In the first of our series of posts with Ashley Rodden, founder of LOVER® Cosmetics LLC, we discussed all things makeup and learned more about her passion for simple, clean beauty. In today’s post Ashley has generously shared her gorgeous Plaza area Kansas City home with us! Located in one of Kansas City’s charming, historical neighborhoods, this 1920 built home boasts major curb appeal with lush landscaping and winding brick walkway.
A classic center foyer greets you as you enter the home. A color palette in serene grey, white, and touches of blue accented by warm wood tones and an original brass chandelier lend a fresh feel that complements the historical detail of the home.
The comfortable living area of the home is bright and welcoming. A fur throw on the leather sofa provides the perfect resting perch for the family’s pup.
In one corner of the living room sits two of Ashley’s favorite items in her home. The green upholstered chairs (2 additional matching chairs head their dining room table) make a cozy seating area. The chairs were purchased by her father from the old Terrace Club in downtown Kansas City, Kansas upon its closing. The chairs were then used by Ashley’s father in his office before making their way to her home.
“I have a great, vivid memory of going to the Terrace Club with my dad on my fourth birthday,” Ashley said, “They serve as a great reminder of him and those dear memories.”
An antique brass lamp and table from Ashley’s father’s office became a decorative yet functional sofa end table in the living room.
“All of my dad’s office furniture found a nice home in our home,” she said.
An adjacent office area, filled with natural light holds another item dear to Ashley, her father’s office desk.
Ashley reupholstered the desk chair in a classic black and white stripe fabric purchased during her time in Paris.
“When I went to makeup artistry school in Paris, we students would often visit a fabric store by Christian Chauveau (the school) for creative pieces to use in our school required photos,” she said. “I saw the fabric swatch in a sale bin and knew it would be a great fabric to recover the old desk chair.”
Hanging in a corner of the office are four black and white photos of Ashley’s neighbor from her time living in Paris. Her neighbor, George Chalopin, was quite a character having been in a French movie in his younger years, and working as a career ballroom dance instructor. Ashley recounts many fond memories spending time dining and ballroom dancing with her friend. On the back of the photos she has attached letters, written in French (of which Ashely in fluent) from her correspondence with her George upon her return to the U.S..
Ashley describes her home’s style as “classic and colorful.” This style is in beautiful display in the dining room of the home. A classic dark blue wall with crisp white wainscoting is the perfect backdrop for colorful artwork by Kansas City local artist Mike Savage and New Orleans artist Frenchy. Aided by Kansas City based Interior Designer, Katie Komenda, the couple chose cheerful printed drapes to frame the windows and a vintage inspired chandelier to anchor the room above the dining table.
A painting of The Irish Blessing by New Orleans artist, Frenchy, was a wedding gift.
A vintage love seat takes up residence on the landing of the home’s second floor.
Artwork from Mike Savage hangs above the stairway on the second floor landing. Most of the artwork in the home was chosen by Ashley’s husband. “He is the art connoisseur of the family,” she said.
The pretty and peaceful master bedroom is light and bright.
The second floor sunroom provides a cozy retreat for the family and is Ashley’s favorite room in her home.
“This is where I have coffee and watch movies with the kids. It’s my favorite place in my house,” she said.
Wrapped in windows, the sunroom is filled with natural light and treetop views. Matching balconies flank the front and back side of the room. Wallpapered in dark blue grasscloth, the room features light furnishings and natural elements giving it a modern, cozy vibe.
Ashley’s son’s bedroom continues the color palette of rich blues and calming neutrals found throughout the home. The bedroom set has special meaning as it was, at one time, used by Ashley’s husband, purchased in his hometown of Boston, and now handed down to the couple’s son.
A pretty, Parisian-inspired dream greets you upon entering their daughter’s room. Ashley jokes, “we love hanging on to old furniture!,” as this bedroom set once belonged to Ashley’s grandmother.
“This set was in my grandma’s attic,” Ashley said. “We got it repainted and it was the perfect fit for her.”
The updated and stylish kitchen features sweeping views of the backyard of the home.
An old (non-functioning) incinerator is a reminder of days past, while a Mike Savage work brightens up the brick facade in the kitchen.
The sleek kitchen island with red metal barstools provides the perfect spot to showcase a sampling of items available in Ashley’s cosmetic line, LOVER® Cosmetics LLC.
I am a sucker for outdoor Kansas City living and, let me tell you, it is at it’s finest in Ashley’s home! A raised deck, accessed from the kitchen, offers a gorgeous retreat and sweeping views of one of Kansas City’s older neighborhood’s best kept secrets – pocket parks. (More on that in a bit.)
Planters, gorgeously done by Petit Jardin KC, bring color and decor to the deck space.
A charming gazebo acts as an outdoor room and provides additional seating in the yard of the home.
Low maintenance and pet-friendly artificial turf solved the family’s issue with growing grass in a shade covered yard. A low fence and gate lead the way to the private park behind the family’s home.
OK, pocket parks are an amazing phenomena that I did not know existed until I was well into adulthood. I know that many posh London neighborhoods are privy to such private green spaces but I did not know that they were often seen on this side of the pond. I was even more amazed when I discovered that the older, historic neighborhoods of Kansas City are home to many of these private parks. A pocket park, for those who have not yet been made aware of their magical existence, are essentially private parks tucked into neighborhoods between a small number of homes. In the case of Ashley’s home, the backyards of approximately 8-10 homes surround this park. It is completely unseen from the street and only available for the surrounding resident’s use. It’s pretty much the coolest thing I’ve seen in awhile.
A private playground and rolling green space surrounded by towering trees make for a magical secret garden for residents.
I can not thank Ashley and her family enough for opening their gorgeous home for us to tour, and for Ashley sharing the story of her passion and business, LOVER® Cosmetics LLC.
I also thank Ashley for generously giving away one set of June Rose Lip Balms! The winner of the contest will be announced on my Instagram page today! Thank you to all who entered!
This has been such a fun two-part series for me to bring to you. I am always honored to feature business owners and it is especially neat to my heart when they are hardworking women, moms and entrepreneurs who are hustling to achieve their dream. It is also a super special occasion when I get to show off their most special place, their home, as well!
