2122 MIDWOOD PLACE | Elizabeth Epley Sheets
Sponsored by Workman’s Friend
Elizabeth purchased this 2002 home in 2013. She describes the architectural style as “Craftsman with a contemporary twist.”
The previous owners, Marti McCracken and Susan Turner, had hired Jill Risberg of Whole Blooming Landscape to design the front and backyard landscaping (You might recall that the garden at this home was featured on tour in 2010.)
No renovations were needed when they moved in, but she did choose new custom colors for downstairs walls, replaced several light fixtures in the dining room and breakfast room, and painted the cherry wood kitchen cabinets white — which gave the entire open kitchen and living space a face-lift. The open floor plan was a bit of a challenge to design and decorate, but it has proven very comfortable for the family.
Liz embraces the space and ensures that it is comfortable for both her family and guests alike. The family enjoys entertaining and loves to be surrounded with art and books and lovely objects, but do not consider anything too precious for sticky fingers. Though Plaza Midwood is a very family-oriented neighborhood, her children, ages 6 and 4, are actually the first children to ever occupy this house. They often take over the downstairs by creating art stations, cooking in their play kitchen, racing vehicles, and building forts underneath the dining table. They have also adapted a small room under the staircase, meant to hide electronics, into their own “secret hideout.”
Having worked in museums and art schools on both coasts since 1999, Liz is an aspiring art collector and feels fortunate to have acquired pieces by contemporary artists Omar Chacon, Stephanie Syjuco, architect Mario Botta, and local photographer Raymond Grubb, among others.
Outdoor amenities include a fireplace on the back porch and a wide brick staircase leading to a brick patio— a perfect space for entertaining adults and children alike. Backyard parties have included mint juleps to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, winter celebrations featuring s’mores for the kids, and impromptu sprinkler parties with neighborhood families.
Return to the 2017 Plaza Midwood Home Tour summary page.