At home with the Phillips family
You might lose your bearings as you pull up the tree-shaded drive to Traci and Dr. Victor Phillips’ house. Is this a Jefferson City home or a quaint European castle?
“We were going for Hansel and Gretel,” Traci Phillips says. “We wanted something brand new that looked really old. Something with a whimsical theme but still sophisticated.”
The Phillips home accomplishes what the couple set out to do. It’s an everyday home that is nothing but ordinary, ready for the kids to play or for the adults to sip a glass of wine on the outdoor patio and enjoy the sunset over Saddlebrooke Lake.
The family — Traci, Victor, 6-year-old Jack and 5-year-old Avery — moved to Jefferson City from Springfield. Dr. Phillips is a board-certified vascular surgeon and is the owner and sole physician of Vascular Institute of Missouri in Jefferson City. Built by Lake of the Ozarks-based KNS Development, the Phillips family new home was completed in 2008, and the family has since expanded by one. A new daughter, Chesney, arrived earlier this year.
With an incredible attention to detail, the home conveys Old World elegance, fairy tale appeal and the feel of a woodsy European retreat. Traci Phillips confesses it isn’t really true to any time period and shows off their mix of affinities for Old World, French country and a little Italian flare. European influence is prevalent, and though the home might remind some of a castle abode, it manages to do so without a cold, aloof atmosphere.
KNS Development is known for building homes such as the Phillips’ — custom designs that make the new look old.
“We do a lot of Old World style, lots of textures, faux finishes and frescoes,” says Kevin Short, president and owner of KNS.
Curb appeal is one of the most impressive features of the Phillips’ home, according to Short. “If you notice the tall roof line, the peaks, the copper finials, this home has a lot of curb appeal,” says Short, who believes too many homeowners shy away from exterior details when designing a home.
ALL ABOUT HAPPINESS
Although the exterior turns heads, keeping the home inviting and comfortable inside for all ages was a prime objective for Traci Phillips, who managed many of the design details, and Dr. Phillips, who enjoyed the actual construction aspect.
“We didn’t want frou-frou,” Phillips says. “We wanted to feel like you could put your feet up or that if the kids spilled a drink, it’s OK. We wanted to be able to go from a grown-up party to kids’ playhouse easily.”
The Phillips’ strong sense of family accounts for their desire for a relaxed, inclusive environment. The entire house might be open for the kids to play, but the little ones also have their own special spaces: a woodsy bedroom with a bear rug on the floor for Jack, a pink princess room adorned with roses for Avery. Both enjoy the playroom, outfitted with murals, a play castle, play cottage and stage — all perfect for dramatic play, imaginary tea parties and fighting dragons.
“There is no crying in the playroom; it’s all about happiness,” Phillips says. The playroom is her favorite in the house.
One playroom wall features small windows, a signature style from the architect, stacked to overlook the backyard and lake. A rounded wall in the room reflects the uniqueness of the home’s architectural details, evidence of the Phillips’ desire to be inspired and put their own spin on things and to stay away from pre-manufactured items.
CUSTOM, THROUGH AND THROUGH
Short worked closely with the Phillips to accomplish their unique vision. “Traci and Victor both designed their own home,” Short says. “In a house of this caliber, you don’t want anything like someone else’s.”
At the main foyer, a massive, custom-made chandelier hangs from the turret above a spiral staircase and lights the way to the home’s second story. Underfoot on the main level, Traci Phillips took inspiration from Carlisle flooring but worked with their builder to achieve a similar wide-plank hardwood style. She points out the more matte finish on her floors, which came complete with nicks and dings for a rustic look — perfect for a house full of active children.
Phillips kept a journal prior to their home-building project and did a lot of research on the Internet. To stick to the budget the family established, she would find something she liked, research the manufacturer, then bring it to their contractors and ask, “What do you think about this?”
Her desire for uniqueness enabled the contractors to get a little more creative than usual and add fun and unexpected elements to the job. Trial and error — and a determination to get it right — was an essential part of completing this dream home.
For example, the Phillips family carefully evaluated their choices of materials throughout the home-building process. The couple had their hearts set on framing the scene of the lower level bar and living area by repurposing old farmhouse beams they bought in Illinois. But when the shipment of the wood arrived, the beams’ girth was too slight for the space. Needing wider beams to suit the home’s scale, KNS Development assured Phillips they could deliver what she wanted, and they went to work weathering block wood pillars with hammers and chains. The result might not be as authentic as planned, but it satisfies the designer’s eye.
OUTDOOR LIFE AT ITS BEST
Roughened volcano flooring leads across the lower level floor, underfoot at the bar and casual living area. At the back of the house, tall and narrow French doors lead to the swimming pool and extensive outdoor living area.
“We came in at the right time and found the tract — still wooded,” Phillips says about their home’s picturesque outdoor setting, a tree-lined spot overlooking the lake. “We kept as many trees as we could. We liked the simple beauty of it.”
The multi-level landscaped space features waterfalls and goldfish ponds. Patio seating surrounds the stand-alone stone fireplace and chimney — an impressive focal point that overlooks the pool, backyard and lake.
“It’s so peaceful,” Phillips says. “We sit here and relax at night, listen to the sound of the waterfall and watch the kids swim.”
“I always feel like I am on vacation,” she says. “Even when we travel, I can’t wait to come home.”
