Breathing Room

Words by Lisa Waterman Gray | Photos by Nate Sheets

Last spring, a new amenity opened inside the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City: a temporary home at the Children’s Mercy downtown campus for out-oftown families who have traveled here for their critically ill children’s medical care. Since the completion of Breathe, many local hair stylists, nail technicians and massage therapists have volunteered to pamper these RMHC-KC patients and their families. Young kids battling hair loss can choose colorful knitted “wigs” donated by the Magic Yarn Project, while older kids may receive custom wigs from celebrity hair designer Trenton Lee.

Lisa Schmitz, owner of Lisa Schmitz Interior Design, created this serene, welcoming spa environment with colleague Alicia Berg in cooperation with the non-profit Design for a Difference.

“This International Design Guild program helps interior designers support their communities by creating beautiful and functional spaces for those in need,” says Paul Madden, operations director at Madden-McFarland.

“Although the salon was primarily designed for youth undergoing treatment, we aimed to create a space for all ages so parents and family members could find a sense of retreat, too,” Alicia explains.

Lisa and Alicia incorporated hardwood floors, high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Salon chairs line the matte brass-accented cabinetry and fl ank multiple hair-washing stations. Curved edges adorn the boutique’s tall mirrors, cabinet hardware, wall lights, small tables and upholstered chairs.

“LSID was thrilled to provide our skills in creating just the perfect atmosphere, allowing families to breathe,” Lisa says.

Interior Designer: Lisa Schmitz Interior Design, @lisaschmitzinteriors

Ronald McDonald House: @rmhckc designforadifference.com

This project was made possible in part by donations and discounts.

Art: Ampersand (100% donation)

Flooring—Hardwood: Shaw Hard Surfaces (25% discount);

Carpet: donated through Shaw Contract

Salon Furnishings—stylist chairs, pedicure chair, wash sink, manicure table: Beauty Brands (100 % donation)

Lighting Design: Clint Paugh Lighting Consultation (100% donation)

More Resources: Page 252

“We included a lounge space beside the styling stations for guests to get cozy with textural throw blankets and pillows, or to even be playful with games and books that [accessorize the] case goods,” Alicia says.

Noka, a casual yet elegant new addition to midtown's Martini Corner, opened its doors for the first time last April. Drawing inspiration from a name that means “farmer” in Japanese, the dining space design is the result of a collaboration between chef and owner Amante Domingo (who also owns The Russell and other restaurants) and Celeste Antoine, the lead designer of Spirit Animal Interiors.

“The aesthetic is wabi-sabi (a Japanese view centered on the beauty of imperfection), with lots of plants and natural, rustic elements mixed with different textures of stone, fabrics, et cetera, to soften up the vibe,” Celeste says. Imported 200- to 300-year-old Japanese pottery, wood mortars, benches and baskets throughout the restaurant and on tabletops create some privacy for diners in the familystyle seating area.

More privately, the bathrooms also align with the theme: sink basins—carved from locally sourced black granite boulders—sit atop reclaimed-wood bases.

Against this serene backdrop, recent menu offerings included Crispy Beef Tongue with hot mustard, ginger and cucumber. Caramelo