roomJUNE 2012 33This is a kitchen meant for a crowd, whether family, friends or colleagues - all of which are often the case for the Weigels."With this new space, there are a lot of ways you can go and anywhere you are, you have an interesting view," Paula said. Taking in the couple's extensive art collection inside or the lush green canopy outside - including glimpses of the Iowa River - the setting is truly sublime. Furnishing the new spaces required some ingenuity and materials that can take a beating, such as leather sofas and slipcovered upholstery. Yet each piece has an intrinsic style factored in."We didn't purchase anything that we are going to stress over if it's gets used," Paula said, noting that everything - including a leather sofa and two pair of white slipcovered armchairs - hold up well to kids' muddy shoes and the dog - or can be laundered. Paula treasures a pair of mid-century walnut end tables from her parents that she had refinished for an adult conversation area with great views of the river. Walls throughout the house were intentionally left white, creating a pure backdrop for artwork and colorful wool rugs and carpets."We prefer to have good carpets and good art," Paula notes. "The neutral background brings the space to life."Location of the Weigel home is something everyone appreciates."Our driving here is pretty limited," says Paula. "We ride our bikes downtown. The kids go to school just down the driveway. "They have such a sense of independence here that wasn't possible in California or outside of Philly," she adds. "You couldn't ask for a better place to raise a family." n

34 roomJUNE 2012 oGr winGPers nalityoosome gardens are planned as works of art, only to be admired. some are planted for useful reasons - practical, no frills, strictly utilitarian, with tidy rows of vegetables and herbs. yet others combine all of these things and also represent the personality of the gardener.Lee Ann Koch has tended to her back yard garden in Iowa City for the last 40 years.