Every home is special in its way — and no two are exactly alike — but some abodes are truly one of a kind. These three previously featured residences were particularly memorable, featuring uncommon themes that made them stand out.
Mid-century modern from top to bottom
Mid-century modern design fans John and Jennifer Martin incorporated their love for the retro aesthetic throughout their ranch home.
Creating the themed space all began with a kidney-shaped table visible from the front entrance. Featuring casters, a wood-colored top, and white sides, the piece is unique — and there’s more to it than meets the eye.
“This is the table you never want your babysitter to find,” Jennifer told The Courier Journal with a laugh, “because it’s a bar.”
Its top swings open, revealing six spaces that the couple has filled with bottles of wine and hard liquor. After having it shipped via Greyhound bus from St. Petersburg, Florida, years ago, John and Jennifer decided to commit to the mid-century modern look.
The entire Clarksville, Indiana home boasts a simple yet functional style, including everything from a pre-remote Sylvania console TV to a vintage green Contour manual “lift chair.”
Bold colors throughout add to the vibe. Bright orange bar stools are set in the kitchen, while yellow walls and multicolored tile flooring adorn the lower level.
“Everyone knows that we’re crazy midcentury people,” Jennifer said, “and we’re OK with that.”
Home for the horses
Jo Cornell’s décor is the epitome of horse country. From paintings and tissue holders to pillows and napkin rings, equines are represented in every room of this Douglass Hills home. It’s fitting, considering Cornell’s profession and upbringing.
“It’s horsey everywhere,” she said with a laugh. “I was raised on a horse farm in Bardstown, and my dad was a professional horse trainer — I’ve taught riding for 50 years. I had an 11-acre horse farm in Crestwood, and I was there 29 years.”
Everything in her house has a story, including the horse bust affixed to a wall in the den. It was created in memory of her late horse, Pennyrile, named after the Kentucky Turnpike.
“I had that bust made ‘cause he was my main man,” she laughed.
Another remembrance of the beloved Pennyrile, who was buried at Cornell’s farm, is in the dining room. Framed artwork hanging above three candles depicts the brown Pennyrile, Cornell’s gray horse Hidden Melody, and her children’s black pony.
“Those three horses in there,” Cornell said, “that picture — that was my life.”
For the love of Lucy
Jeff and Carrie Ketterman’s three-bedroom Corydon home includes a space that Carrie calls her “Lucy room.” It’s filled with dolls, pictures, books, figurines, and other memorabilia dedicated to one of Hollywood’s greatest icons.
“I’m a huge Lucille Ball fan — huge,” Carrie said. “I used to watch 'I Love Lucy' all the time when I'd go to my grandmother's house; I just grew up watching it. I love her. I love that she was a redhead, a comedian, (and) a really smart businesswoman … And being theatrically minded, we were like, 'why don't we do a Lucy and Desi act?'"
The couple came up with a routine and began taking their camper — which is parked behind their home and decked out like a 1950s Palm Springs bungalow — to festivals and campgrounds around the country, performing their Lucy and Desi act.
Thankfully, their love for the days of yesteryear fits perfectly with their historical home. After all, it’s a 105-year-old colonial that sits on the space where the Indiana state constitution was written.
“(The previous owner) expanded the kitchen (and) had all the painting done, and it was to emulate the style of the house in 1916 — which is when the house was built,” Jeff said.
Carrie added, “When we moved in, we (didn’t have to) paint or tear anything down. It was just perfect and really meant to be.”
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza ataloha@lennieomalza.comor Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory atkgregory@gannett.com.
nuts & bolts: Mid-century modern from top to bottom
Owners: John and Jennifer Martin. John works in maintenance and Jennifer is an art teacher.
Home: This is a 3-bed, 2-and-a-half bath, 3,100-square foot, brick ranch home built in 1966 in Clarksville, Indiana.
Distinctive elements: Large, landscaped backyard with deck; pagoda; 13-foot square atrium with plexiglass roof; cabinetry with plastic glass; vintage curtains and pull shades; rolling midcentury bar; vintage knoll table and chair set; large living room; copper fireplace hood; remodeled/reconfigured basem*nt with second living room, bar, poker table, pool table, and air hockey, guest room; and garden garage.
Applause! Applause! Tickled Pink Memorabilia Mall in Louisville.
nuts & bolts: Home for the horses
Owner: Jo Cornell, who is a saddle seat equitation instructor.
Home: This is a 3-bed, 2-bath, 2,976-square-foot ranch home built in 1971 in the Douglass Hills neighborhood.
Distinctive elements: Open floor plan; horse décor throughout, including numerous equestrian awards and commissioned artwork; gourmet kitchen with large center island and granite countertops; first-floor laundry; Italian tile in the guest bath; crown molding and wainscoting in various rooms; custom wood shutters throughout; fireplace, beamed ceiling and cherry wood flooring in den; oversized garage; secluded brick patio.
nuts & bolts: For the love of Lucy
Owners: Jeff and Carrie Ketterman. Jeff is the general manager of Kasgro Rail Car Management, and Carrie is an artist and entertainer.
Home: This is a 3-bed, 2-and-a-half bath, 3,850-square-foot, colonial home built in 1916 in downtown Corydon, Indiana.
Distinctive elements: Historic home; original hardwood floors; original foyer and hall lighting fixtures; completely remodeled kitchen, with high-end custom cabinetry; remodeled bathrooms and laundry room; master bedroom with custom walk-in closet and custom cabinetry; third-floor home theatre.
Applause! Applause! Linda Toupin for foresight and work to maintain the integrity of this historic property.
