Villa Viola tells a story of balance—blending the home’s traditional architecture with modern, eclectic flair. The goal was to create a layered, cohesive design while improving function for everyday living. A warm palette of brown, black, and white carries throughout the home, complemented by added trim moulding to elevate each space. Individual rooms bring distinct personality: a moody office, a dining room with a playful ceiling detail, a bold powder bath, and a plant-filled den centered around a marble fireplace. In the hearth room, a heavy rustic stone fireplace was replaced with a custom walnut surround, introducing warmth and refinement.

One of the biggest challenges was the home’s disjointed layout. Walls disrupted the natural flow between living spaces, while the kitchen and pantry lacked the storage and flexibility needed for family life and entertaining. The existing pantry and laundry areas were underutilized, and relocating the laundry required careful planning around plumbing and space constraints. At the same time, the design needed to balance the home’s traditional character with the family’s desire for a more modern, layered aesthetic.

The solution focused on thoughtful reconfiguration and architectural continuity. Walls were adjusted and a custom soffit with built-in cabinetry added to improve flow and storage. The pantry and laundry were transformed into a multifunctional prep kitchen, pantry, and mudroom, keeping the main kitchen open and entertainment-ready. Laundry was relocated upstairs near the bedrooms for everyday convenience.

With cohesive materials, intentional millwork, and layered styling, Villa Viola now feels timeless, welcoming, and uniquely personal.

Resources​

Trim/Millwork Supplier: KC Millwork  Trim/Millwork Carpentry: Baker and Vidal Fine Carpentry  Lighting: Relative Lighting; Etsy  Wallpaper: Lulu and Georgia; KDR Designer Showrooms  Countertops/Backsplash: Dimensional Stoneworks  Hearth Fireplace: Dimensional Stoneworks  Den Fireplace: Stone Surface  Hardware: Rejuvenation; Ferguson Home  Cabinetry: Harris Cabinet Design  Tile: Virginia Tile  Appliances: Ferguson Home
Furniture and Artwork: Four Hands  Custom Upholstery: KDR Designer Showrooms  Custom Case Goods: McNary’s Furniture & Restoration

Designer

Mid-West & Co.

Contractor

Arbuckle Building Solutions

Stager

Pink Antlers

Photographer

Craig Keene

Floor plans and drawings

Additional 2026 Winning Projects

3806 — Tomahawk Creek Estates

Redesigned Residence 3,001-6,000 sq ft Tomahawk Creek Estates This European-inspired home was beautifully constructed with high-quality materials, but dark, heavy finishes made the spaces feel outdated. The new owners wanted

View Project »

3559 — Darling Dold

Redesigned Residence up to 3,000  sq ft Darling Dold The goal of this project was to create a more functional, family-friendly first floor centered around a reimagined kitchen. The homeowners

View Project »

3622 — Collector’s Cottage

Bathroom—Primary Collector’s Cottage The homeowners wanted their new primary bathroom to feel spacious, personal, and connected to a true suite experience. Key wishlist items included a freestanding tub, the use

View Project »

3551 — Suburban Staycation

Outdoor Living Space + Pool Suburban Staycation After moving back to Kansas City from Seattle, this young couple wanted their newly purchased home to reflect their lifestyle and long-term vision.

View Project »

3643 — Statement Kitchen

Kitchen—more than 300 sq ft Statement Kitchen Designed as the architectural centerpiece of a new custom home, this kitchen makes an impression without excess: dramatic yet disciplined, refined yet functional.

View Project »