Modernizing a Wichita Home While Preserving Its Charm

A Fresh Exterior for Jaima and Tad’s Family Residence

Client’s Story

Jaima and Tad Nicholson, a young couple with roots in Wichita and Mulvane, Kansas, have always taken pride in their home. Jaima, a self-professed décor enthusiast, loves browsing Instagram and Pinterest for design inspiration, while Tad focuses more on the structural and technical aspects of home improvement.

When they decided to update their home’s exterior, they knew they wanted a modern look but were determined to preserve the original brick and stone that gave their home its unique character.

After considering various options, Jaima ’s personal connection to Koehn Painting proved to be the deciding factor. Laura Watterson, a fellow church member, introduced them to the family-owned company.

“We wanted someone we knew we could trust—someone who could guide us through such a big investment,” Jaima recalls. “Once I reached out to Laura, it all came together perfectly.”

Challenges & Objectives

Like many homeowners eager to refresh their spaces, Jaima and Tad wanted to ensure that their exterior renovation balanced modern style with the home’s original charm.

Preserving Natural Elements
Jaima ’s goal was to modernize the house while keeping the stone and brick intact.

“We wanted to keep some of the natural state of the house, and I do think that’s one of the things that stood out to people in this neighborhood— that we didn’t paint our stone and we didn’t paint our brick,”— Jaima

Ensuring Durability and Long-Term Value
The Nicholsons didn’t want a quick fix that would need redoing in a few years. This meant using high-quality materials and techniques that would stand the test of time. As Jaima notes,

“You don’t wanna just wing it, and you don’t wanna do it again five years from now.”

Addressing Technical Repairs
Beyond aesthetics, Tad focused on needed repairs—siding issues, door jamb fixes, and weatherproofing. He wanted reassurance that everything would be handled correctly.
Finding a Trusted Partner
Given the scale of the project, the couple sought a company that could handle both design and technical aspects professionally and with care—someone they could trust for open communication and transparency throughout the process.

Choosing Koehn Painting

For Jaima and Tad, trusting the company they hired was paramount. Though a personal connection through their church led them to Koehn Painting, the company’s professionalism and thorough presentation sealed the deal.

- First Impressions & Detailed Presentation
  From the moment Leroy, Koehn Painting’s founder, arrived to provide a quote, Jaima was impressed. Leroy brought an iPad and a portfolio filled with before-and-after images, testimonials, and detailed Google reviews, giving the Nicholsons tangible proof of Koehn Painting’s capabilities.

“He was very friendly, almost like…I was talking to my dad. I was sold the minute that he sat down with me… It was just like you’re talking to a family member or a family-owned business, but the product you get is so much more.”—Jaima

- Reassurance for Both Aesthetics & Repairs
  Leroy and his team addressed both Jaima ’s design-focused questions and Tad’s technical concerns. This hands-on approach ensured that every element—from color choices to siding repairs—was thoroughly understood and planned before work began.

“He actually came out a second time and went over everything that he explained to Jaima the first time and took his time… he made it really easy.”—Tad

- Building Confidence Through Transparency
  The detailed estimates, written references, and emphasis on personal interaction left Jaima and Tad fully confident in their choice. The Nicholsons knew they were in the hands of a team that would respect both their vision and the integrity of their home.

Project Details & Execution

Koehn Painting’s approach to the Nicholsons’ project was multifaceted. It addressed both the family’s design aspirations and the technical repairs needed to ensure long-term durability.

- Daily On-Site Coordination
  From day one, Superintendent Rudy established a clear and organized schedule. Whether speaking with Jaima about design elements or Tad about repairs, Rudy made sure each had the information they needed.

“He showed up first. Every day, he showed up before the crew, and he did his walk-through… made sure that he had a plan for that day.”
— Jaima

- Addressing Repairs & Preparation
  Tad’s primary concern centered on the home’s siding, door jambs, and caulking. Rudy and his team outlined their repair process step by step. This methodical preparation—cleaning, caulking, fixing siding, and splicing where necessary—laid the foundation for a flawless paint application.

“He was very reassuring and just kind of walked us through everything… making sure that we knew every step that was going to go through the process of painting our house before they actually started.”
—Tad

- Design Enhancements & Rough-Cut Cedar
  Jaima ’s vision involved modernizing the home while keeping the original brick and stone. A crucial design element was the incorporation of rough-cut cedar in key areas, such as around the posts and above the garage:
  Rudy even helped them finalize the cedar’s layout:

“He had a lot to offer when it came time to decide on the rough-cut cedar. He actually helped us decide the pattern… He reassured me every time I’d say an idea or show him an inspirational picture.” —Jaima

- Collaborative Execution
  Whether fielding Tad’s technical questions or tweaking design ideas for Jaima, the Koehn Painting team remained flexible and attentive. Tad notes:
  Ultimately, this high level of communication, combined with expert craftsmanship, produced a cohesive transformation that preserved the home’s natural elements while giving it a fresh, modern feel.

Results & Community Feedback

Once work began, the transformation quickly caught the attention of neighbors and passersby. Everyone seemed to notice the thoroughness of the crew’s craftsmanship, from the multiple coats of paint to the enhanced curb appeal.

Positive Neighborhood Response
Tad recalls neighbors stopping by to offer praise:

“We had multiple people stop and say, ‘Hey, they’re doing a great job. You know, they’re putting multiple coats on. It looks good. It’s gonna last ten years.’”—Tad

Enhanced Curb Appeal & Lasting Impressions
From the rough-cut cedar accents to the consistent, high-quality paint finish, the Nicholsons’ home now stands out in the neighborhood—without sacrificing its original brick and stone. Neighbors admired the fresh look and remarked on how it perfectly balanced modern aesthetics with the home’s original charm.
Confidence in Durability
Throughout the process, Tad paid close attention to the materials and techniques used. Seeing multiple coats of paint and thorough caulking gave him peace of mind that the work would endure.

“We know that our paint job is fantastic… it looks fantastic,”—Tad

A Welcoming Outcome
Beyond the positive feedback, the couple feels their home’s exterior now truly reflects their personality and style. For Jaima, it was crucial to incorporate new design trends without losing the house’s character; for Tad, it was about ensuring the structural elements were addressed. Together, the finished product has given the Nicholsons a renewed sense of pride in their home.

Conclusion

Jaima and Tad Nicholson’s project is a shining example of how thoughtful design, careful planning, and expert craftsmanship can modernize a home’s exterior without sacrificing its original charm. By retaining the natural brick and stone while adding strategic pops of rough-cut cedar, Koehn Painting delivered precisely what the Nicholsons envisioned.

“They were professional from square one. They made sure we knew the entire process and what they were going to do—very detailed. They took time to understand what we wanted and took time to make sure that they made that happen for us.”—Tad

From the first conversation to the finishing touches, the family-owned team provided open communication, expert guidance, and meticulous workmanship. As Jaima and Tad proudly share their glowing recommendation, their revitalized residence stands as proof that a trusted partner can transform a homeowner’s dream into a striking, long-lasting reality.