A trip to Colorado and my new Martha Stewart/KB Home community
I went to Denver, Colorado the week before last to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of our Martha Stewart/KB Home community in Stapleton. If you haven’t visited or seen one of our Martha Stewart/KB Homes, it’s well worth the effort to do so. These homes are fantastic and affordable – and, they are modeled after my very own homes in New York State and in Maine! In addition to the community in Stapleton, there are other Martha Stewart/KB Home communities in Georgia, North Carolina, California, Florida, and Texas. More information is available HERE.
Homebuyers at the Stapleton community have their choice of 5 floor plans ranging in size from 1,593 to 2,084 square feet, all with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2-car garages. Prices begin in the mid-$300s. The community in Stapleton is also ENERGY STAR® qualified so they are engineered to heat and cool efficiently and to use less energy resources.
The interior design details are exquisite and feature wainscoting, picture-frame molding, open shelving, and so much more of what I love. Plus, all of the models were decorated by the Martha Stewart design team. In addition to touring these lovely homes, we hosted approximately 100 guests for a delicious luncheon and a cupcake-decorating contest. Of course, I judged the creations and was very impressed!
Oh, and don't forget to check out my interview about this with Neil Cavuto!
The Katonah model is based on my own home in Katonah, NY.
The living room in the Katonah model has extensive wood work leading up to a magnificent raised ceiling.
The dining area in the Katonah model features a beautiful table from our furniture line with Bernhardt.
The kitchens in the homes feature lovely details like deep farmhouse
sinks, granite counter tops, and roomy cabinets. This is a kitchen
anyone would love.
The master bedrooms are cozy and inviting. This bed features linens from our Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's.
The master baths feature both soaking tubs and showers. The homes in Denver all feature 2.5 baths - all very clean and crisp.
Here I am in front of the Katonah model with Jeff Mezger - president
and CEO of KB Home and Rusty Crandal - KB Home division president.
The Lily Pond model is fashioned after my Long Island home in East Hampton, NY.
The kitchen in the Lily Pond model includes stainless steel appliances and a large center island. What fabulous cabinets!
All kitchens feature a dining area to encourage families to eat together. I love that light fixture.
As you can see, the living room in the Lily Pond model is light and airy.
The homes in Stapleton all feature roomy basements and large garages.
Lovely built-in bookcases
This upstairs bedroom was decorated for a baby - all models include 3 bedrooms.
Beautiful tile in the bathroom.
Each home includes a convenient and functional laundry room.
This bedroom in the Lily Pond model features a built-in desk.
Another pretty bathroom.
All master baths include free standing showers with separate soaking tubs. The gorgeous tile extends all the way to the ceiling.
The Skylands model is based on my home in Seal Harbor, Maine. I will show you photos of that model next time..
Jeff and I did a number of interviews with the Denver press. Here we are with Rebecca Cole of Colorado Business Magazine.
Here I am with Katie Goldberg, our AVP of Corporate Communications, in the kitchen of the Katonah model.
More than 100 local residents joined us for a delicious luncheon and cupcake decorating contest.
It was so hard to choose just three winners from the wide array of cupcake entries.
. . .cupcakes, cupcakes!
A great way to celebrate the success of the homes in Denver!
Who doesn't like cupcakes?
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | August 29th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Built-in bookcases is very good idea.
Posted by: Ewa | August 29th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Hi Martha, What an elegant, fantastic, beautiful blog! Your photos are absolutely stunning! I can't decide which of these glorious homes I would love to have. Both the Katonah and the Lily Pond models are fabulous. Can't wait to see the Skylands model. When will you and KB homes be building your homes here in the Seattle area? Sure hope it will be soon! I love your outfit. Thanks again for taking us on a fantastic tour. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 29th, 2008 at 12:37 am
lovelovelove the katonah kitchen, lily pond bathroom, the built-in bookscases! where could one get blueprints, outside US, that is?
Posted by: liisamarja | August 29th, 2008 at 3:31 am
My goodness what lovely homes. Your design sensibilities make for a home someone would hate to leave. I suppose working from home would be great but who does that that is the Future shock are we telecommuting at a rate to afford beautiful homes in those kinds of communities?? That is the next area that we need to Jump start -- Careers --- great exciting careers where are they??? Help. Community Activists ??
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | August 29th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I love all of your homes!! The price is a little high for my area and my pocketbook but they are exactly what I love. The kitchens are my favorite part. Thanks for helping me design my dreams!!!
Posted by: Shirley Hawksby | August 29th, 2008 at 6:23 am
The homes are just beautiful. That is the only word I can think of to describe them. I wish I could have a home that beautiful. Tastefully decorated and the bathroom tiles just gleam. WOW!!!
Posted by: Beth | August 29th, 2008 at 6:28 am
We've toured the homes in Texas...twice! They ARE absolutely gorgeous! I only wish they were in The Woodlands (TX).
Posted by: Bridget | August 29th, 2008 at 9:23 am
The Skyland models bath is amazing. I love the modern touches of those glass tiles. I also love the glass shower enclosure. Martha what a lovely post
Posted by: Patric | August 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Wow, what beautiful homes!
If you like, please come send your love to NieNie at http://xobeau.blogspot.com/
Posted by: xoBeau | August 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Again let me say you look great!
Posted by: l | August 29th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hi Martha. I was fortunate to attend the grand opening of the Martha Stewart KB Home community in Ormond Beach, FL. The houses are beautiful - something different for Florida. Ormond Beach is my hometown but I now live about 60 miles away near Orlando. Did you know that John D. Rockefellar also had a winter home in Ormond Beach? Your blogs and photos are great - always very interesting.
Posted by: Barbara | August 29th, 2008 at 10:07 am
The models are wonderful. The neighborhood is well thought out as well with the open parks to allow kids to run, play and develop an appreciation for the out of doors.
Posted by: Margie | August 29th, 2008 at 10:16 am
What is the paint color in the Katonah bath picture? That is exactly the color I am looking for to use in my bathroom. The Katonah home is my favorite with the very soothing paint colors. Thank you!
Posted by: Betty | August 29th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I really like the Katonah model but I'm not sure about those windows way up high in the living room. Is a long-handled squeegee included in the package? Just checking.
BTW, a friend of mine was there and sent me some nice pictures, including the cupcakes. She had a great time and it looks like everyone else did too! When are you coming to Boca? Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am
I love the Katonah home. That i sjust how I would like my home to look like. So simple and elegant! The dark long bed posts are just gorgeous!
Posted by: megan goodell | August 29th, 2008 at 11:00 am
These are beautiful homes! I *love* that round frame and artwork in the laundry room photo. Is that from a Martha collection? Does anyone know where I can get something like it?
Posted by: Hilary | August 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am
We are very interested in moving to an area where these homes are offered, we're retiring early in about 3 ys~ yay!!
Posted by: Judy C | August 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Can't believe you slipped in and out of Denver without calling! Saw the story in the Rocky Mountian News the next day!
Posted by: Ellen | August 29th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Martha is The female Donald Trump...:-)
http://www.CreativeTouchFoods.com
Posted by: shawn | August 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Martha,
Your homes are beautiful. My husband and I plan to relocate to Raleigh/Durham when I have finished my degree, and we have been working hard to save for a down payment on a house. I only hope there are some Martha Stewart KB homes left by the time we get there. Everything you do is so beautiful and practical. I am looking forward to the start of the new television season so that I can get more wonderful ideas.
Posted by: Mandy | August 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Dear Martha Stewart,
You rocccck! You finally came to my hometown( Denver). Your homes are picturesque and stunningly beautiful!
You know I love what you do tv, books etc... and ever since I saw that mashed potato and meatloaf cake, you have inspired me to make a lasagna cake. I wish that you could go to my blog and see it!
Posted by: Nazarina Andrychow | August 29th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
The house was lovely and furnished beautifully. The floor plan seemed convient also.
Posted by: Late Bloomer | August 29th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I think I could live in the bathroom alone!
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | August 29th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Do not compare Martha Stewart to the lump named Trump. She has class with a capital C.
Posted by: Joan Kennelly | August 29th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Martha,
This is so exciting, I live in Arizona and have been thinking about moving to Denver, (closer to grandkids) I will visit the properties when I'm in Denver next month.
Claudia
http://www.homefashionsu.com
Posted by: Claudia at Homefashionsu | August 29th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Does KB Homes use environmentally kind building materials in your homes? Do you require environmental impact studies on the plats before building? Knowing how careful and concerned you are, I am sure that you expect a high standard in the communities that carry your name.
Posted by: lil | August 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Martha, you look beautiful in your tied jacket and slacks. I enjoy your blog and intend to do one myself one day! You've inspired me!! I want to invite you to Etsy.com on Sunday for our first Vintage Market Day. There will be many vintage dealers participating. Here's a link: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5776635 Also, while you are there, please visit my store. It's called Serenities!! Marci
Posted by: Marci | August 29th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hello There Martha,
I am so sorry I missed you here in Denver, actually I was so distraught you wouldn't even believe. The last couple of times I have been in NYC, you have been in Russia and then in Maine, the day you come to Denver, I am in Vegas at a Conference for my Job.
Hopefully in November when I'm back in NYC I can finally see your show or something! Anyhow I hope you had an enjoyable time and don't worry I wrote that mean Libby Weaver of Fox 31 news a little piece of my mind- I mean how dare she!
Much Love, Chow!
Posted by: David Bondarchuck | August 29th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Subway tiles as back splash? what a cool idea.
I love the clean lines and details.
I am not one of those that feel every room has to have a splash of vibrant colors. Every corner is so serene and calm. Loves it!!!!
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las Vegas, NV | August 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the tour of the homes. I like both the Katonah and Lily Pond models. Such beautiful homes!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | August 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Your homes are so beautifully and thoughtfully designed. I tried very hard to win one in your contest, but I don't know what I would have done with it, since I don't want to move away from Montana. Any chance you'll sell kit homes or plans one day?
Posted by: Patia | August 31st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Rusty Crandall of KB Homes is my brother-in-law. We affectionaley call his wife Sherri "Martha Jr." We mean that in the kindest of ways. She is the consumate host. She is very creative, a fabulous cook and takes the time to really make family events a great experience, as you always seem to do. She is a great decorator and has a lot of class. Hopefully you take our nickname for her as a compliment. I believe you met her while you were there at the event. We love our "Martha Jr." and the real one too.
Posted by: X | August 31st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Martha...we need to have your homes offered in Canada. Lovely and well appointed! I need one of these! Aah...and cupcakes...how very much i love them! As a young child, i would shop at the Eaton's department store with my lovely mother (the store was a well known institution in the good old days in Canada). The food floor offered up the most delectable cupcakes and i was forever smitten! Needless to say, when Tiffany offered a cupcake charm...well, i just had to have one!
Posted by: Sherey | August 31st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Fantastic homes... and blog! I found it through Typepad's feature! Congrats! Mine was featured a few weeks ago... very fun to "meet" some new people! I've been a fan for a long time and often think of your simply elegant style when I'm designing. Thanks for all you do for the creative world!
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | September 1st, 2008 at 1:11 am
Dear Martha,
Thank you for all the creativeness you have added to my life. My only disappointment with you was when you said recently that you were a Democrat. I would so prefer that I didn't have to know my hero's political views. Especially at this time when politics are so devisive and feelings are hurt so easily. I prefer my Angels above the fray.
Otherwise, I think that you are wonderful.
Sincerely,
Prudy
Posted by: Prudy Handelman | September 1st, 2008 at 1:45 am
Have been wondering how you are able to do it,that is make a fortune.still consider myself young but would love to be comfortable in the future.pliz advice.kenya
Posted by: wangui mwangi | September 1st, 2008 at 8:59 am
We lived in Denver for a few years, and moved just as the Stapleton area was starting to be revitalized. What a treat to see examples of the homes in one of the hottest "new" spots in the Mile High City!
Posted by: Jenny B. from Sycamore, IL | September 1st, 2008 at 11:17 am
Martha, you look great and the homes are beautiful.
Posted by: Kimberly | September 1st, 2008 at 11:23 am
I want to say the cupcake decorating was great fun. I have never done something like decorate a cupcake so it was a terrific --not terrifying--experience. My creativity impressed me but let me tell everyone the cupcakes were much, much better. As they say "to die for". When Martha is involved the bash (event) is unequalled.
Posted by: Margie | September 1st, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Dear Martha,
Any chance the Martha Stewart KB Homes will come to Northern Virginia? They're quite beautiful and stylish and I really love them, but the closest one to me is almost 5 hours away.
Posted by: Sarah | September 1st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The Colony, TX is an excellent area to build because it's still within the Dallas city limits, nestled between Plano and Frisco. Your only competition, really, is the Austin Ranch!
Posted by: Bipolar Christy | September 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 am
These homes indeed are quite lovely! They all seem to have all the prerequisites for the busy family! (like insulation, central a/c, and efficient heating systems!)
I live in my "dream-home" - a two story brick colonial, built in 1935, in the end of town where all the doctors and merchants built their homes or lived during that era. You can imagine all the grand homes and varying architecture, resulting from having the means to afford custom-built homes and top-quality building materials. Mine IS built well but is on the smaller size of "grande". When I see the kitchen and bath pictures as I scroll down - man, would I love to have them in my home! I'd have to build on, though, as the original footprint for these rooms is rather small (for function and practicality, I guess - get in/get out...)
Boy oh boy, if I had the money!... (we're never happy, are we?!!...)
(Big sigh!)
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I live in Scarsdale and in East Hampton,
and i was wondering if you could name your next model after these places.I guess "lily Pond"
is after the house on "lily Pond Lane" in East Hampton, but it doesn't really look like it,except for the colors.
I love the houses anyway.
Posted by: Ann Naughton | September 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I won a ticket to your Denver luncheon. I was pleased to see myself,( if you used a magnifying glass), standing up taking your picture in the tent! The luncheon was lovely and a real highlight! Thanks for visiting!
I am sick today and was disappointed to learn your show is no longer on Channel 2! What is wrong with these people! I called and complained just as I had when you were taken off Channel 4. Where can I find you?
Posted by: Kandy Maharas | September 8th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I once ordered a lot of CAROLINA GOLD RICE for the roast garlic sausage stuffing several years ago. Do you have the information available anymore? I would to talked to someone on the farm where it was grown. It was a seasonal item. I can't find the information.
Posted by: QaeDah | November 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 am
What beautiful homes! My husband and I hope to retire in Colorado (in 5 years). I'm so glad I found your home sites.
I LOVE THE PLATES on the wall in the SkyLands model. Please, where can I purchase them?
Thank you, Martha...
Posted by: NoPlaceLikeHome | January 16th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Nice article
Posted by: arhiderrr | February 28th, 2009 at 9:51 am
What a wonderful accomplishment. Just make sure you keep itup Martha.
Posted by: LemonMeister | April 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pm