He approached the space with speakeasy style, including old-fashioned gold door hardware and antiques. He is fond of intricate gold picture frames that he fills with blown-up photos of the family’s travels, which he is amassing in preparation for a full-scale gallery wall.

The atmosphere took a definitive turn in 2023 after the family’s first trip to Italy—the first of a few trips since then.

“I, in particular, fell in love with Italy; I feel like I belong there,” says Kris, whose grandfather was Italian. “I’m a quarter Italian, but I totally identify with that life—their art, aesthetic, culture, life. In their architecture, it’s all about the details, beauty in everything—in every restaurant, even the bathrooms are gorgeous.”

That appreciation for art and detail found a home in what the couple now call The Pavone—Italian for “peacock.” Elegant references to the bird appear subtly throughout the lower level, from tone-on-tone wallpaper to statues, lamps, and even bathroom accessories.

The couple sourced key pieces directly from the Murano Glass Factory in Venice, including two smoky black glass chandeliers—custom-made, engraved with their anniversary date, and shipped in 52 carefully packed pieces back to the U.S. Suspended from the double-height ceiling, the chandeliers cast a sultry, golden glow across the room.

Naturally, every light is on dimmers and color-changing modes. “Sometimes I’ll ‘Green Lady’ it,” Kris jokes, referencing the famed downtown jazz bar at 18th and Grand.

Because the floor-to-ceiling windows can flood the space with daylight, Kris installed 40-foot black drapes—seen at the likes of T-Mobile Center or Union Station—that create an instant mood, whether it’s 2 p.m. or midnight.

“I wanted to shrink the scale, to make it feel like a true lounge,” he says.

There’s a small stage platform—complete with a drum set Kris plays—and two pianos, one small enough for the next generation of musicians. “I’m still looking for the perfect old-school mic and stand,” Kris adds.

The Pavone has become the site of a growing number of celebrations—proposal parties, wedding showers, even a 100-person wedding reception. The Nardinis have crafted a personalized bar menu featuring drinks named after their kids and pets, ensuring every detail has a point of reference.

“When people come down here, they immediately notice the lighting, the sound, the music,” Kris says. There’s even a speaker in the bathroom, so no one misses a moment of a Chiefs game watch party (even if they are trying to hide from the final play).

Still, the perfectionist in him sees more to do.

“There are blank walls waiting for tile or art. I want more layers,” Kris says. “In Europe—especially in churches—I was in awe of that level of detail. We went to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and it was mind-blowing. We’re not going to that level here, but the inspiration is real.”

For now, Kris calls it “75 percent done”—though everyone else might argue it’s already a masterpiece.

Because for the Nardinis, it’s less about checking boxes and more about creating a space that keeps evolving—just like a good story, told to friends over a glass of wine, surrounded by a warm glow and lovely things.