September 2020

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles® Before & After

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PROJECTS REDESIGNED

v 25

no

7

stlouishomesmag.com September 2020

FOCUS ON FUNCTION

From concept to creation.

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contents SEPTEMBER 2020 /// BEFORE & AFTER

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22 30

DEPARTMENTS

6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 10 TRENDS 14 FAB FINDS 16 INSIDER 20 ARTISAN 48 DIRT 52 SHAWS VISION 64 BRIGHT IDEA 84 SIGHTS 88 CLASSIC OR CRAZE

10 FEATURES

22

TOO FINE TO FLIP

30

GOOD BONES

On the cover page 30

First viewed as a potential investment property, this stately residence in the CWE Instead became home to its new owners.

40

Well-built and beautifully sited, a spacious Town and Country ranch receives a showstopping total renovation.

40

A TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

Garden of the Year

56-62 SPECIAL: BEFORE AND AFTER SECTION If you’re getting tired of hanging around in rooms with outdated decor, it could be the perfect time to renovate!

Following a 10-month renovation process, the home and its furnishings feel both cohesive and purposeful.

Photography by Megan Lorenz.

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles (ISSN 1524-8755) Vol. 25, No. 7, SEPTEMBER ©2020 by Distinctive Lifestyles, LLC. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles is published nine times a year, monthly in MARCH, APRIL, MAY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER, and bi-monthly in JANUARY/FEBRUARY, JUNE/JULY and NOVEMBER/DECEMBER by Distinctive Lifestyles, LLC, 255 Lamp & Lantern Village, Town & Country, MO 63017, (636) 230-9700. Periodicals postage paid at Chesterfield, MO 63017 and additional mailing offices.

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AUGUST 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

Barcelona

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slhl

HELLO

No more procrastinating!

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles

HOME TOUR

It seems that the past few months have put many of us into a let's-get-it-done mode, which is a really good place to be if our actions can impact the livelihood of others. That room addition you've really needed for the past five years will not only make your home more functional, but it will also help small contracting companies in the St. Louis area and their employees remain prosperous. If you've been thinking about updating your kitchen or bath or hiring a designer....wait no more!

Both our home features this issue involved knocking down some walls to get it done (pages 22-39). I've widened doorways and opened up a wall at my home but, I haven't knocked down a wall yet. My current project is leveling our back yard. After every storm for the past few years, we were always left with a small lake in our back yard that sometimes took days, even weeks to dry up. During a heavier St. Louis thunderstorm, we could have just as well named the river that flowed through our yard the Mississippi! Honestly, a child would have a picnic floating boats and playing in the water that accumulated out back.

Our backyard challenge began yesterday. Heavy equipment arrived, trenches were dug, french drains were laid, topsoil was wheel barreled in and spread in all the right places. The grass seed and hay application was next and declared the last task of the day. Later that night, it just poured buckets! Did the grass seed get washed away? Mostly...yes. But we had no mini-lake in the back yard! Once it dries out, I'll be back in my garden getting it ready for fall plantings. I do see some conifers in my future!

YAY, our tours are back! The Outdoor Living/Green Thumb Tour will be welcoming attendees with open arms on Saturday, September 12. Join us for some great outdoor living inspiration from waterfalls to beautifully designed porches (page 50)!

The SLHL Luxury Home Tour will also be back for its 4th year showcasing (5) luxury spec homes built by some of St. Louis's best custom builders on Saturday, Sept 26. All ticket sales will benefit The Haven of Grace (page 67-80).

Strict CDC guidelines will be adhered to at all locations.

Hope to see you at the tours!

Suzie

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

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Visit our website for more

Inspiration

PUBLISHER/OWNER: Suzie Osterloh EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Melissa Mauzy MANAGING EDITOR: Molly (Moe) Godat CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Dillon COPY EDITOR: Carol Wayne

stlouishomesmag.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lucyann Boston, Gina Christman, Jeanne Delathouder, Kim Hill, Barb Wilson

Jeff Day & Associates Anne Matheis Photography

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Anne Matheis, Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton, Dustin Peck Photography, Jack Gardner, Karen Palmer, Megan Lorenz, Michael J. Lee Photography, Pixvid, Zack Benson SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Colleen Poelker MARKETING + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: Ashley McGoff DISTRIBUTION MASTER: Barney Osterloh ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: molly@stlouishomesmag.com FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Call 636-230-9640, ext. 27 or email bosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com Visit www.stlouishomesmag.com St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Magazine 255 Lamp + Lantern Village Town & Country, MO 63017 636-230-9700 www.stlouishomesmag.com ©2020 by Distinctive Lifestyles LLC. All rights reserved.

Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only.

+ SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER. Find an Expert Room & color inspiration Archived digital editions So much more!

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Printed in U.S.A.

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PRESIDENT: Suzie Osterloh VICE PRESIDENT: Barney Osterloh St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles is a publication of Distinctive Lifestyles LLC

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2020 CONTESTS: 2021 Kitchens of the Year: entries due Oct 5, 2020 For downloadable entry forms and detailed information about each contest, please visit stlouishomesmag.com.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Nine fabulous issues/year Only $15 Send check with name, address and phone number to: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town and Country, MO 63017.

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STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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slhl

TRENDS

Sittin’ PRETTY An accent chair in your living space can make the room both comfortable and tailored to your style.

By Moe Godat

Modern tufted leather chair, available at Expressions Furniture.

Elroy chair, available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Field cane white accent chair, available at Crate & Barrel.

Palmeria chair, available at Restoration Hardware.

Alpine valley accent chair, available at Amini’s.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

Costello swivel chair, available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Custom-built throne for High Chieftainess Melambeka, Queen of Zambia, made by Goebel Furniture.

Instyle chair, available at Amini’s.

Grayson chair, available at Crate & Barrel.

Burr accent chair, available at Medley Home.

Ella lounge chair, by Palecek, available at Design & Detail.

Nolan chair, available at Forshaw.

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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Open by appointment only

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the art of organization

slhl

FAB FINDS

all DRESSED UP A place for everything and everything in its place, dressing tables are a practical organizer for all the small things you use when getting ready every day. Drawers allow for storage of cosmetics, jewelry and hair products. A mirror adds another level of functionality. A desk can even be used in place of a traditional vanity.

By Melissa Mauzy

Love. Joy. Bliss table, by Miranda Kerr Home, available at Amini’s.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

Allure desk, available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Pierre vanity with mirror and vanity chair, by Century, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

Kensington, by Hillsdale Furniture, available at Amini’s.

Scroll vine inlay vanity table, available at Anthropologie.

FW70 vanity, by Creative Metal & Wood, available at Design & Detail.

Verena glass-top sawhorse desk, available at Ethan Allen.

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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slhl

INSIDER

Designing

DUO Edited by Moe Godat Photography by Phil Leara

Q A With over 23 years combined experience at their family’s business, sisters Candice Kentch and Cassie Klutenkamper are the top designers at Closet Factory. They routinely set records and are on the cutting edge of design trends.

SLHL: How do each of your personal strengths complement one another?

Both: With our jobs, we spend a lot of time out in the field on job sites or visiting with customers; this means we spend a large part of our day driving around alone. To stay motivated and focused, we will call each other and talk about our projects. We are constantly encouraging and supporting one another. We really are each other’s biggest cheerleaders!

SLHL: Of the many products Closet Factory has to offer, which is your personal favorite and why?

Candice: I like mirrored backing with LED lighting; it provides excellent visibility as well as a cutting-edge design technique.

Cassie: I enjoy the multi-functional islands because they transform a storage space into a dressing room.

SLHL: What makes Closet Factory different from other closet systems?

Both: First and foremost, we love what we do. We truly care about making a difference in people’s lives and helping them to become more organized.

We spend as much time as needed to help our clients' organizational dreams come true!

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

SLHL: What makes a custom closet more luxurious than a generic one?

Both: We offer limitless options that enable each person to match the overall aesthetic to their home and provide unique accessories to personalize their space. Who wouldn’t want a gorgeous space personally customized to start and end each day?

SLHL: Can you coordinate the color and wood choices with the style of your home?

Both: Yes, absolutely! It is so important that we stay consistent with the general style of each client’s home. We love working with our finishers to come up with matching and complementary custom looks. This custom capability complements the wide range of standard choices already available.

SLHL: What is the one custom accessory you think is a "must-have" in every closet system?

Candice: A focal point! Every closet must feature a portion that draws your attention every time you enter the space.

Cassie: It's funny Candice should say that! This was my answer too! Great minds think alike—or—maybe it’s because she trained me years ago!

SLHL: What other products do you provide the homeowner?

Both: Don’t let our company name fool you. We don’t just do closets; we can help you with any area of the home. As working moms, we love creating mom zones, mudrooms and homework stations to help get the clutter off your kitchen island and into its own space. Everyone knows, if Mom is not organized, no one is happy!

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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ARTIST

Inspired by the compelling scenery of the great outdoors, artist Benjamin Franklin paints dramatic expressions of the land, layer by layer.

By Jeanne Delathouder Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

SCENIC ESCAPE

Painter Benjamin Franklin—yes, that’s his real name—has been obsessed with art since he was a child. Raised in Bingham, Nottinghamshire, a small town in the heart of the English countryside made popular by Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, Ben was an avid comic book fan. He used to get one delivered weekly called The Beano from which he’d draw the characters and develop his own. Around the age of nine, he mastered a school assignment in which he traced and painted a bird image that was projected onto the classroom wall.

After receiving praise and encouragement from the teacher, he began to draw birds regularly.

“I continued to draw and paint knowing that it could be a career,” recalls the artist. “While watching a TV show, there was an ad that promoted a career guide, which I sent off for immediately. It was in this guide that I learned about graphic design, and from there, I focused on making this my career with an emphasis on art and design,” he adds.

In the mid 1990s, Ben met his wife, Lydia—a native Missourian—in Edinburgh, Scotland, and they eventually moved to St. Louis. In 2000, they moved back to the UK, where they lived in the stunning Kent countryside for four years. The downside was the daily commute to London, so they returned to St. Louis where Ben set his sights on creating a branding, design and marketing firm called Yank and Limey. “It wasn’t until 2009 that I officially started the company, initially being both the Yank and the Limey,” jokes Ben. “I’m also a US citizen,” he adds, “and I partnered with an old St. Louis client to strengthen our capabilities.”

After his business took off, Ben would occasionally draw or paint, but not consistently. During a vacation in South Carolina, he found himself critiquing paintings in a gallery and thinking "I could do that." A year later, he went to Colorado, and it was on a mountainside that he started his new art career. He told his wife that in a year he’d have a website and would be selling his works.

“A lot of designers—once entrenched in computer technology—often lose their artistic roots, and it happened to me,” Ben admits. “I hadn’t painted with oil paints since art college. I knew I could create watercolors fairly easily, but I needed a challenge. I didn’t even want to use water-based oils—I needed to use the real deal and had no idea where this would go or if what I created would be any good,” he notes.

The first canvas was okay in Ben’s opinion, but for his second landscape, he felt he truly connected with the sky and clouds. His third painting, even today, is still one of his favorites—a scene from South Park, Colorado, with an incredibly dramatic sky he captured while driving through the mountains.

“The oil process can be slow, but it’s challenging, malleable and very expressive,” says the artist. “I’m not afraid to scrape paint on or off. If it dries and I’m not happy with the result, I simply add another layer. Texture and depth are magical elements of oil painting, so I build up layers—called the impasto technique— to create depth to my work. For finer details, one simply thins the oils, which I rarely do,” he notes.

Most of Ben’s inspiration comes from dramatic and compelling scenery. An avid hiker, he is most content when outdoors. He might be scaling a Colorado 14er or hiking the Yorkshire Dales, but the entire time, he’s in search of a painting, watching the colors change, absorbing the lands shapes and watching the clouds shift.

“The more expressive the land is, the more I want to paint it,” says Ben. “If my paintings take you away from your current mindset, take you to a place of escapism, and connect you back to the outdoors or a moment that you want to relive, then I have achieved my goal.”

Ben currently has a painting displayed at Art Saint Louis in the ‘Storytellers’ exhibit from through Sept. 10. He continues to build the volume of his work in preparation for a solo show along with accepting commissions.

See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and resources.

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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TOO FINE TO FLIP FIRST VIEWED AS A POTENTIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTY, THIS STATELY RESIDENCE IN THE CWE INSTEAD BECAME HOME TO ITS NEW OWNERS.

By Barb Wilsom Photography by Karen Palmer

Builder: Robinson Remodeling Services

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Fresh paint, all-new lighting fixtures and a refinished floor restored the grandeur of the formal dining room. Purchased at an estate sale, the magnificent table once belonged to the owner of St. Louis’ landmark Cheshire, and the button-tufted chairs are upholstered in linen. Above the original marble fireplace is a monochromatic still life, painted by the homeowner’s uncle.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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S

everal weeks ago, the PBS station aired "A Place Worth Saving: The Story of the Central West End," chronicling the ups and downs of St. Louis' historic enclave since the World’s Fair era. Among those the documentary credits for revitalizing the neighborhood are the courageous rehabbers who began salvaging and restoring the CWE’s magnificent homes in the 1960s.

Fast forward to 2015, when this energetic young couple joined the preservation effort. Before marrying, both had lived in vintage homes, and the husband had renovated two—the first for himself and a second in Compton Heights, which the newlyweds restored together. Both had busy careers as professionals in the medical field; their family had grown to include two little boys, and although they’d started thinking about the need for more space, they were in no hurry to move. Until...

The husband’s mom is a real estate agent and had recently toured a century-old three-story that was for sale in the CWE. It needed work, but she thought her son might be interested in the residence as an investment property, purchasing and renovating it for resale.

Built in 1915 for Nathaniel Ewing, founder of one of St. Louis’ first electric light companies, the elegant Georgian Revival was designed by H. Guy Study, a local architect responsible for several city landmarks. The 7-bedroom classic was set on a 1/3-acre lot with a nice back yard and had been owned by only three families throughout its 100-year history.

For the prospective buyers, it was love at first sight. “The grand entry and staircase were amazing,” the husband remembers, “and the second-floor bedrooms were all en suite, instead of the typical central-hall layout.” Then there were the magnificent architectural details—ornate woodwork and fireplaces, French doors and large sash windows. Almost instantly, the couple rejected the idea of flipping the property and decided to make it their own.

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Taken down to the studs, the kitchen was expanded, incorporating the former pantry, laundry room and rear entry vestibule.

Clad in marble subway tile, the partial wall conceals the plumbing pipes. Now stunning in black-and-white, the kitchen adjoins the original butler’s pantry (right inset below), which was converted to a "scullery" while preserving its rich wood cabinetry.

BEFORE

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Top: Viewed from a dressing room, the master bath was doubled in size by replacing the wall that had separated the original his-and-her bathrooms with a glass-enclosed shower, accessible from both sides. Bottom: “Bennington,” the family pet, surveys the master bedroom’s sophisticated gray palette and colorful bedding accents.

Their offer was accepted with the stipulation that no major changes would be made to the original floorplan. Robinson Remodeling Services was chosen as the builder and renovation began in January, with the husband acting as general contractor, the wife scouring the internet for new furnishings and decor ideas and the mom stripping outdated wallpaper.

Completion was targeted for November, but the plan gained urgency when the couple’s existing home sold quickly, forcing the family to find temporary accommodations and jam the furniture they intended to keep into the Georgian’s living room.

Construction started with installation of central air conditioning, relocation of various plumbing pipes and demolition of the kitchen, which would be rebuilt combining the former kitchen, pantry, laundry room and rear-entry vestibule into one spacious culinary/gathering area. “The house was sold ‘as is’ and, in view of its age, we weren’t surprised to run into a few problems,” the husband says rather casually. Opening the kitchen walls, for example, exposed significant termite damage. Upstairs, structural repairs were expected to be minimal, but disaster was narrowly avoided when dry rot was discovered, threatening to bring a bathroom crashing down through the kitchen ceiling.

Nevertheless, what makes this project so remarkable is how much of the home could be preserved. The original radiators had been built into the walls, and previous owners had installed a high-efficiency boiler, making the heating system fully serviceable. Most of the white oak floors were in good condition and simply refinished, and a coat of white paint was all it took to revitalize the exquisitely detailed crown molding and wainscoting in the imposing entry foyer.

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BEFORE

At some point, however, the foyer floor had been covered with linoleum.

When peeled back, it revealed dramatic black-and-white marble tiles laid diagonally in a checkerboard pattern, and vigorous grinding and solvents restored the floor to its former beauty. The grand staircase’s handrail and artistically crafted wrought-iron balusters were fully intact, so the carpeting was removed and the treads painted black to complement the rejuvenated floor.

For “visual interest,” the owners decided to repeat the black-and-white color scheme in the newly renovated kitchen, which now features wide-plank, ebony-stained oak flooring, marble subway tile lining the walls to the ceiling, a 10-foot center island with sink, microwave and Danby marble surface, veined soapstone countertops and Thermador luxury appliances.

Their attention to detail is evident here, as well. The kitchen’s window frames were salvaged and the sills replaced with marble. McMillan Cabinetmakers fabricated the traditionally styled cabinetry, the builder custom-designed a matching range hood, and when the selected faucets weren’t available in satin brass, they were replated to correspond with the cabinet hardware. McMillan also transformed the adjacent butler’s pantry into a “scullery,” modifying and duplicating the original cabinets to include a sink, dishwashers and beverage/wine storage.

Top: Stripping the linoleum in the grand entry foyer, the owners discovered a dramatic tiled floor, which was painstakingly restored to its original beauty. Fresh white paint further emphasized the entry hall’s exquisitely crafted woodwork. Bottom: Perfectly intact, the staircase banister’s elegant wrought-iron design resembles the ornamentation on the railing above the home’s entry portico, which is visible through the window.

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Top: A handsome pergola tops the renovated patio, which was extended to a lower level entertainment area, surfaced in Pennsylvania Bluestone and equipped with an outdoor fireplace and barbecue island.

Bottom: McMillan Cabinetmakers modified the butler’s pantry to include a sink, dishwashers and beverage/ wine storage. An attractive rolling wood bench provides additional workspace.

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On opposite sides of the grand entry, the formal living and dining rooms were brightened with fresh paint and all-new lighting, since the original fixtures had been removed. In the dining room, a dark charcoal ceiling makes the white walls and woodwork “pop,” complementing the refurbished marble fireplace surround. Formerly a paneled library with exposed quarry tile floor, the den is now a cozy family space— the paneling painted a deep gray, a TV integrated into the existing shelving and the fireplace converted to gas.

On the second floor, all three bedrooms included built-in closets and adjoining baths, which were updated. Typical of the era, the master suite further emphasized privacy with separate baths and dressing rooms for the owners. To enlarge the space, the “lady’s tub” and the wall separating the bathrooms were removed and replaced with a glass-walled shower, accessible from both sides. The original cabinetry and brass hardware, however, were retained.

Off the den, the patio was rather small and in need of a major overhaul. The patio’s brick flooring was replaced and a handsome pergola and privacy wall added. Steps lead to an expansive lower-level terrace, paved in Pennsylvania Bluestone and perfect for fresh-air entertaining, with an outdoor fireplace and barbecue island with grill, kegerator and beverage center.

Modernized yet thoroughly faithful to its historic origins, this superbly renovated residence is a tribute to its owners and conclusive proof of the documentary’s premise.

The Central West End is definitely worth saving!

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

BEFORE Top: Painted a rich charcoal gray, the paneled library was transformed into a comfy den, with a built-in TV, caramel-hued leather sofa and tufted charcoal linen ottoman.

Bottom: Crisp in gray and white, the living room epitomizes transitional styling with its original trim work and fireplace, plush Chesterfield sofas in Belgian linen, leather cocktail ottoman and metal accent pieces.

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GOOD BONES

By Kim Hill / Photography by Megan Lorenz

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Well-built and beautifully sited, a spacious Town and Country ranch receives a showstopping total renovation.

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Builder: Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations Engineer: Brucker Engineers Interior Designer: Tamsin Design Group

A

s a West County-based real estate agent, the owner of this home knows a good house when she sees one.

She was scouting properties when she spied a sprawling ranch for sale in Town and Country.

Built by Higginbotham in the late 1970s, the spacious home featured a grand 2-story entry and two en suite bedrooms.

Viewing the home for the first time, her husband’s first stop was the back yard adjacent to Queeny Park, where he frequently jogs. The acre lot also held room for an in-ground pool, another amenity on the husband’s wish list.

In the parlance of the real estate industry, the home had “location, location, location,” and it also had good bones. What it didn’t have was an updated kitchen designed for today’s lifestyles or a décor that had been touched in recent years. “We knew it was a total gut job,” the wife recalls. “We saw the potential. But we would never have taken this on if we hadn’t completely redone our kitchen with Tamsin three years ago in our old home.”

Above: “We’re able to integrate new design elements into existing structures and make it seamless, whether that’s custom making the millwork casing, base trim, doors, whatever it might be,” says builder Mike Mahn, who says 85 percent of the home was “very special in the period the home was built. We were able to keep some of those existing elements to retain the character, the charm and beauty but bring in new technology and design aspects. Our team does a wonderful job, and Tamsin did a wonderful job integrating the old and new and making it seamless.”

Dining Room: In the dining room, Mascetti removed the casings around the doors and above the built-in display shelves. She painted the upper walls in Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and the wainscoting in a rich white. The new Regency chandelier in antique brass makes a dramatic statement above the table.

The modern navy settee, an antique umbrella stand and a foot ottoman in aqua mix vintage pieces with classic lines and vibrant color. Oil painting by Alabama-based artist Maggie Grier was purchased at the St. Louis Art Fair.

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Kitchen: White cabinets and a white quartz countertop brighten the space and make it feel larger. A large peninsula provides space for casual family meals and adds extra room for entertaining, a favorite activity for the couple. Mascetti topped the peninsula with gray quartz to contrast with the overall white palette. The white Goodman pendants feature gold interiors.

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“Tamsin” is award-winning interior designer Tamsin Mascetti, the principal of Tamsin Design Group. She viewed the property before the couple even made an offer on the home. “I fell in love with the house, too, and knew it could be just outstanding, a huge transformation,” says Mascetti. On the same day the couple took their youngest child to college in 2018, they made an offer on the ranch with good bones and great potential.

In its original iteration, the home was “loaded with personality,” according to Mascetti. One bathroom featured fixtures adorned with gold swans. Horse-drawn chariots raced along wood moldings in the entry. Heavy wallpaper graced several rooms. The new owners prefer a simpler aesthetic. “We wanted to retain some of the home’s great

character but lighten the look considerably,” says Mascetti.

Much of the home’s layout functioned well for the new owners, although Mascetti and the team from Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations did remove a triangle of walls separating the kitchen, the foyer, dining room and family room. A bar had been built inside the triangle, according to Mike Mahn, president of Mahn Custom Homes. “The bar cut the kitchen off,” explains Mascetti. “Removing it created a beautiful, open floor plan.” Mahn agrees. From his many years of building experience, Mahn could envision the open spaces.

“We knew from the outset this was going to be a really exciting, dynamic project—something the owners would be able to call home for a significant amount of time,” he says. Kelci Krueger, head of selections STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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and design at Mahn, helped coordinate and made sure the project went smoothly.

The kitchen’s original slim footprint felt even smaller with a narrow island set perpendicular to the sink. The design team removed the island and reconfigured the work triangle to maximize efficiency. White cabinets and a white quartz countertop brighten the space and make it feel larger. A large peninsula provides space for casual family meals for five and adds extra room for entertaining, a favorite activity for the couple. Mascetti topped the peninsula with gray quartz to contrast with the overall white palette.

In the adjacent family room, some of the detailing on the moldings and trim was removed before the woodwork was painted a creamy white. The parquet floor was replaced with wide plank white oak. Working with a soothing, serene color palette of soft shades of blue, green, gray and cream, Mascetti chose upholstered pieces in gray, taupe and white accented with blue pillows and a blue and cream area rug.

The color palette carries through into the step-down living room. Mascetti painted the walls a soft gray and replaced the white carpet with the same wide plank white oak used throughout the main level. New, clean-lined club chairs upholstered in a medium gray velvet joined a creamy sofa and navy chairs from the homeowners’ collection.

In the dining room, the Mahn team removed the casings around the doors and above the built-in display shelves. Mascetti painted the upper walls in Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and the wainscoting in a rich white. Photos from a family trip to Italy hang above a glossy buffet from the homeowners’ collection. “I like to take personality pieces and make sure those things are reflected in the client’s home,” Mascetti says of the framed photos. The new Regency chandelier in antique brass makes a dramatic statement above the table.

In spite of the fact the home originally featured dated wallpaper in several areas, the wife wanted wallpaper in one room. She got her wish in a showstopper of a powder bath, which she says is a favorite room in the home. Grasscloth wallpaper by Thibaut is one of several interesting elements in the room. A vanity lacquered in a deep navy, a color custom-mixed by The Resplendent Crow, features a unique polished nickel Kallista faucet with acrylic handles. Silver sconces detailed with stars flank an acrylic mirror. “We used some unusual elements layered together,” says Mascetti.

The powder room is a favorite of both homeowners and interior designer. Vanity is a lacquered piece by The Resplendent Crow in custom deep navy. Silver sconces detailed with stars flank an acrylic mirror.

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Guest Room: One of her favorite rooms of the renovation, Mascetti painted the guest bedroom walls in the gray tones of Sherwin Williams Software. White bedding lets the standout chandelier from Currey & Company and a new rug take center stage.

The powder room, Mascetti says, is indicative of her thought process for the whole-house renovation. “We wanted to take something classic like a grasscloth wallcovering but mix it with something unusual or unique to give it a little more drama or flair,” she explains.

The grand entry hall was already dramatic. The wife says the entry’s chandeliers caught her eye the moment she first saw them. “They reminded me of a Ralph Lauren home,” she recalls. “I loved them.” During the remodel, the chandeliers were retained along with the entry’s original Italian marble flooring. Mascetti warmed the space with a modern navy settee, an antique umbrella stand and a foot ottoman in aqua. The homeowners found the oil painting by Alabama-based artist Maggie Grier at the St. Louis Art Fair. “Here again, we wanted a cool compilation of vintage or antique pieces to mix with something bright or vibrant,” says Mascetti. “It’s both unexpected and fun.”

Following a 10-month renovation process, the home and its furnishings feel both cohesive and purposeful. “From the moment you walk in the front door and move from the left all the way around to the right, everything flows together in a classic way that’s still light and fun,” says Mascetti. The homeowner agrees. “It feels like it’s ours,” she says of the home with good bones. And now so much more.

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Master sitting room/office area: The couple uses the master bedroom’s raised sitting area as an office, featuring the original fireplace, an acrylic and gold desk, and a painting by New York contemporary abstract artist Franklin Cassierra. Mascetti removed the ornate detailing from the built-in cabinetry for a sleeker look. Opposite page: Serene and sophisticated, the master bedroom’s walls are painted in the tranquil tones of Sherwin Williams Passive. Renwick chandelier is from Circa Lighting.

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ˮ

Some people look for a beautiful place.

Others make a place beautiful.

—Hazrat Inayat Kahn

ˮ

A total transformation

By Lucyann Boston Photography by Kim Dillon

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t

he words of the Indian, classical musician, poet and Sufi mystic are displayed on a plaque in the charming garden shed of Cheryl Robinson’s home. Nothing could better describe the story of her stunning landscape. Surrounded on all sides by a tall, green wall of evergreen magnolias, hollies and arborvitae that conceal a wrought iron fence, the garden is from the street both lush and private, providing few clues to the oasis just through the ornate gate. Just seven years ago, it was a blank canvas.

The tale of the transformation began eight years ago when Cheryl and her husband purchased a large corner lot just up the street from their then Richmond Heights home. The double lot, containing a house that was beyond repair, was just the space they were looking for to create a dream home and larger garden.

The couple was “the perfect pair” for the project, Cheryl notes.

Her husband, a builder and engineer, served as the project manager on the construction of their ecologically conscious red brick home, designed in a traditional style that blends into the surrounding neighborhood. Cheryl, a lifetime gardener with a background in interior design and architectural studies, worked on the interior of the house and focused on the landscape. “The whole idea was to create a house that looked like it had been there for a while,” she says.

Beginning when she was in third grade planting marigolds, tomatoes and radishes with her father, Cheryl fell in love with gardening. Growing up in the St. Louis area, she went on to hone her gardening skills at homes in Atlanta and Michigan, later returning to St. Louis where she created a garden focused on native species at her previous Richmond Heights home and helped with a children’s garden in the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District.

All along the way, she took every opportunity to tour gardens both in the United States and abroad and gathered ideas that she was able to put to use in her new space. Some hardscape realities became an integral part of the design.

The red brick wall of the garage, for instance, bordered the north side of the sunny back garden. While it could have been a boring element, Cheryl made it a dramatic asset, adding to the surface lovely Mediterranean tile interspersed with waterspouts that splash into a ground-level, stone basin accented with water

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plants. The couple saved the wood from a dead oak and elm on the property, milled some of the wood and used it to create a vintage garden shed on the south side of the garden with the elm planks used for the structure and oak slabs becoming shelves. Old, reclaimed windows add to the charm of the building, which is a repository for the some of the vintage items Cheryl loves to collect.

Rather than begin planting immediately, Cheryl waited for a year to study the landscape in different seasons and watch the pattern of the sun. The front yard, accented with mature trees, was an obvious shade garden. There, she created a grassy path bordered on both sides by Annabelle and oak leaf hydrangeas, hostas in various shades of green and feathery ferns.

Heuchera with glowing leaves of gold, orange and purple add shots of bright color to the front of the border.

Turning to a sunnier corner toward the north side of the home, Cheryl planted a bed of long-blooming Becky daises. They are a favorite perennial that she uses throughout her garden to tie the front and back gardens together. Quickfire hydrangeas bracket either side of the pathway that turns into the stunning, sun-filled backyard. “I tried to think how I could utilize the sun best,” she recalls. “I didn’t want the garden to be just a patch”

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Instead, she created a parterre garden of four equal squares rimmed with boxwood and filled in the center with glorious mixes of betony, coneflowers and zinnias. Upright Taylor junipers add a dramatic vertical accent in the inside corner of each square. Gravel pathways form a cross in the center. “It is formal in that I have the parterres and boxwood, but the plantings themselves are more eclectic and cottage-style,” she says.

Looking toward the back of the garden, an ornate arch of ornamental wrought iron flanked by two horizontal, metal, lattice-work panels provides a vertical wall. Cheryl has laced it with climbing bouquets of clematis and roses in shades of purple and pink. She found the arch with the assistance of Laura Johnson of Architectural Artifacts and herself designed the adjoining panels, which were fabricated by Empire Fence and Custom Iron Works. “I do a lot of different garden tours,” she explains, “I did a tour to Wales, and they had so many walled gardens, it got me thinking vertically.”

The other side of that vertical wall features a gracious landscape of flowering shrubs highlighted by hydrangeas that bloom at different times of the year. It includes Bobo, Limelight, Ruby Slippers, Quickfire and Bloomstruck.

Stretching along the back of the house, a wide, charmingly furnished veranda provides places to relax and dine while providing a panoramic view of the entire landscape.

Throughout the process of building their home and garden, Cheryl and her husband made every effort to work with as many local materials and contractors as possible.

Cobblestones that line the gravel pathways are from old city streets obtained by Mound City Gardens. The EW Gold stone pavers used in the front and back patios come from Earthworks Inc. quarries near St. Genevieve, MO. In selecting the plants for her garden, Cheryl has consciously sought out varieties with long bloom times. She also favors plants that are reliable in our climate extremes and, as she puts it, are not water hungry. While she has help for the heavier garden projects, she handles the day-to-day work in the garden herself and loves everything involved in making “a place beautiful.”

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

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slhl

THE DIRT

INVEST IN

VINES Whether climbing a trellis or cascading down a waterfall, many varieties of vining plants bring garden spaces to the next level. Here are some of our local landscapers’ favorite vining plants!

Edited by Moe Godat

CORAL HONEYSUCKLE Also known as

LONICERA SEMPERVIRENS

Information provided by Sue Leahy at Greenscape Gardens Nursery.

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WATER + SOIL: Average moisture content and tolerates even clay soil BLOOM TIME: May and June LIGHT + LOCATION: Full sun PRUNING TIPS: Late fall, if needed Native to Missouri, Coral Honeysuckle grows well in the varying St. Louis weather conditions, blooming in summer with scarlet-orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. Loved by hummingbirds and deer resistant, the honeysuckle’s foliage stays semi-evergreen in winter. It grows from 8-15 feet up a trellis or arbor. With no fertilizer needed and a tolerance to the common Missouri clay soil, it’s sure to bloom well in your garden.

A clematis like no other, Blue Jeanne brings striking sky blue blossoms from late spring nonstop into September. Its blue color, rare in the plant world, creates a soothing feeling in the garden.

Ideal for trellises and arbors, Blue Jeanne climbs to 6 feet tall. It also grows well in patio pots and looks gorgeous growing on decorative obelisks. Ann Lapides, Sugar Creek Gardens.

A Missouri native, aristolochia tomentosa “Dutchman’s Pipe” is readily found along local streams. A twining vine that can grow over 20 feet, it can easily be trained on outdoor structures; plant in part shade to full sun. It’s also a great addition for butterfly lovers! It is the food source for the Pipevine Swallowtail larva. Dan Billman, Kirkwood Gardens.

Photo by Kristi Muensterman, Bauer Falls.

Bauer Falls uses Clematis Villa De Leon in their luxury waterfalls, water gardens and koi ponds because of its stunning coloration that changes over time. A French variety cultivated in the 19th century, this crimson ambre brings a vibrant late-season burst of color that signals the summer heat has gone and a new season has arrived.

Caleb Bauer, Bauer Falls.

Sweet Autumn Clematis is a handsome climbing vine that displays billowy masses of fragrant flowers against leathery dark green leaves.

It grows rapidly in warm temperatures with twining stems that quickly cover fences, arbors and sheds. Flowers emerge late summer to fall, followed by silvery seed heads. Excellent for a fall accent and cut flowers, and it is deciduous. David Sherwood, Sherwood’s Forest Nursery.

Hydrangea anomala, a.k.a. the climbing hydrangea, is a true climbing vine with a woody structure, heart-shaped foliage and large white flower clusters in early summer. It can tolerate morning sun but needs afternoon shade; it works well in a northern exposure. It's an attractive covering for walls, fences or large trees and can also be used as a ground cover on steep embankments. It’s peeling bark provides winter interest. This vine can be slow to get started, but once it does, it grows and may need periodic pruning to keep in shape. Timberwinds Nursery.

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5TH ANNUAL

Saturday,

SEPTEMBER 12, 10AM – 3PM Informational lectures at each location:

10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm Fabulous door prizes! *Locations will consist of nurseries and private homes. *Rain or shine *We will be observing proper social distancing practices. Masks are required.

1

Chesterfield Valley Nursery:

2

Bauer Falls - Site Location:

3

Castle Design - Site Location:

4

Bauer Falls - Site Location:

16825 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 Topic: Fire accessories: fireplaces, fire pits, fire tables, fire bowls Raffle: Planter/pot

805 Country Home Drive, Fenton, MO 63026 Topic: Enhancing your outdoor space with a water feature: waterfalls, koi ponds and water gardens Raffle: Caleb Bauer of Bauer Falls will fully install a pondless water feature with a bubbling boulder waterfall. This includes a small natural stone boulder, liner, pump and gravel.

ILLINOIS

470 Belleview Ave., Webster, MO 63119 Topic: How to make outdoor selections that withstand the elements Raffle: Designer pillows

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Schmittel’s Nursery:

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13801 Marine Avenue, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Topic: Native plants for the homescape Raffle: $200 gift certificate

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2312 Leland Ridge Walk, St. Louis, MO 63131 Topic: Enhancing your outdoor space with a water feature: waterfalls, 64 koi ponds and water gardens Raffle: Caleb Bauer of Bauer Falls will fully install a pondless water feature with a bubbling B boulder waterfall. This includes a small natural stone boulder, liner, pump and gravel.

slhl

SHAWS VISION

September 1–15 – Pick pears before they are fully mature.

Store in a cool, dark basement to ripen.

– Cuttings of annuals can be taken now to provide vigorous plants for overwintering.

Except tulips, spring bulbs may be planted as soon as they are available. Tulips should be kept in a cool, dark place and planted in late October.

– Keep broccoli picked regularly to encourage additional production of side shoots.

– Pinch off the top of Brussels sprout plants to plump out the developing sprouts.

– Seasonal loss of inner needles on conifers is normal at this time. It may be especially noticeable on pines.

SEPTEMBER Stay up-to-date in your landscape with planning tips and events from the Missouri Botanical Garden.

September 16–30 Sow spinach now to overwinter under mulch for spring harvest.

Bury or discard any spoiled fallen fruits.

ALL SEPTEMBER If soils become dry, established lawns should be watered thoroughly to a depth of 4-6 inches.

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Paw paws ripen in the woods now.

Check all along peach tree trunks to just below soil line for gummy masses caused by borers. Probe holes with thin wire to puncture borers.

BAUER FALLS BauerFalls.com 636-357-3495 Bauer Falls uses a unique, organic filtration system that yields sparkling clean water without the maintenance and expense of traditional water gardens. Growing up on property bordering the nearly 6,500-acre Cuivre River State Park, Josh and Caleb Bauer learned to harness the power of plant roots and beneficial bacteria without the use of any added chemicals. The Bauer brothers' lifelong passion for nature led them into an exclusive artistry designing and creating natural luxury waterfalls, water gardens, and koi ponds. Their elite artistry is highlighted in their award-winning Garden of the Year that features nearly 1,000 tons (37 semi loads) of natural stone boulders that pump 48,000 gallons of water per hour.

SCHMITTEL'S NURSERY 13801 Marine Ave Maryland Heights, MO 63043 schmittelsnursery.com 314-469-8900 Great time to start planning and seeing your outdoor dreams come to life. Patios are the center of outdoor living and entertaining. The new trends are using the natural element of Flagstone, to create a warm, earthy, organic space for you to enjoy in every season. Let Schmittel's Nursery, design and install the perfect patio for you. We will be there every step of the way. There is a flagstone choice for every backyard, a shape to fit every need. Give Schmittel's Nursery a call to make your outdoor living areas a reality this season.

POYNTER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 636-256-2600 PoynterLandscape.com Landscape Architects, Craftsman Builders, and Gardeners.

Serving St. Louis and the surrounding 100-mile area for 28 years. We design, build and maintain complex multi-trade outdoor living spaces be it a single area or everything under the sun including fireplaces, terraces, kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, pool houses, swimming pools, decks, walls, water features, lighting irrigation and more. The Experts in Outdoor Living!Â

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Anne Matheis Photography

Design by Chris Paul, chrispaul@alspaugh.com

9808 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 314.993.6644 • glenalspaughkitchens.com

SLHL BEFORE & AFTER

Rescued & RESTORED

A modern makeover breathes new life into an historic home in the scenic Shaw neighborhood with a bright white palette and accents of gold.

By Jeanne Delathouder Photography by Anne Matheis

Contractor: Ladd Suydam Contracting Architect: Art and Architecture

It is often the greatest reward to see your vision come to life—and such was the case for this St. Louis couple who wanted to update their grand but outdated historic home in Shaw. Built in the 1890s on a quiet tree-lined street dotted with many other spacious multi-family dwellings, the house possessed a spectacular Victorian character they definitely wanted to preserve. After coming up with a specific design vision they wanted to achieve, they called on Ladd and Jen Suydam, owners of Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC, to guide their extensive renovation.

“The homeowners wanted to keep the original historic style of the house,” says Ladd. “The difficulties we faced were a closed-off living room and kitchen. To accomplish their goals, we removed a mother-in-law staircase that led to the third floor that was no longer

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BEFORE

being used. While doing this, we had to revamp a structural opening that would allow an open concept between the kitchen and dining room. Although our original call from the client was for a kitchen and living room remodel, we saw that the needed scope encompassed the whole first floor,” he notes.

Additional goals that were met during the renovation included adding forced air to the first floor, new floors throughout, remodeling the powder room to allow for the laundry to be brought up from the basement, updated lighting, renovating a side room office into a cozy nook and bar area and revising the exterior rear wall to bring in more light and allow better access—as well as a visual connection—to the back yard. Beyond this, the homeowners had two marble fireplaces that were salvaged from the 1904 World’s Fair. During the project,

BEFORE

Ladd and his team were able to bring them back to life with a proper installation and even adding an operable gas fireplace insert to one of them.

“The wife’s decorating sense tended to lean towards traditional, but she wanted a slight modern take on it,” says Jen. “We took cues from some of the gold elements she had around her house— and she also loves bees. A hexagon pattern makes its way throughout the design in several different areas, from the new bathroom floor to the new light in the bar area, which were chosen by our client as a nod to the honeycomb. Other fun elements include a dragon motif on the sofa she chose to emulate the mascot of the Saint Margaret of Scotland Church and school in their neighborhood,” she adds.

Jen and Ladd guided their clients with fixture selections such as the cabinet design, countertops, lighting, flooring, hardware, tile and paint colors. They also designed a hutch on the end of the perimeter run of the kitchen cabinets and counter so the wife could display some of her treasured items she currently had on open shelves in the previous kitchen. Gold and brass detailing for the hardware and lighting were used throughout as an homage to the home’s historic heritage.

“We enjoyed these clients immensely,” says Jen. “Some of my favorite memories include bringing lunch to the guys during break and hearing from one of the clients that they enjoyed Ladd singing on the job site—they promised a karaoke party when the project was over,” she laughs. “I envisioned over the holidays this last year our clients entertaining in their space with family and friends,” says Ladd. “I know that was brought up at our first meeting to discuss their goals for the hard work and time put in to making that happen.” See www.stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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SLHL BEFORE & AFTER BEFORE

A Walk in THE PARK

Photo courtesy of the Missouri History Museum.

Drawn to the charm of the historic homes around Lafayette Square, this couple renovated a 142-year-old home’s exterior to honor the original.

By Moe Godat Photography by Kim Dillon

Architect: Killeen Studios Builder: Millennium Restoration

“On our walks around the neighborhood, we would admire the beautiful old houses,” says homeowner Ryan Jacob Wood, “but we saw a few fixer-uppers that still needed love.”

Wood and his husband, Bary Klevene, were living in a townhouse in Lafayette Square when they fell in love with the neighborhood’s historic charm. On their daily walks around the park, they’d admire both renovated and untouched homes alike, wondering what their home would look like if they decided to take on the task of renovating a historic home.

“We were analyzing the crumbling facade of one particular mansard home when the neighbor struck up a conversation and asked if we were looking to buy,” Wood explains.

Though the home’s previous owner took some convincing, six months after seeing the home Wood and his husband found themselves with a new project on their hands.

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And a handful it was. The window sills and stone facade were crumbling, the windows were rotting and the front steps had sunk and separated from the home. Even the brick sidewalk was a tripping hazard. The young couple’s main priority throughout the entire rehab was to restore the home to its original splendor. When asked what exterior aspect was most important to keep true to history, Wood said “absolutely everything. Historic codes required us to maintain every aspect and had to be pre-approved.”

All windows were replaced with custom historic wooden replicas and custom brickmould, and new window sills were cast in concrete and replaced. The dormers were removed and rebuilt. After pouring a new foundation, the steps were carefully placed in their proper location, preceeded by a walkway made of salvaged bricks that were once part of

the basement floor. Though not original to the home, the homeowners had a cast iron fence made in the style of the neighborhood.

With everything up to code, it was time for them to make this historic home their own by choosing the paint and planting the landscape, which Wood says was definitely his favorite part of the exterior renovation. New house numbers and a freestanding mailbox finished the scene.

“We are so happy that we chose to buy and fix this house,” Wood says. “It makes us smile when people admire our home and ask us to take pictures on our porch rather than cutting the house out of pictures of the neighboring homes.”

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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SLHL BEFORE & AFTER

Two to One

What began as two smaller baths off the master bedroom was transformed into this 186-square-foot master bath and art gallery.

By Moe Godat Photography by Anne Matheis Designer: RSI Kitchen & Bath Remodeler: Superior Remodel LLC

BEFORE

Having two small bathrooms rather than one large master bath convinced this homeowner that it was time for a complete bathroom makeover. “The master bathroom in my approximately 40-year-old home was designed back when ‘Jack and Jill’ baths were popular. As a single person, having two small bathrooms grew to be much more of an inconvenience than a pleasure,” the homeowner says.

To achieve the bathroom of his dreams, the homeowner worked closely with Jared Hillmann of Superior Remodel, LLC and Arlene Allmeyer of RSI Kitchen & Bath. Though the top priority of the remodel was to maximize the available space, the homeowner also desired updated amenities and style to complement parts of his extensive art collection, which he planned on decorating the new space with.

Once the walls were removed, the team and the homeowner decided on a double vanity, separate room for the toilet, large shower, a freestanding tub and a long wall of storage cabinets and artwork. “Arlene brought her extensive knowledge of products and options, Jared provided practical and experienced advice and I was smart enough to listen to the people who really knew what they were talking about,” the homeowner comments. “Plus, I can be very decisive, so hopefully I was a good client for both!”

Taking out the unnecessary wall allowed for the room’s centerpiece, a 5’-by-5’-foot shower with clear glass on two sides, giving full view to

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the beautiful tile work. Hillman was able to match the veins on the porcelain tile to mimic one large slab of marble. A little glamour was added on the floor by surrounding the marble-look porcelain with a black granite border and accent tiles. Kohler Vibrant French Gold plumbing fixtures were selected to complement the black and white theme and add warmth.

Displaying the homeowner’s new and existing art pieces was also very important in this remodel; African-inspired pieces that were in the original spaces were reused to add some of his personal taste into the space, while a striking Ted Collier painting was purchased to act as a focal point above the freestanding tub. The homeowner was excited to add a touch of St. Louis art to his beautiful collection.

“One of the interesting things that we did in the vanity area was to use two antique mirrors that the homeowner had in his collection,” Arlene says. “I thought the mirrors looked a little small for the vanity space, so the homeowner came up with the idea to install a plate glass mirror behind it, which made it look perfect!”

“The final result reflects my eclectic taste, allows me to still display art and objects of which I am very fond and is designed to provide a maximum use of the available space,” the homeowner says. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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SLHL BEFORE & AFTER

A Light Refresh Seven years after the first transformation, these homeowners were ready to lighten and brighten their living space with the help of their trusted designer.

Interior Designer: JML Interior Design

By Melissa Mauzy Photography by Pixvid

In 2011, with their children grown and out of the house, these empty nesters were ready to remodel and update their home. Knowing they’d need a professional's help, their online search led them to interior designer Jeanne Lashmett, owner of JML Interior Design with 25-plus years of experience. “We liked what she had designed from her portfolio photos, and she responded immediately,” the husband says. “Jeanne was outstanding with letting us input different ideas into her design.”

Several rooms were updated. Wainscoting and detailed architectural moldings were applied, and a wall was extended within the family room separating the bar area from the living room and creating more seating space. The homeowners' favorite part of the 2011 renovation was the woodworking added by contractor John Schulze of Schulze Construction Services and Michael Von Gerichten with MVG Painting.

Fast forward seven years, and the homeowners were ready for a change. “By the time everything was done in 2011, we considered Jeanne a friend, not just our designer,” the homeowner explains. “So when it was time to renovate again, we never considered anyone else.”

The goal was to lighten up the living room and make it more transitional and coastal. Updating paint colors and incorporating new furnishings, accessories and fabrics brightened the space to achieve a fresher look. The outstanding woodwork remained untouched.

Lashmett created a design presentation for the clients to establish the new direction. “I am very visual and communicate with my clients with all types of aids, including perspectives and renderings,” Lashmett explains. “This really gave my clients comfort and security knowing exactly how the room would look upon completion.”

One of the first changes made to the space was removing the

BEFORE

draperies and replacing them with wood shutters. Lashmett says the original treatments they had designed became too heavy and created a more formal feel. The shutters helped to create a lighter, airier, fresh aesthetic.

Lashmett proposed switching up the furniture layout and swapping out old pieces for new that would maximize seating. She switched out the original angled couch for a straight couch from Ethan Allen and removed the ottoman swapping it for a cocktail table that was smaller and narrower. The new table has an open area below to store or display additional accessories.

Two chairs flanking the window are more petite and tailored in fabric from Ethan Allen. A leather recliner in a beautiful cognac gives the room just enough seriousness while still keeping the light and airy feel of the room. “We tweaked the layout of the furniture to lighten up the room, scale back the footprint while still keeping the seating capacity,” Lashmett explains.

She also suggested painting the back of the bookcase a crisp navy to showcase their existing accessories while also adding a few new ones. Updated lighting and rugs as well as fresh artwork helped to finalize the look.

Both client and designer agree that the project was so successful because of their established relationship. “It allowed for a much higher trust level in which the client has much more confidence with the designer and does not have to leave themselves second guessing on their selections and choices,” Jeanne says. “The living room became such a happy and cheerful room that is both comfortable and inviting.”

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

A door that leaves a lasting

First Impression

CUSTOM ENTRY DOORS Design • Build • Install

137 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63005 636-530-7545 / scobiscompany.com

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BRIGHT IDEA

GOING DUTCH

Dutch doors aren’t a new phenomenon. Dating back to the 17th century, dutch doors are a timeless design element that connects the indoors and outdoors. Today’s designers are adding a modern twist to this practical classic.

By Melissa Mauzy

Photography by Zack Benson.

Feeling Nautical. By Tracy Lynn Studio.

The traditional meets nautical entryway creates a bright and inviting atmosphere for family and guests alike. The coral and navy tones highlight the nautical feel and reflect the coastal locale of the home.

Photography by Dustin Peck Photography.

Welcoming the Breeze. By Southern Studio Interior Design. The designers were thrilled to tackle a whole house remodel of this home on the North Carolina coast. The newell post and front door were from the original construction and had to remain as part of the design.

The dutch door welcomes guests and the fresh salt air breeze.

Functional for Family. By Geoff Chick & Associates. The dutch door is at the interior entry to the carriage house, which connects to the main house across a bridge at the stair landing between the first and second level. Designed to be used by family members with dogs and young children, leaving the bottom panel of the door closed keeps children from wandering into the stairwell and dogs out of the main residence.

Photography by Jack Gardner.

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Photography by Michael J. Lee Photography.

Sea Views. By Carpenter & MacNeille.

This charming dutch door was inspired by the history and setting of this 1880s seaside shingled retreat. Originally facing a side street away from the ocean views in front, this New England summer home’s facade and entry were architecturally enhanced and repositioned to enjoy the sea from every single room. The dutch door was handcrafted by the firm, proudly representing the new connection between the indoors and the beautiful outdoor vistas.

BAUER FALLS

Videos & photos at BauerFalls.com • 636-357-3495

We build Luxury Waterfalls, Koi Ponds and Water Gardens

Schmittel’S nurSery Serving your community for over 25 years

▪ Finest products at our centrally located nursery ▪ Knowledgeable staff ▪ Landscape consultation and design ▪ 11 acres of locally grown and specifically sourced trees, shrubs and flowers 13801 Marine Avenue, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (Off Hwy 141 & 70) Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm and Sun 10-3

314-469-8900 / schmittelsnursery.com STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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William D. Cover, Architect LLC williamdcoverarchitect.com

Lauren Strutman Architects P.C. laurenstrutmanarchitects.com

Schaub+Srote Architects schaubsrote.com

These architectural firms are doing some of the best work in the Greater St. Louis area. We’re proud to call them our architect partners. Look to them first for your next project.

Brendel Architects, LLC brendelarchitects.com

Schaub Projects Architecture + Design schaubprojects.com

FORNEY + architecture, LLC FORNEYplus.com

Dick Busch Architects dickbuscharchitects.com

Donna F. Boxx, Architect, P.C. boxxarchitect.com

Jeff Day & Associates jeffdayllc.com

DL Design DLDesign.com

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles

HOME TOUR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 10AM – 4PM

Presenting Sponsor

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St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles

HOME TOUR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 10AM – 4PM

$20

Pre-paid passport to all homes

$25

Day of event, purchased at the homes

Pre-paid through stlouishomesmag.com/events until end of day, Friday, September 25, 2020

PRESTIGE CUSTOM HOMES

PERIOD RESTORATION

Children under 12 free.

KEMP SIGNATURE HOMES SELF-GUIDED TOUR with access to beautiful homes built and designed by some of the best builders, architects and interior designers in the St. Louis area.

Whether you are in the market for a new home or looking for design/remodeling inspiration, look no further!

• • • • • •

Luxury Home Tour program and map will be available at each home.

Register to WIN DOOR PRIZES from local specialty stores at each home.

Beautiful tabletops at each home Begin the tour at the home of your choice.

Reserve your passport at stlouishomesmag.com/events All proceeds donated to the Haven of Grace.

*We will be observing proper social distancing practices. Masks are required.

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BURGAN CONSTRUCTION LLC

NEW BEGINNINGS DESIGN & TIM HOLLERBACH DESIGNS

THANK YOU, SPONSORS PRESENTING

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PRESTIGE CUSTOM HOMES

PERIOD RESTORATION

KEMP SIGNATURE HOMES

17001 Prestige Landing Chesterfield, MO 63005

1926 Mason Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131

330 Upper Conway Estates Ct. Town & Country, MO 63141

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BURGAN CONSTRUCTION 717 McLain Lane St. Louis, MO 63122

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NEW BEGINNINGS DESIGN & TIM HOLLERBACH DESIGNS 537 S. Clay Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122

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MAHN CUSTOM HOMES 816 Geyer Ave St. Louis, MO 63104 Mollys in Soulard

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MELISSA BARNES melbarnes85@gmail.com www.newbeginnings.com

314-520-2147

Architectural Designs 1548 Jeffco Blvd.

Arnold, MO 63010 314-578-9470 timhollerbachdesigns.com

This year’s Luxury Home Tour is sponsoring The Haven of Grace, a non-profit organization committed to helping young women who are pregnant and homeless. Opened in 1988 in North County, The Haven of Grace believes that families support independence, stability and self-sufficiency. Serving women who are pregnant and homeless, The Haven of Grace provides a safe, nurturing home, educational programs and long-term support for mother and child. Founded in faith, they instill hope, dignity and the pride of independence, one family at a time. If you want more information about volunteering for The Haven of Grace or would like to make a donation, please visit their website at havenofgracestl.org.

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1 PRESTIGE CUSTOM HOMES 17001 Prestige Landing Chesterfield, MO 63005 4 bedrooms • 3 full baths and 1 half bath • 4,000 square feet on 0.47 acres

$1,590,000

This is a new, single-family display home for Prestige Custom Homes at their beautiful 223-acre community, Fienup Farms, in Chesterfield. The community will feature onsite amenities including a 26-acre lake with paddle boat dock, fishing docks, over 50 acres of common ground, pickleball courts, walking/jogging trails, pavilions, fire pit areas, community garden, playgrounds and two lots for smaller children.

Table top design: Mary Tuttles Door Prize: Gift basket

SPONSORS

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Where Quality is Foremost

www.flairhomestagings.com Val@flairhomestagings.com 636-394-6051

Visit our website for more

Inspiration

See our work on page 72

17259 Wild Horse Creek Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63005 baxtergardens.com 636-532-1033

You Won’t Find Us On The Luxury Home Tour...

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See our work on pages 72 & 77 6

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A Division of Allen Roofing & Siding

contactus@aroofing.net

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2

PERIOD RESTORATION 1926 Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131 6 bedrooms • 5 full baths and 2 half baths • 7,577 square feet on 1 acre

$2,795,000

Inside this 7,577-square-foot home there is a generous, well-thought-out floor plan, from a first floor master to the private mother-in-law quarters. The home is composed of exquisite trim work carefully placed for proper scale and design. All custom fine furniture and quality inset cabinetry. The main body of the house is wrapped in western red cedar shake. Hand split cedar was selected for the roof to enhance the complex rooflines such as gambrel, shed dormers and multiple swoop gables.

SPONSORS

There’s no other store like

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Table top design: Blue Dalia Designs Door Prize: $200 gift card from Central West End

Artist & Architectural Blacksmiths

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Exclusive mortgage solutions If you’re looking for the right home, you need a mortgage solution that does more for you. We have the flexibility to structure a mortgage built for your unique needs, with a full suite of home lending solutions.

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Team of associates with expertise in your market No origination fees and exclusive rates Pre-approval and discount opportunities Streamlined application-to-close process 360-degree financial consultation

For more information, contact Gayle Goddard, NMLS#772851 314.719.4371, Gayle.Goddard@umb.com Offers are exclusive to UMB Private Bank clients. Financing for self-employed borrowers and those with unique income situations-primary and secondary residences-no origination fees-jumbo mortgage financing-no escrowing for taxes and insurance reserves-ongoing servicing provided by your UMB Private Banker. Offer of credit is subject to credit approval.

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2020

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3

KEMP SIGNATURE HOMES 330 Upper Conway Estates Ct. Town & Country, MO 63141 4 bedrooms 4 full baths and 2 half bath 4,900 square feet on 1 acre

$1,975,000

Table top design: Great cover-up Door Prize: $200 gift card from Central West End

SPONSORS

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SEPTEMBER 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

Kemp Signature Homes is excited to offer this stunning French country inspired home, featuring incredible attention to detail both inside and out. The 4,900 square feet of living space combines functional design with luxury amenities and finishes throughout the home. Enjoy the serenity of this private, 1-acre wooded lot from the covered outdoor living area. This home has it all!

4.75”

7.125”

www.kemphomes.com 612 Trade Center Blvd, Chesterfield MO, 63005 - (314) 721-7779

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Introducing the Pella® Integrated Rolscreen® A screen that is there when you need it and hidden when you don’t. The double- and single-hung screen* that appears when you open the window, and rolls away, out of sight, when you close it. So, you get a cleaner, more polished look from the interior and exterior, more light streaming in and no seasonal storage.

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Pella Window & Door & NEW Showroom Pella Window Door Showrooms 17702 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 54 Weldon Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO

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* Warning: Use caution when children or pets are around open windows and doors.

Screens are not designed to retain children or pets.

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4 BURGAN CONSTRUCTION 717 McLain Lane, St. Louis, MO 63122 4 bedrooms 4 full baths and 1 half bath 3,021 square feet on 0.53 acres

The perfect size for a growing family in the highly sought after city of Kirkwood, this home is centrally located to stores, restaurants, and schools. The exterior blends in with the Kirkwood aesthetic while grabbing the attention of passersby on the street. Have Burgan Construction build your family’s new home or update your current home.

Table top design: Encore Door Prize: $200 gift card from Central West End

SPONSORS

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5 NEW BEGINNINGS DESIGN & TIM HOLLERBACH DESIGNS 537 S. Clay Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 5 bedrooms 4 full baths and 1 half bath 4,623 square feet on .67 acres

$1,999,000

This luxury estate home sits on a ¾-acre lot with a custom pool in walking distance from downtown Kirkwood. It’s over 6,000 square feet with the carriage house with over 1,500 square feet of living area in the lower level, including bar, playroom, bed and bath.

Enjoy lazy days on the covered patio with its cozy outdoor fireplace overlooking the lot. It has an open floor plan, media room and second-floor laundry.

Table top design: Melissa Barnes Door Prize: TBD

SPONSORS

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BONUS

6 MAHN CUSTOM HOMES 816 Geyer Ave St. Louis, MO 63104

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Mahn Custom Homes completed a historical renovation project by transforming historic Molly’s in Soulard through using materials from other historic St. Louis locations. The new, brighter dining room was expanded with interior exposed brick walls going from 8 feet to 16 feet tall. In the ceiling, skylights and original wood beams from St. Louis’ old Cupples Station Building 7 were added. The rear wall was removed and accordion glass doors were added to an expanded patio bar area that now has new marble pavers from the St. Louis Art Museum.

NEW HOMES & RENOVATIONS with a PERSONAL TOUCH

See our work on pages 30-39

Kitchen Remodeling Remodeling m ro

H

th

Ba

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ovations n e R toric

ditions d A ome

1710 Larkin Williams Road, Fenton, MO 63026

314-966-0542 • mahncustomhomes.com

natural stone & quartz countertops

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Showroom conveniently located at

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Is your kitchen a cut above the rest?

2020

If you own or designed a dream kitchen, be sure to enter St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles’ 2021 KITCHENS OF THE YEAR contest.

Winning kitchens will be featured in the January/February 2021 issue of SLHL. For more info, visit stlouishomesmag.com

2021

Deadline for entries is

10/07/2020

2020 Gold Winner - 400+ square feet Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath Photography by Anne Matheis.

slhl

SIGHTS

A Step Back IN TIME

Revamped for 2020, The Read House Hotel in downtown Chattanooga fittingly resurrects the grandeur of the Roaring 1920s.

By Gina Christman Photography courtesy of The Read House Hotel

If you haven’t considered a getaway to Chattanooga, Tennessee in a while, it’s time to go and see what this city’s been up to. The breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian mountains and the expansive Tennessee River are reasons enough to visit, but add in Chattanooga’s history, culture, entertainment and highly acclaimed culinary scene and you’ll find a vacation close to home that feels like worlds away.

Central to the Chattanooga experience is the historic Read House Hotel. Built in 1847 by Thomas Crutchfield, Sr., the glamorous “Crutchfield House” survived the Civil War (it served as a Union hospital during that time) but twenty years from the date it was built, it was struck by a disastrous fire and burned to the ground. In 1871, Dr. John T. Read and his family took over the hotel, seeing it through a series of additions and renovations, but in 1925 the hotel was demolished and the present 10-story building was built.

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Above: The hotel’s warm-but-opulent lobby appears both vintage 1920s and modern at once. Below: The hotel’s side entrance, flanked by the fine dining restaurant Bridgeman’s Chophouse on one side, and the resident Starbuck’s on the other.

Fast-forward to today, a recently completed $28 million renovation has made this old hotel new again. From the second you arrive at the front door you’ll step back in time. Staff uniforms recall a bygone era and everyone’s jovial personality sets the tone for a throwback experience. Likewise, servers’ outfits and décor at Read House Bar & Billiards are authentically reminiscent of the Roaring 20s, but without being too kitschy.

The hotel lobby is a virtual gallery of contemporary art and photography set against warm woods and classic architectural details.

A clever mix of Art Déco and transitional furnishings brings a freshness to the place and the result is a perfect marriage between rich Old World and chic New World.

Guest rooms are modern and comfortable, and the huge black-and-white-tiled bathrooms represent the elegance and glamour of interior design in the 1920s.

Be sure to request a tour of Room 311—it’s allegedly haunted by the ghost of Annalisa Netherly, a guest who was murdered there in the 1920s. The room is designed to look as it would have back then, and the story of the murder casts an eery charm.

Perhaps the flagship of the hotel is the restaurant, Bridgeman’s Chophouse. Art Déco detailing and a soundtrack from the Rat Pack era (sixties music, sure, but still a perfect fit for the room) and the stage is set for a magical meal.

The city offers a very accommodating transit system, but Chattanooga is really a walking city. Plan to get your steps in and get some culture, too, by walking from The Read House to the Hunter Museum of American Art, then up a gentle hill to Bluff View Art District. Sip artisan coffees and teas at Rembrandt’s Coffee House and pop in for lunch at the famous Tony’s Pasta Shop. Before heading back, visit the celebrated two-acre River Gallery Sculpture Garden which overlooks the Tennessee River. thereadhousehotel.com

Restaurant:The historic Bridgeman’s, where wet- and dry-aged beef reigns today. Bath: A guestroom’s en suite bathroom—another elegant throwback to the 20s.

Getting around downtown It’s super easy to get anywhere from The Read House. Nearly all of the city’s attractions are within a comfortable, walkable distance from the hotel, or you can catch a ride—one of the transit stops for Chattanooga’s efficient CARTA Downtown Electric Shuttle is just steps from The Read House. The buses offer a free, fixed-route, hop-on, hop-off ride, and they pick up every five minutes.

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To take advantage of this offer, send your check along with name, address and telephone number to: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles, 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town and Country, MO 63017 Or call Barney at 636-230-9640 ext. 27 Online: stlouishomesmag.com/content/subscribe

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CLASSIC OR CRAZE

KITCHEN BANQUETTES CRAFTING A COMFORTABLE KITCHEN Not sure if a kitchen banquette is the best for your family’s needs or if they’re just a passing craze? Here are local design experts’ two cents worth about why a kitchen banquette could help or hinder your kitchen’s flow.

Edited by Moe Godat

CLASSIC

Banquettes are an amazing way to fit a lot of seating into a smaller amount of space than traditional dining spaces. It's more casual and comfortable than formal dining rooms, which is more suitable for most modern American families. I think they will be around for a long, long time. Allison Dozier, Allison Dozier Interiors.

You might think that kitchen banquettes started a few years ago as a trendy addition to the kitchen, but their use has become both architecturally and functionally interesting as more designs are introduced. Incorporating a window seat into an extra storage area, a comfortable reading spot or part of extra seating around a dining table can be the focal point of the room. Using the back of a counter to consolidate an upholstered bench and a table is both a space saver and attractive addition to the hard surfaces in the kitchen. A bay window with curved window seating enhanced with stuffed cushions and a round center table is a welcome zone within the room. Just picture cozy, soft seating with lots of colored pillows around a table in a room of white cabinets and stone countertops. What an invitation to take a seat for a meal and conversation with friends and family. I think comfort is always classic, and kitchen banquettes can definitely provide comfort, so they will be around for years to come.

Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS. I love a fantastic banquette seat and try to incorporate them into multiple kitchen designs each year! This is definitely a classic design element! Both of my grandparents had them in their kitchens to keep their families tucked in around their table. This is when families all sat down for meals together, discussed daily wins and losses across the table from each other and actually listened to how a family member’s day was instead of being so rushed. This is a fantastic way to create the gathering space we all desire. Anne Marie Boedges, Anne Marie Design Studio.

BOTH

Design by Lorrien Homes Photography by Anne Matheis

Kitchen banquettes are a design staple that encourages casual social gatherings by creating cozy intimate nooks. Banquettes can be useful in large spaces but are most functional in smaller spaces. The wall-hugging concept simplifies wayfinding and reduces visual clutter by eliminating dozens of potential chair tripping legs. Europe can take credit for the origins of the banquette with placement under windows for viewing and fireside for warmth. Banquettes are a design classic that transitions nicely into St. Louis' many bungalows, cottages and shotgun homes. Geri Hayes, Ideas Only: Color+Lighting+Design.

Kitchen banquettes are a fabulous way to incorporate chic and cozy seating into a kitchen. Banquettes are extremely functional and provide the perfect space for meals, a cup of coffee or a spot to do homework.

Banquettes are a great design solution to provide a custom fit to an awkward space, plus they work well in just about any style of house. They can be purchased as a piece of furniture or they can be customized to provide stylish seating and extra storage. Banquettes' style can vary from being bold and bright to elegant and understated but one thing is for sure, kitchen banquettes are a classic design element that will remain popular for many years to come. Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

Built-in banquettes are a classic element that has been part of kitchen design for many many years. They increase storage, seating and style. They can be incorporated into many design styles, whether your home is traditional or modern, elegant or rustic. They are a great customizable option for maximizing space and will always be a viable choice for a breakfast nook or dining space. Diane Mantovani, SAVVY Design Group.

It seems like every shelter magazine shows a gorgeous kitchen with a banquette. While I think they will always offer a classic, practical solution for creating seating in a tight space or an architecturally defined space such as a bay window, I think they aren't practical for everyone. Limitations include being the person in the middle, especially in large families, and not having good back support may be difficult to clean and budget! Do what works best for your unique space and your family!

Gigi Lombrano, Gigi Lombrano Interiors.

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D E S I G N | S O UR C E | C R E AT E

125 years of Quality Custom Cabinetry - Plato Cabinetry

Builder, Jeffrey Homes, LLC • Photography by Megan Lorenz

Award-Winning Designs • National Recognition By appointment only (c) 314-482-5590 www.accentoncabinets.com