Inside a Cozy Bolivar Home

As full-time professionals and busy parents of two young boys, Jared and Tiffany Taylor designed their new home’s floor plan and interior with comfort and functionality in mind. With the help of Lisa Crowder, owner of Crowder & Co. Design, they created a warm, efficient and inviting space on the south side of Bolivar, minutes from the city. “It was a joy to translate their aspirations into a cohesive design, balancing aesthetics with functionality,” Crowder says. “We focused on soft textures, layered lighting and a neutral yet rich color palette to create a space that truly feels like home.”

Jared and Tiffany have been married for nearly 17 years, and they have a 12-year-old son named Henry and an 8-year-old son named John. Jared is a loan officer at Oak Star Bank, and Tiffany works for Acrisure—an insurance company. “Both Jared and I have grown up in the Ozarks our entire lives,” Tiffany says. “All of our extended family is around here, so we have some deep roots.”

In March 2023, they completed their dream home, a process that was both exciting and entirely new to them. Neither Jared nor Tiffany had been through the process of building or designing a home before—they both grew up in the same houses their parents still live in now. With Crowder’s guidance, they created a space that feels both sleek and cozy. “I told her that we spend a lot of time in our house—it’s our home base,” Tiffany says. “It’s where we recharge. I want it to feel very, very cozy, but I also want it to feel clean. I told her that I didn’t want a lot of white… She did an amazing job of making it feel warm, but also feeling very, very fresh.”

The hues throughout the house remain peacefully neutral, with balanced pops of color here and there. Modern elements are complemented by touches of natural wood. When it came to the floorplan, the Taylors wanted an open concept in the main part of the house, perfect for entertaining guests. Crowder picked out a large sectional for the living room—big enough for all four of them to gather and enjoy movie nights together. They also prioritized a spacious kitchen island with no sink or stovetop impeding the space. “It’s a great place to put all the appetizers and set up a drink station, and everybody can hang around the island but still have access to the dining room and the living room,” Tiffany says. “We can all see each other and be together.” That space has also become the perfect spot for weekly family game nights.

One of the most used spaces in their home is a serene screened-in deck. With each lot spanning about three acres, their neighborhood offers a feeling of country living while still being just minutes from the heart of Bolivar—near grocery stores, shops and restaurants. They spend a lot of time out on the deck in the spring and summertime, enjoying family meals and soaking in the Midwest weather. Sliding doors leading to the deck allow the outdoor space to feel like an extension of their home. Crowder also helped them select outdoor furniture that perfectly complements the space.

Every area of the home was designed with efficiency in mind. As a family constantly on the go—juggling sports, work and busy schedules—the Taylors wanted their home to offer a sanctuary where they could easily relax and unwind. “A cozy home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about livability,” Crowder says. “We carefully designed these spaces to be as functional as they are beautiful. From a welcoming kitchen to a serene bedroom retreat, every space was tailored for both comfort and practicality, ensuring the home feels warm and livable for years to come.”