Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Cozy and Family-Friendly in a Colonial-Style Home
Original architectural details and treasured heirlooms shine in this Missouri home, thanks to the owners’ simple, classic aesthetic
“To me, living simply means making room for the things you need and love while letting go of all the rest,” says Amanda Watters, a mother of three. “I feel the older I get, the more time I invest in really paring down in all areas of my life. From the things we own to the things we do, less is more because of the freedom it gives us. I really value that.”
Amanda and her husband, Andrew, were born and raised in the Midwest, and love its long stretches of grassland and easygoing lifestyle. They decided to put down roots in Kansas City, Missouri, moving into what they consider their family’s forever home — a 1920s Colonial-style house nestled in a historic neighborhood. They’ve spent the past two years adding their cozy, personal touches. “This house looks completely different from the first time we set foot in here and really feels like we’ve put our stamp on it,” Amanda says. “It was important to us to let the original features of this home shine, and now they do.”
Amanda and her husband, Andrew, were born and raised in the Midwest, and love its long stretches of grassland and easygoing lifestyle. They decided to put down roots in Kansas City, Missouri, moving into what they consider their family’s forever home — a 1920s Colonial-style house nestled in a historic neighborhood. They’ve spent the past two years adding their cozy, personal touches. “This house looks completely different from the first time we set foot in here and really feels like we’ve put our stamp on it,” Amanda says. “It was important to us to let the original features of this home shine, and now they do.”
A bright and airy entryway greets you as you walk through the front door. The house is full of original architectural details and fixtures, such as this stunning staircase and the intricately designed antique corbels that help frame the space.
Pendant light fixture: Restoration Hardware
Pendant light fixture: Restoration Hardware
The antique blue velvet chairs are special to both Andrew and Amanda. They were the first pieces of nice furniture that Andrew’s parents bought after they were married. “They were going to sell them in a garage sale, and I promptly scooped them up. They add such a beautiful pop of color and a neat story to our home,” Amanda says.
Art pieces and wood-framed mirror: flea market; natural market basket: Loom Goods
Art pieces and wood-framed mirror: flea market; natural market basket: Loom Goods
The living space is long and narrow, which allows for two distinct areas — a nook to sit and read or listen to records on one end, and a more laid-back space for television watching or snuggling with the kids on the other.
“All of our furniture is very durable and great for jumping on, something Theodore loves to do. Having three kids means things will get spilled on and such, but that’s all right. We do our best to keep food and drink at the table and shoes off in the entry. You wouldn’t believe how much that helps keep things looking nice,” Amanda says.
Toolbox/chest and wooden shelf: antiques; floor lamp: Target; linen curtains: Ikea
“All of our furniture is very durable and great for jumping on, something Theodore loves to do. Having three kids means things will get spilled on and such, but that’s all right. We do our best to keep food and drink at the table and shoes off in the entry. You wouldn’t believe how much that helps keep things looking nice,” Amanda says.
Toolbox/chest and wooden shelf: antiques; floor lamp: Target; linen curtains: Ikea
Right off the living space is a screened-in porch, which doubles as yet another living space. Amanda and Andrew rescreened the porch and gave it a fresh coat of paint when they moved in. They enjoy sipping wine and unwinding out here after the kids go to sleep.
Outdoor sofa, wooden table and chairs, and ticking stripe pillows: Ikea; jute rug: West Elm; white rockers: Hayneedle; gingham pillows: Target
Outdoor sofa, wooden table and chairs, and ticking stripe pillows: Ikea; jute rug: West Elm; white rockers: Hayneedle; gingham pillows: Target
Most of the walls are made of fragile plaster since the home is nearly 100 years old. Hanging heavy pictures isn’t easy, but the couple found a way around it. “Luckily, when we moved in, all the original molding features of this home were well-intact, picture moldings included. This makes hanging pictures very simple, for all we use is sturdy wire and a hook without having to pound any holes in the wall,” Amanda says.
“That being said, I do have several photos and flowers hung with nails, but because of the plaster, I have to be quite careful,” she adds. “We love the picture molding because it allows us to move around our art and change things up easily when we want to, which is something I am always doing to freshen up our space.”
TV console: West Elm; linen chesterfield sofa: Nebraska Furniture Mart; couch pillows: Loom Goods; coffee table: Pottery Barn; jute rug: West Elm; armchair: family heirloom; sconces: original to the home
“That being said, I do have several photos and flowers hung with nails, but because of the plaster, I have to be quite careful,” she adds. “We love the picture molding because it allows us to move around our art and change things up easily when we want to, which is something I am always doing to freshen up our space.”
TV console: West Elm; linen chesterfield sofa: Nebraska Furniture Mart; couch pillows: Loom Goods; coffee table: Pottery Barn; jute rug: West Elm; armchair: family heirloom; sconces: original to the home
A wall in the hallway is dedicated to hanging original art from the kids using string and clothespins. This easy and fun installation allows the kids to proudly display their favorite masterpieces.
“Every room in our home is a family room. The dining room, the living room, all of it. No zone is kid-free, and we would never want it to be so,” Amanda says. “It’s really important to Andrew and me that our children learn to respect their living spaces, so we work with them — teaching them the importance of cleaning up and keeping spaces tidy — but we also allow creative freedom with them when we are cooking and making art. It’s a balance, and we do what works for our family.”
Wall paint: Ski Slope, Sherwin-Williams; dining table: Restoration Hardware; Windsor-style chairs: Target; antique hutch: West Bottoms; area rug: Pottery Barn; linen curtains: Ikea; chandelier and basket rack: original to the home
Wall paint: Ski Slope, Sherwin-Williams; dining table: Restoration Hardware; Windsor-style chairs: Target; antique hutch: West Bottoms; area rug: Pottery Barn; linen curtains: Ikea; chandelier and basket rack: original to the home
The dining room features a few treasured pieces, such as the hutch, found at an antiques market in downtown Kansas City, and a charming console table that Amanda spotted on a curb. After experimenting with several coats of paint over the years, she settled on a soft blush pink.
Of all the rooms in the house, the bright and airy kitchen is definitely the family favorite. “The previous owners did a lovely job keeping the integrity of the space true to the 1920s while also giving it a much-needed face-lift,” Amanda says. “The kitchen is the anchor of our home and the one place I spend the most time in. I love it there.
“There are so many beautiful original features in this house, like the wall-mounted light fixtures, Shaker-style pantry in the kitchen, all the doors and knobs, crown molding, and the basement canning cellar,” she adds.
Schoolhouse pendant lights and brass cabinet pulls: Home Depot; kitchen table: Ikea; bistro chairs: flea market; whisk light fixture: original to the home
“There are so many beautiful original features in this house, like the wall-mounted light fixtures, Shaker-style pantry in the kitchen, all the doors and knobs, crown molding, and the basement canning cellar,” she adds.
Schoolhouse pendant lights and brass cabinet pulls: Home Depot; kitchen table: Ikea; bistro chairs: flea market; whisk light fixture: original to the home
A sunny sink area makes doing the dishes a pleasurable task.
Through the doorway off the kitchen lies a small mudroom. The space houses cleaning supplies, garden tools, aprons and even drying herbs.
Wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; peg rack: The Container Store
Wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; peg rack: The Container Store
Theodore’s bedroom is on the second floor. “Having three little ones means you have to be prepared to change things up, and change things we do rather often. For now, Stella and Alfie share a room, and Theodore has his own. We had planned on the boys sharing, but it turns out they are both light sleepers, unlike their sister, so we pulled a switcheroo a while back, and this arrangement seems to be working,” Amanda says.
Cowhide rug: flea market; poster bed: antique; bedding: Schoolhouse Electric; dresser: Ikea
Cowhide rug: flea market; poster bed: antique; bedding: Schoolhouse Electric; dresser: Ikea
A delightfully bright bathroom is also on the second floor. The wall and floor tile, light fixture, tub, and sink are original to the home.
Enamel storage cupboard: flea market
Enamel storage cupboard: flea market
The master bedroom is spacious and open. “Our bedroom is the most light-filled room. There are six large windows in this space, and it truly feels like we wake up each morning in a treehouse,” Amanda says. “Natural light is important to us and very healing, so our bedroom is our sanctuary and place of renewal each day.”
The couple splurged on the stunning black spindle bed. “We have purchased many things to both furnish and decorate our home secondhand from flea markets and thrift stores, a bit of a hobby of mine, so when it comes to certain items we fall in love with that are more expensive, we go for it,” Amanda says. “Our dining room table and bed are examples of pieces that cost more than we’d normally spend, but the quality and beauty made it worth it for us.”
Spindle bed: Schoolhouse Electric; jute rug: Pottery Barn; desk chair: flea market; brass sconces: Urban Outfitters; schoolhouse ceiling light: Home Depot
The couple splurged on the stunning black spindle bed. “We have purchased many things to both furnish and decorate our home secondhand from flea markets and thrift stores, a bit of a hobby of mine, so when it comes to certain items we fall in love with that are more expensive, we go for it,” Amanda says. “Our dining room table and bed are examples of pieces that cost more than we’d normally spend, but the quality and beauty made it worth it for us.”
Spindle bed: Schoolhouse Electric; jute rug: Pottery Barn; desk chair: flea market; brass sconces: Urban Outfitters; schoolhouse ceiling light: Home Depot
“I love our black spindle bed. It’s simple but striking. I love the nature of classic furniture that tells a simple story while also giving the room its warmth and character,” Amanda says.
The dresser was passed down to Amanda from her mother, and the oval mirror belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother.
Linen curtains: Ikea
The dresser was passed down to Amanda from her mother, and the oval mirror belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother.
Linen curtains: Ikea
The color palette in Stella and Alfie’s shared bedroom was kept neutral, and the furnishings are simple. The room feels uncluttered and serene. The delicate lace curtains allow plenty of light to pour through the big windows.
“Because I stay at home with our kids, we really use our home. This is one of the reasons I like to keep things simple,” Amanda says. “The less clutter and stuff and distraction we have lying around, the more time and space we have together as a family.”
The blue armchair belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother.
Twin bed, crib, dresser and lace curtains: Ikea; area rug: Target; alphabet print: Paper Source
“Because I stay at home with our kids, we really use our home. This is one of the reasons I like to keep things simple,” Amanda says. “The less clutter and stuff and distraction we have lying around, the more time and space we have together as a family.”
The blue armchair belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother.
Twin bed, crib, dresser and lace curtains: Ikea; area rug: Target; alphabet print: Paper Source
“When furnishing the kids’ rooms, we knew their small beds and crib would be temporary, so Ikea’s pine furniture fits the bill for right now,” Amanda says. “Once they are grown and out of that stage, I am eager to find something older and fun, like a brass bed or antique, but we don’t know what the sleeping arrangements will be, so for now, cheap wood furniture it is.”
Schoolhouse ceiling light: Home Depot; shelves: Ikea; enamel cart: flea market
Schoolhouse ceiling light: Home Depot; shelves: Ikea; enamel cart: flea market
Off the hallway on the second floor are stairs to a terrific loft. It features a full bathroom, small living room, sitting nooks by the windows and an open crawl space that leads to cozy sleeping quarters. The Watters love to hang out up here as a family to watch movies and play with toys that are tucked away toward the back.
The wood plank flooring used to have a dark brown stain, but since the Watters could tell that the loft would be a room they’d spend a lot of time in, they decided to paint the floors a bright white to make the space feel more open.
“We thought we’d have to strip the floors and go through that whole process, but we talked to several contractors, and they ended up all telling us we were better off painting them ourselves since the boards are old planks and not hardwoods,” Amanda says. “Three coats of white deck paint later, and our loft is so much brighter and more beautiful than we could have imagined.”
Floor paint: Extra White, Sherwin-Williams; wall paint: Ceiling Bright White, Sherwin-Williams; chandelier: Home Depot; blue sectional sofa: West Elm; floor lamp: Target; jute rug: Pottery Barn; stacked rattan footstools: Ikea
The wood plank flooring used to have a dark brown stain, but since the Watters could tell that the loft would be a room they’d spend a lot of time in, they decided to paint the floors a bright white to make the space feel more open.
“We thought we’d have to strip the floors and go through that whole process, but we talked to several contractors, and they ended up all telling us we were better off painting them ourselves since the boards are old planks and not hardwoods,” Amanda says. “Three coats of white deck paint later, and our loft is so much brighter and more beautiful than we could have imagined.”
Floor paint: Extra White, Sherwin-Williams; wall paint: Ceiling Bright White, Sherwin-Williams; chandelier: Home Depot; blue sectional sofa: West Elm; floor lamp: Target; jute rug: Pottery Barn; stacked rattan footstools: Ikea
Photo by The Shalom Imaginative
“There is something so special about the Midwest, a gentle ease that makes living here a haven for our family,” says Amanda, pictured here with Andrew and their three kids.
“It’s the place we always come back to, the place we know we’ll always consider home,” she says. “Growing up here gave us simple luxuries like experiencing the four seasons, and time spent on farms, and the blessing of getting to know so many down-to-earth folk. I feel that people here truly love life, and it is a beautiful thing to see. I find contentment and comfort in being surrounded by that,” she says.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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“There is something so special about the Midwest, a gentle ease that makes living here a haven for our family,” says Amanda, pictured here with Andrew and their three kids.
“It’s the place we always come back to, the place we know we’ll always consider home,” she says. “Growing up here gave us simple luxuries like experiencing the four seasons, and time spent on farms, and the blessing of getting to know so many down-to-earth folk. I feel that people here truly love life, and it is a beautiful thing to see. I find contentment and comfort in being surrounded by that,” she says.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Andrew and Amanda Watters and their three children, Stella, 5, Theodore, 2, and Alfie, 1
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Size: 2,400 square feet (223 square meters); three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Commenting on the interiors, Amanda says, “While we have an appreciation for a minimal style, we also love warm and cozy, so you can find many family heirlooms and antiques with woods and weathered materials here and there to give each space charm and character. Our home is a true blend of old and new without all the clutter, to keep things feeling clean even when they aren’t.”
The entry area features hooks to hang hats, market bags and the like.