To achieve that timeless, classic checkered look, we cut larger pieces of porcelain down into 12" × 12" squares.
Next, we added large-format porcelain slabs to the fireplace surround, extending from floor to ceiling to add drama. After that, fixtures and appliances were installed to complete the space.
For the exterior, we built a custom eyebrow roof overhang above the garage, adding character and interest.
As part of the overall exterior modernization, we installed a new tall French door and removed the curved transom window.
The Final Transformation
The final photos speak for themselves. Every detail comes together to reveal a home that’s bold, functional, and thoughtfully designed from top to bottom.
Kitchen & Butler’s Pantry
- Creamy white perimeter cabinets paired with a deep Iron Ore island.
- Rounded island seating for up to five, perfect for entertaining.
- Paneled fridge, 36” range, and double ovens create clear zones for efficiency.
- Butler’s pantry features deep teal cabinetry, Cambria Delamere quartz, and black-and-white checkered floors, creating a dramatic statement while keeping the main kitchen clutter-free.
- Large sliding doors flood the kitchen with natural light and connect seamlessly to the deck for indoor/outdoor living.
- Black and gold fixtures and hardware create a luxurious and glamourous feel.
The kitchen is modern but still timeless. That fun pop of color from the butler's pantry really elevates the space.
Laundry & Drop Zone
- Laundry moved upstairs into one of the primary suite’s closet wings, with a folding counter, pull-out racks for hanging and drying, and storage cabinets for streamlined functionality.
- New drop zone at garage entry includes drawers for shoes, hooks, and compartments for mail and essentials—a stress-free path into the home hidden behind sleek cabinet doors for a clean look.
New laundry room located in a wing of the primary bedroom.
Entry from garage featuring new command center drop zone for streamlined storage and functionality.
Lounge & Living Areas
- Former office transformed into a moody, intimate lounge with velvet seating, gold accents, and sophisticated lighting.
- Hearth room fireplace replaced with sleek polished porcelain with a live-edge mantel for warmth and drama.
- Formal living room fireplace updated with quartzite and mirrored accents for a modern, cohesive look.
A sitting room inspired by a boutique hotel cocktail bar. Perfect for playing cards, enjoying a drink, or having a more intimate conversation.
The hearth room adjacent to the kitchen.
New modern built-ins for hearth room entertainment center. Same Iron Ore shade and gold hardware as adjacent kitchen.
The formal living room.
Powder Bath & Staircase
- Custom vanity, bold patterned granite, and statement lighting elevate this small space.
- Stairs refinished with new railings, metal spindles, and a carefully matched wood stain.
A moody but classic main floor powder bath.
Modern and sleek new railing.
Exterior
- Tall, warm wood-stained French doors welcome guests.
- Custom eyebrow roof with metal accents modernizes the facade.
- New windows without muntin bars, updated paint, and streamlined details tie the home together.
New exterior with modern eyebrow roof above garage compliments the standing seam metal roof over the bay windows on either side of the front door.
Refreshed exterior with French doors and modern landscaping.
Every detail was thoughtfully designed to balance bold, expressive style with everyday functionality. The result is a home that not only meets the day-to-day needs of the family, but also feels elevated, practical, and truly one of a kind—celebrating the clients’ playful art collection, vibrant taste, and unique sense of style
Key Luxurious & Innovative Details
- Precise craftsmanship: book-matched porcelain slabs, custom cabinetry, meticulous trim work.
- Innovative solutions: creative wallpaper and trim installation, custom tile cutting for checkered patterns, HVAC hidden in toe kicks.
- Functional luxury: command center organization, optimized laundry workflow, clearly defined kitchen zones.
Every detail combined bold style and family-friendly functionality, creating a home that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
FAQs: Whole-Home Remodels in Lenexa
Q: How long does a whole-home remodel take?
A: Timelines vary based on scope, but a full-home remodel typically ranges from 4–9 months in Lenexa.
Q: Can a remodel address both style and functionality?
A: Absolutely. By understanding how your family lives, we design spaces that are practical, beautiful, and unique to you.
Q: Can bold design choices still appeal to future buyers?
A: Yes—when combined with timeless materials and thoughtful layouts, statement elements can enhance resale value.
Q: Do you handle both design and construction?
A: Yes—our team manages the full process, from initial concept to finished details, ensuring quality and cohesion throughout. Read more about our process here.
Q: Where can I see examples of your whole-home remodeling projects?
A: You can explore our completed projects in our remodeling gallery, where we showcase a range of full home renovations, design styles, and transformations.
Ready to Transform Your Lenexa Home?
If your home could use a modern, functional, and luxurious update, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. From bold design to everyday practicality, we create spaces that are beautiful, unique, and perfectly tailored to how you live. Let's make your home a space you love to live in!
Contact us to start your remodeling journey today.