Topeka houses offer seasonal decor for CASA Homes for the Holidays
The 37th Annual CASA Homes for the Holidays tour features Ross House, the recently completed residence of current and future Washburn University presidents.
JuliAnn Mazachek and her husband, Keith, will welcome the public into their home this weekend as part of CASA’s signature fundraising event. All proceeds from the tour benefit children in the court and foster care systems.
“CASA is an amazing organization, and I’m honored to be a part of the difference their volunteers make to children,” said Mazachek. “We know there are people who would love to see the home, and I can’t think of a better way to showcase it than raising money for CASA.”
Team from Porterfield’s decorating Ross House
Local designer and Washburn alumnus David Porterfield and his team from Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts have undertaken the task of decorating Ross House for the holiday season.
“He will have the first floor fully decorated for the holidays. It’s going to be stunning,” said Mazachek. “In our great room, we have a special tree that will be the centerpiece. It’s a tree more like you would find out in nature.”
Mazachek’s holiday decorating style is best described as timeless and elegant. She prefers such natural features as pine cones, greenery, lights and glass. With a palate of neutrals, golds, and bronze, pops of color at Ross House this season come from one of Mazachek’s favorite holiday accents.
“I love poinsettias,” she said. “Especially the deep, red poinsettias.”
Porterfield said the Mazacheks’ taste and style permeate every aspect of the house.
“We talked extensively to them and to their staff to get their preferences, which are simple — not a lot of ribbon or glitter — more natural, simple, clean,” he said. “Dr. Mazachek’s style is very minimalistic — beautiful but not lavish.”
Ross House at Washburn University will feature golds and natural hues
Porterfield said guests will be dazzled by the house itself. His favorite room to decorate was the dining room, which features touches of gold and natural hues of hemp and taupe.
“It’s just gorgeous. We have a lot of really new décor to coordinate,” Porterfield said. “If there are trends in holiday decorating this year, they will be represented at Ross House.”
A gold-and-burgundy-themed tree is showcased in the home’s formal living area. Rustic Santas are dispersed throughout, and candles provide a soft ambiance.
Construction began on Ross House in July 2023 and took a little more than a year to complete. The project was funded by the Washburn Alumni Foundation, and publicly unveiled last August. This will be the Mazachek’s first holiday season hosting university events in the new space.
“We’re excited to welcome the public into the home as part of the CASA tour,” Mazachek said. “For people to be able to come and see our Washburn home and appreciate all it means for our Washburn community in a very special way.”
When public tours of three holiday homes will be
Ross House encompasses 11,799 square feet of space, with five bedrooms, with five full and four half baths.
Public tours of all three homes on the CASA tour this year are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Ticket prices are $20 in advance or $25 at the door of any tour home.
How to buy tickets for the CASA Homes for the Holidays tour
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the CASA website or at any of the following area businesses:
- Blooms on Boswell, 1300 S.W. Boswell.
- House2Home Design and Décor, 2131 S.W. Fairlawn Plaza Drive.
- Linen Tree, 2841 S.W. 29th St.
- Milk & Honey Coffee Co., 2200 S.E. 29th St.
- Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts, 3101 S.W. Huntoon St.
- Topeka Hy-Vee, 2951 S.W. Wanamaker Road.
The CASA Sweet Shop will be open during tour hours on Saturday and Sunday at Heart & Home Design Co. in Brookwood Shopping Center, 2709 S.W. 29th St. More than 15 local businesses and volunteers donate cookies, cupcakes, quick breads, cinnamon rolls, homemade candies and more. Treats are sold by donation, with proceeds benefiting CASA’s mission.
Gluten-free options are available at the CASA Sweet Shop, and a tour ticket is not required to visit and make a donation.
“I want people to remember when they buy a ticket, they’re not just going on a tour,” Porterfield said. “They’re helping a cause that’s really needed — children caught up in the foster care and court systems.”
Homes featured on CASA Homes for the Holidays tour
The following homes will be on display this holiday season as part of the CASA Homes for the Holidays tour:
- Ross House: 1709 S.W. MacVicar Ave. Residents are JuliAnn Mazachek and Keith Mazachek. Designer is Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts.
- Stevens home: 3732 S.W. Stutley Road. Residents are Kyle Stevens and Julie Linn-Stevens. Designer is House2Home Design & Décor.
- Liu and Ewert home: 1610 S.W. Plass Ave. Residents are Gerald Liu and Sierra Ewert. Designer is Blooms on Boswell.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
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