| 
Longview Mansion Idea Home 2005
.focus())
Longview Mansion Idea Home 2005
(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED:SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005)
Idea Homes 2005 Why did Midwest Living® decide to build two Idea Homes this year? To address the divergent housing needs of the changing family unit. In the not-so-distant past, a mom, dad and kids made up the definition of a "family," and a one-size-fits-all approach worked. But today, nearly 75 percent of homeowners are singles, empty nesters and other non-traditional families, according to the National Association of Home Builders. These homeowners are creating strong demand for more individualized housing choices. The two homes we built in Lee's Summit, Missouri, near Kansas City, respond to some of those needs. We designed Hyde Park and Longview Manor as opposites: small versus big, cozy versus spacious, muted versus bright, contemporary versus traditional, restful versus energetic, adults-only versus kid-friendly. Both have great ideas, new products and fresh looks. Between the two of them, it should be easy to find inspiration to fit your own personal definition of the "family" home.
Big versus small For those families who plan to sink roots into a home and stay there as the family grows, we built Longview Manor. At more than 4,000 square feet, this versatile home can handle evolving family needs. Starting with the striking two-story entry, it offers the comfort and culture of traditional style invigorated with bold colors, engaging spaces and a sprinkling of modern art. It reflects the active, changing lifestyles of the youthful family we imagine living here. This kid-friendly home includes family gathering spaces, but even the most loving family needs private zones, too. Longview Manor, modeled loosely after the historic Longview Mansion in Lee's Summit, offers all this and more.
Bright versus muted When life is a constant, on-the-move whirlwind of soccer practices and ballet lessons, it makes perfect sense to color your home with bright, vibrant hues that reflect the family's energetic rhythms. But bright doesn't have to mean juvenile. In fact, bright colors actually can bring a bit of sass and unexpected pizzaz to adult spaces designed with traditional style.
LIVING ROOMS
MAKE ROOM FOR EVERYONE Our family home not only provides separate retreats for parents and kids, but also has formal spaces designed to welcome the younger generation. In the dining room, for instance, we chose a sturdy, expandable farm table with a painted finish. It's perfect for homework and artwork or playing games. We paired it with traditional Chippendale-style chairs. The furniture pieces throughout the home are from Broyhill Furniture.
LET IN THE SUN Connecting with light all year is a high priority in today's Midwest homes. That could be why sunrooms are so popular. Ours offers a place for dining, relaxing and soaking up the sun.
USE COLOR WITH CONFIDENCE For easy drama, put vibrant color on walls, like in our living room, but keep curtains, area rugs and upholstered pieces in off-white. Or do it the other way around, like we did in our family room. The living room is warmed by an innovative Lennox electric fireplace and a stone mantel by Wassmer Studios.
