Words by Andrea Glinn | Photos by Josie Henderson
en and Justin Wood live design. Justin is a principal and sports practice director at Dimensional Innovations (an experience, design and fabrication firm in Overland Park), and Jen is a self-made interior designer with a background in marketing. They first moved to Lake Quivira 10 years ago when they bought an older home that they renovated, designing and doing much of the labor themselves.
Five years later, they sold that home and bought another house in the neighborhood with the same intention. However, with a bigger budget this go-around, they were able to alleviate some marital stress by hiring out most of the construction work. They focused their time, instead, on design and project management, where their skills and experience lie.
This 1963 split-level home was a complete renovation. The project involved taking half of the home down to the foundationâand adding a third-car garage and a large-volume living space during the rebuildâto make this the ideal home for their growing family.
As a professional in the Kansas City architecture and design industry, Justin not only has a background that has aided in their renovations, but also relationships that have proven to be greatly beneficial. The Woods were able to design and fabricate custom elements like the steel stair guardrail, walnut range hood and bespoke dining room table. They honed in on the style they wanted and ran with itâfull-steam ahead.
With a pace unheard of in local residential construction, the Woods were able to fully renovate their home in near-record time. âSix months and one week,â to be exact, as Justin recalls.
While Justinâs technical abilities and experience in design helped streamline the process, Jenâs keen eye for designâand her ability to give these projects her full-time attentionâwas key to the overall level of detail and articulation of the design. Choosing furniture and fixtures that reflect their lifestyle, design intent and budget, Jen brought a true love of design and a high level of care to every decision along the way. She was able to integrate the old with the new, farmhouse flair with modern style, and high-end finishes with affordable and functional pieces.
Although they love this home they created together, they have already sold it and closed on their next adventure. Theyâve chosen a mid-century modern home, again in Lake Quivira, that they will renovate and move into this summer.
âWe move every five years,â Jen jokes.
Their new home will incorporate a similar aesthetic to their earlier projects, but with a bit of eclectic modern flair. Jen, who has just launched her own residential interior design business, will again spearhead the interior design and decor. Theyâll also be working with Brandon Froelich at local practice McHenry Schaffer Architecture on the architectural design.
As each of their remodels has progressively upped the ante, we canât wait to see the next edition of the Wood family home.
Resources
Interior Designer: Justin and Jen Wood, Jen Wood Interiors
Contractor: UltraBuild
Engineer: Kent Cusack
Real Estate Agent: Mendy Jarman
Appliances: Dacor
Countertops: SCI Surfaces
Electronics: Fuzion Audio Video
Flooring: Mohawk
Commercial Rugs: West Elm; Nebraska Furniture Mart
Living Room Furnishings: Restoration Hardware
Dining Room Chairs: Blu Dot
Dining Table: Custom
White Chairs: Golden & Pine
Living Room Coffee Table: West Elm
Eames Plastic Rocker: Herman Miller
Side Table: West Elm
Accessories: Crate & Barrel
Hardware: Locks & Pulls
Lighting Fixtures: West Elm (kitchen island); Pottery Barn (dining room); Restoration Hardware (living room)
Paint: Behr (Falling Snow)
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