A Cohesive Refresh

When Bronya and Steve Metzger moved to West Des Moines from Cedar Rapids in 2001, Bronya kept a notebook of things she liked that she had noticed in home shows and in magazines. “I’m a planner, and building this home was a process,” she explains. The couple worked with former builder Donnie Acheson to create their new living space.

But nearly 25 years has come and gone, and it was time to update the home. Through a mutual friend, Bronya was introduced to Jennifer James of James Ireland Design, and there was instant connection.

They started in the living room to recover the sectional sofa. “I loved that sofa and it fit our family, so I wanted to preserve it,” Bronya says. James helped select fabric. The two chose two new black and white occasional chairs and a group of pillows for the sectional. The darker tones are a fresh contrast to a stark white two-story window wall. The ceiling height in the living room is 22 feet, which gives the space a light and airy feel.

CONTEMPORARY ARTWORK

They also upgraded artwork in several spots—living room, a kitchen wall, dining room, and the primary suite. In the living room, for example, a large art piece pulls in colors from the outdoors.

“One thing leads to another,” James says. “When one project was completed, we moved to the next one.” The kitchen with warm honey maple cabinetry lost its two-level island. The new island has one level. It and the countertops are topped by new granite with a dramatic vein of black running through it.

The kitchen also has new drawer pulls; the older ones moved to cabinets in the nearby laundry room. And the round laminate table is now surrounded with new barrel chairs with textured rattan sides.

Change the cabinets? Sometimes the designer’s expertise says to leave something the way it is. “That cabinet color is coming back strong,” says James. “There is no reason to change it.”

DINING ROOM

The formal dining room featuring deep gray and cream colors took on a more sophisticated look with the redo. The table remains the same, but new white woven-fabric chairs surround it.

The room’s china cabinet remains in the room. But Bronya says, “We really wanted to get rid of the ‘china cabinet’ look.” So James left the bottom part and removed the top. She recommended a black granite top for a high-end look. China pieces were moved to divided drawers in the nearby butler’s pantry. The drawers came in handy with the removal of the top of the china hutch.

In addition, light white draperies now hang from near-ceiling height, elevated from their previous lower position. This technique was used in the dining and living rooms to give a more spacious look.

THE RETURN OF WALLPAPER

The primary suite has a spa feel now that it has been updated. In this room, James suggested wallpaper, once again returning to prominent use. The soft and subtle graphic design is on the wall behind the bed. It barely is noticeable, but when visitors see it, it makes them smile.

A powder room off the main-entry hallway is another spot to celebrate wallpaper, which is all-natural with a floral theme. To coordinate, James added chrome and gold accents. Throughout the home, lighting and chandeliers have also been upgraded.

Other upgrades outside have taken place over time. Off the kitchen is a covered deck with a dining table and chairs that are often used by the Metzgers. Pillows, upholstery, and metal finishes have been redone.

Landscaping has been enhanced with a firepit and seating. Ted Lare Design + Build has upgraded the waterfall by adding a second level. Again, James chose pillows to accentuate the area.

The home is often the site for family gatherings and lots of Iowa State University games, along with Super Bowl festivities. The couple also attends sports events in Ames; they have season tickets for ISU wrestling, football, and basketball.

How much do the Metzgers love the renovations? “The house has so much more character now,” Steve points out.

And besides the perks of renovating, there has been another outcome of this relationship—a
lasting friendship. •