It happened to be on the day of her 30th wedding anniversary, when Lynn Jankowski shared an amazing tidbit of information. “Every day of our marriage, Gregg has brought me coffee in bed.”
“You do something nice one time…” her husband responds with a smile.
So, when they began planning their new home build, among the list of luxury items, like a 30,000-gallon saltwater pool and soaring ceilings, there were practical items, like a coffee bar in their bedroom which would save Gregg early morning treks to the kitchen.
That theme—a combination of practicality and luxury—runs throughout the couple’s brand new 8,600-square-foot Indian Hill home.
Not downsizing
At an age where many would downsize, the Jankowskis decided to go in the other direction—almost doubling the square footage of their previous home in Sycamore Township. When asked why that decision was made, Lynn, who is executive director of Crossroads Oakley, says, “It’s a God thing.” Both Lynn and Gregg, who is a management consultant, feel they are called to build community—among their friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and more.
“We built something bigger so we could entertain,” Gregg says. In fact, the couple considers much of their home, especially the lower level, “community space.”
Lynn hosts a gathering for women in the neighborhood the first Wednesday of the month, called “Wine Down Wednesdays.” Both Lynn and Gregg host a couple’s group twice a month, and at the time of this interview, Gregg had plans to launch a “Billiards and Bourbon” night for men in the neighborhood.
“It’s that kind of a house,” Lynn says.
Building the team
To design a space that was a balanced mixture of “wow” and “welcoming,” the couple relied on the talents of builder Bernie Kurlemann with Classic Living Homes, and Melissa Kehayes, senior designer with Western Custom Cabinetry.
After Kurlemann invited them to tour one of his homes under construction, Gregg could see that Lynn was impressed. “I could see they kind of just clicked,” he says.
“The good thing about Bernie is that he is an engineer, designer and builder, all in one,” Lynn says. “He’s a force of nature.”
Once the builder was in place, the Jankowskis began meeting with residential designer Paul Studer. Inspired by extensive travels— including living in Australia for almost two years—the couple came to the table with a detailed list of particulars they wanted.
“We knew it was going to be an unorthodox design,” Gregg says.
The overall theme was Modern Italianate, with stucco and painted brick on the exterior and a blend of arched and square windows. Leading to the front entry is a cast stone archway with three square portals that match the size and shape of the front entry’s windows. The massive front door mirrors that shape of the exterior archwaas well as elements in the kitchen.
Tall ceilings are a game changer throughout the interior. On the main floor they range from 14 feet high in the bedroom to 21 feet in the foyer. Even the lower level boasts a generous 11-feet.
The color scheme throughout is black, white and tan. “Everything is sort of neutral with pops of gold,” Lynn says. “That way, we have freedom to change accent colors as we like.”
While Lynn definitely has a penchant for design, when it came to a number of decisions, she was happy to rely on the talents of Kehayes. In addition to the bathrooms, messy kitchen, bars and serving areas, Kehayes worked closely with Lynn when planning the spacious kitchen.
After first meeting and getting to know the Jankowskis and seeing the inspirational photos Lynn shared, Kehayes knew the goal was a classic theme that could go modern depending on how Lynn wanted to decorate. The designer later invited them back to the showroom to share her plans for one of the powder rooms, the primary bath, and the all-important kitchen.
“The kitchen sets the foundation for the rest of the house,” Kehayes says. Fortunately, the designer nailed it on the first draft. “Lynn didn’t change a thing about that kitchen, she said ‘It’s so me!’ From that moment on, she kind of just trusted me.”
One notable design element is showcased in separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Black panels with arched tops that mirror the shape of the front door, conceal the two appliances. Kehayes says, “I picked up that shape from a door that was in the background of an inspirational photo Lynn shared at our first meeting.”
Space to spare
With five bedrooms, five full and three half baths, this two-story home was clearly built with visiting family and friends in mind. The couple’s two daughters, son and son-in-law live nearby. Both Gregg and Lynn’s parents and siblings live in Michigan. An elevator is handy, should anyone prefer to ride from floor to floor in style, and it sets the couple up for aging in place.
The lower level, where much of the community hangouts take place, includes a nine-seat home theater, pool table, guest room and bar area which features a waterfall island with seating on both sides—a perfect surface for game night.
Resort-style living
As inviting as the inside of the home is, the back exterior holds tremendous appeal as well.
An expansive covered patio with travertine tile flooring and phantom screens includes a fireplace, television, grill, and lounging and dining areas. A generously-sized hot tub is just 15 steps from the primary bedroom—close enough for a cold weather dash. The centerpiece is a saltwater pool which is heated from March to November. Gregg and his son have been known to do a polar bear plunge when the water is 55 degrees.
The pool is a bit of artwork as it glows blue at night and can be seen from almost every room in the house. “It’s spectacular.” Gregg says.
Mission accomplished
Touches of the couple’s travels through much of Europe and the Caribbean are evident throughout the interior and exterior of the home. When a visiting friend turned to Gregg and said, “You realize you built a resort right?” Gregg’s response was, “That was the goal.”
RESOURCES
Builder Classic Living Homes, Bernie Kurlemann Residential designer Paul Studer Kitchen designer Melissa Kehayes, Western Custom Cabinetry Artwork Gallery Veronique Countertops Quartz, Ohio Tile Appliances Thermador, Custom Distributors, Inc. Lighting and faucets Ferguson Brass shelving in entry bar Palmer Industries Primary suite shower, tub wall and fireplace wall Ohio Tile installed by Pro-tile Custom Designs Windows Andersen Front door JB Sales Fireplace Classic Living Homes Screens Phantom Screens AV System Sonos Legacy Pool/spa Mid-American Gunite Pools Landscape designer Pinecrest Nursery
Article by Karen Bradner. Photos by Mark Tepe.
Originally posted April 2026.