February 2026 Home of the Month
429 Kirkwood Drive
A Warm, Modern Retreat — Built Over Time
When Ashley and Brent moved into their Old Lake Highlands home in July of 2013, they weren’t just buying a house, they were jumping at an opportunity they never thought they’d get.
“At the time, we didn’t think we could afford this neighborhood,” Ashley shares. “We found a short sale and jumped at the chance!”
Built in 1952, the home had good bones and charm, but like many OLH houses, it needed time, vision, and a little bit of bravery to become what it is today: a warm, modern retreat designed for real life and a growing family.
What followed wasn’t one renovation, it was a decade-long evolution.
A Home That Grew Alongside the Family
The updates began shortly after they moved in with a kitchen remodel, followed a few years later by an update to the home’s original bathroom.
Then came 2016. A big year in more ways than one.
After finding out they were expecting their first child, Ashley and her husband Brent knew they needed more space. They added a back living room along with a new primary bathroom and closet, giving the home room to breathe and grow with them.
But the transformation didn’t stop there.
In 2024, they took on their most ambitious project yet, a near full gut renovation of the original structure (while preserving the 2016 additions) to expand the home into a four-bedroom layout that better supports family life today.
Their guiding principle through it all?
“We wanted a warm, inviting and fully functional space our family could grow into, but only as much space as we’d actually use”, says Ashley. “At one point, we even designed a second story, but ultimately decided it was more than we needed and scaled back to a single-story plan that fits the neighborhood and our lifestyle better.”
Thoughtful Details, Inside and Out
Because this project was essentially a new build around the original foundation, the family worked with some fantastic local partners to bring everything together.
They loved working with Progress Electric, whose owner spent a full day walking through their vision and offering thoughtful recommendations.
Outside, R&R Landscaping (owned by Richard Banor) helped create a landscape that feels cohesive with the home’s fresh start.
Inside, the details are where the home’s personality really shines.
Natural light pours into every space, especially the front sitting room with its large windows, one of Ashley’s favorite spots in the house.
Fun tidbit: Many of the home’s draperies, upholstered pieces, and pillows were handmade by Ashley’s mother-in-law, a truly talented seamstress.
Interested in learning more about the upholstery or having custom pieces made? Feel free to reach out!
The kitchen, open to the front sitting room, is modern and warm, designed for seamless entertaining.
Rich wood cabinetry and an oversized island create a welcoming hub for gathering, while open shelving and natural light add softness and character to the space.
In the main living room, at the back of the home, a fireplace anchors the space, creating a cozy, inviting gathering area year-round.
Large windows and glass doors fill the room with natural light, while the open layout and vaulted ceiling enhance the sense of warmth and connection throughout the space.
One of the family’s favorite features?
A hidden walk-in pantry!
From the kitchen, it looks like just another cabinet, but step through and it opens into a full pantry with appliance storage, that leads directly into the laundry room that doubles for a small office space. Practical, clever, and very cool.
Honoring the Home’s History
Even with all the updates, the family wanted to honor the story of the home. When they first purchased the house, they found a few items left behind in the attic by the original owner.
One of them was a racing poster, still in its original packaging and addressed to the former homeowner.
After finishing their latest renovation, they decided to frame and hang the poster as a nod to the first family who lived there. It’s a quiet, meaningful connection between past and present.
A House That’s Meant to Be Lived In
Today, the biggest difference Ashley notices is how the home supports their family’s daily life.
“It’s made entertaining so much more enjoyable,” she says. “And it gives our young kids freedom to play inside and out.”
It’s a house designed not just to look beautiful, but to be lived in fully.
The Reality of Remodeling
If you’ve ever tackled a major renovation, you know the journey rarely goes exactly to plan.
Ashley and Brent handled the architectural design themselves (Brent is a home designer and owns BK Design Studio), but even with thoughtful planning, there were still the usual surprises.
“The biggest challenge was weather,” Ashley said. “We demoed in spring 2024 and Mother Nature was not on our side. Rain during foundation work really delayed things. In total, our most recent remodel stretched to a full year.”
And then there’s the big question everyone always asks:
Did they live in the house during construction?
The answer is… they’ve done it both ways.
During their 2016 addition, they stayed in the house and Ashley laughs remembering it. “It was chaos lol.”
Dust, noise, and full construction life made for a memorable (and exhausting) season. So for the 2024 remodel, they made a different decision and rented a home in nearby Lochwood during construction.
It made a world of difference,” she says. “Having a calm place to land each day really helped.”
Her advice for neighbors considering a similar project?
“You’re signing up for a journey. There will be ups and downs, but the end result is worth it. Know your vision and stick to it. And don’t cut corners — cheaper doesn’t mean better.”
Homes like this don’t happen overnight. They grow, change, and evolve alongside the families inside them. This one tells a story of patience, creativity, lessons learned, and a whole lot of heart.
And now, it’s ready for its next chapter in Old Lake Highlands.
Thank you, Ashley & Brent, for sharing your story and for helping keep the spirit of Old Lake Highlands alive and well on Kirkwood!
