ABODE Spring 2023

designMarioBellini

designMarioBellini

CONNECTWITH ABODE AND LADUENEWS

ABODE LADUENEWS

PUBLISHER

IanCaso

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EmilyAdams | eadams@laduenews.com

FollowtheLadueNewsFacebook pagetokeepupwiththelatest homedécortrends. Eachweek, lookforwardto THETRIO column, whichshowcasesthreepiecesideal forupdatingyourinteriordesign.

Seesomethinginthe magazinethat inspires you? FollowLadueNews onPinteresttosaveyour favorite FEATURES for wheneveryou needa creativespark

Get apeekinside luxurious localhomesby following@laduenewson Instagram.Photosfromthe DESIGNELEMENTS column showoffstunningworkby someofthe topinterior designersinthemetroarea.

MANAGINGEDITOR

AshleyKlein | aklein@laduenews.com

DIGITALEDITOR & STAFFWRITER

AmandaDahl | adahl@laduenews.com

COPYEDITOR & STAFFWRITER

MadeleineAckerburg | mackerburg@laduenews.com

ASSOCIATEEDITOR

Charlotte Renner | crenner@laduenews.com

ASSISTANTEDITOR

EmilyStandlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

BethanyChristo,DrewGieseke,AleciaHumphreys, ConnieMitchell,BrittanyNay,HopeTimmermann

ADVERTISING

VICEPRESIDENTOFSALES

KevinHart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

ACCOUNTEXECUTIVES

KatieRay | kray@laduenews.com

ErinWood | ewood@laduenews.com

SPECIALPROJECTSMANAGER

MaggiePeters | mpeters@laduenews.com

CLASSIFIED ACCOUNTMANAGER

LisaTaylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

ARTDIRECTOR

DawnDeane | ddeane@laduenews.com

ASSISTANTARTDIRECTOR

LauraDeVlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

CoreyHogrefe,MaxKim-Bee,ChristinaKling-Garrett, MeganLorenz,NicoleMigetPhotography,LisaMitchell, AliseO’Brien,KarenPalmer,JenniferSilverberg

CONTACT

901N.10thSt.,St.Louis,MO63101-1250 314.863.3737 | LadueNews.com

Photo courtesyof JulieReinecke Designs

Photo courtesyofFrisellaLandscapeGroup

Photo supplied

Interior design is a very personal art form

It’s family heirlooms passed down by generations, paintings that conjure the emotions of a specific time and colors that spark joy It’s spaces that provide peace and tranquility and small details that make life that much easier It’s a type of creative expression that’s lived and experienced. It’s what makes a house feel like a home.

On p. 36, Ashley Obradovits of Karr Bick shares a sentimental tour of her own carefully crafted home. She speaks with copy editor and staff writer Madeleine Ackerburg about how she weaves nostalgic charm with fresh design and incorporates her favorite pieces.

And on p. 30, the “design daredevil” herself Jessie D Miller brings that same spirit to her recently renovated studio. Associate editor Charlotte Renner talks with Miller about how she managed to bring personality into her work space design.

If we learned anything from putting together this edition, it’s that every design project starts with the people and the personalities it’s serving. Such was the message of each kitchen remodel expert that managing editor Ashley Klein chats with on p. 24 about building kitchens that function as much as they wow

Improving your space doesn’t exclusively revolve around major renovations, however On p. 17, contributing reporter Connie Mitchell dives into the details with her feature on crafting vignettes. And on p. 13, digital editor Amanda Dahl shares wallpaper application tips that will change the game in each room of your abode.

On p. 57, assistant editor Emily Standlee reveals her guide to shopping for locally made art. And on p. 10, contributor Alecia Humphreys gets the lowdown on the new interior design venture fronted by one of the metro area ’ s favorite former boutique owners

Projects like those featured in this edition create surroundings that foster community and growth I hope, after reading this edition, you ’ re inspired to start a project of your own.

Happy living,

Emily Adams

Photo by Christina Kling-Garrett

DesignerINSIGHTS

WITHSARATRAN

Sara Studio

ByAleciaHumphreys Photoscour tesyofSaraTran

SaraTran,designerand curatorofSaraStudio,knew fromayoungageshewanted tobeaninteriordesigner–shejustdidn’tknowitwas calledinteriordesign.

“Iremember rearranging mybedroomfurnitureevery weektoseehowmyroom wouldfeelifIweretohave itonthiswallorthatwall,” Transays.“Ifoundmyself laterbuildingthesehomeswithLegos,andI wouldsitthereforhoursdoingthat.Ilovedit!If Ihadtime,Iwouldstilldoittoday.Itwasn’tuntil college,whenIfiguredoutthattherewasan interiordesignmajor,thatIknewthatwaswhat Iwantedtodo.”

After college,Trangainedresidential experiencebeforehoningin on hospitality.“A pivotalpointinmycareeriswhenImadethe decisiontomovetoLasVegas;Icameacrossan opportunitytodesignhospitality,andit’salways beensomethingIwantedtodo,”Transays.“This moveallowedmetogainexperiencesinmore areasthanjustdesign,[including]foodand beverage,whichiswhatIalsogrewupwith. Itfeltlikehome.”

Today,TrantransformsSt.Louisspaces–everythingfromcaféstohotels–withherclean, calmaesthetic.

Inspiration

“It’smyclients! Iworkwithalotofsmall business owners. Ilovehearingtheirstories. Ilearnsliversof whotheyare, and it inspiresme to bringtheirvision to life. It’sveryinspiringandmotivating whenI can telltheirstorythroughdesign.”

Onend

mreally loving rm tones dtheuseof atural products. ike howwe’re movingaway fromgrays and ringing in more natural tonesofivory andcreams. Itmakesme appreciate thenature of products.”

Must-have

“Neverunderestimatetexture. I have alwaysstoodbythis; I wouldsaythateveryspace needstexture. Itgivesthe spacesomuchcharacterand brings thespace[to life].”

Protip

“Noteverythingneeds to be perfect. Thereisbeautyin imperfection.Imayhave anaestheticthatpeople like,butthatdoesn’tmean it wi alwaysworkinaspace. Let’smake yourspace alsofeellike you.”

Faveproject

“Oh,thisisahardone. Ihaveworked onsomereally coolprojectsthe past 15-plusyears,butmy favorite to dateisprobably amedical spathat Iamcurrently workingon.It’sspecial,notonly because it’slocated inmy hometown,St. Louis,but[alsobecause]theclientismytalented bestfriend. Iwasheavily involved in eachstageoftheprojectandamso excited forthe grandopeningthisspring.”

PhotobyJenniferSilverberg

Sara Studio, sarastudiollc.com

DEEP, RESTFUL,LIFE-CHANGINGSLEEP ISCLOSERTHAN YOUTHINK

LocallyownedandoperatedTheBackStoreoffersallthebestoptionsin beddingandcomfortneeds.Withtwoconvenientlocationsrunbyexperts whowanttofindyourbestfit,yourkeytorestandrelaxationisjustdown theroad.VisitTheBackStoretodayandspeakwitharestfulexpertto findyourbestfitacrossthebestbrandsincludingTempur-Pedic,Nectar, DreamCloud,GhostBed,Puffy,OsakiMassage,andmore.

TheBackStoreiscommittedtoensuringSt.Louisgetstherestneeded–shoplocal,shopsmart,andshopsoundly.

DesignerINSIGHTS

WITHLAURENTHORP

BonboniInteriorDesign

ByAleciaHumphreys

Lauren Thorprecently madethedifficultdecision to shutter her belovedShaw neighborhoodboutique, Bonboni MercantileCo.,but fansofThorpcanrestassured –thisisjustthebeginningof her latest endeavor

“InsteadofBonboni MercantileCompany,weare Bonboni Interior Design, buttheheartisthesame,” Thorpsays.“Bonboni[MercantileCo.]wasall abouthelpingyouconnectwithyourlovedones throughgifts.My goal withBonboni Interior Designistohelpclientscreatespacesthatcan fostermeaningfulrelationshipswiththeirfamily andfriendsthroughbeautifuldesign.”

Customers consistentlycomplimentedher boutiqueonitsbeautifulinteriordesign,sothis feltlikeanaturalnextstep,Thorpexplains.

“Peoplefrequentlywouldwalkintotheshop andjustkindofsighandsay,‘IwishIcouldlive here,’”Thorpsays.“Ilovedthatcompliment. Nothingmeantmoretome.PeopleaskedifIdid interiordesign,andIalwayssaid,‘No,Idon’t havethebandwidth.’I’msuretherearesome peopleouttherewithhighercapacities,butI justknewIcouldn’tdoboththingswell.[So, now]feltliketherighttimetopursuethis.”

BonboniInteriorDesign, bonbonimercantile.com/pages/interior-design

Pro-tip

“Choosetimeless furniturepiecesthatwillstandthe testoftime. Selectoptionsthatareclassic, versatile and canbe easily updated withminorchanges, suchasnewaccessoriesorcurtains. Thisdoesn’t meanthatpiecesneedto beboringorsoulless,but takecare to avoid expensiveandoverly trendy itemsthatwilllikely lookoutdated infiveyears.”

Must-have

“Inordertoinfuseaunique personalityintoaspace,it needsacoupleofvintageor antiqueitemsthataremore one-of-a-kind–evenbetterif it’safamilyheirloom.Ialso liketothrowawhimsical pieceintoaroom.Inmy home,mylivingroom hasavintagehand-dyed paperleidrapedoverthe topofacolorfulvase.It’s asmalldetailthatadds aninterestinglayer oftextureandcolor. Spacesalsoneedawellplannedcolorscheme thatwillhelpcreatethedesiredmoodoftheroom.”

Favespace

“Ilovedesigninglivingspacessuchasfamilyroomsanddiningrooms becausethoseareplaceswhererelationshipsflourishandgrow.The heartofBonbonihasalwaysbeentocreatebeautifulandmeaningful avenuesforconnectingwithfamilyandfriends.Intheshop,thiswas donebycuratingthoughtfulgiftstogivetolovedones.Ininteriordesign, thisisdonebycreatingbeautiful,invitingandlivablespacesinhomes thatencouragegatheringforSundaydinnersorcompetitivegamenights.”

PhotoscourtesyofBonboniInteriorDesign

Photosupplied

If WA LLS CouldTalk

WA LLS

Wallpapercanenhanceanyspaceinyourhome byaddingatouchofcolor,anexcitingpattern orsubtletexture.Althoughincorporating wallpaperinstrikingwayscertainlyseemsto beaboomingtrendofthemoment,MariaHogrefe,co-founder ofC&MInteriorsinUniversityCity,saysthetreatmentitselfhas alwayshadaplaceininteriordesign.

“Wallpaperhasbeenpopularforever,”Hogrefesays.“You seewallpaperandhand-paintedmuralsinhistorichomesand buildingsinRome,Italy,andplacesaroundtheworld.It’snever reallygoneoutofstyle.Thedesignshavechanged,though; we’reseeinglotsoffloralandlarge-scalepatternsthatfeel moretraditionalandatonofgrasscloth.”

Exper t advice forapplication

Theprincipaldesigneradvisesbeingintentionalwhen choosingwheretoaddwallpaperinyourhome’sinteriors.“One thingthatisreallyimportanttokeepinmindistheapplication [andthelocation]ofthe wallpaper,”Hogrefesays.

Somewallpaper materialsaremademoredurablethanothers for justthisreason

“Inabathroomthatisheavilyused,wewouldn’trecommend doingawallpaperunlessitisvinylormadeofsomethingthat canrepelwater,”shesays.“Inasmallpowderroomoraguest bathroom,youhavealotmoreflexibilityonthematerialof thepaper.”

Keepin mindthat somewallpapers seem moreconvenient becausetheycomeinapeel-and-stickvariety,buttheadhesiveon thesedriesquicklyandcanmakeitdifficulttocorrectanypieces youmaylaydownslightlyoff-center.Wallpaperpastes,however, areslow-dryingandallowyoumoretimetofitapiecejustright.

When to gobold

At“TheMistyHollowHouse,”arecentprojectforC&M, thecliententrustedawhole-houserenovationtothedesign firm.“Thisclientwassuperfun,”Hogrefesays.“Shehasavery adventuroussidetoherandiswillingtotakerisks.”

Afewofthemostdaringdesignchoicesweremadeinthe abode’sbathroomsandmudroom,whereHogrefesuggeststhat

“typically,addingwallpapertoasmaller,moreenclosedspacecan makeitmoreofadestination.”

Afunkyprintdepictingflamingosagainstawaterscape livensuponeofthehome’sbathrooms.Theteamalsoturned themudroomandlaundryareaintoacheerygetawaywitha wallpaperprintedonlinenthatportraysasceneofPortovenere,a medievalvillageoutsideofItaly’sCinqueTerre.

MariaHogrefeof C&M Interiorssharestipsfor playingw ith color,patternandtexture w ith yourwal lpaper treatm entsthi syear.

When to staymuted

Incontrast,theremainingspacesinTheMistyHollowHouse reflectedamoreneutralapproach.“Neutral,”however,doesn’t mean one-dimensional

“We’vefoundourclientsreallylovehavingatextural element,likeagrassclothpaperinadiningroom,livingroomor somewherelarger,”Hogrefenotes.“Itaddsalayertotheroomand doesnotnecessarilyhaveapattern.”

Onanotherproject,“TheWildHorseCreekHouse,”C&M Interiorsworkedonanewbuildthatshowcasedastylethat differs from thedesignfirm’stypicalapproach.“This client had agoodamountoflandandwaswillingtomergetheirmodern farmhousestylewithourtasteforclassicandtraditional elements,”Hogrefesays.Theresultsexemplifyadiscerningblend.

So,whetheryouchoosetoaddastrikingpatternforamurallikeeffectinyourhomeoryouoptforasimpledesignwitha coarsesurfacefor asubtlestyle enhancement,theversatilityof wallpaperisundeniable.Remember,though:Someprojectsmight requiretheaidofaprofessionaltoensureseamlesslines,from addinglargersectionsofwallpapertoaspaciousroomtoworking withinasmallerareathatrequirescuttingpiecestofitaround ornatetrimornumerousfixtures.

C&MInteriors,937MidlandBlvd.,St.Louis,314-328-1923, candminteriors.com

WALLPAPER DESIGNERS TO SHOP

Wonderingwhere to start looking forwallpaper andwhich designersto shop?MariaHogrefeof C&MInteriors offersup afewrecommendations.

•AbigailBorg

•Cole&Son

•Pierre Frey

•Osborne&Little

•KellyVentura

POCKETSOF Personality

ByConnieMitchell

PhotocourtesyofCeleslieDesign

PhotobyMeganLorenz

You’vefurnishedyourroomwithcomfortable, fashionableseating,lightingandaccent tables.Everythinglooksperfect–butit’sstill justnotright.Ifsomething’sstillmissingto makeyourspacefeelcompleteandcurated, itmightbetimetocreateavignette.

Designvignettesaresmallcollectionsofitemsthatcreatevisual interestandbuildonaroom’soverallaesthetic.However,knowing exactlyhowtopulltogetherathoughtfulvignetterequiresmore thanjustputtingafewoddsandendstogetheronashelfortable.

SusanCeleslieofCeleslieDesignnotesthatvignettescanhelp setamoodandprovideasenseofdiscoveryasyougothrough ahome.“Itmakesahomemoreinterestingandintelligentand individualizesitfortheowner,”shesays.“Ioftenusevignettesto displayahomeowner'sprizedpossessions.”

AmyMcCoyofMcCoyDesignStudioagreesthataccessoriesare animportantpartofreallybringingaspacetolife.“It’sthesubtle

detailsthattellthestoryof wholivesinthishomeand howthespaceisbeingused day-to-day,”shesays.

Proper placement of avignettedependson theroom’ssightlinesand features.Vignettescanadd interesttoentryways,coffee tablesandbookshelvesor highlightaspecificheirloom orartwork.“Whenyou walkintoaroomandthere isawell-definedfocalwalloranarchitecturaldetailyouwantto highlight,thenthosearegreatopportunitiesforavignette,”McCoy says.“Sometimesaquietmomentonanendtableornightstandis anopportunitytocreateavignettethattellsastoryaswell.”

Onceyou’velocatedthatsignaturespot, creatingacohesive vignetterequiresproper proportions,balanceandconsideration ofthesize,shapeandcolorofeachpiece.Celesliesaysthatvaried heightsandvisualweightsofitemsareimportanttoagood vignette.Sheadvisesbeginningwiththelargestitemyouwant toshowcaseandthenaddingsmalleritemstodevelopasenseof balanceandproportion.However,sheadvisesclientsnottoget carriedaway.

PhotosbyMeganLorenz

“It'simportanttorememberthatlessisoftenmore,”she says.“Don’tovercrowdyourvignettewithtoomanyobjectsor decorations.Instead,focusonselectingafewkeypiecesthatwork welltogether.Ifyourvignetteisstartingtofeelcluttered,stepback andremoveafewitems.Andrememberto never takethe attention awayfromthefocalpointofthevignette.”

McCoypreventsvignettesfrombecomingvisualclutterby usingthe“ruleofthree.”Atthesametime,sherecognizesthateach vignetteisasindividualasthepersoncreatingit.“Ilovetohave personalitemsthathaveahistorytothem,”shesays.“Itmakesthe vignettefeel authenticwhen youincorporatethoughtful itemsthat areimportanttoyou.”Shealsorecommendsusingnaturalobjects, suchasplants,stoneorwooditems,tobringengagingcolorand texturetoaspace.

Celeslieagreesthatindividualityiskeyandencouragesclients tobecreative.“Vignettesareagreatopportunitytoshowcase yourpersonalstyle,”shesays.“Don'tbeafraidtoexperimentwith differentobjectsandarrangementsuntilyoufindtheperfect combination.Andremember,ifsomethingdoesn'twork,you canalwaysswitchitoutforsomethingelse.Iliketogiveclientsa vignettethattheywalkpasteverydayintheirhomeandfeelgood thatitistheirs.”

CeleslieDesign,347-604-9444,celesliedesign.com

McCoyDesignStudio,mccoydesignstudio.com

PhotoscourtesyofCeleslieDesign

Vignettesareagreat opportunitytoshowcase yourpersonalstyle.Don’t beafraidtoexperiment withdifferentobjects andarrangementsuntil youfindtheperfect combination.” –SUSANCELESLIE

elcome

ANN C ARTER

314.277.1089

anncarter@janetmcafee.com

Areyouconsideringbuyingorsellingaproperty? It’simportanttohaveaseasonedrealestate agentbyyourside.Asaluxuryrealestateagent withmorethan35yearsofexperience,Ipossess thenecessaryknowledge,skills,andexpertiseto assistyouinnavigatinganyrealestatetransaction. Letmebeyourtrustedallyinthisjourney.

BETH SCHULTZ

314.609.3855

beth.schultz@janetmcafee.com

I blendmyenthusiasticlove ofmyjobandnonstopenergy withcreating a trueclientrelationship.Mysuccessis attributedtotakingtheprocessofhomeownership toheart,from a firsttimehomebuyerto a seasoned veteran,allofmyclientsaretreatedaspartnersand friends workingtogethertoensure everydetailisperfect.

LAURIE BUSCH

314.496.9654

lauriebusch@janetmcafee.com

Iampassionateaboutrealestate,my clients,andtheirgoals.Mypreviouscareer withAnheuser-Buschinstilledinmethe high-qualityservicethatIprovidetoday. Mycorevaluesarehardwork,dedication andastrongpartnershipwithmyclients.

KATHY DRISCOLL

314.704.1474

kdriscoll@janetmcafee.com

Over18 yearsofRE experiencehas providedmewith valuableinsightand marketknowledgethatcannotbe foundin internetsearches.Let’s negotiate a great transaction for Youintheneighborhood andhouse youlove.

CINDY HANDY

314.489.3546

cindy.handy@janetmcafee.com

Oneofthethings I love aboutrealestate,isthe one-on-oneconnectionwithpeople.Itrequires trustandskilltoguide a clientthroughthe processofbuyingorselling a home.Because ourhomesaresuchanimportantpartofwho we are, I findtheprocess veryrewarding.

MELIND A MCCARTHY

314.606.2180

melinda@janetmcafee.com

IlovewhatIdo,anditshows!My30+yearsasatop Realtorisareflectionofmyexperience,market knowledge,responsivenesstoandcommunication withmyclients.Itakegreatprideinmystrong relationshipswithclientswhoIviewaspartners whilewenavigateyoursaleandpurchaseprocess. Ilistentoyourneeds,andweworktogetherasa teamtogetyouthebestpossibleoutcomeinthis ever-changinghousingmarket.

TRICIA KOLBRENER

314.504.5564

tkolbrener@janetmcafee.com

Ilovetheeverchangingmarketsin therealestateindustry.With34years experience,Ihaveseenandworked throughmanychallengingtransactions. Letmehelpyouwithyournextmove!

TERRI WOLFNER

314.440.3737

twolfner@janetmcafee.com

With34 years workingatJanet McAfee, I trytomake allmyclients have thesmoothesttransactionin buyingandsellingtheirhome!

I love myjob!

MARC Y B YRNE

314.750.5800

mbyrne@janetmcafee.com

With30+yearsofexperiencewithJanet McAfee,Iknowhowimportantitistohave atrustedadvisorwithlocalknowledgeand marketinsightinordertofindtheperfect homeintherightneighborhood.

CANDYCACIOLO

314.630.7722

candycaciolo@janetmcafee.com

Iamdedicatedtoprovidingthehighestlevelof professionalserviceforhomebuyersandsellers. Iwilleducateyouaboutcurrentmarketconditions andworktosimplifytherealestateprocess,makingit lesscostlyandmoreefficientleadingtoasuccessful close.Buildingtrustwithmyclientsandexceeding theirexpectationsaretopgoals.Asalife-long St.Louisan,IknowandloveSt.Louisandwillwork diligentlytomakeyourrealestatedreamareality.

SUSAN JOHNSTON

314.541.4149

susanjohnston@janetmcafee.com

I love what I do!Myclientsbecomepartners andlifelongfriends.Withprofessionalism and expertise, Iworkhardtoputtogether the verybestplanandgetthe verybestsale foreachofmybuyersandsellersinthis very competitive market.

CHRISTY THOMPSON

314.974.6140

cthompson@janetmcafee.com

I putmy31 yearsas a negotiator to workon everydeal. I love advocating formyclients,making theirbuying,orselling experience anunqualifiedsuccess.

BUILDING A

LivableKitchen

Howdesignexperts

ByAshleyKlein

ByAshley Klein

Certainareasinthehomecanfunctionwellwitha fewimpracticalpiecesthrownintothemix–fragile antiques,for example, or anaccentchairthat’srarely usedbutstilltiestheroomtogether.Thekitchen, however,isonespacethatdemandspragmatismandprettiness intandem,andasavvyinteriordesignerknowshowtomake that happen

Practicalmatters

“Whendesigningakitchen,wealwaysaskourclientshow theyusetheircurrentspace,”saysAmyStudebaker,ownerand principaldesigneratAmyStudebakerDesign.“Dotheyuse theirkitchenasanentertainingspaceormoreofacookingand stagingarea?Isalotofstorageneededforpots,pans,dishes, etc.?Isthisaroomthatwillseealotoffoottrafficwithkidsand pets?Oncewefigureouthowourclientslive,wecanthendesign aspacethatcanbefunctionalforeverydaylifewhilestillbeinga gorgeouskitchenthatwasthoughtfullydesigned.”

Similarly,aestheticconsiderationsaresecond–thoughnot

balancepracticality andaestheticsin thekitchen

DesignbyJanelleHelms,KarrBick PhotobyLisaMitchell

DesignbyAnneMarieDesignStudio PhotobyNicoleMigetPhotography

secondary–inthedesignprocessforJennyRausch,co-owner andkitchenandbathdesigneratKarrBick.

“Wealwaysstartwiththefunctionalpartofthelayout;we focusonspaceplanning,andoncethatisperfect,welayerinthe designelements,”shesays.“Westartwithhowtheclientwilluse thespaceandwhatworksanddoesn’tworkforthemintheir currentspace.Doyourecycle?Howmanykidsdoyouhave?Do yougotoSam’sandstockup,ordoyougotothegrocerystore oftenandbuyfresh?Stufflikethat.Then,it’sallabouttheshowstoppingmaterials!”

Sometimes,adesignercanofferafreshsetofeyestoidentify inefficienciesthattheclientmaynotnoticeontheirown.Anne Boedges,presidentanddesigneratAnneMarieDesignStudio, says:“Peoplecangetsousedtotheirexistingkitchenthatthey don'tevenrealizethatthefunctionishorrificandthey’retaking severalstepstodosomethingverysimple.Iwanttomakethe bestfunctionalityspecificallyforthathomeownerandtheir family…ThenIlookatthecosmeticsofit–the‘jewelry.’Ialways say,Icanmakeanythinglookpretty.”

Functionalityinvolvesmorethanjustimproving organization andofferingamplestoragespace.Forexample,Boedges emphasizestheneedtocreateeaseofmovementaroundthe room,especiallywhenentertaining.

DesignbyWendyKuhn,KarrBick PhotobyLisaMitchell

DesignbyWendyKuhn,KarrBick PhotobyLisaMitchell

“Thewholegoalistomake[thehousehold]wanttogather here,whetherit’switheachother,grandparentswhocomeover oftenorfriendswhocomeoverallthetime,”shesays.“Weneed tocreategoodseatingplacesforpeopletocomehangoutandnot havetowalkinyourworkspacewhenyou’retryingtocook andcleanandmovefromthetrashcantothesinktotherange. Wewanttheworkflowtobeseparate.”

Inthedetails

ForStudebaker,perfectingbothformandfunctionmeans customizingthedesigneverystepoftheway:“Everysingledetail isimportanttouswhendesigningakitchen.Whetherit'scabinet hardware,countertopsorranges,eachdesignelementneedsto worktogethertofeelcohesive,functionalandbeautiful.”

Inarecentproject,Studebakerbroughtinpersonality–and practicality–wheninstallingapeninsulawithbarstoolseating andaneye-catchingislandastheroom’scenterpiece.

“Iviewanykitchenthatwedesignasanopportunitytocreate aspacethatwillseealotofusebutcanstillreflectthepersonality ofthehomeowners,”shesays.“Forthisparticularkitchen,the homeowners wanted to addapeninsulainadditionto thecenter island.Normally,wewouldjustfocusontheislandandmaking surethatitwaslargeenoughandhadplentyofstorage.Because weknewwewereaddingapeninsula,wewereabletohavefun designingtheisland,allowingittoactmoreasafurniture

piecewithuniquedesigndetails.”

PlayingwithdepthsandtexturesisoneofBoedges’signature touches,allowinghertoaddcharactertothedesignthrough subtlevariationsindynamics.

“ThefirstthingthatIalwaysthinkaboutisthecabinetryof thespace.Itsoundssilly,butthisisreallywhatmakesit–all theselittlebittydetails.Forexample,Ialmostneverdoawhole entirekitchenwhereeverythingisjusttheexactsamedepth.I alwaysbumpthingsinandoutacrosstheplane;thatwayyouseea changeindepth,likeachangeintheprofileofthecrownmolding, orinyourcountertoporatthebasemoldingatthebottom.

“Detailslikethatmakeaspacefeelmoreexpensive,more luxuriousormorecreative.Maybeaddingalightfixturewhereyou normallywouldn'torsconcesaroundawindowinthekitchen. Iwanttohavecharacterevenifit'sawhitekitchen…Iwantyour eyetovisuallybeengagedandenjoysomethingaboutthespace thatyoucan'treallyputyourfingeron.”

AmyStudebakerDesign,11614PageServiceDrive,St.Louis, 314-440-0853,amystudebakerdesign.com

KarrBick,2715MercantileDrive,St.Louis,314-645-6545, karrbick.com

AnneMarieDesignStudio,17014NewCollegeAve.,SuiteE, St.Louis,636-821-3396,annemariestudio.com

DesignbyAnneMarieDesignStudio PhotobyNicoleMigetPhotography

Iviewanykitchen thatwedesignas anopportunityto createa spacethat willseealotofuse butcanstillreflect thepersonalityof thehomeowners.”

–AMYSTUDEBAKER

DesignbyAmyStudebaker PhotobyMaxKim-Bee

DesignbyAnneMarieDesignStudio PhotobyNicoleMigetPhotography

Making it WORK

ByCharlotteRenner |PhotosbyAliseO’Brien

JESSIED.MILLER’S RECENTLYRENOVATED STUDIOHASWHATIT TAKESTOSUPPORTA BOOMINGINTERIOR DESIGNBUSINESS.

Fewpeopleknowthatlocallyrenowned,awardwinninginteriordesignerJessieD.Milleractually startedhercareerasamarketingmajor.Her favoriteprojectstothisdayarethoseinwhichshe hastheopportunitytoworkwithabusinessto translateitsbrandidentityintoaphysicalsetting.

“Ireallyenjoybuildingaclient'sbusinessandcreatingan environment wherethecustomers reallylookforward to visiting andwanttolingerinthespace,”Millersays.

Thisyear,Millerhadthechancetogothroughthisprocess whilerenovatingherownstudioforherbusiness,JessieD.Miller InteriorDesign,andtheresultisaspacethat’sasutilitarianand adaptableasitisstylishandchic.

Whileplanningherdesign,Millerknewherspacehadto beabletohandletheworkthatcomeswiththebusiness.Clean linesofwhitedrawersallowforhighlymaintained organization; industrialconferencetablesserveasaplacetopresentpitches toclients,drawupplansorevenlayatarpdowntotryoutsome paintsamples.“There’snoneedtoworryaboutspilling,scratching oranythinglikethat;thereareendlessuses,”Millersays.

Sheadds:“Ofcourse,I'madesignerandneededtoaddsome beautyandinterestingmoments to the environment.”

Oneparticularlyinterestingdetailcanbefoundinthepowder room–Miller’sfavoriteroominthestudioandonethatshesays perfectlyencapsulatesherstyle.“It'sanopportunityforwhatI liketocalla‘discoveryindesign,’whereyoucanbeinaspacefor

aconsiderableamountoftimeandthendiscoverthisamazing [new]designelement,”Millersays.“Itdoesn'thityouintheface rightwhenyouentertheenvironment,whichIalwayslike.”

VisitorstoMiller’spowderroomwillnodoubtbestruckbyits effortlesslymoderndesign.Thewallsarecoveredinapicturesque mural–ablack-and-whiteItalianlandscape–thateffortlessly soothesandcalmsthemind.“Ilovethewaterinthelandscape inthebathroom,”Millersays.“IwouldlovetobeinItalyonthe waterrightnow.It'saplacethatfeelsrelaxingandglamorousat thesametime.”Therestofthepowderroomfollowstheblackand-whitetheme,saveforafewgoldaccentsthatonlyaddtothe glamfactor.

Theneutralmotifisn’t limitedtothepowderroom –anintentional move on Miller’sparttohavean openstateofmindwhile workinginthestudio. “I wantedittobesuper,super monochromaticwithas muchwhiteaspossible,” Millersays.“Idesignwith somuchcolorandpattern everydaythat,inorderto calmthesensesandtohave aclear,cleanpaletteforthe designwork,Ididn'twanta lotofcolor.”

Althoughthedesign structureofthestudio followstheseguidelines,Millerdoesbringinasplashofcolorwith yellowflowers,whichshesayscouldcouldbeeasilyswappedwith other colors for adifferent look.

Thenextadditiontothespacewasthekitchenette,which boastsanothergorgeousblack-and-whitemuralandmatteblack cabinetswithgoldaccents.You’llcatchanotherpieceofMiller’s personalityhereintheJack Nicholson print raisingaglassfrom abovethesink.“Iloveeditorial photography,and hispersonality issowittyandkindofsmirky,anditspeakstome,”Millersays. “HekeepsmecompanywhenI'mworkinglateatnight.”

Late nightsaren’tanuncommon occurrencefor Miller ; herworkkeepsherbusy,tosaytheleast.Movingforward,she’s lookingtoexpandJessieD.MillerInteriorDesignbybringingon moreemployeestobuildateam.

“Mybiggestpriorityandbiggestmanifestationrightnow istohaveawonderfullittlefamilytoworkwith,”Millersays. “That’sNo.1.AndthenNo.2:Iwouldreallylovetoattractmore commercialandretailjobs.”

JessieD.MillerInteriorDesign,2741SuttonBlvd.,Maplewood, 314-833-3445,jessiedmiller.com

Ilovethe waterin thelandscapeinthe bathroom.Iwould lovetobeinItalyon thewaterrightnow. It’saplacethat feelsrelaxingand glamorousatthe sametime.”

–JessieD.Miller

KoziatekContracting’srootsstar tedinthe1980’s when owner, Scott Koziatek, star ted working for a local roofingcontractor. Scott’sreputation forbeingan honest,knowledgeable , andhard-workingemployeegainedhim a lotof respect intheindustr y. In1986hemadethedecision to gooutonhis ownand Koziatek Contracting wascreated.

KoziatekContractingisproud to stillbe afamily-ownedbusinessproviding roof repairand replacement for over35 years . Scott’s son,Ryan Koziatek,star ted workingalongsidehimin2006. Togetherwiththehelpoftheirskilled teamof experts , thecompany hasseengrowth yearafter year.

Amongothercertifications ,we areexcited to betheonlyPreferredContractor forBrava RoofTileintheSt. Louisarea.Brava’s synthetic rooftiles , madefrom recycledmaterials forsustainability, providethelookofauthentic roofing productssuc h asslate, shakes , andspanishtilebutwiththedurabilitythatonly composite materialscanprovide. Brava Roofproductsare bac ked bya 50-year transferable warranty, addinglong-ter mvalue toyourhome.

We believeyourhomeis yourlargestinvestment,anditisimpor tant to maintain the roofthatprotectsitproperly. Ourphilosophy at KoziatekContractingissimple: equipourcustomerswithsuperiorserviceandhigh-qualityproducts atanaffordablepricethat respects yourbudgetthrough a commitment to safetyand excellence.

W hen youneedan exper t commercialor residential roofingcontractor,youcan relyontheprofessionals at KoziatekContracting.

INTERIORS S Sentimental

It’shardtopinpointonespecific reason why enteringAshley Obradovits’houseinWebster Grovesfeelslikecominghome. Perhapsithassomethingtodowith thebrightcollectionoffloralartwork displayedabovethelivingroomcouch or thewelcoming aestheticofthe kitchen’ssagegreen cabinets,original castiron sink andcolorful pottery.Regardless, guestsaresuretofind charmandwarmth aroundeverycorner ofthiswell-loved, 1930s-erahome.

“Itrytodesignmy homewithasenseof nostalgiaandthings that aresentimental andsparkmemories,” Obradovitssays.“Alot ofthefeaturedpieces aroundmyhomewereinheritedfrommy parentsthatImademyown.”

Obradovits,a local interiordesigner forKarrBick, graduatedwithadegree inarchitecturaldesignandgrewup fullyimmersedintheworldofinterior

designthankstohermother,thelateand accomplishedSt.Louisinterior designer SonjaWillman.Obradovitscreditsher mother,whopassedawayin 2020, as theinspiration behindher passion for design.Andlikemotherlikedaughter, Obradovitsclearlyshareshermother’s innateabilityfor makingeveryspacefeel specialandbeautiful. Stepping through theopen-conceptfoyer andintotheliving room,guestsfind themselvescocooned inawarmspace layeredwithmemory. Obradovits,whoshares thehomewithher husbandMichaeland daughters Piper and Lottie,beganamajor designoverhaulonthe housein2020,layering thelivingroomwith popsofcolor,framedartworkandcustom draperythatelevatetheinviting,yet eclectic,atmosphereoftheroom.Other featureditems,suchasacollectionof vasesandpotteryfromhermother,help thespacefeel even morepersonal

ByMadeleineAckerburg |PhotosbyLisaMitchell

Local interior designer Ashley Obradovitsweavesnostalgicdetails into her Webster Groveshome.

I lo ve showing thatourhouseis notjust f oradults We had to creat e a spacethat w as functionaland approachable f or ourkids .Youcan’t bescared to liv e in y ourhouse!

–AshleyObradovits

“Eventhoughmymotherisnolonger herewithme, beingabletodesignmy homewithpiecesthat belonged to her reallyhelpsmetofeelherpresence,”she explains. “Forexample, ineachofmy daughter’sbedroomsI’veusedpiecesthat wereincludedinmy childhoodbedroom InPiper’sroom,shehasaneedlepoint wall hangingthatmymommadeformyfirst birthday;inLottie’sroom,shehasaceiling lightfromoneofmychildhoodbedrooms.”

Obradovits’personal stylebeganby erringonthesideofrusticandtraditional buthassinceevolvedintoamorecolorful, feminine,whimsicalmixtureofoldand new.Hardwood floors, antiquefurniture andvintageartworksadornmanyofthe spacesinherhome, suchasthedining room,which burstswithcolor featuring abright, blue-patterned wallpaper.The spacefeaturesabeautifulwoodtable builtbyObradovitsandherhusband,a displayofmajolicapottery,acheckered rug, andoneofherfavoritepiecesinher home–apaintingfrom herchildhood. “Thepainting wasdonein 1974 byan artistnamed PaterPlamondon;my parentsboughtitwhentheywereliving in Californiainthe ’70s. It wasin our breakfastroom growing up,soIremember lookingupatiteverydayandstudying thecolorsandpatterns,”Obradovitssays. “It wastheinspirationbehindthedining room–theblue walls, thegreenmirror, theyellowforthelamp. The wallsareall traditionalwithafarmhouse feelsothat everythingfeels approachable.”

Adjacenttothediningroomisthe kitchen,asimilarlyhomeyspacewith softsagegreen cabinetsthat complement theoriginalfarmhousesink.Oneof Obradovits’favoriteroomsinthehome isheryoungestdaughter’snursery,a whimsical spacethat makesfairytales

cometolife.Shedesignedtheroom toincludeablendofthepastandthe present,usingnursey-rhymeillustrations takenfromherownchildhoodbooks, imaginativewallpaper andcoordinating shadesofpink,whiteandgreen.Itwas importantto Obradovitsthat her homebe bothbeautifulandfunctionalforhertwo daughtersto feel safe to explore, create andplay.“Iloveshowingthatourhouseis notjustforadults,”Obradovitssays.“We hadtocreateaspacethatwasfunctional andapproachableforourkids.Youcan’t bescaredtoliveinyourhouse!”

AlthoughObradovitswouldsayher personal styleistypicallytraditional andwhimsical,workingatKarrBick hasallowedhertoexpandhercreativity andadapttothepreferences,styles andpersonalitiesofherclients.Getting to know clients to helpthem discover theirownpersonaldesignaesthetic isoneaspectofherjobthatshefinds particularlyrewarding.“Ithinkthat’s whatsetsKarrBickapartfromother designers,”sheexplains.“Otherdesigners haveaspecificstylethatyougotothem for,butatKarrBick,youcancometo uswithanystyleinmindandweadapt toyourneedsandtheaestheticyou’re aspiringtohave.”

Obradovits’homeisaspacewoven withmeaningful anduniquepersonal touchesthat helpeveryroom come to life.“Surroundyourselfwiththingsyou love,”sherecommends.“Don’tdesignfor aspecifictrendorwhatyouthinkother peoplewant.Makeyourspaceaspersonal asitcanbebecausewhenyoudesignwith thingsyoulove,you’regoingtobehappy andgratefulforthatdecision.”

KarrBick,2715MercantileDrive, St. Louis, 314-645-6545, karrbick.com

LandscapingandLawnServices:

•WeeklyLawnMowingandGardening

•LicensedbytheStateofMissouritoapplyfertilizer andtreatturf

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ThenameofJulieAbnerInteriors’recentprojectinClayton, Missouri,shouldgiveyouasenseofwhattheeponymous interiordesignerwasaimingforwhenapproachingit.The“Let’s StayaWhile”homeisawarm,invitingenvironmentthanksto Abner’sexperteyeandeffortstocreateaspacethatwasn’t“tooformalor buttoned-up,”sheexplains.“Thisisahomewhereyoucanrelaxandenjoy aglassofwinewhilecomfortablychattingwithfriendsandfamily.”

Constructiononthenewbuildstartedin2019,andAbnerwasbrought onboardin2020.Inadditiontogeneralfinishessuchasdecorativelight fixturesandwindowtreatmentsthroughouttheentirehome,Abnerfully developedtheoverallroomdesignforthekitchen,butler’spantry,bar, hearthroom,study,laundryroom,powderroom,Jack-and-Jillbathroom, guestbathroomandprimarybedroomandbathroom.Althoughthe homeownershadaparticularlookinmind,theywerealsoopentoanyof Abner’ssuggestionsontheoveralldesignandtrustedherabilityto pullitall togethercohesively.“Theclientgavemecreativefreedomtopresentthem withideasandselectionsthattheywouldn’tnecessarilyhaveselectedfor themselvesbutfoundtheyreallyloved,”shesays.

Creatingacohesivedesigndidn’tmeanAbnerreliedonthesame paletteorfinishesthroughoutthehouse,however.Thelaundryroom,for example,wasmeanttobeafunandplayfulspace(“sincelaundryissucha chore,”sheexplains),ashighlightedintheconfettifloortileandthebright, lively,multicoloredwallpaperthat’sgroundedbydeepnavycabinets.

THECLIENTGAVEME CREATIVEFREEDOMTO PRESENTTHEMWITHIDEAS ANDSELECTIONSTHATTHEY WOULDN’TNECESSARILY HAVESELECTEDFOR THEMSELVESBUTFOUND THEYREALLYLOVED.”

–JulieAbner

Comparethattotheopen-conceptkitchenandhearthroom,shenotes. Abnerwasdrawntothekitchen’sclassicsymmetryandhowthecabinetry layout–whichshedesigned–createdastrongfocalpoint.Whitecabinets, classicsubwaytileandstainless-steelappliancesandfixturesbalancethe dominatingisland,whichiswhereAbnerkickedoffherdesignforthe room.“Theclientknewthependantswerethelightfixturestheywanted overtheirisland,sothatstartedtheinspirationforthekitchendesign,”she says.“Iwantedtocreatesomedynamicswiththeearthygreenpaintcolor oftheislandcabinetry,and,inkeepingwithanaturalmixoffinishesand textures,Iselectedthenatural-honedquartzitestonecountertops.”The backlesscounterstoolswereselectedsotheislandcouldseamlesslydouble asextraservingspaceforlargergatheringswithoutgettingintheway.

Withhertouchapparent ineverycorner ofthehome,Abner considers theprimarybathroomtobethecrownjeweloftheLet’sStayaWhile project.Astheprojectnameimplies,shedesignedthebathroomtoevoke serenity,relaxationandcalm–anaesthetictohelpitsresidentsunwind atnightorstarttheirdayoffrightinthemorning.“Ithinktheprimary bathroomissuchasereneroomwiththeneutralcolorpaletteandthe naturalstone–withthevariouspatternssuchastheherringbonefloor andthearabesqueshowerwalltilestillprovidinginterest.”

Abner madesure to implementmini-but-mighty touchesinthesmaller, less-frequentedrooms,suchasthepowderroom.“I’vealwayslovedStone Forestvanities,andthiswastheperfectclientforone,”shesays.“Themixof naturalstoneandmetalandthesimplebeautyofthevanityaresostriking. It’soneofmyfavoritedesignfeaturesinthehouse.”

Abner’sendgoal,ofcourse, isalwaysforherclientstoget ahappyending, andforthisprojectinparticular,tostayandhangoutintheircomfortable newspace.“Theclientisreallythrilledwiththeirnewhomeandreally enjoyingentertainingtheirfriendsandfamily,”Abnersays.“Theytrusted metoprovidethemconceptstheywouldreallyloveintheend.”

JulieAbnerInteriors,5149DaggettAve.,St.Louis,314-606-8698, julieabnerinteriors.com

THEMIXOF

–JulieAbner

NATURALSTONE ANDMETALAND THESIMPLEBEAUTY OFTHE VANITYARE SOSTRIKING. IT’SONEOF MY FAVORITE DESIGNFEATURES INTHEHOUSE.

WEST COAST MEETS Midwest

ST.L OUIS1930SARCHITECTURE COMBINESWITH WARM, WESTERNVIBESINTHISMARCIA MOOREDESIGNPROJECT.

ByHopeTimmermann |PhotosbyKarenPalmer

Cold,clinicalanddingy,schoolbuildingsaren’t typicallysourcesforinteriordesignand architecturalinspiration.Unless,ofcourse,the schoolwasdesignedbyrenownedSt.Louis architectWilliamB.Ittner.

In1897,Ittnerbeganincorporatinglargewindows andopenfloorplansintohisschoolconstructiondesigns. Throughouthislifetime,thesedesigntrademarkswould transformmorethan430schools–manyofwhicharestill standinginSt.Louis–fromgloomyanddrabtowarmand welcominglearning environments.

Morethanacenturylater,theteamatMarciaMoore DesignhadtheopportunitytoupdateaUniversityCityhome designedbyIttnerhimselfin1933.Thecurrenthomeowners longedforarefinedlivingspacewheretheycould comfortably entertainandspendqualitytimewithfamily. Nowthattheirchildrenwereolder,MarciaMoore–owner andcreativedirectorofMarciaMooreDesign–explainsthe familycravedamoreelegant,yetstillfriendly,environment.

Mooresayshergoalwastoworkwiththehome’s1930s designaesthetic–withstandoutfeaturessuchasIttner’s trademarkironwindowsanduniquebarrelceiling–and infuseitwithmodernstyle,warmthandlight.

“The‘WestCoastvibes’graduallymaterializedafter discussingtheclient’sstyleandplayingoffofthe1930s styleofthehome,”Mooresays.“Myinspirationwasmoreof anintuitivefeelingofwhatthehouseneeded,ratherthan stemmingfromanyresearchonwhat‘WestCoaststyle’was. Ispecificallywantedtoaddwarmththroughcolorandother design elements.”

Mooreandsenior designer Kathleen Matthewsteamed up toreimaginethehome’slivingroom,sunroom,kitchenand foyer.Thepaircombined1930s-stylehallmarks,likestriking color combinationsandgeometricpatterns,withmodern, casual-comfortdesign elements tocreatetheir clients’dream livingspace.

Matthewspaintedthekitchencabinetsarichbronzeand addedcontrasting goldhardware to complement theroom’s

existinggranitecounters.Foralittledrama,sheinstalleda geometrictilebacksplash,whichwassimilartothefoyer’s ’30s-inspiredtileflooring.Thebronzehuesinthekitchenplay withthebarrelceilinginthelivingroom,whichwasMoore’s touchstonefortheentireproject.

“Itisthemoststrikingfeatureoftheinterior,”shesays. “Iwantedtousemetallicpainttogiveitthefeelingofbeing madeofmetal.Previously,itwaspaintedthesamewhite asthewalls,whichmadeitfadeintothebackground.We wantedtohighlightthattothemax!”

Withsuchadramaticfocalpoint,Mooreknewtherest ofthelivingroomhadtoaccentuatethe“wow”factor.The clients’IsamuNoguchicoffeetablesetthetoneforthe midcentury-modernfurnishings.Moore choserich accent colorstocontrastwiththewhitewallsandtheclients’art.An abstractpainting abovethefireplacemantel incorporated allthecolorsfoundintheroom’spalette,likerustyred,

androyalblue,andpulledtheroomtogether.Lookclosely, andyou’llnoticethehome’sarchitecturalpatternsof archwaysandcurvedlines:Moorerepeatedthemwithan archeddisplaycabinetinthelivingspace.

MooreandMatthewsupdatedthehome’ssunroomand screenedporchto givetheir clientseven moreroom for relaxingand entertaining.

“Thegeometrictileinthesunroomgroundstheroom withafun,funkyvibe,”Mooresays.“Comfychairsandacoffee tablesturdyenoughtosetyourfeetonmakeforawonderful place to read or haveanintimateconversation.”

“Thehousewasdesignedforspendingtimewithkids,as wellasadulttime,”Matthewsadds.

Mooreandherteamworkedonthishomethroughout thepandemic,shesays,whichintroduceddelaysanda longerremodelingprocess.Itmadetheendresultevenmore rewardingtoaccomplish.

“It’sespeciallygratifyingtoseeeverythingcometogether sobeautifullyafterwaitingsolong,”Mooresays.“Ilove bringingastately,olderhomebacktolife–reincarnatingit intosomethingfreshandnewbutwithanodtoitspast.”

MarciaMoore Design,7404BlandDrive, St. Louis, 314-395-1114, marciamooredesign.com

ourdreamhomeandquicklysell ourexistinghome.It’sastressful processbutSadafandtheteam tookcareofallthedetailsallowing ustofocusonourneeds.”

-BrianM.|Buyer&Seller

SabrinaRobb

Sabrina.Robb@compass.com

sabrinarobbpartners.com M:314.283.7590

“ThisisthesecondhomeSabrinaRobbParnters hassoldforusinthelastfouryears.SRPhandled bothsalesverywell.Theycoachedusand followeduptomakesureweweremeetingour commitmentstoprovideimprovementstoeach home,aswellaskeepingusinformedaboutbuyer feedbackandsuggestingitemstofix.Inaddition, theyfoundusresourcestofixitemsinthehomes, aswellastomeetthecommitmentsrequiredto fixbuyerandcityrequiredimprovements.Both salestooksometimetocomplete—thefirstina difficultmarketandthesecondasthemarketwas changingtofavorbuyers.We’lluseSabrinaRobb Partnersforfuturesalesaswehavefourofsix childrenlivinginornearus.Thesystemsdeveloped tofollowthesaleprocessandtodiscussstrategy workswell.We’vebeenverysatisfied.”

-RonaldS.|Seller

“Gabrieleisprofessionaland knowledgeableandwecould alwaysrelyonheradviceand expertise.Withachallenging internationalmoveitwaswonderful tohavethepeaceofmindworking withherandhercolleagues.Iwould absolutelyrecommendher.”

-IndiaH.|Seller

“IwasreferredtoAmy,andI couldn’thavebeenhappier!I hadanamazingexperiencewith Amy.Shewaskind,passionate aboutherwork,andwasalways readilyavailableformewhenIhad questionsorconcerns.Shewas professional,courteous,patientand knowledgeable.Shetrulymademy experienceeasyandquick.Inever feltstressedduringtheprocessand shealwayskeptmewellinformed. Ihighlysuggestanyonelookingfor aRealtortogowithAmy.Ihave suggestedhertofriendsofmine, thatishowconfidentIaminher. ShewasamazingandIplanon usingheragainwhenthetimeis right.ThankyouAmy!”

-CraigS.|Seller

“Maureenwasincredible.She helpedussecurethepurchase ofournewhomewhentheseller washesitanttoofferafirmprice. She’dbeenhelpingusforthelast 7monthstofindtherightplace withoutsuccessandwhenshe knewwereallywereinterestedin thisparticularproperty,shegot veryinvolvedwiththeseller’sagent tomotivatethesellertowardselling touswhichheultimatelydid.We’re verygratefulandwouldhighly recommendhertoanyonelooking foratop-notchRealtorwhogoesall outforherclients.”

-RobertL.|Buyer

SabrinaRobbPartnersisateamofrealestateagentsaffiliatedwithCompassRealtyGroup,alicensedrealestatebrokerandabidesbyEqualHousingOpportunitylaws.TheCompassofficetelephonenumberis314.347.1658.

“Absoluteprofessionalism!Sadaf workedtirelesslyhelpingustofind

Sadaf Kayani

Gabriele DeHart

Amy George

MaureenWallingsford

Show.Tell.Live. Elevatedrealestate servicetailor-made fortheShowMestate.

CRUSH Orange

ByBrittanyNay

|PhotosbyKarenPalmer KitchenphotobyAliseO’Brien

WEBSTERGROVES FAMILYFALLSFOR COLORFULHOME REDESIGN.

WhenaWebsterGrovesfamily dreamedofamodernizedversion oftheirhistorichome,Claytonbasedinterior designer Joni Spear usedher“classic–withanedge–style”tomakeitareality.

Aremodelyearsinthemaking,theownerofthe eponymousJoniSpearInteriorDesignfacedatalltask fromthebeginning:Theresidents’busyworkandschool schedulesandloveof entertainingrequiredherto make the1920sCapeCod-stylehomemorelivableandmodern –whilestillretainingthe historic charmitsinhabitants loved–amidthehustleandbustle.

AsSpearstartedtacklingthemassiveprojectinthe kitchen,sheimmediatelyhadalightbulbmoment:Tones oforangeinthegraygranitecountertopswouldbeher color inspiration for the entire abode.

“Thehomeownerdidnot wanttoreplacethehoneycoloredmaplecabinets or thegranitecounters,which havehuesofgrayandorange… butthekitchenlooked drabanddated,”Spearrecalls. “Theorangeinthegranite wasratherprofound,soIdecidedtooffset itbypainting thecabinetsontheislandinacontrastingbluecolor–NavalbySherwin-Williams. Theclientslovedthepopof blue, andit wasapivotalmomentfortheproject.”

Thus,the‘OrangeCrush’projectwasborn.AsSpear tooktheorangeshadeandranwithit,thekitchenand eating-areawallsreceivedasplashofSherwin-Williams’ Chrysanthemum.Astrikingorangebordertapewas appliedtothecustom,locallysourcedRomanshadesin thefirst-floorpowderroom.

Theboldcolorthemecontinuedonthelowerlevel wherethekidsplay,withtheChrysanthemumpaint onceagainbeingappliedtothebathroomwallsandthe contrastingNavalbluewashedontotheoakantique dressertoppedwithavesselsink.

Topersonalizetheproject,Spearaddedtouchesof thefamily’sfavoritesintheformofartandaccessories. Theeat-inkitchen’sbayouphotographyandalinear brassfixturefromVisualComfortwerechosen“tobring inanelementofNewOrleans…[a]southernaccent… asthewifeisfromLouisiana,”shenotes.“Theaccent

tables,bothfromArteriors,wereotherCajuninspirations [while]thevintageposterwasahugefind,andnotonly incorporatedthe colorswewanted butalsohappened tobethehusband’s favoritecocktail.”

Fordurableyet beautiful furniture thatcouldseat–and standupto–the wholefamily,aswell asfrequentvisits fromfriendsand schoolmates,Spear selectedacustommadesectionalfor thefamilyroomwith soil-resistantCryptonfabric,“sotheydon’thavetoworry aboutkidsspillingorsoilingit,”sheadds.“Thewooden coffeetableservesdouble-dutyasanottomanandis prettyindestructible.”

Additionally,the10-seatkitchentableonthefamily’s wishlistcametofruitioncourtesyofaSpearspecialty

–incorporatingantiquepieceswith character into her projects.“Isourcedanantiquediningtableandchairs [and]hadthemrepaintedandreupholsteredbylocal artistTheresaRothofBark-N-Benches,”sheexplains.“We coveredthechairsandcounterstoolsinascrubbable vinyl,whichwearslikeironandmakesforeasyclean-up.”

Althoughtheorange-huedthemeseamlesslytied togethermuchofthehome,Spearfacedachallenge whenitcametocompletingthemasterbedroom.“I hadspecifiedagrassclothwallcovering,buttheprice toinstallitwouldhaveputusoverbudget,”sheshares. “Thankfully,Ihaveamazinglytalentedpainters from LeaguePaintingwhowereabletopaintthewallsto lookalmostidenticaltothepaper.We[also]addedthe silverleafpainttechniquetotheceilingtoshowcasethe vaultedceiling.”

Whenthefinaldesignwasunveiled,thehomeowners toldSpearthehousecametogetherbetterthantheyever couldhaveimagined,fromtheSouthernelementstothe personalizedartwork to themuch-neededrelaxation spacestothemasterbedroomreminiscentofthefamily’s favoriteGulfCoastvacationspot.

JoniSpearInteriorDesign,314-614-9080,jonispear.com

“Theworkerswere extremelyprofessionaland courteousanddidawonderful job.Weareverypleased!We wouldbehappytorecommend MirelliTuckpointingtoanyonewho isinneedofatuckpointer.”

-RichardandConnie

“IwouldliketosayhowimpressedIwas withthetwogentlementhatperformed mytuckpointing.Theywerecourteous andprofessional.Thequalityofthework exceededmyexpectationsandwas completedwithminimaldisruption tomyday.Theclean-upwasso thoroughitlookedasthoughnothing hadbeendonethatday.”

-Mary

Th e Art ofthe M at ter

ByEmilyStandlee |OriginalartworkbyBrockSealsandJessicaHitchcock

INACITYTEEMING WITHCREATIVETALENT, SHAKEOFFTHEBIG-BOX RETAILERSANDOPT TOLINEYOURWALLS WITHLOCALLYMADE ARTINSTEAD.

ArtbyJessicaHitchcock

ArtbyBrockSeals

Withcolorful exhibitions, gorgeousgalleries andexcitingeventspoppingupeachseason, it’ssafetosaytheartssceneinSt.Louisis flourishing.Inacitythatessentiallyrevolves aroundart,furnishingone’shomewithacollectionofpiecesby localartistsisathoughtfulandarguablynecessarychoice.

VISITTHE GALLERIES

Discoverandpurchaselocalartbyvisitingametro areagalleryandtalking to curatorsaboutupcoming featuredartists.Herearejustafewofourfavorites.

31ar tg al l er y

Arelativelynewspace,31artgalleryonHampton Avenueseekstoputaspotlightonup-and-coming contemporaryartists.The organization hasastellar lineupofexhibitionsintheworksandleanstoward colorfulfoundobjects-turned-art,modernshapes andpopart.

31artgallery,3520HamptonAve.,St.Louis, 31artgallery.com

TheLuminar y onCherokeeStreet

Builtasawide-openspacetoencouragewandering, TheLuminaryisanexpressive,expansivegallerythat welcomesfreethinkingandartofmanykinds.The Luminaryworksintandemwiththecommunityby offeringartistresidencies,performances,rotating exhibitionsandgatherings.

TheLuminary,2701CherokeeSt.,St.Louis, 314-773-1533,theluminaryarts.com

Soulard Ar t Galler y

Anotherorganization showcasinglocalcreative talent,SoulardArtGalleryisanartcooperativethat workswith13residentartistsatatime.Theirworkis diverseinnatureandincludespaintings,drawings, ceramics,sculpture,photography,jewelryandagroup exhibition each month.

SoulardArtGallery,2028S.12thSt.,St.Louis, 314-258-4299,soulardartgallery.com

ArtbyJessicaHitchcock

ArtbyBrockSeals

MEETTHEARTISTS

Reachingouttolocalartistsonsocialmediaisagoodwaytofindart you’llcherishforyearstocome.Here,meetafewaccomplishedSt.Louis artistswhoareactiveonlineandinthecommunity.

BROCKSEALS

Asanartist,musicianandactivistwhoworkswithmanydifferent mediums,BrockSealshascraftedpiecesforhip-hopartistsandprofessional sportsteamsalike.Althoughhe’senjoyedgreatsuccess,he’salways evolvingandsaysthecitycontinuestoinspirehim.“Ilovehow St.Louishasinfluenceovertheentireworld,”heexplains. “It’sapridefulplacethatsupportsitsown.”

Sealshasexhibitedhisworkatnumerousvenues includingtheContemporaryArtMuseumandArtBasel inMiami,Florida.Hisgeometricstyleishardtopin down,whichisperhapswhyitfeelssodynamic.“I liketopaintthingsthatremindmeofmychildhood, whetherit’smyfavoritebuildings,St.Louiscultureor thenuancesofgrowingupthatweallhaveincommon.”

BrockSeals,Stlheritage.Bigcartel.com,@sealsbrock

JESSICA HITCHCOCK

NotonlydoesJessicacreatedreamy,vibrantpaintings,butalso,sheuses her10-plusyearsworkinginbusinessandfinancetoeducateartistsonthe businesssideoftheirartcareers.

Throughherfull-timeroleasCraftAlliance’sdirectoroffinanceand humanresources,JessicaHitchcockhelpscreatorsgettheirbusinesses offtheground.Plus,she’sanartistherself.“Iwanttochangethenarrative aroundwhatitmeanstobeaworkingartist,”shesays.“Icurrentlyhelp artists[establishasustainablefoundationfortheircareers]through 1:1mentorship,onlineprogramsandmysocialmediacontent. Iwantmoreartiststofeelempoweredonthebusinessside andbeabletogettheirartworkinthehandsofcollectors thatloveit.”

Hitchcocksaysherjoy-filled,vibrantpaintings oftentakeinfluencefromtheworldaroundher.“I’m inspiredbydifferentcolorpalettesIcomeacross throughoutdailylife,”shesays.“Sincemyartwork isfilledwithcolor,Imakenoteofinterestingcolor arrangementsthatIseeoutintheworld.”

JessicaHitchcock,jessicahitchcock.org

ATreehouse RETREAT

AstunningnewAirbnb propertyrecentlydebuted atInnsbrookResortinHickoryGroveTownship about60milesoutsideofSt.Louis.Designedand hostedbyJ&JDesignTeam,thespaceseamlessly incorporatessurroundingnaturalelements to createasecludedretreatthattrulyfeelsluxurious.

Fromthebeginning, thegoal wassimple: Bringthe outdoorsin. “Iwantednaturetobethemainfocalpoint,”saysJ&JDesign Teamdesigner,stylistandhostJennaSiebert.“Thishadtobea luxuriousspaceandretreatinthewoodsthatbringsasenseof peacewithin.Naturalelements,greeneryandlotsoftexturesplay aroleinthestyleofthisspace.”

AvailabletobookonAirbnb,what’sbeennamedas“The Treehouse”isidealforbiggroupgetawaysthankstoitsample room–its3,156squarefeetcanhostupto16guests–and thoughtfulaccommodations.TheTreehousefeaturesfive bedrooms,fourbathrooms,twolivingrooms,twokitchens,an onsitefirepit,ahottub,multipledecksandsomuchmore–all intentionallydesignedwithnaturein mind.

J&JDesignTeamisauniqueinteriordecoratingfirmthat alsodoublesasanAirbnbandcohostingrentalmanagement service.AlongwithherhusbandJason,Siebertstyles,remodels andreimaginesshort-termrentalspaceswhilealsohostingand managingAirbnbproperties.

ForTheTreehouseproject,J&Jwasapproachedbytheowners whileconstructionwaswellunderwaytostylethehomeasa vacationrental.It’sabrand-newconstructionthatincorporates largewindowswithabundantnaturallight,makingitfeelboth warmandinviting.Fittingly,thesefeaturesaccentuatethe interior,whichSiebertleanedonfordécoranddesignideas.She saysthatshewasinspiredbynatureaswellasthehome’solive andblackexterior.

“Ichosetheperfectwhitepaintcolorthatwouldprovide thebackdropandcanvastoallownaturetobethemainartwork oftheinterior,”sheexplains.“Ichosefurniturethatwouldnot overpowerincolorbutyetprovideabalancetotheoutdoors.”

Siebertusedwoodfurnitureandother naturalelementsthat matchedthecolorpalettetobringearthiervibestothetreehouse. Theresultisaverycohesiveandcalmingexperience–idealfor

ByDrewGieseke |PhotoscourtesyofJ&JDesign Team

StyledbyJ&JDesignTeam,the 3,000-square-foothomeisideal for familyandgroupgetaways.

escapingthehustleandbustleofeverydaylifeinthecity.Nothing overdone,shenotes,justenough.

“Whenyousitbackontheextra-largecomfysofa,youcan lookoutthewindows;thefurnitureflowswiththeview,itdoes notcompetewithit,”Siebertsaid.“Thehugegreenerywalland theforestwallpapersetaspecialtoneinthosebedrooms.Each bedroomhasitsownstylebutatthesametimetiesinwithevery roominthehouse.Iwantgueststowalkthroughthehomeand feel peaceful.”

Peaceisplentifuloutinthisneckofthewoods.Nearby,guests cancheckoutAlpineLakeforfunonthewater,plusgolfing, hikingandotheractivities.Meanwhile,onsite,visitorscanrelax

ontheoutdoordecks,swingincoolbreezesorjustkickbackwith friendsandfamilywhileenjoyingsomefreshair.

Theresponse hasbeenamazing, accordingtoSiebert. Shesays thisrentalspaceisidealforlargefamiliesandgroupstostaytogether andisperfect formakingmemoriesthatlastalifetime. Plentyof familieshavealreadybookedtheir vacationsatTheTreehouse and, inthefall,theAirbnbrentalwillhostawomen’sretreat.

“Thishadtobealuxuriousspaceandaretreatinthewoods thatbringsasenseofpeacewithin,”Siebertsays.“It’smagicaland rejuvenatinghere.”

J&JDesignTeam,314-229-9420,jandjdesignteam.com