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PUBLISHER
IanCaso
EDITORIAL
MANAGINGEDITOR
AshleyKlein | aklein@laduenews.com
DIGITALEDITOR & STAFFWRITER
AmandaDahl | adahl@laduenews.com
COPYEDITOR & STAFFWRITER
MadeleineAckerburg | mackerburg@laduenews.com
ASSOCIATEEDITOR
EmilyStandlee | estandlee@laduenews.com
MULTIMEDIAREPORTER
DanielPuma | dpuma@laduenews.com
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS
DrewGieseke,ConnieMitchell,BrittanyNay, MeganRubenstein,AndreaSmith,HopeTimmermann
ADVERTISING
VICEPRESIDENTOFSALES
KevinHart | khart@stlpostmedia.com
SENIORMEDIASTRATEGIST
KatieRay | kray@laduenews.com
MEDIASTRATEGIST
MichelleBrown | mbrown@laduenews.com
SPECIALPROJECTSMANAGER
MaggiePeters | mpeters@laduenews.com
CLASSIFIEDACCOUNTMANAGER
LisaTaylor | ltaylor@lee.net
CREATIVE
Get apeekinside luxurious localhomesby following@laduenewson Instagram.Photosfrom the DESIGNELEMENTS column showo stunning workbysomeofthe topinteriordesigners inthemetroarea.
ARTDIRECTOR
LauraDeVlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com
ASSISTANTARTDIRECTOR
ChristopherOth | coth@laduenews.com
CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS
CHStudios,HeidiDrexlerPhotography, ChristinaKling-Garrett,JuliaHassePhotographe, LisaMitchell,AliseO’Brien,KarenPalmer, DennisSchroeder
CONTACT
901N.10thSt.,St.Louis,MO63101-1250
314.863.3737 | LadueNews.com
PhotobyAmandaDahl
PhotobyKarenPalmer;designbyKarenKornInteriors
Imagesupplied
Webringdecadesofexperienceandindustry-leading 3Dsoftwaretocustomdesignandconstructpools forthespecificterrains,slopes,views,landscapes andfeaturesdesiredbyourcustomers.
Wedon’tjustbuildswimmingpools,wetransform backyards.Letourteamofinnovativepool&landscapedesignersbringyourdreamstolife.
LN ABODE
PhotobyChristinaKling-Garrett
LETTERF ROM THEE DI TOR
Lived-inlookshaveneverfeltmoreluxe.Justasathleisure hasmercifullydethronedskinnyjeansinthefashion realm,interiordesigntrendshavealsotakenthecue torelax–butdoitinstyle.
Suchisevidentinarenewedenthusiasmfor playing up personalityinthehome.Designer DavidKent Richardson championsacollector’saestheticinhisownhouse, as seenon p.28, wherehisfavoriteheirloomsremaininuseeveryday.Treasured artifactsalsotakecenterstageinahistorichomerenovationby ChelseaDesignCompanyonp.32,whereafamily’sfarmhousekept for generationsisarelicitself.
e“quietluxury”aestheticisthelived-inlook’spurest–and mostapproachable–form.Expertsfromfourofthemetro’s nest design rmsweighinonthetrendonp.14,favoringnatural nishes andsoftcolorpalettesforaninteriorthatstandsthetestoftime. Youdon’talwayshavetokeepitneutral,though.Turntop.54fora maximalisttakefromdécorshopSugarcoatHome,whoseadviceis straightforward:Createthelookthat you love.
Happy reading, AshleyKlein
Designer INSIGHTS
WITHKARENANDBRUCEKORN
KarenKornInteriorsand HigginbothamBros,Inc.
ByHopeTimmermann
PhotosbyKarenPalmer
Lookupthemeaningof“dynamicduo,”andyou’ll nd aphotoofKarenandBruceKorn.
etwoarelocalbusinessownersandhome experts:Karen ownsher interior designcompany, KarenKornInteriors,andBruceco-ownsHigginbothamBros, Inc.,ageneralcontractorforluxuryhomes.Respectively,they’ve designedandbuiltfunctional,beautifulhomesforclients,but perhapsmoreimpressively,thehusband-and-wifeteamrecently workedtogethertodesigntheirowndreamhomeinCreveCoeur.
Since2020,theKornshavepurchasedandrenovatedhomes together,whichishowtheygrewtheirworkingrelationship. Bruce,whohasworkedinconstructionsince1975,andKaren, whoearnedaninteriordesigndegreein2006,eachhavewhat theycall“zonesofgenius”thathelpthemapproachprojects togetherbutwiththeirownareasofexpertise.Bruceoversees homeconstruction,whileKaren covers interior designand styling.Currently,theyareworkingontwoprojectswithclients ofbothHigginbothamBros,Inc.,andKarenKornInteriors.
“Becauseofmutualtrust,ourprojectsrunsmoothly,”Karen says.“Itworkssowellbecausewe’realwaysstrategizingabout waystodosomethingbetterandcommunicatingabouthow theprojectisgoing.We‘work’ontheprojectfrombreakfastto
bedtime.Itmayseemlikealottosome,butweloveit.”
eKorns’lovelanguagemaybehomedesign,butbuilding theirownsanctuarytogetherat rstdidnotseeminthecards. Initially,theyboughttheircurrenthousewithplanstorenovate andsell,buttheserenesettingande ortlesslivabilitywonthem over.Now,insteadof ippingit,theKornshavemadeittheir own,embracingitscomfortandcharm.
“Webothrecognizetheimportanceofcreatingaspacethat feelswelcoming,functionalandbeautiful,”Karensays.“We’reon thesamepagewhenitcomestomakingdecisions,andweenjoy theprocessofbringingourideastolifetogether.”
Andwhatbetterwaytoshareaspacethanwithsomeone whoappreciatesitasmuchasyoudo?
“ ebestpartisthesharedvisionandunderstanding,” Karensays.“[Workingtogether]alsodeepensourconnectionto thehome,knowingwe’vebothinvestedourheartsintomaking itaplacewelove.”
Favoritespace
Karen: Myfavoritespotinmyhomeisthedeck, whereIcanunwindinthequiet,surroundedby birdsanddeer.
Bruce: I ndjoyintheoutdoors,theopenkitchen andthefamilyroom.Ilovetheviewoftheyard andappreciatehowthespaceconnectsmeto natureoutside.
Inspiration
Bruce: Ithriveoncreatingsolutionsfordi cult challenges.IneverstopuntilI guresomethingout. Myinspirationcomesfromyearsofexperienceand remainingtruetothestyleofthehomeanddesignintent.
Karen: I ndinspirationinnature,travelandsocial media.I’malwayslookingatthedetails.Forinstance,I cameupwithastairtreaddesigninspiredbyastaircase inSorrento,Italy.IknewwhenIsawitlastfall,Ihadto implementthedetailsofthedesignforaclient.
Must-Have
BruceandKaren: Everyhomeneedsabalanceoffunctionality, comfortandatouchofourclient’spersonalitytotrulybecomea dreamhomethatfeelsuniquelytheirs.It’simportanttofocusonwhat supportsourclient’slifestyleandneeds.Whatcompleteseveryproject istheattentiontodetailandcollaborationbetweenallteammembers. HigginbothamBros,Inc.,10129ManchesterRoad,St.Louis, 314-993-0079,homesbyhigginbotham.com
KarenKornInteriors,7352ForsythBlvd.,St.Louis, 636-675-6150,karenkorninteriors.com
Designer INSIGHTS
WITHCAROLINEKERCKHOFF
StoneHallCabinetry
ByMeganRubenstein PhotosbyAliseO’Brien
AtStoneHallCabinetry,customization isthe nameofthegame. eLaduebusiness’upscale, handcraftedcabinetryismadetoorderwith soft-closedrawers,limitlessstainsandpaint colors,andacatalyzedconversion varnishfor durabilityand asleeklook.
StoneHalldesigner CarolineKerckho enjoysmaking herclients’dreamsbecomereality–andworkinginbespoke cabinetryhasallowedhertofollowherpassiontothefullest. OriginallyfromSouthAfrica,Kerckho tooksometimeo toraiseherchildrenwhenshemovedtoSt.Louisin2003. However,whenshedecidedtoreentertheworkforce,her degreeininteriorarchitecturedrewhertocabinetry.Shehas beenwithStoneHallsinceitsinceptionin2020.
“Ireallyliketheproblem-solvingaspectofcabinetdesign,” Kerckho says.“It’sverymuchaboutthinkinghowakitchen oranotherroomfunctions,andhowthefamilythatlivesthere willutilizethespace.”
Inspiration
Igetmyinspirationfromeverywhere. Asadesigner,youshould really soakitallin.Ilove to travel,andI’vebeen blessedto have traveled a fairamount; going to di erentcountriesinEuropeand havinggrownupinSouthAfrica,thedesigncultureisdi erent thantheStates. Idrawfrom allofthataswellasmagazinesand theworldaroundus.
OnTrend
Westeerawayfromanythingtootrendy,asmanyofthehomes weworkinaremoretraditional.Ialwayswantthekitchen, bathroom,bar,bookcase,etc.tolooklikeitbelongsinthehouse. However,weworkwithmanyboldcolorsintheshowroom,and whatisfunisthatpeoplearegettingalotmoreadventurous withcolor.
Becauseweare fully custom,we cancreateanything. ereareno limitations to color,sizeormaterials. Ourdesignsarelimitlessin whatwe cancreate,whichhas alwaysbeenreallyexciting.
ProTip
Ilove itwhenclientscomewithinspirational pictures–acolortheylove, astyleoftheisland theylove. at’sveryhelpful forus to get to theenddesign.Collectimagesthatyou gravitate towardandthatyoulove, because thatwillhelpdrivedesigndecisions. I also thinkit’sagreatideato hirea quali ed designer. erearealotofdecisions to bemade, andhavinga quali ed person toguideyouthroughthosedecisionsis paramount. Workingwithadesigner can also helpthehomeowner topullthe wholespace togetherbypicking colors, choosingappropriatecountertopsandmakingsure allthe elementscome togetherbeautifully.
PersonalPassion
I’vebeenvery blessed withreally lovely clients whotrustme, and Itry to make everydesignunique to thehome it’sgoingin.Ilove learning about whotheclientisand whothe family isthatwe’re creatingfor.Ilovethejourneywiththem to designandcreatethe spaces. Iloveworkingwithgreatpeopleon-siteandwithgreat vendors. Wehavesomanygreatpeopleweworkwith,andIenjoy theirinputonthings. It’sgood to leanonothers whoare expertsin their eld. ebestpartiscompletingtheprojectandseeingthe homeownerthrilled withthespace–that’sthecherryon top.
StoneHallCabinetry,9155ClaytonRoad,St.Louis, 314-873-1154,stonehallcabinetry.com
Thissecludedblu propertyisthesignatureprojectofnotablearchitect,CharlesE.Kingandisrecognizedasoneoftheoutstanding examplesofMid-centuryModernresidentialdesigninthemidwest.WithspectacularviewsoftheSt.Louisskyline,thepropertyattracted theattentionoffamedarchitectFrankLloydWrightwhodesignedandoriginallybeganconstructionbeforetheprojectwas nishedbyKing andusedashisprimaryresidence.Floor-to-ceilingwindowsandmultipleoutdoorspacesde netheKinghouseincludinga oatinggazebo andblu sidepoolwithunmatchedsunsetviews.Fourbedrooms,eachwithensuitebathrooms,andauniqueopen oorplanwithmultiple levelsanda oatinglivingroomcompletethe7,000+squarefootluxurycompound.Apolebarnand55+/-acreswithamixofpastureand woodsgiveopportunityforthosewantingspaceforadditionalbuildings,horses,hunting,orprivatedevelopment.
BESPOK E. BEGUILING . BEWITCHING .
Sophi ication SUBTLE
Quietluxuryisall about blending elegancewith tranquility.St.Louis designexperts sharetheirtipson creatingare ned, understatedhome that feelse ortlessly sophisticated.
Inaworldwhere eetingtrends and ashydesignsoftensteal thespotlight, aquieter,more re nedaestheticismakingits markinSt. Louishomes. e “quiet luxury”trend–de nedbyits emphasis onhigh-qualitymaterials, timelesspiecesandaharmoniousblend oftexturesandtones–isbecomingthe go-toforhomeowners seekinga serene, sophisticated atmospherewithout excess. Localdesignersareembracing thisunderstated eleganceando er their insights on incorporatingquietluxury intoanyspace.
ication
MATERIALSTHAT WHISPER,NOTSHOUT
Atthecoreofthisdesignaesthetic isthedeliberate selectionofhighqualitymaterialsthatstandthetestof time. “Quiet luxuryusessoft, classic colors andrefined,qualitymaterials,” saysRochelleMacAvin,leaddesigner atLUDesignBuild.Inarecentproject, MacAvinusedwhiteoakcabinetry paired withmarblef loortiles and agedbrassfixturestocreatea warm, invitingbathroom that balances modern design withtimelessappeal. “Boththedesignandthematerialsare equallyimportant,”sheexplains. “It’s aboutcreatingaspacewherenothing overshadowstheother.”
Thesematerials,often natural anddesignedtoagegracefully,playa pivotalroleinquiet luxury.KarenKorn ofKaren KornInteriorsembracesthis concept byincorporating elementslike unlacqueredbrassthat patinaswith ageandrichwoodtonesthatdeepen overtime. “Weencourage ourclients toembracethewaynatural finishes age–there’sbeautyinalltheirfeatures,” shesays. ForKorn,quiet luxuryisless aboutchasingtrendsandmore about curatingatimelessdesignthatfeels bothenduring andcomfortable.
AHARMONYOFTEXTURES
Althoughquiet luxuryfavorsneutral colorpalettes, thetruebeautyofthe
stylederivesfromathoughtfullayering oftextures. “Creamynaturaltones, camel andivor y organiccolors,typically mixedwithsmoothfinishesand dimensional textures,arewhat make upaquiet luxurypalette,”saysAnne BoedgesofAnneMarieDesign Studio. “Mixingmetalsreallyelevatestheluxury feel,likeadding jewelrytoaroom.”
Byincorporatinga varietyof textures–whetherrough-hewn wood,softlinenorsmoothmarble–designers canadddepthandinterest toanotherwise understatedpalette. “Inquiet luxury,theeyehastostart andstopwithdifferent finishes,”Korn advises. Withoutthisbalance, aroom risksfeelingflat. Bylayeringtextures,
PhotobyKarenPalmer,designbyKarenKornInteriors
homeowners can createspacesthat feel inviting andluxurious, blending elegancewithcomfort.
TIMELESS,NOTTRENDY
Quiet luxuryisallaboutlongevity.It’sa designphilosophythatrejectsthetransient natureoffadsinfavoroftimeless appeal.“Iwouldadvisehomeowners to buyquality,evenifit’s secondhand,” Kornsuggests. “Thriftingqualitypieces offers homeowners a chance to own furniturethatwilllast, versus buying somethingwithafive-yearlifespan.”
MariaHogrefeof C&M Interiors echoesthissentiment,warningagainst thetemptationto purchaseitemsthat trytoohardtoappearluxurious but
lack truequality.“Acommonmistakeis to purchase inexpensiveitemsthatare tryingtoohardtobesomethingthey’re not,”sheexplains. “Trueluxuryisinthe quality,notthepricetag.”Inherdesigns, Hogrefeoften incorporatesvintage or antiquepiecesalongsidehigh-quality bespokefurnishings, creatingalayered, collectedfeelthatadds warmthand charactertoaspace.
IMBUETHEAESTHETIC THROUGHOUTYOURHOME
Quietluxury can be introducedinto anyroom,fromthelivingroomtothe bathroom.For example,inamaster suite, Boedgessuggestsmixinglightand warmwoodswithtexturedlinensand
monochromaticnatural bedding.“Add inhintsofcolorsclosesttopastels, such aspinks,purplesandblues–colors you would ndinasunsetorsunrise,” shesays. Meanwhile, inthebathroom, natural-lookingivoryorcreamymarbles, combined withwood-stainedcabinetry andmatte nishes, evokea sense of tranquilityandre nement.
MacAvin’sapproachtoquietluxury issimilar.Inarecentbathroomproject, shefocusedoncreatingbalancethrough high-qualitymaterialslikewhiteoakand marble.“Westartedwiththewhiteoak vanity,andtherestofthematerialsfellinto place,”sherecalls. eresultisatimeless spacethatexudesnaturalwarmthwithout feelingoverlymanufactured.
PhotocourtesyofAnneMarieDesignStudio
ACHIEVING BALANCE
Ultimately,quiet luxuryisabout creatingharmonywithinaspace, where ever y element feelsintentional and cohesive. Hogrefesumsitupperfectly: “Quiet luxuryachievesabalance betweenaestheticsandfunctionality throughafocus on understated elegance andhigh-qualitycraftsmanship. The design emphasizessubtledetailingand avoidsflashy elements.”
Whetherit’sthesoftnessofalinen curtain,thepatinaofabrassfixtureor thetactilefeelofahand-finishedwood table, quiet luxuryinviteshomeowners toappreciatethebeautyofthesubtle. It’satrendthat’sheretostay,not because itfollowsthelatestfashion, butbecause itofferssomethingfar moreenduring–ahomethatfeelslikea sanctuary,bothluxuriousand serene.
AnneMarieDesignStudio, 17014NewCollegeAve.,Wildwood, 636-821-3395,annemariestudio.com
C&MInteriors,2855AccomacSt, St.Louis,314-328-1923, candminteriors.com
LUDesignBuild,314-403-5018, ludesignbuild.com
KarenKornInteriors,7352ForsythBlvd., St.Louis,636-675-6150, karenkorninteriors.com
PhotosbyKarenPalmer,designbyLUDesignBuild
ByBrittanyNay |PhotosbyAliseO’Brien
Searchingforjusttherightshadetobrightenyour neutralabode?Designerssaylooknofurtherthan thelatest“it”color:thetrendy,yettimeless,teal. Asthelivelyblue-greenshadepopsupallover today’shomeremodels,St.Louis-areadesignersare sharingtheappealofteal.
Whenonelocalfamilywasreadytostepoutsidetheir comfort zonefor aboldlymodernhomeredesign,Webster Groves-basedhigh-endresidentialinteriordesign rmADJ Interiorsselectedstandoutshades–namelyteal–toinfuselife intotheotherwiseblack-and-white-basedpalette.
“ eclientslikedtheideaof aneutralblack-and-whitehome withpopsofcolor incorporated throughout, [and wanted]certain areastobemoreimpactfulthan others,”explainsAprilJensen, founder andinterior designerat ADJInteriors
Toshowcasetheshadethat wouldbecarriedthroughout thehome,Jensenstartedwith thestudy,implementingteal on draperies,artwork,accent pillows,rugsand,mostboldly, thepaint.“[ ehomeowner] wantedtohave…awowfactor [in]thestudybecauseitisbythe mainentranceintothehome,”she says.“WeusedSherwinWilliams ‘MoscowMidnight.’ issetthe toneforcolorthroughouttherest oftheirhome,whereyoucansee the[shade]sprinkledroomby room–inrugs,pillows,swivels, draperyandart.”
splashofcolorfromthetealfamily:peacock.
“Peacockisabeautifulshadeofblue-greenthatplayswellwith Europeanheatheredblues, darkgreensandsoftreds,”Baslernotes.
Peacock popsamidthecomplementaryhues on furnishingsthat includelacqueredbamboocounter stoolswithmatchingcushions at thekitchencounteraswellasafullroomdrenchedinthepigment–apersonalizedhomeo cedubbed“ eSheShed”bythedesigner.
“Ourclientwantedherspacetore ectherloveofcolor, lifeandenergy,”Baslershares,notingthehomeownerand grandmother,whorunsanonpro tsupporting children,wanted theo cetoservealsoasameetingspace.
Asthedesignercheckedo each box on the client’swish list, whichincludedspecialspacesforentertainingandhobbies, aneutralbackgroundallowed variouscolorstostand out. “ e furniturehadtobecozyandcolorful, butnottooheavy,”Jensenadds.
Tothatend,avelvety,teal-huedcouchmakesforaninviting livingroom, and blue-greenaccessories, includingstriped throwpillows, glass vasesand wallart, livenupthespace. In thebedroom,popsoftealappearing in thebedding, draperies andaccentchairs completethehome’soverarchingthemeofa peaceful,restfuloasis.
Anotherlocaldesignerputaclassicspinonthetealtrend toensureahomeowner’snewbuildstoodthetesttime.AsLiz BaslerofClayton-basedluxuryresidentialinteriordesign rm, CastleDesign,furnishedtheclient’sdreamhome,sheaddeda
Taking inspiration from herclient’spassionsaswell asthebrightblueberry-hued cabinetsfromSt. Louis-based AlspaughKitchen &Bath, Baslerbroughtthe outside inbydesigning“ eShe Shed” to bereminiscentofan Englishgarden.“Wepairedthe cabinetswithbeautiful and colorful oral and emeraldgreen ibaut wallpaper and paintedthetrim to match the cabinets,”sheexplains. “We used thecolorfultrim to frame the[largewindow’s]beautiful viewofthegarden.”
euniquepatterned ooring,textured accentpillows andlovely,velvet,L-shapedcouch alsoshowcase thedramatichue, ful llingthe client’sdesirefor a cozyspacetorelaxandcreate. When consideringcolor foryourabode, Jensenreminds homeowners that puttinga pigment youare crazy about into somethingyou lovewill outlasttrends. “Takeart, forexample–if you lovethepiecesandyou loveblue, itisnolongeraboutthetrend,” shenotes. “Instead,itisaboutinvestingintosomethingyou loveand [that] makesyou happylong-term.”
Donotbeafraidtoshowyourzealfortealinart,wallpaper andpaint,orevenindecorativedetailsthatrangefromthrow pillowstorugs.Afterall,Jensensays,homeaccentsareeasyto updatewheneverthecolor-changingmoodstrikesyou.
ADJInteriors,51N.GoreAve.,SuiteA,WebsterGroves, 314-230-9099,adjinteriors.com
CastleDesign,7707ClaytonRoad,Clayton, 314-727-6622,emilycastle.com
DesignsbyADJInteriors
GreenBuildit
ByEmilyStandlee
CreteHouse,Designer:WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis
PhotoabovecourtesyofWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis;photobelowbyDennisSchroeder
Buildingormaintainingyourdream home promptscountlessdetails to consider regarding budget,functionalityandoverall design.Ifsustainabilityisapriority,energy e ciencywillalsobetopofmind.Despitethemany productsandtechnologiesonthemarket promisingto loweryourcarbonfootprint, oneissuereignssupreme: temperaturecontrol.
eU.S. EnergyInformation Administration reports that“onaverage, morethanhalf– 52%in 2020 –ofa household’sannualenergyconsumption isfor justtwo energyenduses: spaceheatingandairconditioning. ese usesaremostly seasonal; areenergy-intensive; andvarysigni cantlybygeographic location, homesizeandstructure, andequipmentandfuelsused.”
Allofthis energyconsumption generatescarbon dioxide, agreenhouse gasthatcontributestoglobal warmingandthesundry environmental issuesthat comewithit. Encouragingly,theEIAreportsweare alreadyheadingintherightdirection:Householdenergy use hasrecentlydeclined,thanksinparttobetter
TechstyleHaus,Designer:TheUniversityofApplied Sciences’RhodeIslandSchoolofDesignatBrownUniversity inErfurt,Germany
PhotosbyJuliaHassePhotographe
insulation,improvedmaterial andmoree cient heating,cooling andappliances.
at’swherepassivehousingcomesin.“Apassive house isaveryenergy-e cient buildingthatachieves extremely highlevelsofperformancebyconserving energythrough airtightnessandsuperinsulation,”says Ryan Abendroth,co-founder andprincipalconsultant at BuildZeroConsulting.
AbendrothgrewupinSt. Louisand servesasa seniorlecturerattheSamFoxSchoolofDesign& VisualArtsatWashingtonUniversityinSt. Louis. Hehas designedandconstructedpassive-certi edhomesfor SolarDecathloncompetitionsincludingtheawardwinningprojectthatgarnered Abendroth aninvitation tothePassiveHouse InstituteU.S.Now,he servesasa seniorlecturerattheSamFoxSchoolofDesign&Visual ArtsatWashingtonUniversityinSt. Louis, wherehe oversawthedesignofCreteHouse (picturedatleft).
AtBuildZeroConsulting, Abendrothassists clientsindeveloping energy-e cient,innovative solutionsfor residential,commercial andinstitutional buildings. “Passive buildings havemanybene tsfor boththelocal cityandglobalclimate,”Abendrothsays. “Lessenergyuse hasmanyadditionaladvantagessuch aslesspollutantsfromtheproductionofenergyatthe powerplant. Itcanalsoreducetheneedforadditional electricitycapacitytohelpduringpeakenergy use times.”
Apassivehouse designerorconsultantlike Abendroth optimizes insulation andair sealing,window location andshading,thermalmass location andtype, andauxiliaryheating andcoolingsystems.“Airtightness istheNo. 1thingyou candotosaveenergyandisoften overlookedinconventional construction,”Abendroth says. “Anideallevelofairtightnessisthatyou could ip thehouse upsidedownand oatitlikeaboat!”
Ifyou’renotstartingfreshonanew build butstill wanttomakeyourhomemoresustainable, replacing applianceswithonesthatareEnergyStar-ratedisa goodstart. Heat pumpdryers, forexample, dryatlower temperaturesandusehalfasmuchenergyasavented model.“Other straightforwardoptionsinclude choosing highe cacyLEDlight xtures,”Abendrothadds. “For heatingandcooling, heat pumpsystemsshouldbeused ifthehouse isallelectric. Aheat pump waterheateris oftenthebestchoice; andifgasisbeingused,ahighe ciencycondensinggaswater heater isa goodoption.”
GableHome,Designer:University ofIllinoisatUrbana-Champaign
PhotocourtesyoftheUniversityofIllinois atUrbana-Champaign
Whatdoesapassive solarhomedo?
AccordingtotheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy, “A passive solarhomecollectsheatasthesunshinesthrough south-facingwindowsandretainsitinmaterialsthat storeheat,knownasthermalmass.Thermalmassin a passivesolarhome – commonlyconcrete,brick, stoneandtile – absorbsheatfromsunlightduringthe heatingseasonandabsorbsheatfromwarmairin thehouseduringthecoolingseason.”
SOUTHER N-B OY EC L EC TIC
ByDrewGieseke |PhotosbyAliseO’Brien
DESIGN ER DAVIDKENT
DavidKent Richardson does designdi erently. Aself-described “Southernboyatheart,”the interior designer andowner ofDavidKent Richardson Decorations+ Interiorshasmadeanameforhimselfin St.Louiswithhiseclecticandenergetic approach.Hisdistinctivestylee ortlessly blendssophisticationwitharelaxed, unpretentiousvibe,creatinginviting spacesforhis clients.
“Itrytobeveryapproachableinmy workandtellastoryinsomeone’slife,” Richardsonsays.
HISHOME.
Indeed,Richardson strives tocreate spacesthatfeelauthentictothepeople livinginthem.AsaBabyBoomer, Richardson sayshehailsfrom ageneration ofavidcollectors,andincorporatingthe homeowner’spersonalartifacts–beit
art,furnitureorotherantiques–iswhere theheartofhisstorytellinglies.Suchis evidentinthedesigner’sownhome.
“Iboughtthishousein2000withthe intentofpaintingitwhite,rippingoutthe carpet,puttingingranitecountertopsand ippingit,”Richardsonsays.“ atwasmy intent.But24yearslater,hereIam.” ecentral corridor location waspart ofwhathookedhim.Richardsonhada businesslocatedintheCentralWestEnd atthetime,andheenjoystheaccessibility tootherpartsofthemetro. ehouse hadn’tbeenrenovatedsincethe1970sand wasoverdueforanupdate,butRichardson wasuptothetask.
“Icompletelyrippedoutthekitchen.It washorriblebeyondwords,”hesays.“It’s allstainlesssteelnowwithabigcabinet thatIhadtosawinhalftogetthroughthe front door.”
Originally,thehomehadalivingroom andadiningroom, butnofoyer.Tosolve thisproblem,Richardson removedawall andopenedupspacetocreatewhathe nowcalls his entry or gallery.Inapinch, theroomdoublesasadiningareawith roomto seat eightguests.
Richardsonnotesthathisceilings are relativelylow,sohepaintedthem black because it“opensthemupin nitely.”He adds: “Inmydesignwork, I’mabigstickler forceilings. Whiteceilings areawful. ey’rejustboring. Everyroominmy house hasamajorstatementinwhite, even thoughthe wallsarepeagreen. ebeds
aremadeupinwhiteinbothbedrooms, thelibraryhasabigwhiteco eetable, thekitchenhaswhite walls; whiteis important.”
Adown-to-earthsensibilityispalpable throughoutthehome.Inoneofthe bedrooms,Richardsonkeepsstacksof quiltsmadebyhismotherandsisterthat herotatesontohisbedthroughouttheyear. OnewasevenmadewhileRichardson’s motherwaspregnantwithhim.
“Youcan’tletyourpossessionsownyou. Don’tbeafraidtousethem.Who’sgoingto usemyquiltswhenIcroak?”hesays.“Iuse FrancisIsterling[silver atware];Iscramble
eggswithit.Whyputitinthedrawer?”
Still,Richardsonisalwaysadjusting. Heoftenrepositionshisfurnishings and admitshe wantstotakeitall outintothe yardsohecanbringeachpiecebackinone atatime“toreevaluateandthinkthings throughagain.”Whendecoratinghisown home, afterall,Richardson never has to callit“ nished.”
“Iget todowhatI want,”hesays. “Can’t nobodytellme‘no.’”
DavidKentRichardson Decorations+Interiors, 314-401-1333,dkrinteriors.com
Heirloom Haven
Lookforcherishedheirlooms ineachthemedroomofthis multigenerational,historic homeinKimmswick,Missouri.
WhenSt.Louis-basedinteriordesigner ChelseaSmithwasentrustedwith restoringafamily-ownedfarmhousein Kimmswick,Missouri,shewastasked withmorethanjustaremodel–shewasaskedto preserveapieceoflivinghistory.“ egoalwasto buildahomethatcouldbeafamilytimecapsule, [and]thatwould[also]standthetestoftime,”says Smith,thenamesakeofChelseaDesignCompany. Other interior designersmight ndthetask con ning,but Smith embracedthe challenge,taking aninventive approachto restoringahomesteepedin generationsoffamilymemories.Shebeganbycarefully catalogingthefamily’sheirlooms, whichincluded Civil Warportraitsand original horsehairmattresses,and organizingthem into eight storageunitsbased on the level ofrestoration each piecerequired.
ByAmandaDahl |PhotosbyAliseO’Brien
“Ihad to inventor y allthe furnishings andartthatexistedinthe homeanddecidewhatweweregoingto fix, refurbishorreuse [aswellas]what itemswehadto purchase orgatherfrom familystorage,”Smithsays.
Partneringwithcontractor Period Restoration,Smithmadethoughtful updates to SunnysideFarm, originally builtin 1918. Eventhesmallestchanges requiredcareful planningtopreserve thehome’sintegrity.“That wasaunique aspect ofthisprojectbutalsowhyit feelssointentional andcomplete,”she says. Whilethemainstructure was retained,the secondfloor wasrebuilt fromthestudsupandatwo-story addition wascompleted.
When visitors firststepinsidethe renovatedhome, theyaregreetedby history.Inthefoyer,acustom-built cabinet showcasesaneye-catching tapestry,originallymadetobeastair runnerbytheclient’smotherinthe
1960s. Oncethreadbare, thetapestry nowshines after meticulousrestoration.
“Wetookaparteverysingleriser andtread,”Smithdescribes. “Wefound almostthesamethreadsheusedtofix thistapestry.Werelinedthetapestry into thispatternand organizeditinto rows. Then,we sewedthistapestryonto adurable, rot-proof, canvasbacking.”
That intricate care canbewitnessed ineveryinchofthe seven-bedroom, seven-bathroomfarmhouse. Inthe Victorianbedroom,awedding set includingabed, dresser,chairs and sidemirror– purchasedatthe 1904 LouisianaExposition andshipped by riverboat –hasbeen carefullyrestored. Gas-operated chandeliers andbedside lampshavebeenupdatedfor modern use, whilethemasterbathroomfeatures anheirloommirrornowsuspendedon chainsfor adjustableheight,offering easefor agingfamilymembers
Smith also enlistedthetalentsofCosby
ArtGlass, locatedinWebsterGroves, to makestainedglassrepresentationsofthe farm,which now ank the original walnut replaceinthefamilyroom.Custom Stone Interiors inOverlandassistedwiththe stonework, makingitlookasifithadbeen thereanage.
“Wemadethekitchenvery utilitarian – understated farmhouse withclassicdesign,”Smithsays. Her teamreplacedaninteriorwallwitha radius-edgeisland.Thedecisionopened thespacetoamorecommunalvibe, and fromeveryseat, guests canadmire riverviewsorthecourtyardwithastone fountain.“Theideaistomaketheentire homefeellikeyou’reoutside.”
Barge-watchingontheMississippi haslongbeenafamilytradition,soSmith madesuretoincludeadesignatedspot inthefour-seasonporch.Notepadsand binoculars–onceusedbytheclient’s motherandgrandmothertotrackvessels alongtheriver–arenowhousedina
familydresser,nestledamongoriginal furnishingsandthreewallsofwindows.
Theproject tookSmith, alongsideherin-house workroom andnumerouslocalcraftsmen,three yearstorenew andrepairthebeloved residence. Intheprocess, shehas developedapersonal relationship withtheclients, whonowmeet her forsaladandpieatKimmswick’s Blue Owlwhentheyvisittown.
Inthe client’swords:“Family treasureshavebeen restoredbeyond their originalappearance;perfect newtreasureshaveappeared; and thoughtful,beautiful,comfortable arrangementsoccupythebetter-thanever rooms.”
Hecontinues: “Itislivablebeauty respondingtotheneedsofthree generationsofafamily.”
ChelseaDesignCompany, St.Louis,chelseadesignco.com
WHATTOKNOWABOUTPRESERVINGYOURPROPERTY, PLUSHOWTOREGISTERAHOMEASHISTORIC
Randy RennerJr.ofPeriodRestorationspoke withLN abouthow tocareforyourhistorichome. Whatshouldpeopleconsiderwhenmakingrenovationstoahistoricproperty?
Oldhousesaresimilartoaclassiccar:It’salaboroflove. Goinwitheyeswideopen, knowingyou lovethisthing, because theyjustcostmore[comparedtonew].
Aretherecommonmistakespeopleshouldavoidmaking duringthepreservationprocess?
Usinginferiormaterialsthatruinthearchitecturalintegrityofanoldhouse is somethingthatisoftendone. Forexample, itcouldbethetypeofroofsystemyou’re using–maybetheoriginalhouse hadslate. Itallcomesdownto budget.
Whenyou startchangingthese periodelements…you fundamentallychangenotonly thelookofthehousebuttheintentofthearchitecturaldesignitself.
Whatmakeshistorichomesso appealing?
Oldhousesareromantic. You’resortoflivinginthisstoryyou haveofyourself, right?
Anoldhouse hashistory:Who builtit? What wastheintent? Allthedi erentpeoplewho havelivedthereovertheyears. Ithasadi erentstorythanifyou just buybrand-new.
Toregisteryourpropertyashistoric, inquirewiththeMissouriStatehistoricpreservation o ce. Visit mostateparks.com/page/85626/my-property-eligible-listing-national-register. Yourneighborhoodmay alsoo eraspecial designationand plaqueforcentury-homes, sovisit yourlocal government’swebsiteformoreinformation.
PeriodRestoration,St.Louis,314-704-5146,periodrestorationco.com
Welc
LISA COULTER
314.941.2883
lisacoulter@janetmcafee.com
Asaconsistenttop producer forover 35 years,I am rmlycommittedto providing exceptional service from startto nish for all myclients.AndIlovehelping mybuyers andsellerssuccessfullynavigate thecurrentcompetitivemarket!
ANDR EA MADDOCK
314.518.6699
ahmaddock@janetmcafee.com
AsaJanetMcAfeetop agent,I’d lovetobeyourtrustedpartner on thesaleorpurchaseofyour home. Whether you arereadynowor inthe future,let’scomeupwiththebest plan foryou andyour family!
LEANNE SETIEN
314.623.9946
leannesetien@janetmcafee.com
ethingIlovemostabout realestateisworkingdaytoday withmyclientsmakingtheirhome buying/sellingprocessassimple andenjoyableascanbe. Itrulylovemyjob.
CINDY HANDY
314.489.3546
cindy.handy@janetmcafee.com
Oneof the things Iloveabout realestate, isthe one-on-oneconnectionwith people.Itrequires trustand skill toguideaclient through the process ofbuying orselling ahome.Because our homesaresuch animportantpartofwho we are,I nd theprocess veryrewarding
LAURIE BUSCH
314.496.9654
lauriebusch@janetmcafee.com
Iampassionateaboutrealestate,my clients,andtheirgoals.Mypreviouscareer withAnheuser-Buschinstilledinmethe high-qualityservicethatIprovidetoday. Mycorevaluesarehardwork,dedication andastrongpartnershipwithmyclients.
CHRISTY T HOMPS ON
314.974.6140
cthompson@janetmcafee.com
Iput my 32 yearsasanegotiatortowork oneverydeal. Iloveadvocating formy clients,makingtheir buying,orselling experience anunquali edsuccess
314.671.8333
ryangoldstein@janetmcafee.com
IloveSt.Louis, thepeople and thereal estate! I am dedicatedtohelping myclients throughoutthebuyingandselling process with asmucheaseaspossible.Whether we areworking toward ndingtheright home,gettingthebest priceasaseller or pickingthebestareawithin St.Louis,Iwork tirelesslyfor thebest outcomes aspossible.
MARCY BYRNE
314.750.5800
mbyrne@janetmcafee.com
With30+yearsofexperiencewithJanet McAfee,Iknowhowimportantitistohave atrustedadvisorwithlocalknowledgeand marketinsightinorderto ndtheperfect homeintherightneighborhood.
CHRISTINA DENT
314.309.5995
christina@janetmcafee.com
I’mpassionateabouttransforming homes to showcase their full potential, helping sellersmaximizeboth appeal andpro tability.Ilovebuildingstrong relationships with myclients, truly understandingtheir vision,andguiding themthrough therealestateprocess with ease andcon dence.
janetmcafeeinc. | 9889clayton r
TERRI WOLFNER
314.440.3737
twolfner@janetmcafee.com
With35 yearsofexperience,I tryto make all myclients have the smoothesttransaction in buyingandsellingtheir home! Ilovemy job!
TRICIA KOLBRENER
314.504.5564
tkolbrener@janetmcafee.com
Ilovetheeverchangingmarketsin therealestateindustry.With35years ofexperience,Ihaveseenandworked throughmanychallengingtransactions. Letmehelpyouwithyournextmove.
SUSANCOX HOLDEN
314.503.3345
susan@susanholden.com
Notwodays are thesame in realestate andIlove thatIgettoput onmanyhats tohelpmyclientsbuy andsell homes I am handson and treateveryproperty as if itwasmyown. Iusemy 35 years ofexperiencetogiveconciergeservice tomyclientswhichcreates long term relationships.
RYAN GOLDSTEIN
Midcentury Magic
ByConnieMitchell
PhotosbyKarenPalmer
meshesmidcentury inspirationswith contemporarytouches inthishomedesign.
When youthink of midcentury moderndesign,theBradyBunch house mayspringtomind.It was, afterall,theultimate 1960s pad, completewith midcenturymodernhallmarkslike soaringceilings,largewindows,cleanlines andpops ofcolor.Today’shomeownersmayreject thebright orangecountertopsofthat iconichome,but midcenturymodernremainsadesignfavoritefor many,andJCRDesignGrouprecentlycompleteda freshtakeontheaestheticforaclientwhodownsized toaWarsonWoodsmidcenturyranchhouse.
JennyRapp, ownerandprincipaldesigner,worked withdesignerCinziaPu tocombineandcurate theowner’scollectibleswithmidcenturymodern furnishings. RapplaughswhentheBradyBunchhouse ismentioned,notingthat materialsandcolors have
evolved.Insteadofevokingthemidcenturysitcom, thehomere ectsthemorere nedmidcenturymodern stylesintroducedbyfamousdesignerssuchasCharles andRayEames, HermanMillerandIsamuNoguchi.
“Midcenturyisa classicstylethat happened tobe ourclient’staste,”Rappsays. “Italso tsthe architecturalstyleofthehome. eidea wastouse midcenturyasaguidewhenchoosingmaterialsand textilesandthen incorporatethehomeowner’s personaltouch.”
edistinctivemidcenturyaesthetic, de nedby boldgeometricshapesandmaterialslikewood,glass, leatherandstone, isevidentinthefurnishings, lighting andaccessoriesthroughoutthecompletedhome. However,thetransformation wastwoyearsinthe making, startingwithsigni cantchangestothe oor plan. “[ eclient]waslookingfordesignsandguidance onafullhomerenovation,includinganewandmore openkitchenwithbetterstorageandimproved ow forentertainingaswellasaredesignedand enlarged primarysuite,”Rappsays. “Astheplantookshape, the remainderofthehome wastouchedaswell.”
–JENNYRAPP
RappandPu workedwithcontractorsto remove a wall separatingthekitchenandfamilyroom,creating asingle, largerspace. Lightedglass-frontcabinetswere customizedtoshowcase theowner’spotterycollection, andacenter islandandsuedequartzitecountertop completedthedesign.Choosingmodernmaterials elevatesandfreshenstheclassicstyle, notesPu .
“Materialsandfabrication haveimprovedover time, andthatchangestheoveralllooksomewhat,”shesays. “Nowwehavequartzite[ahardmetamorphicrock surfacethatoriginatesassandstone]whereasbeforewe hadgranite, andbeforethat, wehadlaminate. People nowwant thesenatural, organicmaterialsthat aremore sustainable and earth-friendly.”
ediningroomshowcasesacustomcabinet craftedbyalocalartisan,designedtoperfectly tthe spaceandechothepatternofthechairupholstery. Aroundlight xturewithaglassandwooddrum shadeaddsanothertouchofmidcenturystyle, adesign movement thatemerged after WorldWarIIaspeople
embracedamoreoptimistic, forward-thinkingaesthetic.
Homeowners wanting to put a midcenturymodern spin ontheir own interiors can focusoncreating an uncluttered, minimalist approach that combines clean linesandnaturalmaterials, Rappsays. “Stressing ‘function’over‘fancy’mayre ect themidcenturydesign butwillalsobetimeless,”sheadds. “Contemporary art andpopsofcolor are easyadditionstobring cohesivenesstoanyspace.”
RappandPu developedarapportwiththe clientduringthetwo-yearproject, whichledtoan understandingofhisvisionforthehomeaswellashis personal preferences,heritageandcollections.Rapp adds:“Byincorporatingcertainmeaningful pieces ofartandpotteryintothecolor selectionsand nal decorations, wewereabletodesignspacesthatfeel deeplypersonal.”
JCRDesignGroup,11622PageServiceDrive,Suite 103,St.Louis,314-706-2727,jcrdesigngroupstl.com
—Richard
Pair
ByAndreaSmith |PhotosbyLisaMitchell
A P fect
KarrBick interior designerAshley
Obradovitsdishes onhowshepulled thisdiningroom togetherusing eclecticpatterns and antique nds.
It wasadi erentkindofmeet-cute, butnolessmagicalthantherom-com variety.In dreaminguparecentdining room refresh,interior designer Ashley Obradovitsfeltasifshehadmet her “designsoulmate,”because theclient’svision forthespacesocloselymatchedherown. Suchisevidentintheresultingdesign’s storybookcolors andwhimsical details,both hallmarksofObradovits’signaturestyle.
Agooddose ofcolor wasexactlywhat thisrenovation required. eformerlybeige andbrowndiningroomisnowacharming placeforagrowingfamilytogather,anda nearbypowderroom wasalsorenovatedto complementit. Asthedesignleadforthis KarrBickproject, Obradovitsleveragedthe St. Louis-based rm’steamofkitchenand bathdesigners andconstruction experts to deliver afunctional remodel.“Wewanted to bemindfulwithallthepiecesthatweusedin thisroomsothattheywouldstanduptothe familythatlivesinit,”shesays. “We wantto designbeautifulhomesthatareforreallife.”
eclientchosetheMadameDe Pompadourwallpaper bySchumacher,and theclient’syoungdaughterhelpedchoose performancefabricsforthefurniture. Obradovitsalsoensuredthecustomrug wouldholdupovertimebyoptingfor durable100%NewZealandwool.“It’sall reallyeasy to maintainand clean after the sticky ngersandaccidentsthatarebound tooccur,”Obradovitssays.
e wallpaperprovidedacolorpalette todrawfrom,inspiringaroomfullof “grandmillennial blue,”softgreensand popsofpink.
“Itgaveussomanyfuncolorstowork with,”Obradovitssays. “We pulled outthe coralofthe owers…forthelacquered Chinacabinet. We pulled outthelightblue, andwehavethatastrimeverywhereandin themolding.... egreenfromthe wallpaper isusedasafun,smallprintonthehead chairsat thetable,andtheside chairs match thesamebluethat’sinthe wallpaper.”
LocalartistSusanGreenepaintedthe bluelatticepatternaroundthewindows, creatingacharmingnicheforthesettee bench. epatterncarriesover into the powderroomonthecustomtrellisdoor, whichhidesashower. epowderroom alsofeaturesanother whimsical wallpaper theclientloved,andawalnutvanity collaboratively createdwithKarrBick lead designer JanelleHelms.
Obradovitspossessesaparticular talent for layeringcolors,texturesand patternsand creatingunityamong eclecticpieces. Shesoughtfurnitureand accessoriesthatwouldlenda“curated, collected-over-time”looktothedesign. She highlightstheBaker diningtablewith scalloped-edgedetailingasafavoritepiece that wassourcedfromChairish,ahigh-end onlineshopforpre-ownedvintageand antiquehomegoods. Dishesanddécor intheChinacabinet andonthecredenza camefrom the client’sownoyster plate collectionandfromadayofshopping togetheratanantiquemall.
“Whileeverythinginthisroom looks new,[therearealotof]antiquepiecesthat wejusthadupdated,”Obradovitsshares. “Atalocalantiquestore, Ifoundthemirror that’swiththe credenza,and at alocalonline estatesale, IfoundtheChinacabinet, and thenwehadsomeonelocallacqueritforus.”
Lessnoticeableisthejibdoorthatleads
tothebasement,andeventhecathasits ownsecretpassagewaythroughwhichit mayretreat.
“Ninety-ninepercentofthetime,I wouldgoovertotheclient’shouse,and theywouldhavetheirbasementdoorjust slightlyajarbecausethat’stheonlyway thecatwouldgodownstairs,”Obradovits explains.“Sowethought,‘Whatifwecreate acatdoorandmakeitlookintentional?’”
Ajibdoor isseamlesslyintegratedinto the wall,allowingthe wallpaperto ow uninterruptedaroundtheroom.From thefeather-motif crystalchandelierto the carefully placed tassels,Obradovits takesprideineverydetail.“Wecankeep thebasementdoorclosedandhaveit almost blendedright in, andtheKarrBick constructionteamexecutedit awlessly.It lookslikeit wasalwaysmeanttobethat way.”
KarrBick,2715MercantileDrive,St.Louis, 314-645-6545,karrbick.com
W here the HearthIs
ByDanielPuma |PhotoscourtesyofListonDesignBuild
KeithListonofListon DesignBuildshares everythingyouneedto knowaboutbuilding anoutdoor replace.
Those Christmassongs knowwhatthey’retalkingabout–there’s anunmatched cozinesstogathering arounda“firesodelightful,” especiallyduringthecoldermonths. Traditionally,enjoyingafire outdoorsmeanseschewingthecomfortofyourcouchforaspotby thebonfire. Butwhatifyou didn’thavetocompromise?
“Outdoorfireplacesprovideacozyambiance,warmthandaperfect gatheringspotforenjoyingtime outdoors,”saysKeithListon,ownerof ListonDesignBuild.Asidyllicasan outdoordinnerpartybyacrackling fireoracozyeveningroastingmarshmallowswiththekidsmaysound, homeownersplanningarenovationareboundtohavepracticalconcerns. Hereareafewkeyconsiderations.
It’saninvestment–butdoitforyou.
Thistypeofamenitycanadd valuetothehome, Listonsays: “Incorporatingfeatureslike an outdoorfireplace canenhanceyour home’s appealbycreatingauniqueandinviting outdoorarea.”Headds, however, thatmostclientsaremotivatedbythelifestyleandleisurebenefits.
inkabouthowyouwanttousethespaceasawhole.
Listonrecommendsconsideringthefunctionalityofyouroutdoorspaceas youresearchyouroutdoor replaceaddition.Istheareameantonlytobea re feature,orisitsupposedtobeanoutdoorlivingareacompletewithakitchen andseating?Whethertheadditionisa repitora replacecanchangethe designoftheseatingareasurroundingthefeature.Willthefeatureutilizegas, woodorboth?Yourfueltypewillhelpdetermineyourdesignoptions. Gethelpfromapro.
Workingwithadesigner,contractoror architectcanhelpyouconceptualize yourideal reside setup. Anexpertcanbestdeterminehowtoworkaround permanentstructuresonyourproperty,helpyou makethemostofyour budget andshouldhaveknowledgeofyourmunicipality’ssafetyprotocol. Listonsays, “Onceyourvisionandgoalsarealigned,werecommend reachingoutto aprofessional company to beginthetransformation process
ofdesigningthespaceandcreatingyour dreamoutdoorliving area.”
Consideryourtimeline.
Eachdesignisdi erentandhasitsown timetablefor completion,depending on numerousfactors.Liston sayshomeowners shouldexpect aboutsixmonthsofleadtime todraftplans, developspeci csondesign aspectsandprojectscope,secure building permitsandmore.
Listonsaysthetimeofyeartostartprojects dependsonwhenyouwanttobeginenjoying thespace.“Startwiththeenddateinmind andworkbackward,”hesays.“ ebesttimes ofyeartoenjoyanoutdoor replacearespring andfall.Yourcontractorwillbeabletoassist withprojecttimelineandplanning.”
Endlesspossibilitiesprompt countless questions,butwithsomethoughtful planning andatrusted professionalbyyour side,buildingan outdoorfireplacecanbea seamlessprocessthatpaysoffwithlasting rewards. Acrispfallnightwiththestars out, afireroaringwithsome scentedlogs, a warmflannelblanket andwoolensocks, all bathedinthe warmglowfromyourhearth–it’sasclose toheavenasitgets.
ListonDesignBuild,1106FirstCapitolDrive, St.Charles,636-940-9417, listondesignbuild.com
KELLYJO HNS ON DE SIGN
ByAshleyKlein |PhotosbyHeidiDrexlerPhotography
SugarcoatHomecofoundersJessicaConwayand KatePollmannbreakdownthemaximalistdesignaesthetic.
Thisisn’tyourgrandma’santiquestore. With vintagefurniture,décor and neriesgalore, St. Louis-based SugarcoatHomehasanoldsoul andan utterlycontemporary attitude.Justaskits nearly 25,000 Instagramfollowers, whoporeover the seller’seclectic, yet elegant, ndsandstyletipsontheregular. CofoundersJessicaConwayandKatePollmannmet when rkidswereclassmates, andtheyquicklybondedovera sharedlovefor nessingtheinteriorsoftheirownhomes. ourhomesarealwaysevolving, andwewere constantlyaskingeachotherforadvice,”theysay.
“Wecouldn’t ndaretailspotinSt. Louisthat carriedthetypesofthings wewerelooking for;sotwoyearsago, wedecidedtocreate it ourselves.”
Today, Sugarcoatsharesits wares withthemetrofromitsboothsatWarson WoodsAntiqueGallery;duringsales
atitsOlivette warehouse afewtimesamonth,whicho er“a curatedestatesalevibe;”aswellasonline. Inadditiontovintage décor,o erings includecustomlacqueredfurniture, a selection ofnewfurnishings andwearableaccessories.Blue-and-white porcelainpieces, chinoiserie, leopardprintandbrassaccents areafewmotifsyou will ndthroughouttheshop.
“Wearelookingforspecialpiecesthataddaunique air toyourhome,”theduosays. “Forus, neriesarethespecial things thatbringyou joy.You canget thebasicsanywhere,but at Sugarcoatyou’ll ndawide selectionofuniqueitemsthat you aren’tgoingto seeineveryoneelse’shomes.”
Personalityisattheheartofthemaximalistaesthetic, a ordingspaceforyourfavoritetchotchkesthattheall-white, minimalistinteriors ofyesteryear oncebanished.“Itfeels goodtobesurroundedbythings thatmakeyou smileorevoke memories,”thepairsays. “Weloveahomethatdoesn’ttakeitself too seriously–alittlebitoffunfeelsmoreauthentic. …Itis allaboutcreatingahomethatfeelsgoodtoyou.”
Wanttotakesomecuesfromthemaximalistlook butnot surewheretostart?Sugarcoatrecommendstakingyourtime andenjoyingtheprocess.“[Try]startingwithafewcolorful pillows on aneutral sofa,thenchoosingsomecoordinating vintagepiecesforbookcasesandco eetables,”theysay. Sugarcoatalsoo ersdesign services, specializinginstyling smallvignettesaroundthehome.
“Ifyouseeaquirkylittleaccessorythatmakesyou smile, that’syoursigntobringithome!” theduosays. “Maximalism looksbestwhencuratedovertime, sodon’tbeafraidto rearrangetoaccommodatethespecialpiecesyou nd.”
Curatingatyourleisureaccordingtoyourpersonaltaste alsomakesamaximalistlookmoreresilientto thetypically shortshelflifeofadesigntrend.“Wetrulybelievethat creatingacollectionthatre ectsthejourneyofyourlife andhomeisalwaysgoingtobetimeless,”theyadd. “Maximalismneverwent outofstylefor ourgrandparents, and[weat Sugarcoat] thinkthatisthesameforloversof maximalismnow!”
SugarcoatHome,shopsugarcoat.com
What’sone iteminthe store you havetoresisttaking homefor yourself?
Conway: Wedon’tbuyanythingwe wouldn’tkeepinourownhomes,so that’stough!IwillkeepaDorothy DraperEspanachestformyselfone day, though!
Pollmann: Wehaveacuratedrose medallionplatewallintheshopright nowthatisstunning.Iamdyingto takeithomeandinstallitinmy diningroom!
Winter Classes & P
