Johnson County, KS March 2024

March - Home & Design Issue

Dear Readers,

March has arrived, bringing with it the promise of spring and a special focus on the place we all hold dear - our homes. At City Lifestyle, March is our home issue, dedicated to celebrating the essence of home life, from decor inspiration to family traditions that make our houses truly feel like home.

As the publisher, I am particularly excited about this issue. Not only do we get to showcase the beauty and creativity of homes in our community, but we also get to delve into the heart of what makes a house a home. It’s about more than just the walls and the furniture; it’s about the memories made, the laughter shared, and the love that fills every corner.

One of my favorite times of the year also falls within the month of March - March Madness. As a self-professed homebody, I relish the opportunity to gather friends and family for a fun-filled house party centered around the excitement of the tournament. There’s something special about coming together in the comfort of our own homes, cheering on our favorite teams, and enjoying each other’s company.

In the spirit of home and togetherness, let’s not forget the importance of cherishing the family we have. Whether it’s spending quality time around the dinner table, snuggled up on the couch for a movie night, or sharing stories before bedtime, it’s these simple moments that truly make a house feel like home. Let’s take this month as an opportunity to appreciate the ones we hold dear and create lasting memories together.

So, whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room, try out a new recipe for game day, or simply cozy up with your loved ones, let March be a reminder of the beauty and warmth that home brings. After all, it’s not just a place where we reside - it’s where we create a lifetime of memories.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your home journey. Here’s to a March filled with love, laughter, and the comforts of home.

Warm regards,

Wade

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

Angela

Swan, D. Leon

Custom Homes

Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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Feel Beautiful.

The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is on a transformative journey, redefining animal welfare in Kansas City. Committed to being the premier shelter and clinic in the region, we are breaking barriers, expanding the clinic's reach, and elevating programs to ensure comprehensive care. We received a $75,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to be able to help thousands of pets and people in 2024. Join the movement today – learn more at www.hsgkc.org.

The Kansas City Mavericks

Host its Affiliation Night

March 16th

The Kansas City Mavericks celebrate their NHL and AHL affiliations on March 16 at Cable Dahmer Arena as the team hosts its Affiliation Night against the Rapid City Rush! This night will include specialized theme jerseys representing their affilia tion with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds. Come out to Cable Dahmer Arena on March 16 at 6:05 PM for puck drop!

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Tailored Immune Support

Myers Cocktail Gold Standard for Overall Wellness

The Myers Cocktail has earned its reputation as the gold standard for overall wellness. Packed with high-dose antioxidants and essential nutrients, this intravenous infusion is designed to deliver a potent and immediate boost to your health. Whether you’re tackling a weakened immune system, low energy levels, or dealing with chronic ailments, the Myers Cocktail serves as a comprehensive solution to elevate your overall well-being.

A standout feature of the Myers Cocktail is its ability to provide tailored immune support. Perfect for those with weakened immune systems, the cocktail’s high-dose antioxidants, including vitamin C, work synergistically to fortify your body’s defenses. This targeted approach is particularly beneficial for individuals facing allergies, asthma, and chronic conditions, offering a holistic solution to support immune function.

Multitude of Clinical Conditions

Myers Cocktail has proven effective in assisting with a multitude of clinical conditions. From allergies and asthma to fatigue, fibromyalgia, inflammatory tissue, infection, and pain, the versatility of this infusion makes it one of the most sought-after IV therapies. Its ability to address both chronic and non-chronic issues showcases its efficacy as a holistic wellness solution.

Hydration Reinforcement

Beyond its rich vitamin and mineral content, the Myers Cocktail also serves as a hydrating agent. Proper hydration is essential for bodily functions, and the intravenous administration of the cocktail ensures a direct and efficient absorption of fluids. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with dehydration or find it challenging to consume adequate water throughout the day.

Holistic Wellness Approach

The Myers Cocktail aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of holistic wellness. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, promoting immune system strength, and offering hydration reinforcement, this infusion supports a well-rounded approach to health. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic conditions or aiming to boost your energy levels, the Myers Cocktail from Liquid Mobile caters to a diverse range of health goals.

Maison de Maître

This French inspired home is the perfect fusion of grandeur and warmth

The Village of Loch Lloyd is home to a unique residence that seamlessly blends French elegance with modern comfort. With a grandmother with French heritage and New Orleans roots, and a husband having a background in construction, their collaboration resulted in a home that is both a tribute to family traditions and a showcase of architectural prowess.

“The inspiration for our home came from our travels to the Loire Valley, about two hours southwest of Paris, which offers France's greatest array of châteaues. This is where the aristocrats from Paris retreated to hunt. My husband is an avid hunter and I wasn't thrilled to do a home with hunting decor. However, after we visited the Loire Valley, I could see how we could mix our styles.”

The home is full of detail, evident in every room. The staircase draws inspiration from Haussmann architecture, reminiscent of French apartment buildings.

“Haussmann-style architecture is synonymous with modern-day Paris and Montpelier. They were designed by 19th-century official Baron GeorgesEugène Haussmann, who revamped the city in a vast project that remodeled over 12,000 structures to match his refined design. The stair rail and exterior iron were custom manufactured by Oriental Ideas.”

The kitchen features 18th-century credenzas, and the brick barrel vault adds a touch of antiquity. The wine nook boasts a brick ceiling inspired by an Italian Villa, and bathrooms showcase stone walls and antique elements.

“18th century credenzas were purchased and dismantled to be used for the facing of the kitchen cabinets and various other areas throughout the house. The wine credenzas were built with antique furniture that was dismantled and we used wine boxes for the drawers.”

Wood herringbone floors, interior stone walls, antique French chandeliers, imported marble fireplace, church spire, archways, and a groin vaulted foyer create a harmonious symphony of elements throughout the house. Imported, repurposed French panel doors and ornate scrolled iron further enhance the old-world charm. The exterior, with recessed and bull-nosed walls, door, and window thresholds, exudes the appearance of a timeless masonry foundation.

“Every room has been thought through with an obsession to detail. The home opens from east to west and south. When the weather is pleasant, we frequently open all the doors from the front of the home to a pea gravel veranda and to the back that surrounds the pool and outdoor living area.”

While the road to realizing their dream home was not without hurdles, the homeowners found solace in the expertise of Elswood Smith Carlson Architects, PA. Architects John Mackaman and Weston Coble played a crucial role in understanding and executing the intricate details envisioned by the homeowners.

“The inspiration for our home came from our travels to the Loire Valley, about two hours southwest of Paris, which offers France’s greatest array of châteaues.”

Describing their style as "Maison de maître," a term denoting a residence with the architectural detail of a château but slightly smaller, the home embodies the essence of the Loire Valley. It's a fusion of grandeur and warmth that defines this unique style.

The couple frequently sources their antiques from Woodson Place, a treasure trove with a historical narrative behind each piece. Their advice to fellow antique enthusiasts: shop for what you like, relish unique finds, and appreciate the stories embedded in each item. The homeowners have woven the essence of France into the fabric of their home. Every corner tells a story, echoing the landscapes and culture they've encountered during their travels.

HOMEGROWN

In the heart of Leawood is HomeGrown, a daytime eatery founded on the philosophy of cultivating kindness. Founded by Jon and Lauren Rolph, they envisioned a restaurant that goes beyond serving delectable dishes. Whether it's sprinkling toppings on pop tarts, sizzling bacon or crafting locally-sourced masterpieces, HomeGrown believes in the transformative power of kind acts, no matter how small. By starting the day right, HomeGrown aims to awaken a chain of positive acts that radiate throughout the community.

General Manager Jason Stephens, with an impressive background spanning over 30 years in the restaurant business, found his calling when an opportunity to join the HomeGrown restaurant group presented itself. Fortunate to be part of a team that shares his values, Stephens embarked on a journey that goes beyond serving delicious food.

Describing HomeGrown to someone unfamiliar is an invitation into a world where food is crafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Crowd favorite dishes include the salsa verde pork and eggs, biscuits and gravy, Cuban sammie, and cinnamon swirl French toast, everything you could want from a brunch menu and more.

OUR focus IS NOT JUST ON OUR food AND service , BUT ON MAKING THE WORLD A better PLACE ONE guest AT A TIME.

“When you visit a HomeGrown restaurant, you are supporting more than 20 local vendors,” says Stephens. “Our food is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Our focus is not just on our food and service, but on making the world a better place one guest at a time. We partner with local organizations as well to help support our community.”

The focus creates a ripple effect of positive change. An example of this is the innovative kids menu that also serves as a postcard.

“Kids can add an address for a friend or loved one and place that postcard in the kindness box when they leave.  We then mail those out weekly to allow kids to share some kindness with others. Our people are our legacy. We have high standards when it comes to who we allow to join our team. At the end of the day, it's our people that make us who we are.”

The restaurant is deeply thankful for the local partners and friends who have played a crucial role in its journey. With an emphasis on being "local when better" and affirming that "local is better," HomeGrown celebrates the collaborative spirit that makes it a true community establishment. The esteemed partners in Kansas City include Messenger Coffee, Scavuzzo's, Tom's Town Distillery, Farm to Market Bread Co. and Campo Lindo Farms.

Looking ahead, the Wichitabased restaurant has exciting plans for expansion. With locations already in Des Moines and Arkansas, two new Kansas City locations are set to open this year in the Power and Light District and Merriam.

HomeGrown Leawood is located at 11705 Roe Avenue. For more information, visit homegrownkitchen.com.

THE HALEY EPPS TEAM

For years the housing market has dominated headlines as countless Americans attempt to buy or sell their home. Whether it's shifting mortgage rates, shake-ups in housing inventory or pricing; the pressure is on for both buyers and sellers, especially for those living in Kansas City. Why? Well according to realtors, The City of Fountains is known for offering lower pricing compared to coastal cities, has a lower cost of living, and its centralized location makes Kansas City a desirable place to live. This is why realtors like Haley Epps with Compass Realty Group continue to be in high demand.

Haley Epps is among the most highly sought after real estate agents in the region. Named 'Five Star Professional and Top Agent’ from 2020-2022, and as a member of REALM, a global real estate membership of top luxury real estate professionals, Epps and her team have earned the trust of families across the metro. The KC native has been in the industry for nearly 30 years, but her real estate experience was fostered at a young age. Her grandparents were realtors, and Epps’ mother, Sandy Spalitto, worked in the commercial real estate industry for nearly 50 years. Eventually, Epps and her mother teamed up and opened their own brokerage, leading Epps to open her own company while being continuously recruited by top performing real estate companies in KC.

With vast knowledge under her belt, Epps is able to stand out from the crowd and is known for working with all types of clients from buyers, sellers, business owners, developers and contractors. It’s those relationships she credits for her and her team’s success.

“It's about having great relationships with other people throughout the community. We have great

relationships with other brokers, and I’m able to market through a lot of agents across the country and market my listings that way, so it gives us another platform to sell, especially upper bracket listings,” explained Epps.

Epps says current trends indicate the market continues to favor sellers, and she has the following tips for families looking to sell this year.

• Price your home correctly

• Pay attention to your home’s staging and photography

• Have a strong marketing plan

For buyers, Epps recommends acting quickly as competition continues to be seen among prospective buyers.

“It’s still a seller's market. I recently did two deals on the ‘buying’ side with multiple offers, and on two of my listings, I had multiple offers,” said Haley Epps.

Finding the right realtor can also make a difference. The Epps team offers complimentary staging, photography assistance, access to the top comp analysis and information in the industry while ensuring their listings are featured on all social media platforms.

“We go to every inspection, and we go to, every closing. It’s never about leaving a sign in the yard and leaving it alone,” said Epps. “We do a lot of marketing, and we are with Compass which has the number one marketing platform out of any company across the United States, and that’s why they’re number one.”

For information on the Haley Epps team, visit https://haleyeppsteam.com/

DIY TEXTURED ART

This trend-forward DIY art piece adds texture and dimension to your walls and is easy enough for anyone to do regardless of artistic ability.

ROPE TEXTURE ART

Supplies needed:

• Window insulation strips

• Canvas

• Kilz Interior primer

• Staple gun

• Spray paint, color of choice

• Super glue, optional

Create the desired design using insulation strips. Simply peel off the sticky backing and attach to the canvas. Be sure to wrap each strip around the back and press firmly.

Instructions:

Create the desired design using insulation strips. Simply peel off the sticky backing and attach to the canvas. Be sure to wrap each strip around the back and press firmly. Use a staple gun to secure strips to the back of the canvas. Add a dap of super glue to any curved areas that appear to loosen. Once your desired design is created, apply a thin coat of Kilz interior primer. Spray paint the entire canvas the color of choice that you would like. Allow to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

Indoor Plant Guide

“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness.

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

ANTHURIUM:

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

SNAKE PLANT:

This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be

watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

ZZ PLANT:

The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.

CALATHEA ORNATA:

The Calathea Ornata has a ton of varieties and is a very artistic plant. This one is a little finicky and temperamental, so it can take a little bit of a green thumb to care for them. Faucet water can be hard on these plants, so they prefer distilled water. If brown tips appear, this means it is being over-watered or the water is hard.  They like medium to bright indirect light. They can grow to 1 ½ feet to 2 feet maximum.

PHILODENDRON LICKETY SPLIT:

This plant comes in many varieties, but the lickety split is known as the most pleasing. They can get to be between four to six feet and grow both tall and wide. These houseplants need lots of space to grow. They like to stay about half dry and can be a little forgiving if they go a little dryer than they like. This plant likes medium to bright light and can acclimate to an outdoor plant during warmer months.

FICUS RUBY:

The Ficus Ruby is in the Rubber Tree family and can come in a variety of colors. These plants like either direct light or bright indirect light. These can grow three to four trunks in a pot and can take on the appearance of a bush. They grow six to eight inches a year. This plant can go dry so watering about once a month is sufficient.

When choosing an indoor plant, call your local professionals or go to a local garden center to get the best information. They are happy to help you decide what plant works best in your space and with your plant-abilities. Visit Familytreenursery.com for more information on indoor and outdoor plants as well as any other gardening needs.

For more information visit https://www.familytreenursery.com/

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Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better.

making MEMORIES LAST

3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY BRINGS MEMORIES TO LIFE

Freezing family memories, and cherished moments and bringing them to life is helping one Kansas City Business stand out from the rest. It all started back in 2017 when Nick Nikkhah, owner of 3DHQ KC, stumbled upon 3-D scanning technology that was taking the medical field by storm. At the time, the cutting edge technology was being used for prosthetics, but Nikkhah had a vision once he got word about the technology being used outside the health industry. He saw the opportunity to use the tech to capture timeless memories and bring it to Kansas City where family is part of the city’s fabric.

“I just knew I had to be a part of it. That’s what led me to bring this tech to Kansas City,” said Nikkhah. “We’re freezing a moment in time and capturing a special moment, whether it’s graduation, wedding cake toppers or before and after a pregnancy, we create products and merchandise that capture a particular moment that is special to our customers.”

At 3DHQ, customers are given the platform to let their imaginations run wild. Anyone can bring pictures or sketches to Nikkhah’s team which are then scanned, digitized and transformed into 3D print life-like miniature statues. The technology allows 3DHQ to capture important details from facial expressions, wrinkles, and clothing into tiny replicas making

each of their products unique and different from the rest. From ornaments, furry friends, and pictures of loved ones who are no longer alive; 3DHQ does it all and gives customers the ability to hold that special memory in the palm of their hand. Nikkhah says demand for his services continues to grow and stems from a person’s pent up desire to want to recreate experiences that come once in a lifetime.

“This is just part of our, DNA. Our entire lives are built on history and experiences. That’s how we learn,” explained Nikkhah. “Some of these key moments are times that people like to relive over again, and they just want to  look back on certain things or certain people, where those memories are no longer there.”

Companies and organizations have also turned to 3DHQ to make their dreams into a reality while getting their message across. Over the years, Nikkhah has collaborated with KC’s Parade of Hearts and done rapid prototyping for companies across the globe, but Nikkhah has also used his technology to pay it forward. He says the push to expand his services came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to stay-at-home orders, Nikkhah and his team shifted gears and began creating mementos for medical staff and first responders, thanking them for their services.

“Our motto? ‘We 3-D print you and your imagination.’ It’s not just a tagline; it’s what we live by,” said Nikkhah. ”Whether it’s helping someone turn a sketch into a tangible prototype, recreating a part for a vintage car, or taking an appliance part that is no longer made and redesigning it and recreating it, the possibilities are endless.”

For more information visit  3dheadquarter.com/