It’s a family affair

At Gather, we talk a lot about incorporating history into our homes - this comes in a lot of forms, such as antique pieces and treasured heirlooms or just intentional design to create spaces to make memories. I (Megan) grew up in the Kansas City area and was very lucky to be raised with family in town who were a big part of my life - and still are! Many holidays, special occasions and vacations were spent with my dad's side of the family and a good portion of these gatherings were hosted at my aunt and uncle's home in Liberty, MO. From an early age, I can remember loving their home. Not just because of the amazing pool (check out the pictures!), but because of my aunt's impeccable eye for detail, her refined but approachable aesthetic and the way she created a home with entertaining at the heart.

Walking with my aunt around the house to take pictures for this feature, I learned so much about the house I have spent so many birthdays, Sunday pool parties and treasured family events at. Each art piece has a story or memory, most of the furniture does as well, and her design has so much intention behind it. I would say 'effortless intention' because the home, while gorgeous, feels so comfortable but I know my aunt poured a great deal of effort, time and love into creating the spaces seen in these images. And, as she'll tell you, that kind of design only comes with time and experience in one's home and life. From the park-like backyard to the vacation-worthy pool to the beautiful spaces within the home, I'm so excited to show you all a real-life design inspiration of my very own. Mary Ellen, thank you for all the memories you have provided, the history you have helped create without trying and the inspiration you gave me from a young age to create a beautiful space for people to gather.

GH: When decorating your current home, what did/do you use as inspiration?

MEK: I visited the South and the low country a lot as a young girl and then we did as a family as well. I fell in love with the aesthetic of that area - the wrap around porches, columns, original architecture and finishes and the traditional design.

GH: How has your style evolved over time?

MEK: When you're young and in your first or second home, money is tight. You have a hodgepodge of things - hand-me-downs, things that worked in your first home but don't in your second, etc. We have lived in this home since our kids were very young and I took the approach of "room by room". I never bought furniture to fit decor but rather looked at a room as a whole and how to design it. Also, for so long decor was about layering, then it was about simplicity, neutrals and modern. So many times I thought "I've got to change it all" to fit whatever the current trend was but I learned it was more about buying transitional pieces that can be incorporated into changing design.

GH: Do you have a favorite piece of furniture, art or decor?

MEK: The entryway chest for sure- it is from a store my great friend and designer owned and operated for 15 years here in Liberty (With a French Accent). The Butler's table in the library was made by my father and gives me so many memories of him in his workshop. And then the piece in the kitchen near the dining table because it can be styled and changed seasonally. Our art is also very near and dear to me as most of it was all collected from travels, from my parents or from artists I had a connection to.

GH: You recently remodeled. What was the most important thing to you when planning out your space?

KC: We love to entertain, not just our adult friends but our kids’ too, so we wanted open space that allowed the party to be in the kitchen where people naturally gravitate. We also wanted a dining room that could seat 11 to accommodate my extended side of the family’s Sunday night dinners. Our kitchen, hands down, is our favorite room in the home. It is open and large enough for all of us to cook, bake, do homework, and play all the board games.

GH: What is your philosophy on new and old when it comes to furniture? Or splurge pieces vs. affordable?

KC: We love a mix of new and old, high and low. For the first time in our marriage, we finally have some new pieces of furniture instead of only hand-me-downs from family. For example, we bought a new couch and dining room table from Article. But we also have a thrifted bedroom furniture set, a passed down coffee table from my parents and plenty of thrifted brass candlesticks, bowls and colored wine glasses and goblets. One of my favorite pieces of furniture is a thrifted rattan bookshelf in my bedroom, and my favorite rug, a large vintage Persian, was found at a garage sale for $50 at least 10 years ago.

GH: Is there anything you are still on the “hunt” for?

KC: Yes! I really want to add interesting lamps to our main floor. We have so much new overhead lighting but no lamps. I also want to figure out a way to incorporate some family China into our kitchen décor, and I am always up for adding new plants, changing out throw pillows and adding more seating options. A vintage bench for under our picture window in our dining room is on my list.

GH: Did you have a decorator? If so, who?

KC: I did not have an official decorator, but I am lucky to have a best friend who is also a talented designer. Ashley Lorei and Jessica Tanton from J+A Interiors definitely shared some great ideas!

GH: Who was your contractor?

KC: We worked with Custom Home Improvement led by Jim Watson and 100% recommend them to all our friends and family. In fact, they just finished my sister’s kitchen and are starting on an addition for my parents.

GH: Was there a supplier or resource you couldn’t have done it without?

KC: Our contractor offered a designer who specializes in paint colors, who helped us choose between millions of whites for our cabinets and walls, as well as the green for our island that perfectly complements the original stone floor in our entryway.

GH: With your remodel, is there anything you would change?

KC: My husband and I still disagree about pendants over the island. I want them; he does not. He won this fight, but I still wish we had them. My campaign to convince him they won’t interfere with his view of the TV continues – wish me luck!

Kara and Mark live in Overland Park with their three children. In addition to her job in marketing, Kara is also part of the talented mother/daughter trio behind Edit Kansas City at the Glenwood Antique Mall. 

Questions for the homeowner? Have a good idea for a feature? Don't hesitate to reach out!