Mission Hills, KS March 2026

If your child needs ear tubes, the waiting and repeat infections can feel overwhelming. The Fast-Track Pediatric Ear Tube Program, created by Dr. Thomas Muelleman and the Ascentist ENT team, helps families move from consultation to surgery in as little as 1–2 weeks. A dedicated Nurse Navigator supports parents by answering questions, coordinating care, and keeping everything on track. Procedures are done at Ascentist’s Ambulatory Surgery Center in Merriam with a pediatric-focused anesthesia team, giving families peace of mind.

Your Surroundings Matter

Home, for me, is not simply a place where I return at the end of the day. It is a sanctuary that fosters creativity. As a photographer, I spend many hours in my commercial studio, but I truly love working from home because it has been designed with the intention to inspire. Earthly textures, warm tones, walls filled with art, and photography books that lie open ready to admire create an environment that cultivates creativity.

When we create beautiful living environments, we give ourselves permission to create a beautiful inner world. A sense of peace. A sense of clarity. A sense of inspiration that quietly follows us into our work and our relationships.

Our partners like Mary Sloss, Storied Interiors and Bates Painting all share this philosophy and understand the importance of making a house a  home through the use of art, color and intentional design.

Whether you work from home or simply return to it each evening, your surroundings matter. They have the power to restore you, to inspire you, and to remind you who you are when the noise of the world becomes too loud.

As you turn the pages of our March issue in the comfort of your own home, pause and take time to reflect on what home means to you. Notice the quiet details that shape your daily rituals—the light in a favorite corner, the objects you reach for without thinking. Let these moments remind you that home is not only where you live, but how you live.

May your home be filled with intention and your life filled with purpose.   EMMALEE RATHSAM, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah Elise Seidel | sarahelise.seidel@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jason Johns | jason.johns@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emmalee Rathsam, Jennifer Sharnelle, Bev Weidner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Juke Media KC, Jennifer Sharnelle, Nate Sheets, Becca Spears, Bev Weidner

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

EMMALEE RATHSAM is an award winning commercial, portrait and fine art photographer. Contact her for your next architectural, interior or branding photoshoot and shop her fine art collections. emmaleerathsam.com

Bates

Local

city scene

1 – 3: Local photographer Emmalee Rathsam was awarded first place in the Illustrative Portrait category of the International Photographic Competition held in Nashville in January. She was celebrated along with 28 other photographers from Team USA for earning their Master of Photographer degree with Professional Photographers of America. They will compete for the World Photographic Cup in Iceland on April 25, 2026.

HORIZON MED SPA OPENS AT THE PLAZA

At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we provide advanced medical aesthetics and wellness services, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our dedicated team located in Kansas City is committed to creating a welcoming environment where you can explore innovative treatments, enhance your beauty, and become the best version of yourself inside and out.

Come join us for a complimentary week of plunge pools and infrared sauna in the month of March.

KOBEL + CO

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS

ELIZABETH BENNETT AND MALLORY ROBINS CREATE INTERIORS WITH INTENTION, GUIDED EQUALLY BY THEIR CLIENTS’ LIVES AND THE HOMES THEY INHABIT

With a rare blend of design talent and business savvy, KOBEL + CO has grown from a Kansas City–based studio into a firm with work spanning coast to coast.

Whether it’s a recent project in Miami or Los Angeles, or a stately architectural home in the heart of Kansas City, once a space has been touched by KOBEL + CO owners Elizabeth Bennett and Mallory Robins, there is no mistaking their presence.

“It’s really important to us that each project feels like someone’s home—not just a pretty house. Art, proportion, and livability are all elements we focus on threading throughout our work.”

Partners since 2019, Bennett and Robins have steadily grown the studio. Even amid the pandemic, they leaned into innovation, launching  Shoppable Design—a virtual offering created to tackle one room at a time. Today, it continues to serve clients nationwide, providing a mood board, floor plan, and curated shopping list for each space.

It was a natural fit from the start. Self-described as the perfect yin and yang, Bennett and Robins are adept at maintaining the

integrity of every home while thoughtfully incorporating their clients’ tastes—each working within their own distinct strengths.

“Mallory and I really pride ourselves on being great stewards of our clients’ visions, but we also see ourselves as stewards of the home itself,” Bennett shared. “That’s when we feel we’ve truly succeeded.”

One of their most recent Full Service projects took place in Kansas City’s Sunset Hill neighborhood. Perched atop a hill, the home had long been an architectural favorite of the duo, even before the client purchased it. The project became a

“IT’SREALLYIMPORTANTTOUSTHAT

favorite of Bennett and Robins, who focused on resetting the home’s stately character while introducing a more livable, family-friendly layout.

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity and the privilege to work on it and make this, hopefully, their forever home,”

Bennett said. “The owners didn’t necessarily know how to bring it to life with two teenage boys, and we took pride in helping them reimagine the house in a way that truly suited their family.”

Bennett shared insights from the renovation:

KITCHEN AND FAMILY ROOM

The house featured grand proportions, reflective of a different era. One of our first moves was adding a new window to give the space a more traditional feel. We carried tongue-and-groove detailing throughout to evoke a subtle New England sensibility. In the kitchen, we replaced a single long island with two separate islands, allowing for better circulation. The cabinetry was inspired by an original second-floor linen closet with latch-style hardware; we echoed those exposed hinges and bin latches here, finished in a high-gloss white paint.

Looking ahead to this summer, KOBEL + CO will open a new studio in the Gregory Design District, complete with a showroom designed to reflect the firm’s thoughtful, livable approach. To reach the studio, contact them at  hello@kobelandco.com or follow them on Instagram @kobelandco

KOBEL + CO has been featured in publications across the country including: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Homes & Gardens, House & Home, Aspire and Martha Stewart.

“WE WERE THRILLED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE PRIVILEGE TO WORK ON IT AND MAKE THIS, HOPEFULLY, THEIR FOREVER HOME ... WE TOOK PRIDE IN HELPING THEM REIMAGINE THE HOUSE IN A WAY THAT TRULY SUITED THEIR FAMILY.”

LIVING ROOM

We love the swanky feel of this space— it has the intimacy of a boutique hotel. The original mahogany woodwork had a redder tone, which we deepened to achieve the rich brown hues seen today. During onboarding, the clients emphasized their love of entertaining, which led to the concept of a built-in bar seamlessly integrated into the existing woodwork. The remaining walls were wrapped in a fabric wall covering to soften the space and add depth.

DINING ROOM AND BREAKFAST NOOK

The dining room’s original plasterwork was preserved, in keeping with our commitment to stewarding the home’s history. The client has a deep love of blue, which we expressed here in a refined and elegant way. For the photoshoot, our friend Kristin Holton of Estately—a local tabletop company—styled the table beautifully. In the breakfast room, just off the kitchen, we wanted the space to feel both old-world and informal. The original leaded-glass cabinet remained, paired with a floral wallpaper—a rare feminine moment for this client. We designed the marble floor pattern, used here and echoed in the entryway, to create a consistent line of sight throughout the home.

PRIMARY SUITE

The primary suite marked the most extensive transformation in the home. We reconfigured the bedroom, bathroom, and closet to better allocate space within the wing, creating the hallway seen here. The icy blue tone of the bedroom was drawn from the wallpaper mural; in person, the entire suite reads as a serene, tree-lined escape.

Unlimited Coworking

One Grand Art Installation

Bates Painting sees every home as a blank canvas

Doug Bates has been painting walls for a better part of his life. He began his business in high school with hopes to pay the bills, prepare for college, and perhaps, make it as an artist. Fast forward 47 years, and Bates did indeed make it as an artist. His canvases are entire homes, and his work is detailed and tedious. With an incredible team by his side and a trusted reputation in Kansas City, Bates Painting is stronger than ever before.

“I enjoy going to work in the morning. I think that just speaks volumes about running a business and enjoying what you do,” Bates said. “When my painting company started, I didn’t consider it my art. It was a job. But once I started considering it a gigantic art installation that other artists on my team were working on together, I couldn’t wait to get up and work on that.”

Bates’ perspective on his work shifted about ten years ago, when he began to marry his day job with his rediscovered love of painting on canvas. After a long day and a job well done, his family can often find him in his studio, rewarding himself with a different kind of painting session and a much smaller brush.

“I think any artist is more authentic when they work with what they know,” Bates said. “So, I brought home the paints that I used on houses. It really gave me a good opportunity to experience the popular colors that I liked. If you get into my studio, you see all these Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paints, and then you see oil paints. They all work together into some paintings that really do reflect current contracts.”

CONTINUED >

“I enjoy going to work in the morning... at 65 years old, I’m more enthusiastic about my painting company than I’ve ever been.”

Bates is so well acquainted with color that he regularly assists clients in selecting the right colors for their tastes and the layout of their homes.

“People have a hard time seeing a color. They want to have an expert recommend it, and then see it on a wall. I’ll look at their fabric. I’ll look at their floor, look at their tile. I use common sense and experience to come up with four or five colors that I think are gonna check the box they’re looking for,” he said. “My favorite thing is to pull color out of a painting that means something to the homeowner, so you are picking your wall colors based on a piece of treasured art, rather than picking a piece of treasured art that looks good with your walls.”

Doug’s Take on Colors in 2026

The trends are getting away from the gray, the black and the white and into warmer tones. We’re baby stepping toward more of an herb, tan and beige palate. I think some of what was a black is now more of a dark brown, or a black with warm tones.

DOUG’S COLORS OF 2026

Bates is living proof that nobody is ever too old to develop a passion for what they do. He strokes his brush the same way after almost five decades and feels the same aches and pains after crouching and bending all day long – but a newfound love for his art makes his business a better one, in every way.

“We’ve done a good job of assembling a team that makes you feel like you’re getting art. The paint on your kitchen walls, even if it’s just paint in the color that you picked, is done with a caring, artful touch,” he said. “At 65 years old, I’m more enthusiastic about my painting company than I’ve ever been.”

Benjamin Moore’s White Down and Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze

DOUG’S TIP FOR FINDING PAINT

COLOR INSPIRATION:

Go to your closet and check out the colors that evolve from your wardrobe. A lot of times you can get an idea of what color speaks to you, just by looking at the dresses or shirts.

An ageless spirit lives within all of us. Addington Place of Prairie Village is the perfect place to discover youthful energy and forge meaningful connections with kindred souls. Our vibrant Assisted Living and GLOWSM Memory Care community offers chef-prepared, homestyle dining, personalized care, and a myriad of engaging activities such as weekly book club and morning yoga, ensuring hearts stay forever young and days brim with excitement. Join Addington Place of Prairie Village, where life becomes a celebration of the young at heart.

APPROACHABLE REAL ESTATE

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECCA SPEARS AND JUKE MEDIA KC

Photo by: Becca Spears

LOCAL AGENT MARY SLOSS PRIORITIZES RELATIONSHIP

BUILDING IN AN INDUSTRY THAT PUSHES PAPER

In an industry overflowing with variables and change, home buyers and sellers simply cannot control the entire outcome when listing a house. The housing market, the state of the economy, those pesky next door neighbors–so many factors play a part in the big picture. While the waters of real estate can be tricky to navigate, one crucial piece to a successful journey is who you bring on board.

That–you can control.

Kansas City real estate agent Mary Sloss has been a steady force for her clients through the years, bringing her energetic personality to the industry. With Sloss, who you meet is who you get. Her bottom line is building relationships, not just pushing paper. She positions herself as the bridge between her clients and the complexities that come with the contract side of real estate.

“I am unapologetically myself. I may not be everyone’s cup of coffee, but I’m someone’s shot of tequila,” Sloss said. “I think bringing that authentic relationship first really helps me get to know my clients better and truly understand what will work for them. Once you’re in my network, you’re stuck with me.”

Bringing nearly 20 years of marketing experience into her real estate career, Sloss found that many of the same skills apply to both worlds. Her main objective is prioritizing the human element of business, seeking and sharing their stories. She often goes beyond just an online listing and brings houses to life using video content creation.

“Every home has a story to tell. I do that by leaning into my marketing storytelling expertise,” she said. “It’s about packaging up the story of the people. We’ll go in and feature not just the home, but we really tell the story of the home through visual content, which is something we did with my Sunset Hills listing, which I think helped it sell so fast.”

Whether she is growing her footprint in renowned Kansas City neighborhoods like Sunset Hills, or helping first-time home buyers find a house to call home, Sloss’ personality and approach stay consistent. Even when other agents may turn the other way, her desire to help far outweighs a client’s age or stage of life. This was the case for young, first-time home buyers she worked with last year.

“I had them pre-approved three weeks after our initial conversation. It was a great loan, and they closed and bought their first home by the end of the summer. Now, they’ve come to a couple events that I’ve had at my house. They’ll text for recommendations on where to go for certain home goods or things like that. I always check in randomly with them, too, just to see how they’re doing,” she said.

Through these kinds of relationships, Sloss practices her intuition. Reading between the lines, seeking compromise and pursuing what is best for her clients has proven to be her recipe for success as she continues to grow her career.

“I can tell based on your look, your aesthetic, our conversations, our relationship, this type of home is better than this type of home. Sometimes couples have very differing opinions, and there’s an opportunity to find the happy medium,” she said. “It’s a people driven business, so that’s really what matters.”

WHAT IS MARY SEEING IN 2026?

Buyers Are Holding More Negotiating Power

“Buyers are becoming smarter, and I think it’s important to educate sellers about that. I think a lot of sellers still live in that COVID era. People are still slightly overpricing, because they think that we’re still in that phase. Pricing is a blend of art and science.”

The Kansas City Market Holds Steady

“We’re pretty Even Steven here. Overall, there’s never a good time to do anything, but you’re never going to go wrong with selling in Kansas City. You will make your money back, and you’re never going to go wrong with buying here. Kansas City is a really unique housing market.”

Neighborhoods and Communities Are What Sells

“In Kansas City, I don’t think the style of home matters as much as the neighborhood and the districts. Everybody has their own preference. Do they want to be in Kansas? Do they want to be in Missouri? Each side comes with pros, each side comes with cons. You can tell pretty quickly when you’re taking people out and about what they gravitate toward. Then, you can help refine their search. I think it’s a blend of the neighborhood and the person you’re working with.”

DID SOMEONE

Gather your gals and host a rosé wine tasting party

ROSÉ?SAY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY BEV WEIDNER

You know I like rosé, right? I like rosé. The wine. I like it a lot. The rosé wines.

So I hosted a blind tasting party! And by blind I mean, we were blindfolded. I didn’t jab my guest’s eyeballs out upon arrival. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not that kind of person.

I had a handful of my local Gaggle besties over, and we sipped six different (dry) rosés. They all ranged from $10 to $18 and were paired with some crazy delish Wisconsin cheeses. We basically plowed our way through all six wines on a crisp, flawless Saturday afternoon. Oh hi, perfection.

This is how I play the safety game, you guys. Bottles of water.

I also started us with tiny sipping glasses (just rinsed out chocolate mousse jars from my neighborhood French bakery, boom). And then once the tasting was over, I had a tray of slightly bigger, drinking jars.

Um, I highly, highly recommend hosting your own rosé tasting party. Even it’s still chilly, have your gals bring over some wine and have it indoors on a huge blanket in front of a fire. So cozy! Or if it’s warm, have it outside in your garden mulch. Whatever makes you weepy. Just have it. And invite me over.

Follow Bev for more fun hosting ideas and, of course, her amazingly delicious recipes:  Blog: bevcooks.com

Instagram: @bevcooks

I DIY-ed some tags for each bottle (number stickers on thick, white cards), and typed up simple note cards to fill out for each wine.

One of my gal pals is preggolicious, so she took over as our official pourer, which worked out great, since we were all blindfolded! See, I wanted our eyes covered because I didn’t want the color of the wine to sway our tastical opinions. Because I’ve always heard that the deeper the color, the more floral the wine will be. And the more pale the color, the drier.

The cheeses!

Here’s the list, so you can do the same for your rosé party that you’re clearly going to host next weekend:  Monterey Jack (surprisingly perfect with rosé), Marieke Gouda (I wanted to die in it), Chipotle Cheddar (unexpected, but super delightful), Pleasant Ridge Reserve (marry me?), Brie (heavens, yes) and Gorgonzola (staaaaaaanky and wonderful).

begin

Dresses for their sweetest years. Worn Loved Remembered simplysweetkc com Where treasured memories

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• Shop stunning designer hand bags

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This event

Bookcase Styling your

Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase.

Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.

Step 1

Strategically Place Books on the Bookcase While Incorporating Decorative Elements.

When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.

Step 2

Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements.

Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.

Step 3

Create Zones and Add Personal Touches.

If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.

CLEAN. COMPASSIONATE. HOLISTIC HEALING. FROM YOUR MOUTH TO

YOUR WHOLE BEING.

JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS

JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS

Meet Dr. Humphrey—A devoted husband and proud father of three, Dr. Humphrey brings more than 20 years of experience as a board-certified Biological Dentist. He is passionate about helping clients achieve total body wellness through a holistic and biological approach to oral health. Known for his warm, compassionate care, Dr. Humphrey and his team create an experience that is empowering for everyone who walks through his doors.

Dr. Humphrey has been caring for clients since 2003, committing himself to developing a depth of knowledge in holistic care. His passion lies is seeing how biological dentistry can contribute to optimal health and total body wellness.

Ask the Expert

When we talk about holistic well-being, it is impossible to do so without acknowledging spiritual health. I remember a season in my life when ambition was driving me into the ground. I gave everything to everyone, yet felt empty inside. I later realized that pace was rooted in an unhealthy practice of self-sacrifice. I don’t mean consideration for others; rather, I failed to consider myself. Did I truly want to attend that event or activity? Was I acting from purpose, or seeking validation? Trying to meet an unspoken standard of what was socially acceptable, and not be left out.

As a young wife and mother, I made a hard-fast decision to stop trying to keep up with the Jones’. It wasn’t cost-effective, nor was it sustainable. The constant pressure of overcommitment wasn’t serving my family or my spirit and I knew the pace I was on was not the way I wanted to live. So, I chose differently. We said no to exhaustion and yes to joy. For a time, simple moments like UNO games, family movie nights, and playing outside became our rhythm, until our children were old enough to discern what activities they wanted to pursue and why.

Today, I strive to structure my life the way Jesus modeled His. He was never in a hurry. He moved with intention, stepped away when needed, prayed, and then returned to the work before Him. I aim to follow that example. To me, this is spiritual health: learning to pour from a cup that is full rather than one that is depleted. I am learning to compete only with myself and the person I believe I am called to be. When I feel anxious, off-center, or fearful, it is often a signal that I have drifted from that calling and am attempting to be someone else.

I invest more time and energy in building my calendar around the people, places, and practices that bring genuine joy, and far less time forcing myself to fit everything in. Spiritual wealth is contentment and joy in the life I am living right now, marked by gratitude, love for every season, and a deep appreciation for the present moment.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER SHARNELLE

storied-interiors.com @storied interiors