2010 Home of the Year Gold Winners

Custom Home over $2 million

Architect: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer  l  Builder: Holthaus Building  l  Interior Designer: Knapstein Design

City: Bucyrus  l  Square footage: 8,971  |  Beds/baths: 4/5, 3 half baths  l  Style: Timeless

 

The homeowner’s eclectic, bold style and love for animals shines throughout this reverse 1.5-story home surrounded by acres of countryside — with ponds, bridges and a horse farm. Its exterior is wrapped in high-quality materials like slate roofing, copper gutters, stucco, stone and timber and incorporates stately fountains and outdoor living amenities, including a screened-in porch, fireplace, pool and spa. A porte-cochere separates caretaker’s quarters. The main floor flows openly with 12-foot ceilings and 8-foot doorways, while the two-story great room features a beamed/trussed ceiling and second-floor balcony. The lower level is designated as the entertainment space with game room, theater and wine cellar. Every room has multiple views of the outside.

Resources:
Architect: Wendlandt and Stallbaumer • Builder: Holthaus Building • Interior Designer: Knapstein Design • Kitchen Designer: Quality Wood Products • Foundation: JG Creten Foundation • Framing: S & S Construction Inc. • Lumber: Porters • Structural Steel: Steel Beam Services • Windows: Kansas City Building Supply • Insulation: The Hayes Company • Sheetrock: Greener Drywall • Roofing: Jaberian Roofing • Gutters: Town & Country Guttering • Trim Work: Knepper Construction • Iron Work: Bob's Ornamental Iron • Fireplaces: Fireside Custom Hearth • Paint: Kwal Paint • Painter: The Derby Company • Specialty Painting: Groover Designs • Cabinets: Quality Wood Products • Countertops: Dimensional Stoneworks • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Home Hardware • Tile: Young's Tile Company • Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floor Co. • Carpeting: Knapstein Design • Glass & Mirrors: Petty Products • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Grabill Plumbing • Plumbing • Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises • Electrician: Teague Electric • Elevator: ThyssenKrupp Access • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Stucco: Excel Stucco • Masonry Stone: LSH Masonry • Cut Stone: • J.T. Lardner Cut Stone Contractor • Masonry Fireplaces: Becca Masonry • Furnishings: Knapstein Design • Custom Closets: Space by Design • Garage Doors: Radio Controlled Garage Door • Home Theater: Media One • Computer Lighting System: Media One • Home Security: Teague Electric • Vacuum System: Radio Controlled Garage Door • Pool: KC Pro Pool and Landscape • Landscaping: Rosehill Gardens • Hardscaping: Murray Concrete • Sprinkler System: Rosehill Gardens • Cleaning: Building and Home Maintenance

 

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Best Custom Home $1.5-$2 million

Architect: Bickford + Co.  l  Builder: Evan-Talan Homes

Interior Designer: Muse Furniture & Lifestyle Designs
 

Community: Loch Lloyd  l  Square footage: 5,349  l   Beds/baths: 4/5.5  l  Style: Old World Tuscan

 

 

This reverse 1.5-story home begins with a grand foyer that opens to a circular staircase with wrought iron railing and a dome ceiling. Because entertaining is important to the owners, they’ve included a guest suite on the main level. The interiors have been carefully detailed, including details in the cabinetry and trim, tile work, custom living room mantel, faux painting and hand-painted murals in the kids’ room. The home accommodates both daily living and entertaining, especially with a fully furnished lanai complete with a fireplace, cooking center and bar.

Resources:
Architect: Bickford + Co. • Builder: Evan-Talan Homes • Interior Designer: Muse Furniture & Lifestyle Designs • Excavation: J.A.G Excavation • Foundation: JG Creten Foundation • Framing: Fogarty Construction • Lumber: 84 Lumber • Windows: Kansas City Building Supply • Sheetrock: J Davis Drywall • Roofing: Jaberian Roofing • Trim Work: Huber & Drury • Painter: Childress Painting • Specialty Painting: Creative Faux Effects • Cabinets: Quality Wood Products • Countertops: Granite Works • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Hardwood • Carpeting: Designer's Carpet Library • Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Miller Plumbing • Electrician: Phillips Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Landscaping: Epic Landscape • Sprinkler System: Epic Landscape • Realtor: Village of Loch Lloyd

 

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Best Custom Home $1-$1.5 million

Architect: Bickford + Co.  l  Builder: Arch Design Builders  l  Interior Designer: Andrew Brown & Foulke
 

City: Mission Hills  l  Square footage: 5,647  l  Beds/baths: 5/4.5  l  Style: Coastal

 

Inspired by 20 years of vacationing in the East, the homeowners rebuilt their existing home as a cottage that is quaint yet beautiful, with a side porte-cochere and detached garage. The floor plan includes an eat-in kitchen with large island and office, and many details that are appropriate to the style: niches and bookshelves made to house family antiques, covered brick patio, custom window seats, a hidden playroom, custom newel posts (where the homeowner hides her chocolate stash), and a stone and wood fireplace.

Resources:
Builder: Arch Design Build • Architect: Bickford + Co. • Interior Designer: Andrew Brown & Foulke • Excavation: Don Gregory • Foundation: JoCo Basment • Framing: Landmark • Lumber: McCray Lumber • Windows: Kansas City Building Supply • Sheetrock: Star Drywall • Roofing: Bordner Roofing • Trim Work: Crouse Trim • Paint: Wilco Painting • Painter: Wilco Painting • Specialty Painting: Elvin Interiors • Cabinets: Cabinets by King • Countertops: Braco Stone • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance• Hardware: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Coverings • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Hardwood • Carpeting: Carpet Source • Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass • Heating & Cooling: Midwest Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Kinney's Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Kinney's Plumbing • Electrician: Teague Electric • Light Fixtures: Rensen House of Lights • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts  • Home Security: Specialty Electronics • Landscaping: Perfection Lawn • Hardscaping: K&E Flatwork • Sprinkler System: York Contractors • Cleaning: Wiseman Construction

 

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Best Custom Home $750,000-$1 million

Home Designer: Dan Wessel Design  l  Builder: Madi Mali Homes  l  Interior Designer: Pamela Kay’s

Community: Heritage Hill West  l  Square footage: 3,580  l Beds/baths: 4/4.5  l  Style: Colonial

A charming throwback, this home captures the best of nostalgia with modern-day designs. The open floor plan includes a main-level master suite and a sleeping porch with a hanging bed and brick paver-styled tile that leads to a covered lanai. The master bathroom features a claw foot tub and octagonal marble mosaic tile, while the kitchen showcases an ornate tin ceiling and glass cabinets backed in chicken wire. The home is surrounded by a custom iron gate as extensive landscaping, a pool and numerous conversation areas enhance the outdoors. The older-looking home has modern-day, energy-efficiency features, such as blown-in insulation; low-E, argon-filled, high-efficient windows; and zoned heating and air with add-on heat pumps.

Resources:
Home Designer: Dan Wessel Design • Builder: Madi Mali Homes • Interior Designer: Pamela Kay's • Kitchen Designer: Madi Mali Homes/Pamela Kay's • Excavation: Jim Schlagle Excavating • Foundation: Johnson County Basements • Framing: Erik Puhr Construction • Lumber: McCray Lumber • Windows: Simonton Windows/Crown Millwork • Sheetrock: KC Drywall • Roofing: Elite Roofing • Trim Work: Custom Trimworks • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Kreimendahl Painting • Cabinets: King Wood Products • Countertops: Cutting Edge Granite & Tile • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: McCray Millwork • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Carpeting: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Glass & Mirrors: The Hayes Company • Heating & Cooling: Midwest Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Fred Pflumm Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Fred Pflumm Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Signature Hardware • Electrician: Teague Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Midwest Fireplace • Furnishings: Pamela Kay's • Art: Pamela Kay's • Home Theater: Hometech • Landscaping: Earth Designs • Hardscaping: Newhouse Construction • Sprinkler System: Earth Designs • Cleaning: SW Cleaning

 

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Best Custom Home $500,000-$750,000

 

Architect: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer  l  Builder: Roth Construction Co.  l  Interior Designer: Lisa Schmitz Interior Design
 

Community: Westwood Park  l  Square footage: 3,716  l  Beds/baths: 4/3, 1 half  l  Style: Modern

 

In this home, the kitchen, living and dining rooms share open space with access to two outdoor living areas. The kitchen looks sleek in custom cabinetry and an elevated bar that wraps around the island, while the living room is the media center with all equipment stored seamlessly behind pivoting doors above the fireplace. The master suite dominates the second level with its own private deck and spiral staircase to a small loft and balcony. The interior gleams in a simple white paint scheme and reflective white maple floors, especially with large windows. Solar shades allow the homeowners to enjoy their views outside.

Resources:
Architect: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer • Builder:  Roth Construction Co. • Interior Designer: Lisa Schmitz Interior Design • Kitchen Designer: Gillpatrick Woodworks • Foundation: Pat Dusselier Foundation Co. • Framing: Constr. Inc. • Lumber: Teague Lumber • Windows: Pella Products of Kansas City • Drywall: B & B Drywall • Roofing: Larry Vaught Roofing • Metal Railings & Spiral Stair: Austin Ironworks • Trim Work: Borger Construction • Paint: Zeke's Paint • Painter: Roth Construction Co. • Cabinets: Gillpatrick Woodworks • Countertops: Top Master • Appliances: Gillpatrick Woodworks  • Tile: DuBuque Tile Co. • Hardwood Flooring: Kerr Millwork & Mfg. • Heating & Cooling: Grandview Furnace Co. • Plumbing: Mike Cox Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises • Electrician: Superior Electric Services • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Midwest Fireplace  • Home Theater: Integrated Electronics • Home Security: Atronic Alarms • Landscaping: Kissinger & Associates • Hardscaping: Kissinger & Associates • Sprinkler System: Ciferri & Ciferri

 

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Best Custom Home $300,000-$500,000

Home Designer: Zachary Stoltenberg  l  Builder: Redstone Homes  l  Interior Designer: Kenny’s Tile & Floor Covering

Community: Wilshire Farms  l  Square footage: 4,500+  l  Beds/baths: 5/4.5  l  Style: Mission

 

A stone tower with dual-entry covered porch welcomes guests outside, while grand ceilings yet comfortable living areas make a lasting impression inside. An open floor plan, plus three covered porches, allows plenty of room for entertaining. The interior incorporates stone, exposed beams, custom woodwork and earth tones throughout; a few extra amenities include a garage-to-pantry pass-thru, his-and-her built-in desk, and a master bathroom with heated floors and steam shower. This Energy Star-certified home includes sun tunnels, low-E clad casement windows, heat pumps with a high-efficiency furnace, and a radiant barrier roof, as well as 15 newly planted trees.

Resources:
Home Designer: Zachary Stoltenberg • Builder:  Redstone Homes • Interior Designer: Kenneth Design Studio • Excavation: Christian Excavating • Foundation: Thoele Foundations • Framing: Construction & Planning Services • Lumber: Sun Lumber • Windows: Heartland Windows • Sheetrock: Star Drywall • Roofing: Century Roofing • Stone: Canyon Stone • Trim Work: Bull's Eye Trim • Painter: R T Painting • Cabinets: Branaman Cabinet  • Countertops: Granite Works • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Kansas City Building Supply • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Carpeting: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass • Heating & Cooling: Midwest Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Santa Fe Trails Plumbing • Electrician: Teague Electric • Light Fixtures: Rensen House of Lights • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Landscaping: All By Design Landscaping • Sprinkler System: Lawn Masters • Cleaning: We-Flex Services

 

Best Green Home

Home Designer: Stitt Energy Systems  l  Builder: Pfeifer King Building Corp.

Community: Woodland Shores  l  Square footage: 6,434  l  Beds/baths: 4/4.5  l  Style: Old World/French

Certification: Energy Star, HERS index 51

 

With a private courtyard, arched bay window and French roof lines, this home is a charming reminder of the owners’ travels in Europe, but it’s a fortress against air leaks and cracks. The house was built using Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs), expanding soy foam insulation and extensive caulking. Low-E, argon-filled double-pane windows, LED and compact fluorescent bulbs, a whole-house energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system and two air-source heat pumps helped the home achieve certification. Sustainable materials include salvaged bricks and site-excavated rock, recycled blue-jean fabric insulation for sound-proofing, engineered trusses and lumber, and composite decking.

Resources:
Home Designer: Stitt Energy Systems • Consultant Architect: BVZ Architects (Colo.) • Builder: Pfeifer King Building Corp. • Foundation: Steve Skinner Construction (ARXX Instalation) • Framing: Steve Skinner Construction • Sheetrock: Big T Drywall • Roofing: Bosley Roofing • Trim Work: Mike Case Trim Co. • Painter: Larson Painting • Specialty Painting/Faux Finishes: The Creative Wall • Cabinets: Johnson's Custom Cabinets • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Century Plumbing • Electrician: Casey Electric • Landscaping: Rosehill Gardens

 

 

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Best Model Home over $1.5 million

 

Architect: Elswood Smith Carlson Architects  l  Builder/Interior Designer: B.L. Rieke & Associates

Community: North Shore Estates at Cedar Creek  l  Square footage: 5,900  l  Beds/baths: 5/5.5  l  Style: Rustic

 

The epitome of curb appeal, this 1.5-story home features a bridge over a cascading stream and stone courtyard to the front entry. Inside, the home is relaxed and open, with a 19-foot vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone fireplace and wall of windows overlooking a valley. It’s built for entertaining, with a large kitchen, covered deck and lower-level bar, game room and media center, but also for a family, with the master suite on the first floor and the kids’ rooms and loft on the second. Cozy yet high-end materials include custom alder trim, natural travertine, slate and Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, hand-scraped timbers and logs, custom ironwork, state-of-the-art glass gas “tornado” lanterns and copper metal roofing.

Resources:
Architect: Elswood Smith Carlson Architects/Bruce & Antonia Rieke • Builder: B.L. Rieke & Associates • Interior Designer: Antonia Rieke • Excavation: TSV Contracting • Foundation: J T Foundations • Framing: PM Framing • Lumber: 84 Lumber • Windows: Crown Millwork/Andersen Windows • Sheetrock: Wallboard Specialties • Roofing: Century Roofing • Trim Work: LR Trim • Paint/Painter: INKC Paint • Stone/Stucco Superior Masonry • Specialty Painting: Gary Villeneuve & Teresa Burford • Cabinets: Olympic Cabinets • Countertops: Cutting Edge Granite & Tile • Appliances: Nebraska Furniture Mart • Hardware: Home Hardware  • Hardware: Bear Creek Bronze • Tile: Nebraska Furniture Mart • Hardwood Flooring: Patriot Products • Carpeting: Nebraska Furniture Mart • Glass & Mirrors: Complete Home Concepts • Heating & Cooling: Harrington Brothers • Plumbing: Sam Male Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Warren Supply • Electrician: G & H Electric • Light Fixtures: Rensen House of Lights • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Furnishings: B.L. Rieke/Nebraska Furniture Mart • Art: Jeannie Pflumm, B.L. Rieke & Associates, Bonnie Davis with NFM • Custom Closets:  Space by Design • Garage System: Space by Design • Garage Flooring: Better Life Technology • Home Theater: Video Max (The Entertainer) • Home Security: Video Max (The Entertainer) • Landscaping: Epic Landscape • Hardscaping: Epic Landscape • Sprinkler System: Epic Landscape • Cleaning: Recycle America • Realtor: Cedar Creek Realty • Subdivision: North Shore Estates -- Cedar Creek • Window Treatments: Bev Cauthon & Antonia Rieke • Blinds: Designed 4 You

 

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Best Model Home $1-$1.5 million

 

Architect: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer  l  Builder: Matteson-Design-Build
 

City: Prairie Village  l  Square footage: 6,672  l  Beds/baths: 5/5.5  l  Style: Cape Cod

 

This exceedingly symmetrical home showcases crisp, clean lines, white walls and dark hardwood floors for a ‘soft contemporary’ interior. Many features true to its architectural style include windows and dormers, Shaker-style doors, wainscoting, base and door casings, and numerous French doors throughout the home. The dining and living rooms, kitchen, breakfast room and hearth room seamlessly flow together under a soaring ceiling, with views of the Indian Hills Golf Course in the backyard. The private master suite has a secluded portico with outdoor fireplace; additional bedroom suites upstairs share a multipurpose alcove and overlook the first floor as well as the golf course. The walk-out lower level is one big space featuring a bedroom suite, kitchen and room for a future wine cellar — all atop a radiant-heated concrete floor.

Resources:
Architect: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer • Builder:  Matteson-Design-Build • Excavation: AGB Enterprise Inc. • Foundation: Louisburg Construction Co. • Framing: Matteson-Design-Build • Lumber: Lowe's • Windows: Marvin, Kansas City Millwork • Sheetrock: Heartland Drywall  • Roofing: Rubio Roofing • Trim Work: Matteson-Design-Build • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Matteson-Design-Build • Cabinets: Matteson-Design-Build • Countertops: LTJ Development • Appliances: Nebraska Furniture Mart • Tile: McLoughlin Tile & Stone • Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floor Co. • Carpeting: Carpet Corner • Glass & Mirrors: Dixie Glass Co. • Heating & Cooling: A.D. Heating & Air Service Inc. • Plumbing: Crosby Plumbing • Electrician: Joe Knowatt • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Custom Closets:  Matteson-Design-Build • Home Security: Atronic Alarms • Landscaping: Beaver Creative Environments • Hardscaping: Matteson-Design-Build • Sprinkler System: Beaver Creative Environments

 

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Best Model Home $750,000-$1 million

 

Architect: Elswood Smith Carlson Architects  l  Builder: Timberstone Homes Inc.
Interior Designer: Marjorie Kennamore

Community: Piazza Homes of Tuscany Reserve  l  Square footage: 4,960  l  Beds/baths: 3/3 Style: Italian Mediterranean

 

Offering single-level living that’s open and spacious, with optional add-ons and expansions and full maintenance of the grounds, these private villas provide luxurious living — hassle-free. A large, horizontal living room showcases 10-foot ceilings, along with other high-quality materials reminiscent of Italian style: custom wrought iron exterior and interior stair railings; columns; 8-foot solid alder doors; inlaid flooring of travertine and walnut; custom cabinetry featuring alder, pine, walnut and birch; faux stucco stove hood; and marble, granite and porcelain treatments. The unit includes a covered back deck as well as access to the lake and fountain, gazebo, walking trail or grilling station shared by the cul-de-sac.

Resources:
Architect: Elswood Smith Carlson Architects • Builder:  Piazza Homes by Timberstone • Excavation: JAG Excavation • Foundation: JG Creten Foundation • Framing: Fogarty Construction • Lumber: 84 Lumber • Windows: Kansas City Building Supply • Sheetrock: Wallboard Specialties • Roofing: Jaberian Roofing • Trim Work: Huber & Drury Construction • Paint: Childress Painting • Painter: Childress Painting • Specialty Painting: Creative Faux Effects • Cabinets: Shamrock Cabinets • Countertops: Granite Works • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Home Hardware • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Carpeting: Designer's Carpet Library • Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Miller Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Miller Plumbing • Electrician: Phillips Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Custom Closets: California Closets • Home Theatre - Prewire: Dynamic Home Solutions • Home Security: Dynamic Home Solutions • Landscaping: Landworks • Hardscaping: BC Hardscapes • Sprinkler System: Heritage Irrigation • Rough Clean: Maximum Cleaning • Final Clean: Blubaugh Enterprises • Realtor: Prudential

 

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Best Model Home $500,000-$750,000

 

Architect: Team 3 Architects  l  Builder: Lambie Custom Homes  l  Interior Designer: Madden-McFarland Interiors
 

Community: Mills Farm  l  Square footage: 3,824  l  Beds/baths: 4/3.5  l  Style: Modern Traditional

 

This home features traditional style with modern flare. Within the two stories is a cool, refreshing color palette that’s balanced with an open, inviting floor plan, detailed finishes, faux woodwork and pre-finished hardwood floors. The great room has a recessed ceiling and lots of natural light and can be seen from the second floor. The centrally located wine bar features granite countertops and an undercounter glass door refrigerator. Everything is designed to be functional, especially the covered outdoor living entertainment area complete with a fireplace and extended patio. The home also comes with a stereo and alarm package.

Resources
Architect: Team 3 Architects • Builder: Lambie Custom Homes • Interior Designer: Madden-McFarland Interiors • Kitchen Designer: Lambie Custom Homes • Excavation: Schlagle Excavating • Foundation: Doug Rieke Foundation • Framing: Advantage Framing • Lumber: Advantage Framing • Windows: Morgan Wightman • Sheetrock: Wallboard Specialties • Roofing: Metro Roofing • Trim Work: Pacific Mutual Door • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Bruce Ring Painting • Specialty Painting: Duque Painting • Cabinets: Quality Wood Products • Countertops: Granite Works • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floor  Co. • Carpeting: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Glass & Mirrors: Complete Home Concepts • Heating & Cooling: Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling • Plumbing: Fred Pflumm Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Fred Pflumm Plumbing • Electrician: Teague Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Furnishings: Madden-McFarland Interiors • Landscaping: Earth Design • Sod: Meyers Turf • Sprinkler System: Earth Design • Cleaning: Blubaugh Enterprises • Realtor: Prudential

 

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Best Model Home $300,000-$500,000 in Missouri

 

Home Designer/Builder: Casa Bella Construction  l  Interior Designer: Revealed Interiors
 

Community: Embassy Park  l  Square footage: 3,081  l  Beds/baths: 4/3  l  Style: Transitional

 

This reverse 1.5-story home is all about the gathering spaces, such as the open great room linked to the kitchen by a pass-through and cozy covered outdoor living area with built-in flat-screen TV and fireplace, and hidden fastener system in the floor. The floor plan flows well, with a main-level master suite, plus an additional bedroom on the main floor; two others are on the lower level, along with a large recreation room and wet bar. The home is elegant with 12-foot-tall ceilings, wide-plank distressed cherry hardwood floors, faux finishes, rounded corners and sweeping arches, and hand-crafted millwork. A Hollywood bathtub with granite and imported marble countertops dress up the bathrooms, while the whole-house audio and smart home wiring make entertaining fun.

Resources:
Home Designer/Builder: Casa Bella Construction • Interior Designer: Revealed Interiors • Excavation: Larry Brown Excavating • Foundation: Maples Foundations • Framing: Square Deal Framing • Lumber: ProBuild • Windows: Pella Products of Kansas City • Sheetrock: Wallboard Specialties • Roofing: Century Roofing • Trim Work: Scott Swift • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Loper Painting • Specialty Painting: Faux Real • Cabinets: Miller Cabinets • Countertops: Creative Stone • Appliances: Ferguson Enterprises • Hardware: Locks & Pulls • Tile: Elite Tile • Hardwood Flooring: KC Flooring • Carpeting: Pro Source • Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Robertson Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises • Electrician: Platinum Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Midwest Fireplace • Furnishings & Art: Mittleman's • Home Theater & Security: Absolute Audio • Landscaping/Hardscaping: All Around Green • Sprinkler System: Fairway Lawn and Landscape • Cleaning: KSW • Realtor: Master's GMAC • Subdivision: Embassy Park

 

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Best Model Home $300,000-$500,000 in Kansas

 

Builder/Home Designer: Don Julian Builders  l  Interior Designer: Gail Morse
 

Community: Canyon Creek by the Lake  l  Square footage: 2,746  l  Beds/baths: 3/2  l  Style: Ranch

 

In less than 3,000 square feet, this home leaves a small carbon footprint but lives large. A generous living area on the main floor flows directly into the kitchen, computer room and eating area, which has access to the covered deck as does the master suite. Making it feel more spacious are 10-foot and taller ceilings throughout and an 8-foot-tall front door. No space was wasted as the washer/dryer are placed in the master closet, and a Murphy bed in the flex room. High-quality finishes include stained wood trim, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, granite kitchen countertops and a walk-in pantry. The finished lower level features a recreation and exercise room, with additional framed space for two more bedrooms, wet bar and ¾ bathroom.

Resources:
Home Designer: Don Julian Builders • Engineer: Apex Engineers • Survey: Accu Surv Survey Company • Builder:  Don Julian Builders • Interior Designer: Gail Morse • Excavation: Andy & Sons Excavating • Foundation: William G. Curth • Framing: Julian Construction • Lumber: Teague Lumber • Lumber: McCray Lumber • Structural Steel: Jones Iron & Metal • Waterproofing: Gordon Energy & Drainage • Flatwork: Jeff Staley • Windows: Shelter of Kansas City • Insulation: Midwest Insulation • Sheetrock: John Davis Drywall • Roofing: Metro Roofing • Trim Work: BBM Quality Trim • Painter: Kreimendahl Painting • Specialty Painting: Magic Brush • Cabinets: Quality Wood Products • Granite Countertops: Cutting Edge Granite & Tile • Cultured Marble Countertops: Master Marble • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Tile: McIntyre Mann • Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floor Co. • Carpeting: McIntyre Mann • Glass & Mirrors: Complete Home Concepts • Heating & Cooling: Midwest Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: R & R Plumbing • Electrician: Teague Electric • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Garage Doors: Accent Door Co. • Millwork: McCray Lumber • Iron Spindles: Bill Ruckdeschel • Gutters: Royal Seamless Gutters • Home Security: Safe Haven Security Services • Landscaping: Landmasters Landscape • Sod: Every Turf Farm • Sprinkler System: Landmasters Landscape • Shutters & Drapery: Superior Drapery & Interiors • Realtor: Realty Exec's of KC

 

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Best Empty Nest in Missouri

 

Architect: Bickford + Co.  l  Builder: The National Homebuilding Co.  l  Interior Designer: Crossroads Interiors
 

Community: Lime Stone Road Townhomes at The National  l  Square footage: 2,800  l  Beds/baths: 3/3  l  Style: Cape Cod

 

These reverse 1.5-story townhomes are sited conveniently near the airport and shopping, and have the benefit of living on a golf course. The community provides building maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, trash and recycling, leaving time for owners to enjoy their open homes. The spacious kitchen/hearth/great room allows free movement, while the master suite is set back quietly on the main level. High-quality materials include handcrafted cabinetry, high-grade carpet, hardwood floors, granite countertops and hand-tiled bathrooms. Light walls and dark trim create subtle drama that is both comforting and adventuresome. The units also feature an oversized garage and a screened-in porch overlooking the series of lakes with the golf course beyond.

Resources:
Architect: Bickford + Co. • Builder: The National Homebuilding Co. • Interior Designer: Crossroads Interiors • Foundation: Mid-States Millwork • Lumber: McCray Lumber • Windows: Anderson • Sheetrock: Star Drywall • Paint: Olathe Painting • Cabinets: Croissant Cabinets • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Tile: Weber Carpet • Hardwood Flooring: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering  • Carpeting: Weber Carpet • Glass & Mirrors: Complete Home Concepts • Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans • Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts • Furnishings: Crossroads Interiors • Art: Crossroads Interiors • Landscaping: Rosehill Gardens • Hardscaping: Rosehill Gardens • Realtor: The National Residential Real Estate Co.

 

 

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Best Empty Nest in Kansas

 

Architect: Bickford + Co.  l  Builder: Nicholas Link Construction  l  Interior Designer: One Stop Decorating Center
 

City: Lake Quivira  l  Square footage: 4,804  l  Beds/baths: 3/4  l  Style: Traditional

 

Sited to enhance the lake view, this 1.5-story home allows empty nesters to truly, finally rest. With enough spare bedrooms for guests or visiting children, it particularly caters to the maturing homeowner with oversized mahogany arched interior doors that easily transition from one room to the other — as well as  complementing the hickory wood floors. Custom draperies and bedding bring personality to the home as well as intricately designed mahogany cabinets and trim, a stone circle driveway and carriage house garage doors. Low-maintenance materials include aluminum-extruded windows and stone exterior. Motorized shades throughout the home block out light (and neighbors) with the push of a button.

Resources:
Architect: • Bickford + Co. • Builder: Nicholas Link Construction • Interior Designer: Cherie Roellchen/One Stop Decorating Center • Excavation: Schlagle Excavating • Foundation: Thoele Foundations • Framing: Nicholas Link Construction • Lumber: McCray Lumber • Windows: Weathershield • Sheetrock: Preferred Drywall • Roofing: Century Roofing • Trim Work: Nicholas Link Construction • Paint: Selections, One Stop Decorating Center • Painter: Colors Painting • Cabinets: Shamrock Cabinets • Countertops: Granite Works • Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance • Hardware: McCray Lumber • Tile: Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering • Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floor Co. • Carpeting: One Stop Decorating Center • Glass & Mirrors: Dixie Glass • Heating & Cooling: United Heating Cooling & Plumbing • Plumbing: Miller Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises • Electrician: CD McClain Electric • Light Fixtures: Rensen House of Lights • Fireplace: The Hayes Company • Furnishings: Draperies and Custom Furniture, One Stop Decorating Center • Art: One Stop Decorating Center • Garage Doors: DoorLink Manufacturing • Home Theater: Quality 1st Services • Landscaping: Mary's Flowers • Hardscaping: Keith Scott & Company

 

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Best Modern Architecture

 

Architect/Builder/Interior Designer: Framework Design
 

Community: Westside  l  Square footage: 6,100  l  Beds/baths: 3/2.5

 

After moving back from San Diego, the homeowners, also architects who own their own business, wanted space for it all: a home, office, gallery and room for grandma. The three-story building features a second floor with an office, shared two-story gallery space, and the kitchen, living and dining rooms. Outdoor living is a main component within this modern live/work space, with a front balcony off the main room, a deck off the kitchen and another off the gallery. They also designed a small garden in the back, and part of the third-floor deck will eventually be a green roof. The third floor shares the deck with a master bedroom and bath, a second office and two bedrooms and bathroom. Classically modern with a twist, this home features industrial materials, geometric shapes and forms, and limestone and reclaimed wood flooring.

Resources:
Architect: Framework Design • Interior Designer: Framework Design • Kitchen Designer: Framework Design • Excavation: ABI Corporation • Foundation: ABI Corporation • Framing: C&G Construction/Framework Design • Lumber: McCray Lumber & Millwork • Windows: Sol's Glass Co. • Sheetrock: Lewis Drywall • Roofing: Integrity Roofing • Trim Work: Framework Design • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Framework Design • Cabinets: IKEA • Countertops: IKEA • Appliances: Home Depot • Hardware: IKEA/Lowe's • Tile: Habitat Restore/Home Depot/The Tile Shop/Tile and Stone Warehouse • Carpeting: Elements of Green (FLOR Carpet Tiles) • Glass & Mirrors: The Hayes Company • Heating & Cooling: Comfort Systems - Air, Framework Design - Radiant Heat • Plumbing: Kevin Ginnings Plumbing Service, Gravatts Able Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Home Depot/Lowe's • Electrician: Anderson Electrical • Furnishings: Framework Design • Art: Blue Gallery, Kathy Bourgeois, Brian Collins, Valerie Abe, Spencer Schubert, Framework Design • Home Theater: Century Group A/V Consultants • Home Security: Gargoyle Security • Landscaping: Framework Design/Family Tree Nursery • Hardscaping: ABI Corporation/Framework Design • Fire Sprinkler System: General Automatic Sprinkler - Fire Protection • Realtor (land acquisition): Prudential

 

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Best Urban Living Project

 

Architect/Builder/Interior Designer: Framework Design
 

Community: Westside  l  Square footage: 6,100  l  Beds/baths: 3/2.5  l  Style: Modern

 

For homeowners who wanted the space and feel of a home but in an urban living setting, they got the best of both worlds. From the basement to the third floor, a residential elevator provides universal access to the entire building, with densification and multigenerational living as the key aspect of the building. The first floor was originally designed as the living quarters for one of the homeowner’s grandmothers, along with commercial space and the garage; the second floor has designated spaces for the main office, two-story gallery and casual living areas, as well as an inviting kitchen and the laundry room. As downtown bustles outside, the homeowners find peace and quiet in their private living quarters on the third floor. “It is literally a living laboratory and learning environment for us and our clients,” they say.

Resources:
Architect: Framework Design • Interior Designer: Framework Design • Kitchen Designer: Framework Design • Excavation: ABI Corporation • Foundation: ABI Corporation • Framing: C&G Construction/Framework Design • Lumber: McCray Lumber & Millwork • Windows: Sol's Glass Co. • Sheetrock: Lewis Drywall • Roofing: Integrity Roofing • Trim Work: Framework Design • Paint: Sherwin-Williams • Painter: Framework Design • Cabinets: IKEA • Countertops: IKEA • Appliances: Home Depot • Hardware: IKEA/Lowe's • Tile: Habitat Restore/Home Depot/The Tile Shop/Tile and Stone Warehouse • Carpeting: Elements of Green (FLOR Carpet Tiles) • Glass & Mirrors: The Hayes Company • Heating & Cooling: Comfort Systems - Air, Framework Design - Radiant Heat • Plumbing: Kevin Ginnings Plumbing Service/Gravatts Able Plumbing • Plumbing Fixtures: Home Depot/Lowe's • Electrician: Anderson Electrical • Furnishings: Framework Design • Art: Blue Gallery, Kathy Bourgeois, Brian Collins, Valerie Abe, Spencer Schubert, Framework Design • Home Theater: Century Group A/V Consultants • Home Security: Gargoyle Security • Landscaping: Framework Design/Family Tree Nursery • Hardscaping: ABI Corporation/Framework Design • Fire Sprinkler System: General Automatic Sprinkler - Fire Protection • Realtor (land acquisition): Prudential

 

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Best Community

 

Community: Lime Stone Road Townhomes at The National
 

City: Parkville  l  Price Range: $249,000-$399,000

 

Residents of all ages find comfort in a maintenance-provided lifestyle. Community services include exterior, lawn and snow removal, as well as all the perks that go along with the rest of the community: award-winning golf course and Park Hill School District, clubhouse, family activity center, sailing lake, walking trails, tennis courts and a short commute to almost anywhere in the surrounding city. Its location is easily accessible from anywhere in Kansas City, including downtown and the KCI airport, as well as shopping and entertainment districts like Zona Rosa, Tuileries Plaza and downtown Parkville. In addition to multiple national awards, Lime Stone Road Townhomes, which have been easy sellers, recently took home the HBA’s 2009 American Dream Grand Award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Click here for the 2010 Home of the Year Award Winner

Click here for the 2010 Home of the Year Silver Winners

Click here for the 2010 Home of the Year Judges