Modernist Chic

by Kristina Wrenn

Leave it to Cindy and Randy Kidwell to be modernist trendsetters. As the first homeowners in the Park Central Development, their home has all the hallmarks of modernist architecture – glass, wood, steel, and concrete – form following function – and a breathtaking incorporation of the surrounding piney woods.

It is a Richard Neutra-esque home for our times. A refined focus on entertaining flow and design elements are central to this modernist gem. The polished concrete floors and the floating staircase anchor the geometry of glass, the open interiors and the seamless connection to the outdoors that is integral to contemporary design.

The beauty of the home is that as soon as you enter you feel enveloped in natural light and the surrounding landscape. It truly is as billed, a retreat in an oasis of trees. And the home somehow radiates the light, distilling the effect to be even better than the light outside. The home is very livable, warm and personal, but feels as though you are in an exquisite vacation home. The vacation aesthetic is achieved through the very thoughtful curation of furniture, art, and collections. Also, the attention to the color palette and material textures throughout creates cohesion and an incredibly hard to achieve, understated luxury.

Cindy collaborated with Mary Lauren Faulkner to create a welcoming contemporary interior, something that is usually lacking in modern spaces, but here is expertly layered and encountered in spades. It could even be considered a new design style, gracious contemporary, a mix of traditional materials used in a modern way that lends feeling and nuanced hospitality to the home. The bathrooms in the home were an important joint project and they are jewels with attractive wall coverings, faucets, lighting, and art.

The Kidwells worked closely with developer and builder Jason Romano to design their home and tailor it to their lifestyle, while also combining organic elements to create a distinctive architectural expression. In their previous home, the Kidwells only used a couple of rooms, with this open layout they use the entire downstairs daily. It is the perfect example of increasing livability, without losing square footage. The brilliance of the planned Park Central Development is that all homes occupy the lot space except where left natural and all landscaping is achieved through use of native plants, rock, and mulch.

The development also has a grassy, manicured recreation lawn behind the Club House and Pool that is open to all residents of the gated community. Half of the homes back up to this greenspace maintained by Park Central and the entire enclave is one with nature, including a walking trail connecting the two cul-de-sacs at the end of the lawn offering a nice way to walk the neighborhood with varying terrain.

Even though this is a planned development this home is truly one-of-a-kind, due to the personal expression of the owners. In the floor to ceiling glass dining room, it is hard to settle on one thing to look at as you have a panoramic view of the outdoors, the kitchen, and the living room. It is equally an engaging and relaxing place to enjoy a meal and appreciate the table commissioned for the space. The table has a luster that reflects light in different ways throughout the day, while mirroring the outdoors.

The focal point of the piano under the floating stairs in matching black hues draws the eye and can only be described as a perfect use of space and sightlines, augmented by the metal chandelier. Speaking of sightlines, the living room has so many well-planned views that you can always look at something different. One of the best views is from the Italian chairs in front of the fireplace that have a wonderful view of the gourmet kitchen.

The central design element in the gourmet kitchen is the mid-century modern solid wood cabinets with flat fronts. The open shelves and highlighting of the natural grain and knots are period specific and executed in a truly contemporary way with the banding at the top that is also mirrored in the finish out of the hood. The coveted stainless-steel appliances and the large gas range and double ovens are great for entertaining, family holidays or when the grandchildren come for the weekend. Also well suited to entertaining is the installation of two dishwashers in the island on either side of the sink. The pendant lamps are a prime focus when in the kitchen but seem to disappear when looking back at the kitchen. The spaces in the open plan are distinctive rooms when in them, but function beautifully as a whole and appear different depending on where you are.

The Kidwell’s primary suite continues the warmth of the home and mixes plush velvet curtains, textured shades, a hide rug, and the joy of fresh, crisp hotel bedding with the undeniable feel of being in a well-appointed tree house. Here the color palette changes slightly, but still exudes impeccable taste and vision. The Kidwells can use the room to watch the morning news or write thank you notes in addition to having such a peaceful place to sleep. The matching bedside chests and lamps complete the feel and create a soft glow in the room at night. The fig plant in the corner of the suite is thriving in this location and putting on new leaves almost daily, truly representing the seamless joining of indoors and out.

The outdoor living space is the pièce de resistance of the home, even though one could argue that the entire home benefits from its design and location. Here the gracious contemporary style extends outdoors. With two seating areas and a table for six, the Kidwells spend a majority of their time outside. The doors to the home can be opened fully to physically connect the spaces. Using the retractable screens the space can be utilized in all weather and seasons. The fireplace and fans contribute greatly to the flexibility of the space. The water that is visible in the distance on the deck is a Koi pond and water feature that is reminiscent of a day at the spa or a serene garden. What better space could there be for morning coffee or an evening cocktail?

Randy worked with Jason to install TVs throughout the home, which adds usability to an already functional space, enabling the Kidwells to entertain for the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, or the Masters. They can comfortably entertain for any event where the action is being broadcast. Plus, it allows Randy to be up to date on the news of the world and sports while having choices on where he wants to watch.

The upstairs was configured for guests and family. The upstairs family room is a favorite spot of the children and grandchildren. It has the light of the rest of the home and views of the neighborhood and landscape. The family room as well as the upstairs hallway to the bedrooms have doors that enable the Kidwells to close them off when no one is visiting and to offer privacy between floors when guests are in residence.

The guest rooms are inviting and make you want to stay longer than you might have planned. They share a sophisticated jack and jill bathroom and have stunning wooded views. Everyone who sleeps at the Kidwells has the well-appointed treehouse experience. As in the rest of the home, the rooms are well planned with twin beds in one and a king in the other.

Just when you think you have seen all the home has to offer, you round the top of the stairs and the vistas from there give you a whole different perspective on the natural beauty and the gorgeous finish out. From this vantage point you can really appreciate the distinctive look of the polished concrete floors and the native plants through the front windows.

It is possible to follow in the Kidwell’s trailblazing footsteps and create your own natural oasis, as there are still lots and homes available at Park Central. Information can be found at ParkCentralTyler.com.