Today, we’re stepping inside “Collector’s Cottage”—a home renovation that balances comfort, character, and craft. It’s the expert work of Cicada Company, a residential architecture and custom home-building studio based in Kansas City.

The firm is led by Tara Davis (Chief Executive and Creative Officer) and Kyle Davis (COO and Director of Construction). They’ve built a talented team and are sought after for their highly personalized homes.

In this case, the clients came to Cicada Co. with a vision for a home that felt functional for gatherings yet deeply personal. The result is a reflection of their travels, collections, and a cherished painting that served as a design anchor. It’s layered, storied, and unapologetically personal—a blend of English charm and desert warmth that feels both unexpected and entirely at home. The team tells us more:

Tell us about this home. Where is it located? What do you love most about the area?
This home is in Old Leawood, Kansas—a neighborhood known for its limestone cottages and tree-lined streets. It’s one of those areas where people genuinely care for their homes; you’ll see original cottages lovingly preserved right alongside new builds designed to fit the character of the block. This home started as one of those charming cottages, full of personality but short on space. Our clients loved its storybook feel but needed more room to gather without losing the warmth and charm that made them fall in love with it in the first place.

Tell us about the clients. Who lives here, and what were their goals for the home?
Our clients, Dexter and Kelly, are a retired couple who wanted to create a home that could evolve with them — a place where they could comfortably host kids, grandkids, and friends for years to come.

Dexter’s career took him all over the world, and along the way they collected art, artifacts, and memories from their travels. They wanted the interiors to reflect that story…layered, personal, and full of history. From the very beginning, we knew this would be a home that embraced eclectic charm. That’s where the name Collector’s Cottage came from: a space that feels deeply personal, rooted in their experiences, and filled with meaning in every corner.

What was your scope of work?
Our scope included both architecture and interiors, as well as general contracting. We reimagined the entire first floor to better suit entertaining and everyday living.

That meant relocating the stairs, reconfiguring the kitchen, and redesigning spaces like the living room, dining room, powder bath, and primary suite. Every decision centered on flow and function; prioritizing the spaces our clients use most while maintaining the cozy scale that gives a cottage its heart.

What was the biggest challenge?
Blending cottagecore and Southwestern design was a first for us, and probably a first for most designers. We had to strike the right balance between English coziness and desert soul. The challenge was ensuring the mix didn’t feel thematic or forced. Our goal was for it to feel as if the home had evolved naturally over decades; as if every piece had been collected along the way, each one telling part of their story.

How long did the project take, and what was the client’s reaction to the finished space?
The project took roughly twelve months from start to finish. When the homeowners walked through the finished space, there were tears…more than once. They told us that the home feels like it was built for them. It’s as if it’s always been theirs—not just a house that was renovated, but a true reflection of their lives and family.

That reaction is exactly what we hope for every time; a home that feels deeply personal, like it’s been waiting for its people all along.

Take a tour in the slideshow.