Dream Home 2017

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DREAM HOME

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE THE CITY’S PREMIER SHOW HOME

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Member, American Society of Magazine Editors. ASME works to preserve editorial independence and speaks out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment.

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>>> EVENT DETAILS >>>

PARADISE REIMAGINED 8 The remodel of this 37-year-old home blends old and new thanks to the efforts of the builder and design teams.

BY JULIE YOUNG

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14 FAR OUT Jaw-dropping views, decadent colors, and bold ’70s-inspired designs make this home’s communal spaces pop.

BY SHARI HELD

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24 SWEET DREAMS Inspired by hotel luxury, the master suite features state-of-the-art amenities.

Upstairs, the kids’ favorite colors serve as the foundation for their personalized bedrooms.

BY LORI D. ROBERTS

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34 WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Sweat it out in the workout room, breathe in the Pilates room, or relax around a chessboard in the game room. There’s plenty of fun to be had in this home.

BY JULIE YOUNG

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38 BRIGHT IDEAS More modern than the rest of the home’s vintage decor, the lower level exudes a fun and laidback vibe.

BY TRACY MARTIN

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42 OUTSIDE THE BOX A lush pool area is just the tip of the iceberg for this property that sits on 10 charming acres of woods and streams.

BY TRACY MARTIN

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Every inch of this house is teeming with incredible design and beautiful artwork—even the nook under the staircase gets a special treatment.

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46 THAT’S THE TICKET Proceeds from Dream Home help the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana teach kids how to cope with specific language disabilities.

BY ZINA KUMOK

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>>> DREAM HOME VENDOR LIST

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HOU RS

146TH ST.

Noon to 6 p.m. daily, Saturday, May 6–Sunday, May 21

TIC KETS 31

$15 if purchased in advance at diin.org/events, $20 at the door.

All proceeds benefit the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana.

131 ST ST.

PREVI EW PARTY 7–9 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Tickets are $75 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Ticket quantities are limited; buy online at diin.org/events.

TOWNE RD.

116TH ST.

I-465

KEYSTONE PKWY.

COXHALL GARDENS

N. MERIDIAN ST.

PARKING & SHUTTLE

PARKI NG AN D DI RECTION S Parking will be available at Coxhall Gardens, located at 11677 Towne Rd., Carmel. From there, shuttles to the Dream Home will be provided.

FOR MORE I N FORMATION IndianapolisMonthly.com/DreamHome

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THE REMODEL OF THIS 37-YEAR-OLD HOME SEAMLESSLY BLENDS OLD AND NEW THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE BUILDER AND DESIGN TEAMS.

BY JULIE YOUNG

you’ve ever wondered what the Brady Bunch house would look like reimagined for a 21st century family, chances are it would look a lot like the 2017 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home. Located on a 10-acre property along Williams Creek, this sprawling twolevel abode features a sleek, contemporary design that would turn Mike and Carol avocado green with envy.

RE I MAG I N E D , RE I NVE NTE D , AN D RE BOOTE D For the first time, the Dream Home is not a new construction project. Rather, this vast remodel showcases the possibilities available to any homeowner interested in updating or renovating an existing space with the latest materials and trends. According to Jon Guy, president of GuyCo Homes and Remodeling, the 7,000-square-foot floor plan was transformed into a 12,000-square-foot family dwelling with every imaginable luxury.

(Top) GuyCo Homes & Remodeling Dream Home team Jon Guy, David Hulsman, Melissa Guy, Aaron Stites, and Johnny Maung.

(Bottom) KBD Home and Kitchens by Design team Kristin Okeley, Lisa Stites, Elaine Davis, and Scott Helgemo.

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before

“Nearly everything has been replaced or reimagined,” he says. “The only things we kept exactly the same were the front door—a 3-inch thick, 800-pound slab of yacht-grade mahogany—and the stonework around the fireplace in the receiving room. Other elements have been moved, reconfigured, and repurposed.”

As the builder of this year’s Dream Home, Guy says he approached the project the way he does every home he creates or re-creates— as if it were a work of art. He immerses himself in every detail and takes a personal interest in the end result.

“I may be a little OCD about it, but I would never do something to a client’s home that I would not do to my own,” he says.

Having worked with the homeowners on several projects in the past, Guy says they were looking to create a forever home for their family and outfit it with the amenities

Nearly everything has been replaced or reimagined. The only things we kept exactly the same were the front door ... and the stonework around the fireplace in the receiving room. Other elements have been moved, reconfigured, and repurposed.

JON GUY, GUYCO HOMES AND REMODELING

A floor-to-ceiling emerald green paint job and the addition of built-in bookshelves transformed the original dining room into an opulent library.

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While the previous homeowners opted for a white-andtaupe color scheme throughout most of the house, the new black-and-white palette infuses the home with drama, starting in the great room and entry.

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Designer Kristin Okeley encouraged the homeowners to move the dining room closer to the kitchen, replacing the hearth room.

Rather than a formal area where people rarely eat or spend time, this creates a shared space where the family naturally gathers and chats.

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before

that would meet their needs both now and in the future. With a project of this magnitude, Guy says it was a challenge to complete the work in time for the show. His team worked hard, seamlessly blending the old with the new so that visitors won’t be able to distinguish one from the other as they tour the home. As walls were moved, windows shifted, and custom doors installed, he said it was important to create a cohesive look within the home’s existing framework.

“The biggest challenge for me was finding a brick to match the existing brick over the fireplace in the dining room,” he says.

A FAM I LY HOM E The final result is nothing short of phenomenal—soaring ceilings, wall-to-wall windows overlooking the scenic creek, and the owners’ extensive collection of edgy, colorful art hanging on every wall. The main area features the home’s formal sitting spaces, access to the pool deck, and kitchen, all filled with starkly contrasting colors and bold shapes. In one wing, a sleek master suite occupies the first floor and five smaller bedrooms sit upstairs. The other wing boasts a nearly endless supply of entertainment.

Asymmetrical angles, room to entertain crowds of all sizes, and colorful bursts accenting the neutral palette define this house.

“We wanted to create a cohesive family home where everyone could feel comfortable and move from space to space,” says Kristin Okeley, owner of Kitchens By Design and KBD Home.

Charged with taking a 12,000-square-foot empty canvas and turning it into a home that exudes comfort and creativity, she worked with the homeowners to find inventive elements that would highlight their passions and showcase their tastes.

“It’s really a unique style of home from an architectural standpoint, and we wanted to create something bold with geometric patterns and lots of texture,” she says. “There is definitely a ’70s influence with a twist of

Although the chandelier that originally hung in the entry has been replaced with an edgier piece, the three globes now illuminate a new place in the home—the great room.

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today. A modern-day Brady Bunch would feel right at home here.”

There are six bedrooms and nine bathrooms throughout the Dream Home. The master suite, a private retreat on the main level, combines the office, bedroom, and luxurious bathroom. Guy points out that the state-of-the-art water system he installed ensures no one has to worry about water pressure, even if every single shower were on at the same time. Four other bedrooms are located on the second floor, and a roomy third floor attic dormer is tucked above.

REC REATION GALORE

before

While basements are often reserved for playrooms, gyms, or theater setups, this basement is a place where art is appreciated and kids can create. Part gallery, part lounge, and part studio, the basement invites visitors to craft, paint, and relax.

“The homeowners love art, and they love the chance to be able to showcase bright and colorful pieces,” Okeley says. “The basement is an amazing space in which to have fun.”

Upstairs, a built-in rec center features two stories of play space. It includes a gym, gaming center, indoor basketball court, laundry room, and home office space.

“It is a fantastic getaway right in their very own home,” Okeley says. “When you have a large family, it can be difficult to chauffer everyone where they want to go, so having these things available at home makes it so much easier.”

Both Okeley and Guy are excited for visitors to tour the Dream Home and see what Guy calls the future of home design.

“There are so many options available to homeowners these days, as well as a wealth of shows demonstrating what those options are and how you can incorporate them,” he says.

“If you don’t remodel your home, it will take a hit or sit on the market when you decide to sell. There are too many exciting things out there to help you create your own dream home. Why not take advantage of them?”

The striking tub is still the eye-catching element in the master bathroom, but the shower received a big update: As if expanding the size weren’t enough, it also now has four showerheads and a steam showerhead.

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JAW-DROPPING VIEWS, DECADENT COLORS, AND BOLD ’70S-INSPIRED DESIGNS MAKE THIS HOME’S COMMUNAL SPACES POP.

BY SHARI HELD

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sprawling, 7,000-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright–style house, built in 1980, needed a complete rehaul and a 5,000-square-foot addition to accommodate the lifestyle of the new homeowners. The design took a year-and-a-half to finalize, but the results were worth the wait. The result is a modern, sleek, and fully functional home.

“There were lots of moving parts to this remodel, and blending the old with the new was one of the biggest challenges,” says Jon Guy, president of Guy Co. Homes and Remodeling. “The biggest key to a successful remodel is not being able to tell what’s new from what’s old.”

Ultimately, the homeowners’ wanted to showcase the incredible views of Williams Creek and the gorgeous, wooded 10-acre lot on which the home sits. That’s the backdrop for the entire entry and great room, and banks of windows at the back of the home perfectly frame the view. They also wanted the house to have an informal, fun, funky feel that wasn’t overly decorated.

The design started with a black and white backdrop—from the black oak hardwood floors to the stark white walls—and bright accents in burnt orange, gold, and deep green add a retro feel.

“The color palette has a real ’70s vibe—but a fresher, more current version,” says Kristin Okeley, the home’s designer and owner of Kitchens By Design and KBD Home. “This home is definitely outside the norm, and that’s what makes it the perfect Dream Home.”

(Left) The entry’s striking decor and bold art set the mood. (Above) The great room transforms that vibe into something a bit more relaxed.

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G RAN D E NTRANC E The front door is one of the few things original to the home. Constructed from three-inch mahogany with an inverted chevron design, the yachtgrade door weighs 800 pounds.

When you step inside the foyer, the first thing you’ll see, through the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows, is the stunning view. But the entry, with its spacious 16foot vaulted ceiling, is also filled with works of art that catch the eye. The homeowners’ amazing art collection is on display throughout the entire home, beginning with the entry.

“They wanted this space to look like an art gallery or museum—welcoming but open,” Okeley says.

The foyer is sparsely furnished with a large rug on which a round table and gold tufted stools are centered, strategically placed sculptures, and a pair of vintage peacock wicker chairs.

Much of the furniture throughout the main living spaces of the home is refurbished vintage. The biggest challenge Okeley faced was finding midcentury pieces on a scale that would work with the larger homes of today.

Rather than using one large, impressive light fixture in the area, a cluster of five wooden, spherical frames with black string woven around them hang at varying heights.

“Having them all clustered at different levels leaves the view unobstructed and is architectural and sculptural in and of itself,” Okeley says.

C REATI NG S PAC E S The sunken great room is to the right of the foyer. Originally, the entrance from the foyer was four feet, but during the remodel it was opened up to more than 12 feet.

“It makes for more of a grand entrance as people first come in,” Guy says.

The 18-foot vaulted ceiling, bank of floor16

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(Inset) The home’s front door is one of the few completely original features. (Right) The stone work surrounding the fireplace also remained untouched during the renovation, and the vintage chandelier originally hung in the entryway.

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Unlike the rest of the home’s stark black-and-white color palette, this room is saturated in an emerald green.

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to-ceiling windows, and sliding glass doors look out onto the deck and give the room an even more expansive appearance. The 10-feet-tall sliding doors—something you often see in commercial buildings but rarely in residential ones—were custom-made in California specifically to take advantage of the gorgeous view.

The homeowners wanted the great room to be upscale for entertaining, but informal, since this is the designated family TV spot.

They also wanted it to be a comfortable space where the entire family could spend time while participating in a variety of activities.

“We wanted different zones within that space where people could enjoy multiple kinds of functions instead of it being your traditional, symmetrical living room layout with everything towards the TV,” Okeley says.

The hotel-lobby furniture plan helps achieve this. A large L-shaped, Europeanmade black sectional sits next to the original stone fireplace, facing the TV and two bright orange midcentury modern armchairs. A single chair and footstool right by the fireplace is the perfect spot to curl up with a book.

Behind the couch, a round game table surrounded by bucket seat pedestal chairs and a reading area more fit for lounging are nestled among lush potted plants.

The home’s minimalist chandelier originally hung in the entryway but is now suspended next to the black industrial beam that runs the length of the room. The three handblown Italian glass globes nearly got tossed in the trash during the remodel, but Guy salvaged, refurbished, and reinstalled them.

“That light is a showstopper,” Okeley says.

“I’m so glad we reused it.”

COZY AN D COLORFU L As you enter the home, the green room to the left of the foyer used to be the dining room. The addition of custom, floor-to-ceiling bookcases transformed it into the library.

In a style reminiscent of late 19th century interiors, an opulent emerald green saturates the room, covering the walls, bookcase, and even ceiling.

“This is the one room where we have lots of color,” Okeley says. “We were going for an old-school parlor feel—more moody with a lot of drama.”

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The seven-shaped table cuts into the concrete countertops, creating a jaw-dropping visual effect.

One thing you might not notice unless you know to look for them are the wood-paneled doors flanking the double-sided stone fireplace. The spring-release doors, which open to reveal a closet space, and the floor-to-ceiling, wood-burning fireplace are both original to the home.

While the other living spaces are open and airy, this space is rather isolated. Eightfoot ceilings enhance the cozy feel. It’s a space to retreat to when you want more privacy. Nearly everything in the room is green, black, or gold. A large gold sunburst ceiling light and furry lambskin and brass chairs add a bit of funky glamour to the 20

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room, while the tufted, black leather sofa lends a more traditional flair.

The angular, almost puzzle-piece, coffee table is custom-made in Italy from brass and black marble.

“It’s the real showstopper in this room,” Okeley says.

FAM I LY DI N I NG The dining area, originally the hearth room, also opens off the foyer. Instead of a separate room used only for formal occasions or sit-down dinners, the homeowners opted

for an open concept where the dining room flows seamlessly into the kitchen.

“For me while growing up, the kitchen table was where everything happened,” Okeley says. “It’s one design element I always try to encourage people to incorporate back into the kitchen.”

Okeley designed the 11-foot natural walnut dining table, which was custom-built by David Sochar of Acorn Woodworks. Eight white Panton chairs by Vitra flank the table, and two wingback swivel chairs covered in orange-and-green plaid sit at the head and foot.

“It’s an interesting combo—very eclectic,” Okeley said.

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(Top) A brightly colored nook adds some whimiscal charm to the dramatic kitchen. (Left) The pantry holds even more storage and work space for busy chefs.

A striking floor-to-ceiling brick wall surrounding the double-sided fireplace lines one side of the dining room. Originally, it featured built-in wine racks on either side of the fireplace. During the renovation, those were filled in with brick—Guy personally spent five months tracking down the nearly perfect match—and painted black, a stark contrast compared to the rest of the room’s light and airy colors.

Rather than install a chandelier, which would be a traditional dining room focal point, Okeley used demure metal cone light fixtures, letting the kitchen take the spotlight instead. The kitchen counter is just a few steps from the dining table, and Guy expanded the ceiling height between the rooms from eight feet to 10 feet, opening up the area and allowing the spaces to flow together.

BLAC K , WH ITE , AN D THOROUG H LY MODE RN The kitchen is where Guy began the addition. Originally, the room was smaller and the back of it was curved. That wasn’t consis2017 | DREAM HOME

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The dining table takes center stage in this home. Positioning it between the entry and kitchen makes it a natural spot for the family to gather.

For me while growing up, the kitchen table was where everything happened. It’s one design element I always try to encourage people to incorporate back into the kitchen.

KRISTIN OKELEY, KBD HOME

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tent with the straight lines and angles of the rest of the home.

“We moved it back 15 feet and squared it off, because there was virtually nothing else in the entire home that was round,” Guy says.

Now, the end of the kitchen is angular like the rest of the home with a wall of windows— awning windows at the bottom for ventilation topped by larger, stationary ones—that match those in the dining room. Everything west of the kitchen is part of the new addition, with the exception of the garage.

Perhaps no other room in the home showcases the contrast of black and white better than the kitchen. It sports a variety of finishes. A custom stainless steel hood drops down from the ceiling over the stove, and modern Miele appliances are used throughout the kitchen. Black servo-drive powered cabinets automatically open with just a nudge. White frosted elements, black concrete countertops, and a white marble backsplash cover the rest of the kitchen. Even the refrigerator is hidden behind black cabinetry.

At the end of the counter, Okeley created the perfect place to store recipe books, make

Lee Indianapolis 317-783-4161 Lee Lafayette 765-447-6939 Lee Ft. Wayne 260-471-6433

The kitchen’s small but mighty wet bar caps off the space’s many convenient features.

Lee Carmel 317-844-4434 Lee Columbus 812-376-9466 Lee South Bend 574-233-4975

grocery lists, and take a break while waiting for the bread to rise. A citrus orange desk nestled in a quaint sitting area basks in the sunlight streaming in from the windows. A modern sofa and vintage chairs covered in a geometric print add a pop of fun.

The focal point of the kitchen is a black 5-foot by 18-foot island with a custom concrete top that drips down the sides to the floor. The edge of a white Carrera marble table shaped like the number seven slides into the end of the massive counter. Victory Surfaces supplied the concrete countertops for the kitchen, and Okeley designed the dynamic angled table to counterbalance the predominately midcentury furnishings. Two wide-seat black stools are situated around the table, but there are no bar stools at the island.

“Again, that forces people to sit at the dining room table together,” Okeley says.

If the kids get tired of spending so much time around their family, no worries. Just around the corner is the home’s incredible recreation wing, and they’ll be able to find plenty to do that doesn’t involve sitting at the kitchen table.

Lee Bloomington 317-844-4434 Lee New Albany 812-941-0060 Lee Merrillville 219-756-6512 2017 | DREAM HOME

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INSPIRED BY HOTEL LUXURY, THE MASTER SUITE FEATURES STATE-OF-THEART AMENITIES. UPSTAIRS, THE KIDS’ FAVORITE COLORS SERVE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR THEIR PERSONALIZED BEDROOMS.

BY LORI D. ROBERTS

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wood, midcentury modern furniture, greens, oranges, gold, and khaki. Thanks to a visionary design, this year’s Dream Home mingles nostalgic colors and modern pieces, creating a timeless and comfortable place to call home.

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This combination comes to life in the first-floor master suite and additional upstairs bedrooms, which have been outfitted with both vintage and new pieces. Dream Home interior designer Kristin Okeley, owner of Kitchens By Design and KBD Home, notes that much of the sleek, simple furniture was inspired by hotel design. The homeowners’ collection of modern, vibrant artwork interspersed throughout these private areas injects pops of color into the spaces and gives them a current vibe.

“We took the concept and scale of furniture that we would have seen in the past, and we’ve married it with very modern art, something you might see in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. We’ve trickled in more current pieces,” Okeley says. “Ultimately, you have this beautiful, rich blend of some different things. It’s such a wonderful blend of materials and pieces and sizes.”

Even with its throwback colors and materials, the Dream Home has been built with modern concepts. Sharp lines and uncluttered details punctuate the bedroom areas, a trend seen in many of today’s homes.

“The modern, sleek lines are here to stay,” says Dream Home builder Jon Guy, president of Guy Co. Homes and Remodeling. “It just feels cleaner.”

The Dream Home’s master suite and upstairs bedrooms all enjoy tranquil views of Williams Creek. The home was gutted and rebuilt to meander along the stream that flows through the backyard. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that five of the six bedrooms look out over the home’s wooded, 10-acre lot.

“Every window in the back of the house looks at Williams Creek,” Guy says. “The flowing water follows the architectural lines of the home.”

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(Top) The casual office space also features a fireplace and wet bar. Emphasis on casual. (Middle) The see-through bookcase creates a semi-barrier, so the homeowner’s can share a space without being in each other’s hair. (Bottom) The home’s decorator drew inspiration from chic hotel design when choosing the bedroom’s simple, uncluttered decor.

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MASTE R DE S IG N S The home’s master bedroom and office share a common space, while the luxurious master bath is just down the hallway. Instead of the original walled-off office, Guy and Okeley opted to remove the barrier and install a see-through walnut bookshelf to serve as a divider. The homeowners wanted a bedroom and office where they could be separate but together at any given time, and this allowed for an open feel while maintaining privacy and quiet when necessary.

Okeley had the idea of dividing the master suite area with a hallway that separates the bedroom from the master bath and walk-in closets. The hallway gives the entire area a more luxurious feel and differentiates between the bedroom and the bathroom. The whole design was conceived to give the space a European flair, Okeley says.

“We were trying to make it feel like a home away from home,” Okeley says. “We wanted it to be special, like a master suite you would have in a fine hotel.”

Okeley outfitted the master suite in warm textures, including the custom walnut bed and nightstands. An upholstered headboard features faux snakeskin, and angular wall sconces hanging above the nightstands keep those two spaces uncluttered. Two armless leather-and-bronze chairs around a dark sculptural wooden coffee table take advantage of the bedroom’s views. Okeley even extended the walnut theme to the walls, using flexible wood veneer wallpaper. The paper’s unique pattern and texture are nothing like wallpaper from the ’90s, and it gives the room a special depth and warmth.

The office has a midcentury modern vibe, thanks in part to a vintage brass tray table and the homeowner’s vintage sofa, which was re-covered in a tan-and-black pinstriped fabric. A plaid wingback armchair adds flavor to the simple walnut desk, and an extra-long swing arm wall sconce hangs over the matte black glazed-brick fireplace, replacing a typical mantel and illuminating the desk.

Most of the home’s solid oak floors have been painted black, providing a striking backdrop for plush rugs. The master bedroom rug is a blend of jute and wool in a neutral-toned pattern that creates both a dramatic contrast against the floor and a comfortable landing for bare feet in the morning.

(Left) The room’s TV recedes into the ceiling.

Although this is a common feature in homes with unused attic space, this one proved more challenging for the home’s builder because the room above was finished.

The master suite’s hallway leads from the bedroom to the master bathroom (both on the left,) and two spacious walk-in closets are also accessible on the right.

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Perhaps, nothing in this home is more dreamy than the luxurious bathroom.

The homeowners didn’t want to clutter their bedroom with a television set on the wall or on top of a stand. Instead, they asked for a drop-down television that would recede into the ceiling. That’s typically not a problem, Guy says. Normally, those televisions can be installed from an unfinished attic area above. In this home, however, the area above is finished, and Guy had to figure out how to fit the television into a small space that did not encroach into the area above.

“We created a way to make it happen,” Guy says, explaining the technical feats behind the seemingly simple feature. “Everything cool comes with a little uniqueness.”

Cool and unique only begin to describe the master bath area. The floor, shower, and counters all feature a sophisticated gray Striato Olimpico marble tile. The homeowners can pamper themselves in the shower, which has been fitted with four showerheads and a steam showerhead, or take a long soak in the free-standing, bowl-shaped tub, which fills from the ceiling. Although the entire outer wall is lined with windows, privacy isn’t a concern because the windows are tinted, allowing the homeowners to soak in the tub while enjoying nature’s beauty.

According to Guy, there’s no need to worry about running out of hot water, either.

“We have a 1.5-inch water main coming from the street, three tankless water heaters, and an 80-gallon backup water heater,” Guy says. “You can turn on every shower in the house and never lose hot water or pressure.”

GOI NG U PSTAI RS

We were trying to make it feel like a home away from home. We wanted it to be special, like a master suite you would have in a fine hotel.

KRISTIN OKELEY, KBD HOME

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Above the master suite, visitors will find plenty more room for children, friends, and guests. Guy carved what was originally three bedrooms into four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second level and a fifth loft bedroom. Spacious bedrooms weren’t a priority for the homeowners, because there are so many other fun spaces in the home for playing or relaxing. Instead of sprawling quarters with an assortment of electronics and accessories, Okeley created cozy, private areas where the kids can enjoy some quiet alone time.

“The bedrooms are essentially for sleeping and doing homework,” Okeley says. “The children won’t have televisions in their bed-

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(Above) The first bedroom on the second floor has a whimsical, fairy tale vibe. (Left) The black floor, walls, and ceiling in the second bedroom give it an edgier mood.

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rooms. They’ll go there to sleep, shower, or have quiet time.”

All of the children’s bedrooms have been outfitted with modern, sleek furniture and accessories. While black is a family favorite color, Okeley accented the darker palette with bedding and artwork to reflect the individual characters residing within. The first bedroom sits near the top of the stairs, outfitted with a king-size four-poster natural steel bed and gold glazed linen headboard. The lime green and bright pink color palette gives the room a girly feel, and a large, vibrant painting that has a modern-art-meets-fairytales theme hangs behind a cluster of Chinese paper lantern–esque light fixtures. A zebra-print rug reinforces the room’s whimsical atmosphere.

Each bedroom features its own desk, and the one in this room has been specially designed to accommodate sewing and crafting projects. Okeley commissioned a long worktable by Rabb & Howe that spans the bedroom’s length. The desk is high enough for standing, but bar stools are an option when it’s time to take a seat.

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The third room uses its space creatively. Bunk beds and a desk tucked in the closet mean you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in here.

“That was a fun element,” Okeley says.

The next room features a gray and black color scheme, with a white and gray camouflage rug and wooden bed frame brightening the room a bit. Concrete cubes serve as nightstands in the only room that overlooks the front of the home.

The rooms may be small, but every space has been creatively designed to be functional without looking cluttered. Okeley took advantage of a tight nook in this room to add a custom laminate desk by Rabb & Howe, topped by three floating shelves.

Down the hall from that, a third room takes a more fantasy-themed approach. Star Wars art hangs next to the built-in bunk beds.

A small 7-by-7-foot rug in a river-blue pattern adds a quiet hint of color. At first glance, there may not seem to be much room in this space for storage or studying. Open the closet doors, however, and visitors will see a built-in dresser and desk in a gray shellac finish, an economical use of sparse square footage.

“Literally every inch of the house will be used,” Okeley says.

The upstairs bathrooms share the mini-

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malist theme, with tiled walls and traditional tubs. One shower uses small, iridescent tiles that shimmer like a mermaid’s tail, while the other showers feature sleeker, larger tiles.

All of the bathtubs boast a metal chain-link shower curtain that lends an air of industrial durability to the spaces.

“The curtains are functional, but they’re kind of artwork in themselves,” Okeley says.

The last bedroom on this floor has a fun, playful aesthetic. Built-in bookshelves lined with Hardy Boys and other classics form the headboard for two twin platform beds.

Vintage toys and quirky tchotchkes (like a ceramic T-rex) fill another set of shelves illuminated by a funky industrial chandelier.

14-sided wood stools bring out the room’s playful side, and like the master suite below, this room enjoys ample natural light thanks to a full wall of windows.

The upstairs loft bedroom is new to the home, filling space that wasn’t around in the previous incarnation. Original plans called for a library ladder to access the top level, but building codes weren’t having it, Guy says.

Instead, he installed a drop-down attic lad-

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Slightly more spacious than the other bedrooms, this one seems like the perfect play space.

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der that ascends through a small opening in the ceiling. This posed a unique challenge for furnishings, Okeley says.

“Everything we designed in that space had to be taken apart to bring it up,” Okeley says.

“We couldn’t just throw whatever we wanted up there. We really had to seek out things that would fit.”

That explains the aperture-shaped coffee table that easily breaks down into five pieces. But how did Okeley find a mattress that would fit through a small opening in the ceiling? She found her answer with a Casper mattress, a memory foam mattress that arrives in a box small enough to make it up the ladder. Once open, it filled out to a full-size mattress that sits on a navy platform bed.

Okeley isn’t sure how it’s ever going to come downstairs again, but she’s not worried about it right now.

One thing is certain: Whether the kids are doing homework or Mom and Dad are retiring for the night, this Dream Home family will feel pampered and comfortable.

“I think the whole house feels like a resort,” Okeley says.

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BY JULIE YOUNG

SWEAT IT OUT IN THE WORKOUT ROOM, BREATHE IN THE PILATES ROOM, OR RELAX AROUND A CHESSBOARD IN THE GAME ROOM. THERE’S PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD IN THIS HOME.

These homeowners aren’t the first people to fall in love with this uniquely shaped couch.

When Kristin Okeley rehupholstered this piece, she discovered it had been recovered at least five other times.

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say the family who plays together stays together, and if there is one aspect of the 2017 Dream Home that sets it apart from other homes, it is the rest and relaxation wing. Adjacent to the kitchen and garage, this two-story, multi-functional recreation space is perfect for a bustling family with lots of energy.

“Cat Castle”

>>>

Kristin Okeley, owner of Kitchens By Design and KBD Home, says like most families, the homeowners and their children always have places to go, things to do, and people to see. However, with diverse ages and interests, it’s not always practical to accommodate everyone and get them where they want to go. Their solution to this issue was the R&R wing.

“The homeowners lead very busy and active lives, but when they are home, they like to stay home and enjoy the house as a family,” she says. “The R&R suite gives them an integrated place to play without having to be on-the-go all the time.”

Lockers for storing bags, shoes, jackets, and homework are conveniently located between the garage and indoor basketball court.

WORK FI RST , PLAY LATE R

The laundry room is just a few steps from the fitness room, but does that mean the kids will toss their sweaty clothes in the washer as soon as they’re done working out? One can only hope.

The area includes some of the utilitarian spaces found in other homes including a place to hang up coats, a cordoned-off room for their kitties’ litter boxes, and the laundry room. Behind an eight-footwide black metal custom barn door is a small but highly functional laundry area. It houses two sets of Miele dual stacking washers and dryers, space to drip-dry clothes, and cabinetry for storing detergent and other odds and ends. One of the most interesting elements in the laundry room is the striking countertop and backsplash from Victory Surfaces. The uniquely patterned stone is granite, although it’s easy to confuse it with other materials.

“When the fabricators sliced through the slab, it revealed a beautiful river rock pattern,” explains Okeley. “It really shows off the beauty of the stone.”

Around the corner from the laundry, the family’s cats have their own personal “Cat Castle.” It holds the solution to what every owner of multiple cats has to grapple with: where to stash all the litter boxes? An exhaust fan pulls any offending odors from the room so it always smells fresh. Felines enter the room through a custom-made porthole in the wall that’s covered with a funky black chain link curtain. Humans can enter through a black barn door.

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“It’s a very interesting feature that you don’t find everywhere,” says Jon Guy, the home’s builder and president of GuyCo Homes and Remodeling.

The main level of the R&R wing also includes a fitness room, indoor basketball court, and bank of lockers where kids can stash their stuff. Each locker even has a docking station for cell phones, tablets, and other chargeable devices. The fitness room contains multiple pieces of equipment, a large mirrored wall so one can evaluate their technique, and a fan system that keeps everyone cool. It even has the large windows looking out over the landscape found throughout the house.

As Guy points out, “The property really is a wonderland. Who wouldn’t want to take in the view?”

FU N AN D GAM E S Along the cantilevered staircase leading to the second floor of the suite, is the “bubble wall.” Okeley says an artist friend, Robin Vojak of CR Studio 4, sent her an e-mail with pictures of some 3D geometric tiles she had made, and the minute Okeley saw them, she knew they would be perfect for the Dream Home.

“We had to use them,” she says. “She had all kinds of sizes and shapes, but I was really drawn to the bubbles. I thought it would be a great way to accent the staircase and add some interest to the space.

The upper level of the R&R wing provides endless fun for everyone. A brightly colored room at the top of the stairs doubles as a home office and Pilates studio. A narrow hallway overlooks the basketball court and separates the TV room from the game room. The family’s extensive art collection and uber stylish taste make their way into this space, too. Pop art hangs above vintage game tables, and a midcentury modern pingpong table looks over the court. Plus, by including the home office as part of this suite, the parents can work on projects and chores while still feeling like part of the children’s activities.

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The lofty office space is bursting with inspirational colors and vibes.

The home’s designer discovered this unique wallpaper that actualy sparkles when you inspect it up close.

The fitness room located just below the office and Pilates loft holds equipment for a more intense workout.

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It’s like having a Dave & Buster’s in your very own home.

KRISTIN OKELEY, KBD HOME

The dome hockey table from Jay Orner and Sons Billiard Co. isn’t the only thing to do in this room.

Gaming systems, board games, and a hanging magnetic chess board are also fun options.

proved to be the perfect spot,” Okeley says.

“In the original design, it was attic space, and we decided to open it up so that there could be a studio as well.”

The office and studio space is a peaceful area that includes a shimmery pastel wallpaper and a custom desk that snaps around a central support pillar in the room. Zen accents like Himalayan salt rocks and a mirror hanging in a hammered-bronze frame balance the brightly colored paintings and accessories throughout the room. Okeley says the homeowner was looking for a bright pop of color as a contrast to the neutral color scheme in the rest of the house, and it is the one area of the home that has a distinctly feminine feel.

Around the corner, the TV room exudes a more relaxed vibe. A retro sling-back chair and a C-shaped green-and-yellow ombré couch face the TV. Behind it, the pingpong table and screened windows that looks down into the basketball court below.

“We found most of the furniture on vintage websites and then repurposed or reupholstered them in the style of what you might have seen back in the ’70s,” Okeley says. “The sofa was already a super cool piece to begin with, and when we stripped it down, we could see that it had been reupholstered five times. The remnants from the original covering was still there. That was something fun to discover.”

Down the hall from that, Okeley went with a grittier, vintage pop theme in the game room. Concert posters and record covers from decades past cover the walls. A vintage game table is the perfect place to challenge an opponent to a game of Dungeons and Dragons— or maybe just checkers. An air hockey table and magnetic chessboard mounted on the wall round out the non-electronic entertainment options. And of course, several luxurious leather gaming chairs form a semicircle around the TV and game systems.

“Regardless of what you want to do, the R&R wing has something for everyone,” Okeley says. “It’s like having a Dave & Buster’s in your very own home.”

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MORE MODERN THAN THE REST OF THE HOME’S VINTAGE DECOR, THE LOWER LEVEL EXUDES A FUN AND LAIDBACK VIBE.

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something synonymous about basements and children that make a subterranean hangout appealing, especially when it’s the first and last stop on the way to poolside adventures.

>>>

Kristin Okeley, the home’s designer and owner of Kitchens By Design and KBD Home explains, “The basement area was a bit of a challenge because the homeowners have so much living space upstairs. We weren’t quite sure how to utilize it.”

After some consideration, they opted to make it a multi-use space where kids can hang out after coming in from the pool and the mom can work on her art nearby.

The lower level had remained an unfinished basement for years prior to the purchase and renovation. During the renovation, they knocked out the farthest wall and turned the basement into a walk-out, creating a spectacular view of the creek and easy access to the pool area above explains Jon Guy, president of GuyCo Homes and Remodeling and the home’s builder. This new outdoor access point made a perfect location for the pool bath and locker areas.

Just inside the sliding glass doors, a bank of avocado green lacquer cabinets by Elmwood serve as lockers to stow away pool toys, swim gear, and personal items for family and guests alike. The basement pool bath features a modern pedestal style sink made of stainless steel and wood. Okeley points out “The fact that we didn’t need a lot of storage in the lower level pool bath made it possible for us to bring more artistic flair to that space.” The light fixture, a carryover from the homeowner’s previous house, needed a special place in their new home and found its niche above the sink where it illuminates the dark grey wall tiles with a soft warm glow.

The homeowners, art enthusiasts themselves, wanted an area where imaginations could run wild. Tucked away from the average visitor, the basement provides a creative space where artists can get messy and experiment with their ideas.

A large black distressed table, which used to be the homeowners’ kitchen table, provides a solid surface and ample seating for collaborative creative work. Guy installed a stainless steel counter area with three deep wash sinks and ample storage room for supplies, paints, and canvases. A large industrial dish sprayer makes project cleanup a snap.

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(Above) This bright and cozy nook at the bottom of the basement stairs sets the tone for the rest of the space. (Left) Custom storage lockers sit just inside the walkout area—the perfect spot to stash wet towels, pool toys, and other odds and ends.

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The design team brought several creative enhancements to the basement to maximize the available area.

“We weren’t able to adjust the ceiling height, and a lot of the mechanicals ran there,” says Okeley, “so we opted to remove the drywall and paint the pipes and beams a matte black which creates a feeling of additional height.” The curved lines of the black oval coffee table, the round snack table, and a custom banquette tucked along the curved tile wall in the center of the room create an intimate atmosphere.

As basements go, this one is completely cozy and comfortable, the perfect after-pool hangout. Across from the banquette, a TV hangs over a slatted cherry wood media console.

“We were trying to go after that ’70s vibe, and the furniture selections reflect that modern era quite well,” says Okeley.

Black, white, and dark grey are the base color scheme and serve as backdrop for pops of orange and green throughout the basement. Artwork hung gallery style along the walls and the mod furnishings bring a bright and fun feel to the space.

Almost all of the fabrics used in the lower level are comprised of material made for outdoors, so it’s all waterproof and durable. Wet kids can come on in and flop down on any surface without damage. Even the rugs were chosen for their water resistance and long-term durability.

(Above) Kristin Okeley used a few carefully selected accents to bring life to the small but functional basement bathroom. (Below) The basement’s intimate layout made it the perfect spot for an art studio.

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A LUSH POOL AREA IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG FOR THIS PROPERT Y THAT SITS ON 10 CHARMING ACRES OF WOODS AND STREAMS.

BY TRACY MARTIN

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at the entrance of a 10-acre parcel of Indiana hardwoods and intersected by scenic Williams Creek, this year’s Dream Home is loaded with outdoor assets. Start with a view like this, and landscape and outdoor living decisions come easily.

>>>

The full rear elevation of the house overlooks the pastoral creek and surrounding forest, so the outdoor living spaces naturally pay homage to that scene.

Andrew Livingston, landscape designer with Sitecollective Studio, explains, “The overall approach we took in creating the outdoor living areas involved merging the contemporary angular design of the house with the more organic, flowing feel of the natural landscape. The intent is that as one walks away from the house, the landscape opens up into nature.”

The homeowners wanted a little private outdoor escape of their own where they could also keep an eye on their children.

The previous homeowners had a fairly steep incline that dropped from the deck down to the creek, so to raise the level of the yard, 200 loads of additional dirt were brought to the site. A gentle grassy slope leads from the outdoor deck toward the creek-side area where a mulched seating space, complete with a hidden fire pit and sycamore stump seating, provides the perfect summertime family spot.

The transition between the home and exterior living spaces is created by a custom hardscape of large grey concrete pavers set around all four sides of the pool. This pool decking provides a large sunning area and places to socialize with friends. Off the far side of the pool area, a large fire pit brings romantic ambience to summer evenings.

The gunnite grey rectangular fiberglass pool matches the theme of the house in 2017 | DREAM HOME

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The overall approach we took in creating the outdoor living areas involved merging the contemporary angular design of the house with the more organic, flowing feel of the natural landscape. The intent is that as one walks away from the house, the landscape opens up into nature.

ANDREW LIVINGSTON, SITECOLLECTIVE STUDIO

The natural beauty of Williams Creek and the surrounding woods makes landscaping almost unnecessary.

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both color scheme and angularity.

With its cedar shake roofing, the house exhibits nice clean lines and angles. Jon Guy, builder and owner of GuyCo Homes and Remodeling, explains, “To keep the roof free of gutters, we dug and installed a gravel drainage system around the complete perimeter foundation. That will channel rainwater away from the house without impacting the form or aesthetic we wanted.”

The site itself provides a large amount of green space in its natural state, so only a few select plantings were added to anchor the house more fully with the landscape. A few larger trees of oak and evergreen were planted around the home at select locations. The front of the house welcomes the family as well as visitors with a wide and spacious drive and parking. Livingston says, “We wanted to go with a more Italian villa–type entrance, so we laid down a chipseal drive that looks like gravel but is created with aggregate laid on top of asphalt, which prevents the gravel from moving.”

With any large family, ample parking

space is a must. Livingston says, “We created a 45-by-65-foot auto court with the capacity to park seven vehicles. Each parking space is illuminated by lights to show the pattern of parking for guests. We didn’t want it to look like a big parking lot so we surrounded the auto court with an evergreen hedgerow.”

The homeowners wanted to keep the face of the house open, so garden beds of low growing ornamentals line the walkway to the front doors. Livingston explains, “It was important to mix the homeowners’ penchant for contemporary tastes with the organic lines of the landscape. We feel like we achieved that with our selection of plants and the unique hardscapes.”

Of the 10 acres, only two currently contain the home, gardens, and outdoor living areas. The rest of the property remains forested land that can be enjoyed by the family and friends. Additional long-term plans for a bridge over the creek and maybe a small cabin in the woods will provide this suburban family with a little hidden nature retreat of their very own.

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PROCEEDS FROM DREAM HOME HELP THE DYSLEXIA INSTITUTE OF INDIANA TEACH KIDS HOW TO COPE WITH SPECIFIC L ANGUAGE DISABILITIES.

BY ZINA KUMOK

Dream Home inspires visitors with its innovative architecture, creative design, and groundbreaking technology. Behind that beautiful facade is another compelling reason to visit: all proceeds from the event’s ticket sales benefit Dyslexia Institute of Indiana.

>>>

Kaitlin Ferries, director of operations at DII, says the donation from Dream Home goes specifically toward their student scholarships and make up about 40 percent of that fund, which helps students who otherwise

“Dream Home is a significant fundraiser for us, and it’s really important,” says Ferries.

About one in five students have dyslexia, but many schools and teachers aren’t equipped or able to teach these students how to cope. That’s a huge population of students who might flounder without the right guidance. Ferries says that’s a shame because most students who struggle with dyslexia can excel academically if they have the right network behind them.

“People who have dyslexia often have an average to high IQ,” Ferries says. “They just learn differently.”

The students who visit DII are equipped with tools for managing their dyslexia. DII uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to teach its students. This strategy involves different kinds of learning, including kinetic, kinesthetic, tactile, and auditory. Some of the services DII provides include testing, multisen-

People who have dyslexia often have an average to high IQ. They just learn differently.

KAITLIN FERRIES, DYSLEXIA INSTITUTE OF INDIANA

can’t afford DII’s services. Over 30 percent of pupils who use their services receive scholarships of some sort, and according to a report from The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, one of the main challenges for parents of dyslexic children is paying for tutoring and special education.

These services can be life changing for children, but only if they have access to them.

Even public schools are rarely able to provide the kind of guidance students receive at DII. Summer camp at DII costs about $500 a session while college prep is $1,400, so scholarships can make a big difference.

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sory tutoring, college prep, and more. They even offer workshops for parents who want to learn how best to support their kids. And the services have a huge impact on students.

“They do great in school,” says Ferries.

“Their confidence soars. It’s really life changing for them.”

A ticket to the Dream Home is a chance to change the lives of children who could go on to change the world.

“By buying a ticket to the home tour, you are not only supporting a local non-profit organization but also supporting future leaders of our community,” says Ferries.

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