Home for the Holidays

It's been said that hands build a house but only hearts can build a home — and it's that combination of labor and love that makes the 17th annual JCYM Home for the Holidays Tour a much-anticipated holiday event. Three exquisite homes in Leawood's prestigious Pavilions Estates and one home in Mission Reserve will be open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Volunteering their time and talents, area designers and decorators will beautify each home for the holidays, while proceeds from the tour benefit area charities. “We are profoundly reminded every day of the freedoms we have in this country,” says Debbie Hedenkamp, JCYM president. “It is truly an American tradition to celebrate home and hearth, and it is especially meaningful when we can do it in such a way that  benefits those in need in our community. We are thankful for our generous business community and the outpouring of community support that ensures the tour's financial success year after year.” The major underwriters of this year's Home for the Holidays Tour are First National Bank and Summit America. Tickets are available November 1-19 at most local Hen House and Hy-Vee grocery stores for $18 each; tickets are $20 at the door the day of the tour.

The Lodge of Ironwoods Park in Leawood is the new site for the tour's two-day holiday boutique on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 19. “We are excited that this year's homes and boutique are all within  a 1.5-mile radius,” says Sharman Wilson of JCYM. More than 40 vendors will feature extraordinary wares and gift items at the boutique, which is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission.

Kicking off this year's homes tour is a special preview celebration called Jeans & Martini Night on Monday, Nov. 17 from 5-8 p.m. at The Lodge of Ironwoods Park, located at 147th Street and Mission Road. The event offers a special opportunity to relax and shop with good friends, delicious finger foods from local restaurant Wil Jenny's and a specially created martini by Kathy Pelz, Veselbev Company — all included in the $15 admission donation. Reservations are required.

JCYM, a philanthropic organization with more than 250 members, promotes and fosters charitable, literary and educational activities in the county. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Community Disability Network, Friends of Johnson County Nursing Center, Friends of Shawnee Indian Mission, Headstart of Shawnee Mission, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, Safehome, TLC for Children and Families, and JCYM Charitable Gift Fund. This year the organization is celebrating its 47th anniversary. For more information, visit www.jcym.net.

Exterior photos are of homes featured on the 2008 Tour. Interior photos are from the 2007 Tour.

Designers and participating stores from last year's tour include Brown Wrappings, Rooms That Bloom, Nelson & Taylor,  Williams-Sonoma, Jan Rosche, Belle Maison, Pottery Barn, Craig Sole designs, and Crate & Barrel.

Click on the following pages to learn more about the 2008 Tour Homes.

15143 Catalina St.
Mission Reserve

Decorator:  Past & Presents
Tabletop:  Pottery Barn
Food Display Theme: Brrrr...Brunch

Stone steps, a wrought iron gate and stone courtyard with archways welcome guests. The stucco exterior with tile roof reflects the home's Northern European influence and an open floor plan inside. 

Near the entry door is a wrought iron railing leading to a circular staircase. A large family room with a dining bar, tiled risers and wine cellar add to the home's character. The stone fireplace provides winter warmth, and slate columns add architectural charm to this room.

The dining room overlooks a stunning deck with wrought iron railing, a material that's used extensively throughout the home with decorative iron cutouts placed high on the wall. The impressive great room has a high coffered library-style ceiling, along with a cast concrete fireplace and mantel that command attention. Well-planned decorative niches and architectural details make this room unique, and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for a panoramic view of a small pond that showcases a relaxing fountain, also seen from the deck.

Oak hardwood floors stained a pecan hue warm the entire home. Granite countertops in shades of tan and brown blend with alder cabinetry and a tumbled tile backsplash. The stove hood features a carved design with a creative tile inset below. Double ovens and a built-in microwave provide easy entertaining. A hexagonal island with granite top provides plentiful food prep space as well as a great surface for children to do their homework while dinner is being made.

The master bedroom features a high, coffered ceiling and welcoming wall treatment, and a doorway opens onto the deck for a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee. Tumbled tile trimwork surrounds the master bath mirror, which reflects the sunken tub. The cabinetry is bead board with a glazed finish, and for extra luxury, the bath features a convenient mini-refrigerator.

The builders at Mission Reserve have created this development with the belief that “the quality of one's home enhances the quality of one's life.”  More than 4,000 square feet of living space in this Sonoma model reflects that approach.

The featured artwork was donated by renowned local artist Gil Rumsey for a free raffle. Entry forms are available in this home, and the lucky winner will be notified after the tour.

4605 W. 146th St.
Pavilions Estates

Decorator:  Craig Sole designs
TableTop:  Craig Sole designs, homeowners' dinnerware
Food Theme:  Bring Your Favorite Dish

As you step into the two-story entry of this home, you can't help but notice the custom-made chandelier that casts a warm glow over a bow chest decorated in Chinoiserie, one of the owner's favorite things.

In both the foyer and central living room, white oak floors are elegantly accented with Oushak rugs. The living room overlooks terraced landscaping, which incorporates a swim spa and a pergola complete with its own fireplace. The dining room is furnished with a reproduction table and buffet, handmade in the owner's favorite Italian workshop. The ornate chandelier above the table is an Italian antique, as well as the gouache landscape reminiscent of a view from the owners' former home in California. Antique tapestry in the stairway is Venetian, as are the iron hanger and finials.

Toile touches decorate the owner's office, a cozy feminine room that includes an Indonesian couch. The porcelain-topped desk holds memories of when it served as a kitchen table and an indestructible workspace for children. Much of the decor is whimsical, but the black transferware is elegantly displayed. Another collection of blue transferware highlights the guestroom near the office, where a quilt and rug handmade by family members are displayed.

Across from the office is the master suite, with a wood and tile fireplace as the focal point. The closet and bathroom are large enough to include a separate tub, shower, commode rooms and chaise lounge. A silver chandelier dramatically hangs above the bed, and heavily embroidered curtains frame the view of the lush back lawn. An antique secretary and fetching collection of brown service ware carry out the inviting decor.

A brick fireplace and exposed, stained trusses in the vaulted ceiling unite the kitchen and hearth room — the table and its matching chest were handmade. The oversized golden limestone-topped island was built according to the owner's design for easy gathering, buffet service and casual meals. Limestone continues throughout the kitchen, contrasting with green cabinetry. The impressive majolica collection displayed in both the kitchen and hearth room changes with the seasons. A
collection of 18th-century trays, antique botanicals, bird prints, tins, and service ware and plates contributes to the warmth of the room. Even the Irish washtub in the giant laundry room off the kitchen is an antique.

In the downstairs recreational room, a stone fireplace, comfy leather chairs, pool table, fully equipped bar, home theater and soda machine invite family and guests for playtime. The collection of posters in this welcoming room comprises souvenirs of special family trips — even the bathroom holds special touches, including a Talavera hand-painted Mexican sink with a matching lidded jar and green-tiled countertops with matching mirror.

Old World charm, lovingly collected antiques and warm, inviting furnishings characterize this striking home.

14558 Sherwood Road
Pavilions Estates

Decorator:  My Favorite Things
TableTop:  My Favorite Things
Food Theme:  How Sweet It Is

As you approach this gracious home, you are greeted by the soothing sounds of rippling water in the triple-tier fountain surrounded by an immaculate lawn and luscious landscaping.

The foyer boasts a special nook for a lovely buffet echoed in the adjacent dining room alcove with a breakfront chest displaying elegant crystal and china. Chandeliers in both the foyer and the dining room twinkle with large crystals dripping from iron frames. A circular staircase rises from the foyer and leads to several second-floor bedrooms.

Moving into the formal living room, a grand piano is played by both homeowners. The painting above the fireplace is from My Favorite Things, while the living room fireplace sports a faux marble finish, one of the many specialized treatments created by Sienna Interior Finishes. The double-sided fireplace also opens to the hearth room and is a focal point for the inviting sectional couch, chaise and matching central ottoman upholstered in leather and rich, complementary fabrics.

The business part of the kitchen is outfitted with Dacor appliances and dressed in granite countertops. Seating six, the curved island, topped with matching granite, boasts a double sink and another for extra help. The double dishwasher means fast cleanup for the largest of parties. Cupboards are cherry wood with panels hiding a secret pantry for extra storage. Beyond the kitchen is the general laundry room, where built-ins double as lockers for the children's gear. Between the kitchen and dining room is a butler's pantry with a warming oven and convenient beverage cooler.

In the cozy breakfast area, curved banquettes circle the round table. A nearby pantry, originally designed as a kitchen office, now accommodates a wine rack and storage, as a screened-in porch, complete with a palm-leaf ceiling fan, allows you to enjoy fresh air without mosquitoes. Hardwood floors, comfortable chairs, a couch and bistro accent the space.

The master bedroom, also on the main floor, exudes a European flair. The fringed drapes and bedspread were found by a decorator friend who owns Nuance Décor in Grove, Okla. The fireplace backs up to the master bathroom, providing a lovely view from the oversized tub. An open shower, granite-topped vanity and cherry cabinetry almost complete the luxurious master bathroom — the closet includes a personal-sized washer and dryer.

Near the master bedroom, the homeowners share a beautifully appointed office with two working desks, full bathroom and a storage closet. Burberry-patterned carpeting leads up to the four bedrooms. The twin boys' room is decked out in all-American red, white and blue as the walls and bedcovers carry out the sports theme.

Each of the three guest bedrooms has its own bathroom and walk-in closet. One guest room is decorated in shades of brown with aqua accents; another is sophisticated in black and cream; the third is gold and brown with navy accents and has its own sitting room featuring a pair of kissing chairs and window seats in both the closet and bathroom. The upstairs loft provides plenty of comfy leather seating, built-in storage and another piano. From here, two sets of stairways lead to
all levels.

The lower level includes an elegant black pool table, a bar with its own mini-kitchen, fully equipped gym with a mirror covering one complete wall, home theater with stadium seating in cushy recliners and — for socializing around the fireplace — the circular couch has a matching round ottoman that breaks into four extra seats.

An adjacent playroom provides plenty of fun for the kids. A jungle mural features giraffes, monkeys and vines twining around the walls and across the ceiling. A fort offers inspiration for active imaginations, and easy chairs provide a comfortable spot for adult supervision. Every mom will love the separate, generously proportioned toy storeroom fitted with deep roomy shelves encircling the room at both child and adult heights. For even more fun, the family room opens to the backyard for easy access to play equipment and the grill.

14554 Sherwood Road
Pavilions Estates

Decorator:  St. James Design
TableTop:  Crate & Barrel
Food Theme:  Simple and Elegant

This English Country-style home, with an open floor plan and unique copper ceilings, showcases a native limestone exterior accented by an extra-wide brick driveway. Curved paths lead to a triple-stone archway where you can see the wood-planked ceiling and large wrought iron chandelier of the portico. 

A semi-circular second-story loft with a wood and wrought iron railing reflects the circular patterned travertine-tiled floor. Strategically placed architectural columns define the office and dining areas. Flanking the entry doors are antique-style mirrors that reflect the golden walls and the grandfather clock, while the homeowners' collection of steins is lovingly displayed in the office. The wall treatment in the dining room continues the earthy tones with its deep taupe coloring, massive sideboard and round table with
banquette-style seats for two.

From the foyer, where a crystal and iron chandelier hangs, you'll enter the great room, which features a unique chest topped by a leather wall hanging. Old English finials accent the staircase as an arched entryway echoes the arches in the portico. Above the archway is an Old English antique tapestry. English pub-style leather furniture is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a roaring fire. The massive mantel on the marble fireplace is the right proportion for the 20-foot ceilings in this room; the “legs” on both sides of the fireplace appear to support the mantel. The doors at the back lead to the covered porch, where a fireplace and Epoch grill are ready for cool nights and s'mores. 

The hearth room abuts the great room with its travertine tile floor and cast concrete fireplace with tin artwork above it. The kitchen is covered in granite countertops on both of the islands — one has a “bull nose” with bow-front sides and beveled edges. The other island features a sink and is distinguished by its furniture “legs.” Alder cabinetry is found throughout the kitchen, and an oversized Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf six-burner range are perfect for feeding two to 50 with ease, while large windows overlook a deck, pool and spa. The butler's pantry and small office are ideal for the family's busy lifestyle.

The lower level seemingly mimics New Orleans' French Quarter. A large mural by a local artist features this favorite vacation spot. The circular bar with a tiled overhanging ledge and slate top encourages everyone to gather 'round for a convivial time. Behind the bar is a repeat of the decorative arches throughout the house. The paintings inside each archway are “layered” in the Tuscan style. The “stone” archways are actually stone-wrapped wallpaper created by another local artist. Guests can easily entertain themselves at the craps table, poker table, shuffleboard or pool table. Bistro tables and oversized furniture invite guests to kick up their feet in the deluxe TV area.

These homeowners encourage guests to bring their children along. That's why a children's carousel and stationary, child-size electric truck gets endless hours of use. The playroom's theme is, “It's a girl thing,” and it features pink, glittery walls, a pink electric horse, ballet barre and a puppet stage with curtains that open and close for performances.

This home, with its Old World feel, was designed to please not only the family but also a multitude of guests.

Jeans and Martini Night

A Special Preview Event of The Holiday Boutique
Monday, Nov. 17 from 5-8 p.m. at The Lodge of Ironwoods Park. Tickets are required in advance. Visit www.jcym.net for details.

Tour Underwriters

SILVER
Searcy Financial Services
The Nolan Company
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Janowitz

BRONZE
Premier Bank

DONORS
Bob Hamilton Plumbing
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Yantis
Mr. and Mrs. William D. Gay
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew R. Leming
Anonymous

IN-KIND DONORS
Ball Foods
Gil Rumsey's Gallery
Gill Studios
TradeNet Publishing
Veselbev
Wil Jenny's