At Home With Kevin and Raegan Prior

For Kevin and Raegan Prior, home is especially meaningful. Not only is it a retreat from busy lives filled with family, a successful business (Kevin is president and CEO of ICW Group Insurance), and frequent travel, it has informed their philanthropy. They are passionate, longtime supporters of Promises2Kids, the nonprofit “creating a brighter future for foster children” who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect.

For the eighth year in a row, the Priors are presenting sponsors of the Dream On Concert Gala, the annual fundraiser to provide crucial programs and services for foster children of all ages. Raegan also co-chairs the event with Becca Craig, Deborah Marengo, Jolene Perry, and Joan Waitt. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s event, which was originally scheduled for June 1 at the Foxhill Estate of “Papa Doug” Manchester in La Jolla, is currently being rescheduled for a fall date.
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The Priors’ own home in Santa Fe Hills near Santaluz is a stylish remodel that melds traditional touches with a modern edge. Kevin bought the five-acre property 15 years ago, living in a guest house while the main house was built. Since the couple met in 2009, they have gradually made the home their own, recently completing a top-to-bottom redo with the help of Mark Stocker Design. “It was a Rancho Santa Fe-style house,” says Stocker. “We wanted to modernize it and give it a new life.” He worked closely with the Priors, who had a clear vision. “We like modern, but not cold,” says Kevin. Adds Raegan: “Comfortable but clean.” The result? “I call it ‘soft modern,’” says Stocker. “The house has some warmth, character, and personality rather than ‘super modern,’ which tends to be colder and more impersonal.”

“Light and bright” were Raegan’s buzzwords, so the once dark and heavy kitchen was updated. Stocker added matte glass cabinets and an island countertop in Caesarstone Blizzard quartz, a material he describes as “bulletproof” because it is durable and virtually maintenance-free. The off-white stone is a counterpoint to the stained black oak island by Tree Frog Veneers, walnut cabinets from CTT Furniture, and vein-cut marble backsplashes. A solid piece of walnut serves as the island’s bar counter. “I wanted high contrast in the kitchen, warm but with a modern edge,” Stocker explains. “The range hood by Vent-A-Hood adds an architectural touch and light fixtures from Studio Italia Design combine the old and new, offering a traditional shape with a modern twist.”

The original formal dining room near the kitchen has been repurposed as a media room (Kevin calls it his “man cave’) in keeping with the couple’s more relaxed lifestyle with teenagers Nathan and Laurel. “We didn’t want a room we didn’t utilize,” explains Raegan. “We do all formal holiday dining in our living room. We remove furniture and I set up a table, linens, chairs, etcetera, and it turns out beautiful.”

The Priors also entertain in the 2,000-square-foot pool house, overlooking a vanishing-edge pool, spa, and waterslide. Stacked pocket doors slide open to seamlessly bring the outside in. Features include a striking fireplace in vein-cut marble tiles that offer pattern and movement. The soaring ceiling is fashioned from hardwood floor panels, with existing wood beams clad in black metal to look like I-beams. A capacious sectional by Nathan Anthony Furniture invites lounging or watching movies and sporting events on twin televisions. A table by Robert James can also seat a crowd. The Priors personalized the space with water-themed art by Maui-based nature photographer Christopher Egan and modern sculpture — hollowed coconut trees (which Stocker stained black) — from the David Alan Collection. “They were amazing to work with and very receptive,” says Stocker of the Priors. “That was so helpful in achieving the outcome we had.” For more information about Promises2Kids and the Dream On Concert Gala, call 858.278.4400 or visit promises2kids.org.