Kevin Jones started going to Kansas City home tours when he was just a kid, and he knew then that someday he would build his own home. That boyhood dream became a reality in August 2019 when he and his wife, Michelle, their two boys Kayson (4) and Cooper (2) and two dogs moved into their Loch Lloyd modern masterpiece they designed to be their forever home.
The Village of Loch Lloyd had already lured Kevin when he first golfed there as a guest in 2011, and he knew this was where he wanted to live someday.
“When Loch Lloyd opened up new lots, no single lot fit all of our criteria,” Kevin says. “So we bought two adjacent lots, and it’s perfect.”
Kevin designed the home himself, and Starr Homes brought it to life. As owner of a virtual law firm, Kevin has worked from home for the past six years. Michelle is a stay-at-home mom, so the new build, although modern, had to be livable since they were all there, all the time.
“We built this home so we didn’t have to leave to do what we love,” Kevin says. “Little did we know, six months after building it, we essentially weren’t allowed to leave. Our friends say we built the perfect pandemic home.”
Their biggest design challenge was maximizing every space. “In our previous homes, there was always a room never used, so we made sure each space has a purpose. We wanted a kid-friendly home that looks lived in yet still modern and stylish.”
With their active boys and dogs, they take advantage of every square inch, including the long driveway and large private yard backing the woods. Also crucial was a west-facing home to avoid the brutal evening sun, plus a walkout basement connecting to the Four-seasons room—Michelle’s favorite spot. In the mornings she opens the doors and sips a latte from her built-in latte machine before the kids wake-up. And after they’re in bed, the couple can watch TV, relax, and take in the night air.
Kevin’s favorite spot is the movie theatre. “He’s a huge movie buff, and it’s a source of escape and relaxation,” Michelle says. (Not to mention the husband props he gets for designing the ceiling: a fiberoptic star field in an exact map of the night sky at the time and place he proposed to Michelle in Cabo San Lucas.)
As fitness buffs, they built their gym to include workout equipment, infrared sauna and steam shower. Kevin also custom-built a golf simulator with a secret door to a play room for their future golfers.
At night, they enjoy the firepit, especially with friends. “We love to entertain, so a full-functioning bar (beers on tap) and wine cellar was a must. Also, we love Sonic-restaurant ice, so our ice machine has been a huge hit with both kids and adults.”
After initial help from Starr Homes, Michelle completed the interior design that includes furniture built to take abuse from the dogs/kids. “Brett Porter of Porter Furniture made us the amazing entry console and dining set, and Michelle’s friend, Rory Ezell from Roryswood did other pieces.”
And Michelle’s favorite item? The peacock chair she found years ago at a thrift store. Because every gorgeous new home needs something thrifted to celebrate the past and make us smile at the future.