As self-employed commercial artists, Rex and Vicky Howard could live and work anywhere in the United States.

When it came time to build their dream home and studios, the couple considered Boulder, Colo., but ultimately chose a wooded lot overlooking Lake Alvamar in southwest Lawrence. The custom-designed home provides a total of 9,500 square feet of finished space.

The entire top floor is a deluxe suite with his and her art studios, two offices, a library, kitchenette, production and storage room and conference area for meetings with clients. Most of the spaces enjoy a four-season view of the lake.

The floor plan allows Vicky to create her original designs in watercolor or acrylics, and easily pass them to Rex who manipulates the images on computers for applications on any number of licensed products such as popcorn tins, greeting cards, books or afghans. When it’s time for a lunch break, the couple descend the circular staircase to their kitchen.

The home is also equipped with an elevator.

See more of the Howards’ home office and the rest of their elegant home this week on “Home and Away.” A new show airs at 6:30 p.m. each Monday on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 and repeats at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The show is also broadcast at 9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. Sunday.

Rex Howard works on a computer in his office on the top floor of his Lawrence home. The home will be featured this week on Sunflower Broadband's Home

Vicky Howard, a commercial artist, has plenty of space to work on her illustrating in her Lawrence home.

Rex and Vicky Howard's 9,500-square-foot home includes ample office space on the top floor for a deluxe suite with art studios. The office overlooks a lake to the south.

A library adjacent to Vicky Howard's studio has all the books the artist uses for inspiration.