The residence at 19606 Charles Circle isn’t a typical west Omaha home. It’s the result of a dream team—homeowner Michael Maley and designer Stacie Muhle of Artistico Interiors. Friends both personally and professionally, they created a uniquely stylish home in suburban Elkhorn. Oftentimes, newer neighborhoods fall victim to houses that all look alike and lack personality. But it’s clear that the trope of cookie-cutter suburbia does not apply to this contemporary bachelor’s delight.

The Elk Ridge Estates home has a cool backstory, too. Maley is a real estate agent who focuses on new residential construction sales. He represents the builder Widhalm Custom Homes and worked with them on this property, which started as a popular floor plan option that was expanded with an additional 600 square feet and customized with luxurious details like an extra-large closet and a basement ideal for hosting large parties. Maley said, “We have worked together for six years and over the six years we have done some beautiful homes, and I dreamed one day to be able to build my own with [Widhalm].” 

This property is also a show home for Widhalm Homes. According to Maley, “My builder has another model in Papillion in the $400s price point, mine is in the $800s price point. It works well to have two separate show homes for different price points and styles. Our Papillion [model] is always open on weekends, mine is only shown by appointment.” While having a lived-in show home is unusual, the appointment-only condition means that Maley does not need to have his home show-ready at all times. which may have proven terribly inconvenient while actually living in it. Maley loves showing his house and the positive feedback he gets from both clients and friends that tour the space. 

This Elkhorn stunner has been Maley’s home base since it was completed in October 2018. He lives there alone, and it’s actually his first house, which family and friends joke is “the nicest first home in the world.”

Maley certainly wasn’t afraid of color, and the signature blue velvet accents sprinkled throughout the home prove that point. “The blue accents really surprise people,” he said. But the true value of his space is in the efficient floor plan, upscale details, and entertainer’s dream basement. With solid speakeasy vibes, Maley has held parties for over 100 guests in that area.

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“I created a casual cocktail lounge type of vibe in my basement, with a tucked-away bar, numerous TVs, pool table, lounge, etc. I love to entertain and welcome people into my house, so that is why I built that basement,” he explained.

Designer Muhle highlighted other favorite design elements woven throughout the home, including the black, painted window trim, simple yet intriguing doors, black matte floor accents, and the kitchen’s 3D chevron backsplash. Muhle said of the project: “We really went all out on tile in the whole house, with lots of texture and pattern play.” Touches like ombre tile behind vanities elevated the entire space.

“The end result is breathtaking, and the perfect place to entertain family and friends,” Muhle said. She loved working with this much color and pattern and found it refreshing, because most people are afraid of it and think they will get sick of using bold hues and designs. In actuality, the interiors pro said, homeowners will usually want a change after seven years no matter what color palette they have chosen. Muhle advised, “Take the risks…you’ll be happier in the end.”

The designer also pointed out sustainable elements, such as LED lighting. “Lighting is pivotal to great and unusual design, and creates mood and accents throughout the home,” she said. Additionally, Muhle mentioned the home’s exterior for some unexpected elements. “We used Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese siding technique, for an accent on the exterior of the home for its unusual texture, and the black color pops against the neutral background.” She said her creative approach was encouraged by her client and friend. “The inspiration was based off [Maley’s] wants and his uninhibited views of color. And, he’s not afraid of taking risks while thinking outside the box.”

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Building such a unique home meant Maley spent over-budget in numerous areas. But, he has no regrets. “Although I did not stay within budget on much of anything, I have some of the coolest design features and first-of-its-kind selections in my house. From the hard surfaces like counters, tile, and cabinets, to design ideas like my stunning fireplace and accent walls, to the finishing touches of coming home one day to a surprise of pillows, throws, vases, artwork…[They] really made it feel like home.”

It’s clear that in this case, mixing business with friendship worked out well. Maley called it a true blessing to have Muhle as his designer and friend. And Muhle said, “Michael is pleasantly easy to work with. He knows what he likes, which makes my job easier. He has impeccable taste that aligns with my personal design style, which makes for a great team and lots of fun to be had.”

19606 Charles Circle shines in an unexpected enclave with its contemporary vibes, unique design choices, and interesting backstory.

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This article was printed in the January/February 2020 edition of OmahaHome. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.