A Leap Worth Taking
After 30 years in their home, a Johnson County couple refreshed their surroundings—inside and out—with a thoughtful, minimalist renovation.
Words
Gloria Gale
Photos
Nate Sheets
@natesheetsphoto
Designer
Lisa Schmitz Interior Design
@lisaschmitzinteriors
Contractor
Gahagan-Eddy
@gahaganeddy
ome renovations require a leap of faith. Even with research and a solid team, the journey is unpredictable. For one Johnson County couple, a modest refresh became a transformative 10-month adventure. It redefined their home and deepened their appreciation for design.
At the outset, the couple envisioned making only a few updates. However, as planning progressed, their outlook began to shift.
“All we needed was a banister—and maybe a kitchen refresh,” the homeowner recalls. But their ideas, and the project’s scope, evolved. Their grown children thought they were crazy for altering a house with 30 years of memories. Still, the couple pressed on.
A trusted referral led them to interior designer Lisa Schmitz.
“Lisa was straightforward, minimalist like us, and her credentials were stellar,” says the homeowner. “So we signed on.”
When Schmitz conducted her initial walk-through, she immediately spotted untapped potential that would soon expand the project’s scope.
“What began as a kitchen refresh broadened in scope,” she explains. “We saw an opportunity to give the entire home—inside and out—a more cohesive, modern presence.”
The first step: improve curb appeal. A dated brick wall that wasn’t vital to the home’s approach was removed. New windows, a modern, glass-front door, and refreshed landscaping created a more welcoming exterior.
The first floor underwent a complete re-imagining. In the dining room, a wall was removed to improve flow. Outdated ceiling lights were replaced with sculptural fixtures. Door headers were raised, crown molding removed, and artwork repositioned to highlight clean architectural lines.
In the television room, Schmitz curated the homeowners’ collections. She replaced cluttered shelving with a custom display unit that now serves as a visual bridge to the kitchen. The kitchen kept its footprint but gained floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, integrated appliances, a redesigned desk nook, and a larger window that brings in more natural light.
The couple’s collection of mid-century furniture needed a better stage. In the large living room, Schmitz vaulted the ceiling and added large windows flanking the fireplace that frame the outdoors. A bold new hearth and vibrant artwork by artist Gene Davis now anchor the space, which is cleverly divided into a conversation zone and a cozy cocktail nook.
The back of the house was refreshed with a dramatic coat of new paint. Then, oversized pavers were used to create a handsome new patio outfitted with a bar, grill, and countertops.
The pool area, surrounded by generous decking, now offers a tranquil retreat for relaxing or entertaining.
“Essentially, we trusted Lisa,” the homeowner reflects. “I loved everything she chose for us.”
The admiration was mutual. “This was the ideal client,” Schmitz says. “They were open, collaborative, and committed to creating something truly special.”
It wouldn’t be an understatement to toast many more years to come in this well-loved home.
Interior Designer: Lisa Schmitz Interior Design
Lighting Designer: Clint Paugh
Contractor: Gahagan-Eddy
Custom Furniture: Matt Schmitz Makes
Cabinetry: Gillpatrick Woodworks
Landscape: Kissinger Landscape
Art: Blue Gallery





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