Design Elements

Transcending Trends

By Andrea Smith | Photo by Megan Lorenz

Interior designer Jacob Laws says “living environments should really transcend trends.” The CEO and principal designer of Jacob Laws Interior Design pays close attention to the space he’s been given and prioritizes pieces that reflect a mood or experience specific to a given client – a unique individual who deserves a unique place where he or she can thrive.

“My approach to designing an environment that transcends trends is to take the time and carefully consider every selection,” Laws says. “This approach hopefully ensures that the finished product won’t look cloned or fussy or uninspired or – worst of all – boring.”

When a client brought Laws to a high-up floor of a luxury condo building in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood, Laws says he observed the kitchen’s lighting and how natural light flooded the room through the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I knew the light would be subtly reflective, and I wanted to really emphasize the resulting natural glow in the space,” he notes.

He describes the current aesthetic as “accidentally refined” and “effortless.” The textures were designed to be uniform, and the finishes monochromatic. “The intentionally restrained paint colors, finishes and surface materials used in the space are intended to cleverly amplify the scale, creating the perception of a larger space,” Laws explains.

The handmade, glazed clay kitchen tile is a defining feature, as is the ceramic wall installation juxtaposed against the high-gloss lacquered cabinets. The rug is a vintage Turkish tribal piece with a geometric design that Laws says “becomes a piece of art when considered against the stark display of white hardwood flooring.”

The custom, zinc-wrapped kitchen island was made in collaboration with Rande Hackmann of Troy, Missouri’s Architectural Elements and matched with modern Harry Bertoia Foundation counter stools. Hanging overhead, the powdercoated metal lighting fixtures with leather detail showcase Laws’ own design, which he says were custom-created in St. Louis “after a frustratingly fruitless search for specific, exaggeratedly oversized shapes.”

And one can’t overlook the wooden Shiva sculpture – a deliberately dismantled sculpture of the Hindu deity, which Laws secured from a familiar antique dealer. “The Shiva sculpture is a nod to the client’s goals for each of her projects,” Laws says. “Each of these pieces is a deliberate statement, a necessary piece of the overall puzzle.”

Laws’ advice to those looking to reimagine their own space? Find an experienced designer. A professional can facilitate every detail and use his or her connections with vendors, craftspeople and manufacturers to source décor pieces that make a statement attuned to your voice. ln Jacob Laws Interior Design, 314-814-2431, jacoblaws.com

8401 UNIVERSITY DRIVE 

Step into magnificence with this executive home in Clayton Gardens. The open floor plan home provides comfortable living, and the chef ’s kitchen, adjoining both a hearth room and breakfast room, creates the perfect entertaining atmosphere. Whip up meals with ease with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, granite and marble countertops, and multiple pantries. The main-level master suite is the epitome of luxurious, with a spainspired bath that features an oversize shower and jet tub. Enjoy your organized closet and private covered patio retreat. The second level provides you with three spacious bedroom suites, a second laundry connection and a living area for the kids. Head downstairs to the lower level, complete with a rec room, a bar, a full bath, an additional sleeping area, a private office and a potential wine cellar. Additional amenities include the three-car garage, fenced backyard and elevator shaft, ready for future use.

 is 4-bedroom, 5 full-bathroom and 1 half-bathroom home in Clayton is listed for $2,295,000.

CLAYTON

Wayne Norwood & Ben Patton, Finest Homes 314-629-3931 (Norwood), 314-435-4606 (Patton), fi nesthomesstl.com, janetmcafee.com

From its humble beginning, Janet McAfee Real Estate, a recognized local leader, enjoys a corporate office, 100-plus active agents and a significant presence in the central corridor. Through exclusive relocation and marketing affiliations, the syndication of listings, leading real estate portals and distinguished luxury partners, Janet McAfee Real Estate offers global reach.

AGENT PROFILE

KATIE McLAUGHLIN OF LAURA McCARTHY REAL ESTATE

By Maggie Peters | Featured listing photo by

Square One Media Productions

Katie McLaughlin may have started in the real estate industry in 2001, but she considers her beginning to be far earlier than that.

“I grew up from age 4 in my mother’s real estate office,” she explains. “You could say I happened into real estate, but what I have come to find is that I belong here. I really enjoy helping people, listening and problem-solving.”

Today, McLaughlin works with the motto of treating customers as she would her family and has a strong reputation in the industry for loyalty and honesty. “I admire other agents who are hardworking problem-solvers and work together to find a solution to any issues that arise,” she says. “It’s nice to work with other agents with

the same ethics.”

McLaughlin has experience with the real estate market at its strongest and its weakest, and knows to stay on point no matter what. “You need to be creative and think outside the box,” McLaughlin says. “Having a good support system behind you really helps. The McLaughlin Team and Laura McCarthy don’t just put a sign in your yard. We make sure you sell!”

McLaughlin still considers her mother her best teacher and hopes to pass these lessons onto her two daughters. “Real estate has helped me be a stronger person [and] to learn from others and my own mistakes,” she says. “[My mother] has always put others first, and that’s an important lesson to learn.”

FEATURED LISTING: 309 Wardenburg Farms Drive This 7-bedrooom, 6 full-bathroom and 2-half-bath home is listed in Wildwood.

This spectacular custom-built home boasts high-quality features throughout! The gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, granite counters and hammered copper sinks. The main-floor master overlooks the pool and pr ovides a luxurious master bath. The more than 3 acr es are extensively landscaped, featuring a fire pit, saltwater pool and multiple water features.

Contact Katie McLaughlin at 314-283-8444 (direct) or 314-725-5100 (office), or online at lauramccarthy.com.

Greg Vernon Loan Officer 314.650.6425 gvernon@togethercu.org NMLS# 858131

Take advantage of incredibly low mortgage rates and keep your liquid assets working for you.

Jumbo Home Loan product eligibility requires a mortgage loan amount greater than $510.400. Other mortgage products and terms may be available, please contact a loan officer to discuss options for your purchase or refinance. All loans subject to aproval. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. NMLS#401252