ABODE Spring 2026

moc.yresruNyellaVdlefiretsehC.www|.dR04retuO.N52861|7039-235-636

ABODE CONTENTS

OntheCover

8TheShieldRemains byKarrBick

PhotobyLisaMitchell ofPhotographiebyLi

DesignerInsights

10JenniferWilliams ofSaintLouisClosetCo.

12JennyRausch ofKarrBick

ShopLocal

16MoModerne

21Brody’sLamps

Function&Form

24WetBars

30HiddenStorage

TakeitOutside

34ChickenCoops

InsideLook

38AprilJensen ofADJInteriors

InspiredInteriors

43AConceptualConservatory byTAO+LEEAssociates

46SecondTime’stheCharm byEllieReddersInteriors

50AnEnduringElegance byMurphy&MooreDesign

54ElevatingEverydayLiving byCastleDesign

Connect withLADUENEWS

FollowLadueNews onFacebooktokeepup withthelatesthome décortrends.Each week,lookforwardto THERESET column, whichshowcasesthree piecesidealforupdating yourinteriordesign.

PhotobyAbbyLigaPhotography, designbyRachelBlindauerInteriorDesign

Getapeekinsideluxurious localhomesbyfollowing @laduenewsonInstagram. Photosfromthe DESIGN ELEMENTS columnshowoff stunningworkbysomeofthe topinteriordesignersinthe metro-area.

Getourbest FEATURES and otherstoriesdelivered weeklytoyourinbox bysigningupfor ournewsletteron theladuenews.com homepage.

PUBLISHER

IanCaso

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

AmandaDahl | adahl@laduenews.com

SENIOREDITOR

EmilyStandlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

BethanyChristo,PatEby,DrewGieseke, CarrsonMcDaniel,ConnieMitchell, BrittanyNay,AndreaSmith

ADVERTISING

VICEPRESIDENTOFSALES

KevinHart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

SENIORMEDIASTRATEGIST

KatieRay | kray@laduenews.com

MEDIASTRATEGIST

MichelleBrown | mbrown@laduenews.com

SPECIALPROJECTSMANAGER

MaggiePeters | mpeters@laduenews.com

CLASSIFIEDACCOUNTMANAGER

LisaTaylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

ARTDIRECTOR

LauraDeVlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

CoreyHogrefePhotography, ChristinaKling-Garrett,PeterLarson, MeganLorenz,NicoleMiget,LisaMitchell, AliseO'Brien,WesleyLawPhotography, AnnaWeiss

CONTACT 901N.10thSt.,St.Louis,MO63101-1250 laduenews.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Didyouhaveabaddayrecently?Thecarwouldn’tstart. Yourutilitiesbilljustwentup.Workwastough.Ormaybe heavierthingswereweighingonyourmind,liketheloss ofalovedone.Whennothingelsefeelsrightatpresent, theworldmightsomehowslipawaythemomentyouarrivehome.

Homeissanctuary.Asacredplacewhereyoucanunburdenandbe entirelyyourself.It’saspacewhereyoucanbuildrituals:reflectivetime onyouryogamat,exerciseinyourpool,familyconnectednessthrough breakingbreadatthedinnertable,self-carethroughskincareatyour bathroommirror.

Inthesepages,weexplorethesacredaspectoftransformingahouse intoahome.Forsome,thishappensbygettingbacktotheland(see Page34onraisingchickens)orbringingnaturein(seePage43on agreenhouse-inspired,two-storyaddition).Forothers,it’sthrough unwindingwithfriendsandlovedonesovercocktails(seePage24on therenaissanceofthewetbar)ormaintaininganorganizeddomicile (seePage30onhowtodeclutterwithdiscreetstoragesolutions).

WehopethisissueofABODEremindsyouofyourownrefuge–and thatyoufind,aswehavedone,inspirationineveryfeature.

Thanksforreading, AmandaDahl

The

SShield

Remains

In 2006, Jenny and Todd Rausch purchased Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath. It was a courageous step driven by their love of architecture, homes, and family. Their vision was to build a company that felt like family. Creating customer-inspired spaces and valuing people deeply.

The year prior to buying Karr Bick, they got married. A medieval-style family crest adorned their wedding invitations, and when it came time to design the new Karr Bick logo, the couple knew that same style of shield was the perfect fit. The shield

offered the strength of its history: guard what matters most. It stands for loyalty. It weathers storms.

Over the years the logo has evolved in shape and texture, but it has always remained a shield. It symbolizes resilience, grit, and protection. It is a reminder of risks taken, obstacles overcome, and courage required to build something lasting.

bick

Karr Bick has grown into a full-service design-build firm offering space planning, construction, interior design, and curated vintage décor—all under one roof. Clients are drawn not only to craftsmanship but to how the spaces feel: comfortable, layered, and deeply personal. That’s the #NothingOrdinary difference.

In the end, the shield remains. So does a family building #NothingOrdinary spaces for families.

Karr Bick, 2715 Mercantile Drive, Brentwood, 314-645-6545, karrbick.com

Designer INSIGHTS

with JENNIFERWILLIAMS of SAINTLOUISCLOSETCO.

ByPatEby PhotoscourtesyofSaintLouisClosetCo.

Keepinganeatclosethaslongbeenapassionfor JenniferWilliams,presidentandownerofSaint LouisClosetCo.,asherlatemotherwouldtellit.

“Mymomusedtotellthestorythat,whenIwas inmiddleschool,Iwouldalwaysorganizemycloset,”Williams says.“ButwhenTargetfirstopenedindowntownKirkwood,[my closet]gotamajormakeover.Iboughtmatchingredhangersand clearplasticshoeboxes.Iwallpaperedtheinsidewallswithalot ofredTimemagazinecoversandgottoworkorganizing.”

TheSt.Louisnative–aKirkwoodHighSchoolgraduate whoholdsabachelor’sdegreeincommunicationsand publicrelationsfromSaintLouisUniversity–hadoriginally envisionedwritingforherliving.Ameetingwithanoldfriend fromhighschoolwhoworkedforacustomclosetbuilderin Californiachangedhercareertrajectory.

“HewassettingupafranchiseinSt.Louis.HethoughtI wouldloveit,”Williamssays.“Istartedworkingwithhimto learnclosetdesign.Aftertwoweeks,Iwascrazyaboutit.I’ve alwayslovedmyclosetandeverythingaboutorganization, soImadethecommitment.”

WespokewithWilliamsaboutherprocessandhow herworkinspiresclientstodevelopadeeploveforthe organizationoftheirstoragespaces.

Anhonestapproach

ThefirstthingWilliamsandherteamofdesignersdoata freein-homeconsultationisevaluatehowhomeownersare usingtheirstoragespaces.“Wedon’twantyoutocleanupfor usbeforehand,”Williamssays.“Wewanttoseethecloset,the pantry,orthespaceyouwantorganizedandhowit’sworking foryou.Isthereapileofshoesontheclosetfloor?Areyoua cookwithnospaceforyourspices?Wecanworkwiththat.” Sheadds:“Whenwecomeout,it’sourjobtoassessyour situationandlistentoyourneeds.Wemeasurethespace, inventorytheitems,andtalktoyouaboutyourgoals.”

Vettingyourdesignfirm

InOctober2025,SaintLouisClosetCo.receivedthe prestigiousTorchAwardforethicsfromtheBetterBusiness Bureau.Theawardrecognizesbusinessesthatembody integrity,trust,andethicalpracticesintheircommunities. “It’sanamazinghonor.Abusinessmusthaveaperfect customerservicerecordforagoodamountoftime.An independentpanelofjudgeswhoarebusinessownersselect thewinners,”Williamssays.“TheBetterBusinessBureauis awonderfulorganizationthathelpsconsumersmakegood choicesaboutwheretospendtheirmoney.”

Beyondthecloset

“Peopleoftencometousfirstforclosets,butoncethey’re installed,theygetsoexcited–they’llsay,‘Canyoudoapantry, oramudroom?’or‘Let’sdothegarage.’Ofcoursewecan,” Williamssays.“Oncepeoplestartgettingorganized, it’saddictive–inagoodway.”

Thisinterviewhasbeeneditedforbrevityandclarity.

SaintLouisClosetCo.,2626S.BigBendBlvd.,Maplewood, 314-781-9000,stlouisclosetco.com

Designer INSIGHTS

with JENNYRAUSCH of KARRBICK

ByAmandaDahl

PhotosbyLisaMitchellofPhotographiebyLi

Stayinginbusinessfor20yearsisn’tsomething onedreamsintoexistence–ittakeshardwork, commitment,andpassion.JennyRauschbuilt KarrBick,alongsideherhusband,Todd,intoa still-thrivingbusinesstwodecadeslaterwithequaldoses ofgumptionandzeal.

“Ithinkwearestillsuccessfulbecause,forone,wehave gottenknockeddownsomanytimes,[and]wearereallygood atgettingbackup.Also,wearereallygoodatknowingwhatisa trendthatwillstick,andwhatwillbejustatrend,”Rauschsays.

Shegrewupinahouseholdwherebothparentsworkedin theremodelingbusiness.Fromherlatefather,Rauschsaysshe inheritedgritandtheknowledgeoflogicalconstructionasa philosophy.Hermother’snaturalabilitytodesignleftamarkona youngJenny,whotooktoredesigningherdollhouse.Yet,Rausch firstexploredanothercareerpath–intextilesandfashion.

“Incollege,Ihadthemostdecoratedapartmentinthe city,”Rauschremembers.“Otherkidsdidn’treallygetit.Ittook

mymomsendingmyresumetoalocalkitchencompanywhen Iwasinmy20sformetorealizeIwasinthewrongbusiness. Itookto[remodeling]immediately.”

WespokewithRauschaboutwhatdrivesherforward todayandwhatittakestokeepabusinessstrongthroughthe 2008recessionandnowapost-pandemiclandscape.

“Werecognizethingsearly,adjust,anddeliververy comfortable,livablespacespeoplewanttobein.Youfeelitright whenyouwalkintoourshowroom–it’sbeautiful,comfortable, friendly.”Rauschlaughs,adding,“Andwehaveadog.”

Signaturestyle

“Mypersonalstyleischiccottage[meets]westerncabin.… That’sastrangecombo,Iknow.ButIwearcowboyhatsand swoonovervintageanimalmountsandantiques.Ilove menswearfabricsandthingsthatlookliketheybelongin Wyoming.IadoreNativeAmericanmotifs.

“Andthisallgoesbacktomyfirstapartmentincollege.Ihave maturedinmystyle,butthebasicelementsarestillthere. Thatbeingsaid,Icandesigninanyone’sstyle–wehaveto aroundhere!”

Ontrend

“Antiques:Ihavecollectedforyears,buttheyarebackinthe mainstream.Andclientsarelettingususethem.It’salso drivingtheprices,though!”

Localshopsworthastop

“IadoreWarsonWoodsAntiqueMallorFox&Hound Antiques.Theyarecuratedantiques,andIcanalways findsomething.”

Thisinterviewhasbeeneditedforbrevityandclarity.

KarrBick,2715MercantileDrive,Brentwood, 314-645-6545,karrbick.com

Welc

CINDY HANDY

314.489.3546

cindy.handy@janetmcafee.com

OneofthethingsIloveaboutrealestate,isthe one-on-oneconnectionwithpeople.Itrequires trustandskilltoguideaclientthroughthe processofbuyingorsellingahome.Because ourhomesaresuchanimportantpartofwho weare,Ifindtheprocessveryrewarding.

HEIDI LONG

314.308.2283

heidilong@janetmcafee.com

For morethan25years,HeidiLonghashadthe privilegeofguidingclientswithinsightsand toolstoenhancetheirhomes,analyzingdata tosupporttheirdecisions.Sheleveragesher financialexpertiseandproblemsolvingskillsto createinnovativesolutionsinanever-changing market—embracingeveryexcitingchallenge alongtheway.

KATHLEENLOVETT& LAURADONOVAN

KathleenLovett:314.610.7408

klovett@janetmcafee.com

LauraDonovan:314.229.8978

ldonovan@janetmcafee.com

Withover50yearsofcombinedexperience,our teamofferscomprehensiveresourcestoguide youthrougheverystepofthebuyingorselling process,ensuringongoingsupportlongafter yourtransaction.Wespecializeinnavigatingthe complexitiesofanever-changingmarket,using ourexpertisetohelpyoumakeinformeddecisions andachievethebestpossibleoutcomes.

ANDREA MADDOCK

314.518.6699

ahmaddock@janetmcafee.com

AsaJanetMcAfeetopagent,I’dloveto beyourtrustedpartneronthesaleor purchaseofyourhome.Whetheryou arereadynoworinthefuture,let’scome upwiththebestplanforyouandyour family!

LISA COULTER

314.941.2883

lisacoulter@janetmcafee.com

Asaconsistenttopproducerforover 35years,Iamfirmlycommittedto providingexceptionalservicefromstartto finishforallmyclients.AndIlovehelping mybuyersandsellerssuccessfullynavigate thecurrentcompetitivemarket!

MARCY BYRNE

314.750.5800

mbyrne@janetmcafee.com

With30+yearsofexperiencewithJanet McAfee,Iknowhowimportantitistohave atrustedadvisorwithlocalknowledgeand marketinsightinordertofindtheperfect homeintherightneighborhood.

MARYELLEN STEPHENS

314.598.1325 mestephens@janetmcafee.com

AlifelongSt.Louisanandtopagentat JanetMcAfeein2025,MaryEllenhas deepknowledgeofthelocalmarket.With abackgroundinsalesandmarketing,she deliversaclient-firstapproach,guiding buyersandsellersthroughsmooth negotiationsandconfidentdecisions.

CHRISTY THOMPSON

314.974.6140 cthompson@janetmcafee.com

Iputmy33yearsasanegotiator toworkoneverydeal.Ilove advocatingformyclients,making theirbuying,orsellingexperience anunqualifiedsuccess.

314.496.9654 lauriebusch@janetmcafee.com

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

314.504.5564 tkolbrener@janetmcafee.com

Ilovetheeverchangingmarketsinthe realestateindustry.With37yearsof experience,Ihaveseenandworked throughmabychallengingtransactions. Letmehelpyouwithyournextmove.

ELIZABETH ST.CIN

314.412.4687 estcin@janetmcafee.com

LizSt.Cinhassoldmorethan$230million, earningtop-producerrecognitionyearafteryear. Withahands-onapproach,strongadvocacy,and sharpproblem-solvingskills,sheguideseach transactionwithexpertiseandenergy.Hergenuine careforclientsandupliftingpersonalitymakethe experienceasexceptionalastheresultsshedelivers.

TERRI WOLFNER

314.440.3737 twolfner@janetmcafee.com

With36plusyearsofexperience, Itrytomakeallmyclientshave thesmoothesttransactionin buyingandsellingtheirhome. Ilovemyjob.

janetmcafeeinc.|9889claytonroad|saintlouis,missouri63124|314.997.4800|www.janetmcafee.com

Furnishings WithStories toTell

Furnishings

ByCarrsonMcDaniel

Designaficionadoscandiscover atreasuretroveoffurniture,art, andkeepsakesspanningdesign erasfromArtDecotopostmodern atthisshowroomandestate salesbusiness.

Locallyownedandoperated,MoModernehas provenitselfasashoppingdestinationforlocals inlovewiththeperenniallypopulardesignera ofmid-centurymodern–andbeyond.From ArtDecoglamourtomid-centuryiconsandpostmodern experimentation,thedesignphilosophycontinuestohold upaestheticallynearly80yearson.Wespeakwiththemind behindMoModerneaboutherowndesignleaningsandher sourcesforfurnishingsforher2,000-square-footshowroom inSt.Louis’Midtownneighborhood.

OwnerAnnaWeissstartedhercompanyovertwo decadesagotosupplementherexpenseswhileattending

WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis.Alongthejourney,her sidebusinessbecame“alovelettertomid-centurydesign andthestoriesobjectscarry.”

“Ibeganitasawaytobringthoughtfullycuratedvintage piecestoSt.Louis,”shesays.“Mybackgroundinestatesales andsetdressingisanewerchapter,buttheybothsharpen thesameskill,whichisbuildingaspacethatfeelsreal.That’s whythestoreiscuratedthewayitis.I’malwaysthinking aboutcharacter,warmth,andwhataroomistryingtosay.”

WeissselectspiecesforMoModernethatservea purpose–whetherthroughdesignintegrity,proportion, craftsmanship,materialsrarity,orhowwelltheywillfit aestheticallyinanygivenspace.“Iwantthestoretofeellike inspirationyoucantakehome,”sheadds.

RunningestatesaleshashelpedWeissshapehereyefor design.“Youlearnquicklywhat’squality,what’stimeless,and whatpeopleactuallylivewith,”shesays.Weissaimstomake stylingandmixingvintagedécorfeelapproachablerather thanintimidatingforhercustomers.

There’salsoanenvironmentallyconsciousaspectofher work.“Vintageistheoriginalformofsustainabledesign!Iuse whatalreadyexists,keepmaterialsincirculation,andbuy fewer,betterpiecesthatlast,”sheexplains.“Buyingvintageis oneofthemostresponsiblewaystobuildabeautifulspace.”

Asfordesigntrends,Weissalwaysadmirestrue craftsmanshipaswellasitemswithgreatbonesandlines. Shecurrentlyappreciatesthereturntowarm,richwoods, softershapes,androomsthatfeelbuiltupovertime.

“Lessperfect,minimal,andstark,andmorepersonal. Iloveacollectiveinterior.Mixingmaterials,eras,”shesays. “Ilovepatinaandtheinterestincraftsmanshipandnatural materials.Ilovethatwearegoingawayfromdisposabledesign.”

Weiss’businesshasevolvedeveryyearsinceitsinception oneBayin2002:fromhergaragetoaCherokeeStreet storefronttoWebsterGrovestoCityFoundryinMidtown. “Hopefully,aswecontinue,[we]addmorecuration,more services,andadeeperfocusonqualityandprovenance,” shesays.

Inthe24yearssincelaunchingthebusiness,Weissstates thegoalhasneverbeentojustsellfurniture,buttooffera resourceforpeoplewhocareaboutdesign.“I’vealwaysbeen drawntointeriorsandhowaspacecanchangethewayyou feel.MoModernebecametheplacewherethatinstinctmeets aservice–helpingpeoplefindpiecesthatlastandfeellikea reflectionoftheirpersonality,”shesays.

MoModernetakesitemsthatfitstyleandquality standards,Weissadds.Thoseinterestedinsellingtheir piecesshouldreachoutandsendphotosalongwithbasic information,suchasdimensionsandcondition.

Weiss,whoseeyefordécorcanbespottedonsetdesignsfor movies,alsolovesworkingwithlocalartistsincludingceramists, woodworkers,andpainters.Additionally,MoModerneoffers consignmentservices,studiorentals,andspacerentals.The showroomisopenThursday,Friday,andSundayfromnoonto 5p.m.,andonSaturdayfrom11a.m.to5p.m.

MoModerne,3730FoundryWay,No.188,Midtown, St.Louis,314-620-4194,momoderne.com

T his ye ar, Sotheby’sInternationalRealt y ® celebrateswha twe’vebuilt for50 ye ars. It’salsothe ye ar we look for ward.

I nnova tionisourtradition. H erit age isouradvan tage.Future isour le gacy.T imeless. Peerless.Always unique .

Lighting Up

ST.LOUIS

ByDrewGieseke |PhotosbyAmandaDahl

Witha9,000-square-footshowroomandnearlyacenturyof expertise,thisfamily-ownedgemprovesthatwhileyoucan buypiecesonline,youcan’tdownloadtruecraftsmanship.

Since1932,theglowemanatingfromBrody’sLampshas beenaconstantinthelandscapeofSt.LouisCounty. Whiletheregionaroundithastransformed,thisfamilyownedgemonBigBendBoulevardremainsafixture inspecialtyretail.Spanninganimpressive9,000squarefeet,the showroomisn'tjustaplacetofindabulb–it’sadestinationwhere heirloomrestorationmeetsmoderndesign.

Whetherit’sfindingtheperfectlampshadeforabeloved antiquebaseorrestoringapiecethat’sbeenpasseddownfromone generationtothenext,Brody’scontinuestoprovethatinaworldof flat-packfurnitureandonlineshopping,truecraftsmanshipanda personalizedexperienceshineespeciallybright.

“Ithinkit’sprobablybecauseofourservice,”sayslongtime salesandinventorybuyerMaryPrice.“Youcancomeinwitha lampandgetitrepaired.Youcangetexpertfittingsizesandstyles rightatyourfingertips.Wehaveahand-paintedsigninthestore fromlongagothatsays,‘Buyingashadewithoutalampislike buyingahatwithoutahead.’[Itsmessage,whichalsopertains tocustomerservice],stillringstruetoday.”

Brody’sdoesmorethansimplysellnewlamps.Theshop’s rootsreachbacktotheGreatDepression,atimewhenPrice notesthatpeopledidn'tjusttossthingsaway;theyrepairedthem becausetheyhadto.Thisspiritofpreservationlivesoninthe specialtyshop,whichrestoresandreinvigoratesheirloomlamps.

Brody’salsosellslamps,chandeliers,artwork,andaccessories.

Maybealampneedsanewshadeoracompletewiring overhaul–itdoesn’tmatter,becausethecustomerexperience iswhatreallyseparatesBrody’sfromtheWayfairsandAmazons oftheworld.Yes,youcanbuycheapplasticlampsfroman onlinemarket,butPricenotesthatlamptransformationis possiblewithjustanewcordandafreshsocket,bringing sentimentaltreasuresbacktolifeeverysingleday.

Tokeepthemassiveshowroomstockedwithmorethan justbasicfixtures,theteamtravelstotheHighPointMarket inNorthCarolina.There,theyhand-selectthefurniture, artwork,anduniquelampstohelpscustomersvisualizea completeroom.Bytreatinglightingasthejewelryofaspace, Brody’shelppatronstoseehowasimplechangeinpatternor shapecanprovidetheupdateatiredroomneeds.

“Itgivesuspleasuretohelprefreshandfigureoutwhat[the customerwants]todowitharoom,”Pricesays,mentioning thatthecompany’sclientelerangesfromveryyoungpeopleto patronsintheir90s.“It’sarelationshipbuiltovermanyyears, helpingthemovermanyhouses.”

Butwhylamps?Oftentimes,Pricesays,peopleendupwith high-qualityhand-me-downpieces–itemswhosevalueextends beyondthatofsentimentaltreasures.TheteamatBrody’sworks directlywithcustomerstohelpthemsourcetherightlooksand

materialsfortheseinheritedgoods,amplifyingthestyleofthe livingspacesineachpatron’shome.Customerswillbringphotos inasexamples,too,andstaffmemberslikePriceidentifypatterns, shapes,andotherfixturesfromtheirvastinventory.

“Theywanttouseanoldlampbutdon’twanttousethe old-styleshade,”Pricesays.“Samethingwithhand-painted lampsorbrasslamps:They’regoodquality,andtheydon’t wanttothrowthemaway;theywantto[findawayto]keep themandupdatethem.”

Pricehasbeenafixtureintheshopfor48years,servingasa truetestamenttothecompany’slongevity.Similartomanyother longstandinglocalbusinesses,it’speoplelikePricewhomakethe shoppingandserviceexperiencespecial.Inaneraofdigitaltaps andvirtualstaging,Brody’soffersthetactilejoyoftouchingthe silkofashadeorweighingthebaseofalampinyourhandand examiningup-closethequalityoftheproductsinstock.

“Peoplehavebeenbuyinghereforgenerations,”Pricesays. “Theirgrandmothercamehere,theirmothercamehere–and nowthenextgenerationiscomingin.Whenyouthinkoflamps andaccessories,youthinkofBrody’sfirst.Weareverygrateful thatpeoplecomeinandbuylocal.”

Brody’sLamps,2300S.BigBendBlvd.,RichmondHeights, 314-647-3318,brodylamp.com

NotYour Parents’

WetBar

Thishomedesignrenaissancehasbeenrevampedfor today’sat-homeentertainingdesires.

ByConnieMitchell

Ifyou’reofacertainage,youmay remembertheheydayofthewet bar.Toelevateahomeowner’s abilitytoentertain,residences oftenfeaturedaheavilypaneled indentationinthefamilyroomwall withasink,acabinet,andperhapssome woodshelvespoisedabovetheorange shagcarpeting.Whenthoserooms werelaterremodeledandupdated, manyofthe1970s-and‘80s-erawetbars

disappeared.Aswithmanyhomedesign trends,however,they’reback–andwith anupdatedvibeforthemodernhost.

“IthinkCOVID[-19]shutdowns wereabigmotivator”forthewet bar’srenaissance,saysJennyRausch, presidentoflocaldesignfirmKarrBick. “Wewerestuckathome,lookingaround [and]thinking,‘Hmm,abarwouldbe nice!’Also,we’vebeendoingdesignsthat reallyreflecthowpeoplelive,whatthey

like,andhowtheyentertain.[Wetbars] areagreatextensionofthekitchen.Now, wethinkofthemasnotonlyaplace tostickthealcohol,butalsoaplace tomovethebeverages–allofthem.”

AnneMarieBoedges,ownerof AnneMarieDesignStudio,agreesthat themodernmain-floorwetbarcan accommodatemuchmorethanalcohol storage.Instead,herclientswanta convenientspacededicatedtothe

creationofcoffee,kids’beverages,and cocktails.Theexpandeduseofawet bardriveshomeownerstoaddthemas kitchen-adjacentspacesinsteadofliving roomorfamilyroomfocalpoints.

“Theycanrequireaslittleas42 inchesorupto9-plusfeet,”Boedges says.“Theypairverywellwithawine cellarnearby,buttherearealsomany opportunitiestocreatewinestorage withinthedesignbyutilizingatallSubZerowinecolumnrefrigerationunitor under-counterwinerefrigeration.”

Insomecases,homeownerswanta grander,moreelevatedbar-stylesetting forpreparingdrinks,servingsnacks,and relaxing.Dedicatedwetbarsthatmimic morecommercialbar-stylespacesare typicallydesignedforlower-leveluse aspartofalargerentertainingspace. However,“Wearetakinglivingroomsor diningroomsandconvertingthemto barswithcomfortableseating,”saysKaren Korn,principaldesignerandfounder ofKarenKornInteriors.“Aperfectwet barincludesrefrigeratordrawers,awine fridge,anicemaker,dishwasherdrawers, andasinkwithadisposal.”

Finishesareasindividual asthehomeowners themselves.

Boedgeshasstyledwetbarsusing woodorstainedcabinetry,stone,brick, orothertexturalfinishesonvertical spacesandwaterfall-edgedcountertops.

“Bourbontastingisverypopularright now,socreatingaspacethatfeelswarm andearthyreallyhitstherightvibe,”she says.“I’malwaysaddressingtheceiling areaofawetbar,tryingtomakethe spacefeellikeit’sgivingyouawarmhug. Sometimesthatincludesabrickortile barrel-vaultceilingorwoodboxbeams.”

Lightingisanother crucialelement.

Rauschhasdesignedwetbarswith shelflighting,decorativelighting,task lighting,andmoodlighting.Designers alsohelpclientsconsiderseatingforlarge wetbarsandspecialfeaturessuchas beerorwinetapsandwarmingdrawers. Nearbytelevisionscanturnthespaceintoa sportsbarwhenBlues,Cardinals,orCITY SCgamesarebroadcastorstreaming.

Designingandinstalling awetbarrequires expertiseandistypically bestaccomplishedwith professionalassistance.

“Wehavethecapabilityofshowing whatthespacewilllooklikein3D,” Kornnotes.“Welovetotakeablankspace andbuildthebarofourclients’dreams.We knowthequestionstoasktoensurethatall thefeaturesareaddedfromthebeginning.”

AnneMarieDesignStudio, 17014NewCollegeAve.,SuiteE,Wildwood, 636-821-3395,annemariestudio.com

KarrBick,2715MercantileDrive, Brentwood,314-645-6545,karrbick.com

KarenKornInteriors,7352ForsythBlvd., UniversityCity,St.Louis,636-675-6150, karenkorninteriors.com

Subtle Storage

ByAndreaSmith PhotobyCoreyHogrefePhotography, designbyC+MInteriors

Thereisamyriadofwaystohideboxesofcereal, mismatchedblankets,coldweathergear,andallthe practicalitemsyouuseallthetime.Keepcalmand keeporganizedwiththesetipsfromSt.Louis-area interiordesignersonhowbesttomaximizestoragespace indiscrete,stylishways.

Embraceafunctional entrywayormudroom

.

“Cabinetrydesignedforthedailymessesandmiscellaneous belongingsiscrucialtokeepingaclutter-freeandcalmingpeace ofmind,”saysMariaHogrefe,co-founderandprincipaldesigner atC&MInteriors.Sheencouragesclientstousethisspacedaily anddesignittobringreliefuponenteringthehome.Havefun withthecolorpalette,andinstallauniquetileorwallpaperto lightenthemood.

HelenLee,principaldesigneratTAO+LEEAssociates,Inc., recommendsmillworkorcabinetrythatincludesshoestorageat thebottom,benchseating,hangingoptionsforbagsandjackets, anduppershelvingforseasonalitems.“Whenyoumakeiteasyto putthingsaway,you’remorelikelytobeneatandtidy,”shesays.

Knowwhen openshelving makessense.

Inalivingareaordiningroom,openshelvingisgreat fordisplayingphotoframes,décor,books,andyourbestdishes. Openshelvingalsoworkswellinsideclosetsandclosed-off pantries,allowingeasyaccesstofoodwithoutadvertising everythingtoguests.“It’salsodependentonwhatyouwantto storeinpublicspacesandhowtidyyourfamilyis,”Leeexplains. “Ifit’scansandpackagedgoodsorjacketsandbackpacks, concealitbehinddoors.Ifit’sbeautifulplattersandglassware, displayitonshelvesorbehindglassdoors.”

Thekitchentendstobecomeagatheringplacefor guests,soclosedcabinetshereofferamplestoragewithout concernforhowbeautifullyyourdishesarearranged.Itdoesn’t needtobefloor-to-ceilingcabinetsallthewaythrough,though. OneofLee’sfavoritedesignsfeaturedaslidingdoorthatconcealed oils,dressings,andothercookingessentialswithinconvenient reachofthestove.When storedandcovered,the counterremainsopen withasleekaesthetic.

Diversifyyour doors.

Ifdrabdoorsboreyou,changethingsupwithajibdoor orMurphyDoor.Jibdoorssitflushalongawallandareoften coveredinwallpaperforanearlyseamlesslook.We’veseen theseleadtobasements,powderrooms,orpantrieswitha tactfulflowfromoneroomtothenext.TheMurphyDoor companyhasbecometodesignerswhatKleenexistothose withallergies–abrandnameusedtodescribeavarietyof hiddendoors,suchasabookcasethatopensintoanofficeora giantmirrorthatleadstoacloset.Someslideandothersswing open,dependingonthespacearoundthehiddendoor.

Takeadvantageofevery nookandcranny.

Hiddendoorscanbesmall,too.Hogrefeincorporateda fewshelvesintoapowderroom,disguisedbyaflushcabinet door.Thewallpaperappearsundisturbed,andtheroom maintainsitsunclutteredcharm.

Anddon’tunderestimatefurniturewithstorage compartments.“Dependingontheroom,afurnituresolution canaddstyleandfunctiontotheoveralldesignscheme,”Lee says.Attheendofthebed,anottomanbenchcanopentostore pillowsandblanketswhileprovidingaconvenientseatwhen puttingonsocksandshoes.Elegantfurniturewithcabinets canblendintoentertainingspaces,nixingtheneedforbuilt-in storage.“Particularlyinlivingrooms,thiscanbeagreatway toincorporatestorageforboardgames,blankets,andother belongings,”Hogrefeshares.“Thesecanmakeforbeautiful accentsthataddalotofcharacterbuttrulydoserveapurpose.”

C&MInteriors,2855AccomacSt.,FoxPark,St.Louis, 314-328-1923,candminteriors.com

TAO+LEEAssociates,3115S.GrandBlvd.,Suite500, TowerGroveSouth,St.Louis,314-446-0885,taolee.com

BIRDS Backyard

ByEmilyStandlee

Thinkingaboutraisingchickensatyour homeinthecountyorcity?Readontolearn

aboutshelters,locallaws,andhowSt.Louis getsbacktotheland.

LikemanyMidwesterners, St.Louisanstoetheline betweencityandcountry –perhapsbecauseour neighborhoodsandsuburbsgradually givewaytofarmlandandforest. Whetherframedbyconcreteoramida thoughtfullyplannedsubdivision,these builtenvironmentslookdifferentyet shareacommonthread:thedesirefor amorehands-onconnectiontowhat weeat,howwelive,andtheanimals inourcare.

Acrossthemetro-area,residents havefoundcreativewaystobringthe farmintotheirownbackyards.Raising chickensandcollectingeggsofferboth foodautonomyandfun–ahitof“nature’s dopamine,”asMeghanNoakes,keeper ofsixhensinWebsterGroves,callsit. “There’ssomethinggroundingabout caringforthemeachdayandwatching theirpersonalitiesunfold,”sheexplains. Providingpropershelterisalsopart ofthedeal.“I’velearnedthatinvesting inasolidsetupfromthebeginning savestimeandsanitylater,”Noakessays. “Myhensfree-rangedailyinmyfenced

backyard,andtheircoopisequippedwith anautomateddoorthatopensandcloses onatimer.”Inthethreeyearsshe’scared forchickens–someofwhichcamefrom SecondHen’d,alocalrescuegroupthat saveshensfromcommercialeggfacilities –Noakes’flockhasavoidedpredators,a challengefornewandseasonedchickenkeepersalike.

Coldweatherbringsitsownhurdles, asfrigidtemperaturesandadipinegg productioncreateaseasonallull.Even so,chickensweatherthesechangeswell. “I’vealsofoundthemsurprisinglyeasy tomanagewhentraveling,”Noakessays. “Withenoughfoodandwater,theycanbe self-sufficientforaboutaweek.”Noakes’ flockreturnstothecoopeachnight,and theautomateddoorkeepsthemsecure. Whenshetravels,aneighborvisitsto makesureeveryoneisaccountedfor.

HercoopwasbuiltbyTheWingman CustomCoops&PoultryFacility Consulting.BasednearSt.Clair,Missouri, thebusinessdesignsbothbackyardand urbansetups–fromtwo-levelcoops withattachedrunstocustombuildswith solar-poweredfans.“Ichosetoincludean extendedrun,apredator apronunderneath,and delivery,”Noakessays.

“Altogether,thesetupcost about$850.Whilethere arecheaperoptions,this coophasprovenitsvalue manytimesover.”

Noakessaystherules surroundingchicken ownershiphavebeen easytofollow.“Obtaining

permits…wassimple,”shesays.“Overall, myexperiencewithlocalregulationshas beenpositive,andI’vefoundthatcities areoftenmoresupportiveofbackyard chickensthanpeoplemightexpect.”

UnderCityofSt.LouisOrdinance 70608,residentsmaykeeponefowlper foursquarefeetofindoorspaceand 10squarefeetofoutdoorspace,with amaximumofeightfowlperparcel. “Chickensmustbeprovidedwitha covered,predator-proof…shelterthatis ventilated,designedtobeeasilyaccessed andcleaned,andofsufficientsize,”it continues.InSt.LouisCounty,rulesvary bymunicipality.Laduerequirescoopsto beintherearyard,atleast50feetfrom neighboringstructures,andlimitedinsize. Asinmostareas,roostersareprohibited.

Evenwithcityandcountyordinances inplace,homeownerassociationscanset stricterrules–andevenbanbackyard chickens,asupheldina2025ColeCounty ruling.Somerequirepriorapproval, andmanycountymunicipalitiesrequire permits,thoughthecitydoesnot.

Allthingsconsidered,theprosfar outweightheconsinNoakes’experience. “Raisingchickensinanurbansetting hasbeenoneofthemostunexpectedly joyfulexperiencesofmylife,”shesays.The sameistrueformanySt.Louisans:The coopanditsfeatherytenantsrepresenta deepercommitmenttocare–foranimals, forland,andforcommunity.

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EyeCandy

ByAndreaSmith |PhotosbyAliseO’Brien

THECEOANDFOUNDEROF

ADJINTERIORSSHARESHOWSHETRANSFORMED HER157-YEAR-OLDHOUSEINTOAVIBRANTHOME.

Thereisn’taboring,neutralroominAprilJensen’s home.TheCEOandfounderofADJInteriors livesincolor,surroundedbyart,music,and poodleknickknacks.Herhusbandandthreekids hardlybataneyeattheboldwallpaper,crystalchandeliers, andvibrantaccentsshe’schosen.“Idon’tthinkanything surprisesthem,”Jensenlaughs.

ClientsofthisSt.Louis-areainteriordesignerknow thatJensenisskilledatmixingpatternsandtextures,and thishomeshowcaseswhatshecandowhenthereareno guardrailsinplace.Herhouseis157yearsold,andit’s belongedtoherfamilyforalmost13years.Sincemovingin, thegoalhasbeentohonoritshistoricalcharacter,welcome naturallight,andmodernizetheinteriorwithcolor.So,she startedbypaintingnearlyeverythingpurewhite,ofcourse.

“Everyroomwasadifferentcolor,anditwasallverydark andheavy,”Jensenexplains.“Myentiregoalwastobasically streamline[therooms]sothatyoucouldactuallyreadthe architectureofthespace.Soyoucouldcelebratethesunlight, celebratethearchitecture,themolding,thedoors–youknow, everythingthat[the]homehadbroughtwithitthroughout theyears.So,Ipaintedtheentirehomepurewhite,sans bedrooms....Ididkeepthewallpaperinmyoffice.”

Theofficewallpaperandcleanwhitewallsandcabinets providedablankcanvasforJensentopaintuponover thenextfiveyears.Inadditiontoactualpaint,she’sused wallpaper,furniture,windowtreatments,lightingfixtures,

decorativeaccessories,andpersonalmemorabiliatocreate aworkofart.

Thecombinationofcolors,modernart,andthe occasionalfarmhousefinishmightseemrandom,butthereis acohesiveintention.“Youwantacommontonethroughout yourhome.Youwanttorepeatwithoutbeingsoovertwith it,”Jensensays.“Ithinkit'samatterofpickingyouraccents. Ihavetohavehotpinkinalmosteveryroom–it’smyneutral –butIlove,love,lovethecolorjade.Iloveyellow.Iloveblue.”

Inthelivingroom,forexample,woodfloorsandgray furnitureallowthosecolorstopopandtorelatetoother rooms.“Ialwaystellpeopletothinkaboutitas:Youbuy reallygoodjeansandgoodwhiteT-shirtsandblackT-shirts. Everythingelseislayering–yourjacket,yourjewelry,your greatshoes.That'skindofhowIapproacharoom.”

Similartofashion,developingauniquesenseofinterior designcomesasaresultofborrowingfromdifferentstyles andcombiningthemaccordingtopersonaltaste.Lighting fixturesare,toJensen,thejewelrythataddsparkletoahome. Chandeliersareastapleforher,andshekeptacoupleof thechandeliersthatcamewiththehouse–intheentryway andintheupstairslandingarea.Theupstairschandelieris particularlyuniquewithitsfloral,darkdetails.

“Iloveanythingorganic.Idon'twanttogothrougha historichomeandjuststartrippingeverythingoutand makingitsomethingmodern,”Jensensays.“Tome,those sconcesandthatlight.…youcan'tfindthosetoday.”

Shepointstoafewthriftedpiecesinthatsamespace, emphasizinghowantiquescanpairwellwithmodernfabrics andwallpaper.Thedistressedcabinetsinthepowderroom wereoriginallyinthekitchen,andthekitchenpreservesa rusticfeelwithitswoodshelving,table,andrangehood.

OfJensen’sthreechildren,twostilllivewithherand maintainautonomyovertheirbedrooms.Theyaregenerally supportiveofherexpressivedesignsthroughouttherest ofthehome.Andaslongasthehomeiscomfortableand functional,herhusband,Jason,truststhevision.

“Ialwayssay,ifI'vedoneagoodjob,you'reprobablygoing tounderstandalittlebitaboutthatfamilyorthatpersonthe minuteyouwalkinthedoor,”Jensensays.“Anothersignof gooddesigniswhenyoucanmovethingsaroundwithina homeandtheystillfit.…Icanrefreshthingseasilybecause I'veworkedoutthetoneofthehome.Hopefully,that’swhat thisreflects.”

ADJInteriors,51N.GoreAve.,SuiteA,WebsterGroves, 314-805-5784,adjinteriors.com

AConceptual Conceptual CONSERVATORY

ByDrewGieseke |PhotosbyWesleyLawPhotography

Here’showalong-termpartnershipanda“loomingdeadline”resulted intheultimateClaytonrenovation:an“inside-out,”greenhouse-inspired additionthatbringsacentury-oldhomeintothelight.

Whenyourclientof20yearsasksfora conceptualindoor-outdoorspace,you findawaytobringthatvisiontolife. CompletedinMay2025,thisClayton residenceadditiondesignedbyTAO+LEEAssociates featuresasoaring,two-storyglassyatriumthatstandsoutin ahomefilledwithimpressivearchitecturaldetailsandart.The resultisastrikingmoderninterventionthatremainsdeeply harmoniouswiththehistorichome’soriginalcharacterandits naturalsurroundings.

Theprojectwasbornfromtheclient’sneedforrenewal. Sincefirstworkingonthehomein2001–originallya renovationforafamilymovingfromJapan–founding principalHelenLeehasseenthestructureevolvealongsideits

inhabitants.Thislatestchapterwasdrivenbyadifferentclient withagrowingfamilyandaloomingdeadline:theirchildren’s B’naiMitzvah.Toaccommodatethemilestoneandfacilitate themassiveproject,theteam“blewup”thebackofthehouse, creatingatwo-storygreatroomwherethekitchenanddining areasflowtogether,toppedbyanadditionalbedroomsuite.

“Shejustwantedtofeeladeeperconnectionwiththe outdoors,”Leesaysoftheclient.“Weenvisionedaspaceso glassyandlight-filledthatitwouldbecomeherversionofa sanctuary,herpersonal[greenhouse-inspiredoasis].”

Theprojecttookaboutayear-and-a-halftocomplete. TAO+LEEAssociatespartneredwithMcMillanConstruction fortherenovationworkandwiththeclient’sinteriordesigner, Chicago-basedHandmanAssociates.Theadditionisjustthe

latestinalonglistofpriorrenovationprojectsrequestedby thefirm’slongtimeclient,whichincludedopeninguptheliving spaces,akitchenrenovation,andagarageaddition.

WhilenotlistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces, theClaytonhomewasbuiltin1925,soLeeandherteam workedtirelesslytoensuretheadditiondidn’tfeel“tackedon.” Ontheexterior,theymeticulouslyemulatedtheoriginalred tileroofandspecificstuccotexturesofthecornerstoretainthe residence’s1920ssoul.Inside,however,thelookiscompletely modern,continuingadesignjourneythatLeeandHandman AssociatesinChicagohavebeenrefiningwiththeclientsince dayone.

Onethingyou’llnoticerightawayisthateverytransition feelspurposeful.Tomanagetheflowbetweentheoldand newstructures,TAO+LEEdesignedmassive“portals”crafted fromwhiteoak.Thesewarmwoodframesactasintentional thresholds,markingthepassagefromthehome’shistoricroots intobright,airymodernity.

Theinterior’strueshowstopperisthefireplace,anchored byenormous5-by-10-footsimulatedstoneslabs.“[The homeowner]pickedoutthisamazingmaterialthatlookslike blackonyx,”Leesays.Becausethefireplaceisadual-sided

featureservingboththeinteriorandanintimateoutdoor seatingarea,thematerialhadtobeasdurableasitisluxurious.

Muchlikeanactualgreenhouse,theadditioninvitesan abundanceofnaturallightthatreachesdeepintothefloor plan.Thistransparencydoesmorethanjustbrightenthe rooms;itservestheclient’sprimaryvisionofaseamless connectiontotheoutdoors.

“Allthespacesflow,sowhereveryouare,thereisalotof lightcomingin,”Leesays.“Evenwiththisreallybrightaddition, itdoesn’tfeellikethere’sadarkcornerin[anyoftheoriginal spacesofthe]house.”

Thisseamlessintegrationoflightandspaceistheproduct ofarare,decades-longcreativeshorthandestablishedontrust.

“[Theclient]comesupwiththesereallyfabulousideas,and she’sgonethroughsomanyrenovationswithus,wecanalmost talkincode,”Leesays.“She’sjustwonderfultoworkwith,and shegivesusfreerein;shegivesustheideaandletsusrun withit.”

TAO+LEEAssociates,3115S.GrandBlvd.,Suite500, TowerGroveSouth,St.Louis,314-446-0885,taolee.com

Charm SECOND TIME’S the

ByBethanyChristo |PhotosbyMeganLorenz

ReturningclientsaskedSt.Louis-based EllieReddersInteriorsto“beginagain” byincorporatingelementsofabeloved previousdesigntheyhadleftbehind intotheirnewWestCountyhome.

Sonice,theydidittwice:EllieRedders’clients weresosatisfiedwiththeirrenovationsand design,theyrehiredherteamtorepeatthe processintheirnewChesterfieldhome. TheaptlynamedBeginAgainprojecttransformedthe five-bed,five-and-a-half-bathhousefromabasicnew buildtoRedders’signature“livableluxury”home.

Theluxuryinteriorsfirmachievesthisbyadding personalityandcharacterthroughlayersofdesign elements:newwindowtreatments,trimandmolding work,popsofvisualinterestinpatternedandtextured wallpaperandwalldécor,comfortablefurniture,and dramaticlightfixtures.

“Ingeneral,wetendtoincorporatealittlemore sophisticatedcolorpalette–withatouchofglam,” CEOandprincipaldesignerRedderssays.“Theideais we’reprovidingaluxuriousfeelinginthespace,butyou canstillfeelcozy,comfortable,andathome.”

Inthefallof2024,thereturningclientsreachedout toRedderstoincorporatesomeofthepriorwell-loved renovationelementsintotheirlargernewhouse.“We’d workedwiththembeforeandknewtheyhadgoodtasteand style,andwewereabletopullfromthecolorschemeswe’d developedthroughoutthehome.So,itwasdifferentbutstill flowed,”Redderssays.

Shenotesupdatesweremadeinnearlyeveryroomin thehouse–diningroom,greatroom,office,kitchen–but considerstheprimarybedroomtobeoneofthestandoutsin thenewplace.Thedramaticblack-and-whitefloralwallpaper layeredinsideappliedmoldingsbehindthebed,aswellas theboxedtrimworkontheceiling,werecollaborativedesign choicesbetweenthehomeownersandReddersthanksto3D walk-throughrenderingsthatshowedwhatthespacewould looklikewithorwithouttherangeofoptions.

“Atonepoint,theyweregoingtocutouttheceilingdetail inthebedroom,butwhenweshowedthemtherendering withoutit,theywerelike,‘Ohyeah,wecan’tskimponthat,’” Redderslaughs.

Theclientswerealsoabletovisualizethebedand chandelierintheirspaceviaavisittoEllieReddersInteriors’ 6,000-square-footshowroominBallwin,whichcarriesits ownlinesofbedsandotherfurniture,lighting,rugs,counters, cabinets,accessories,andmoretohelphomeownersgeta senseofhowthingswilllookinrealityinadditiontothe virtual3Drenderings.

Asidefromthefirm’slinesavailableintheshowroom, Redders’teamsourcedlocallyforthebedroomcarpeting, windowtreatments,wallpaperinstaller–andeventhe homeownersthemselves.Thatis,twodeermountsalong onewalloftheofficewereaspecialrequestfromthe husband,whohadhuntedthemhimself.Reddersplayed uptherusticelementwithmoody,textureddarkwallpaper behindthemounts,juxtaposedwithaflowylightchandelier andsoftwhitechairsacrossfromthesit-to-standdesk,which wasalsoimportedfromthepriorresidence.

TheothershowpieceoftheBeginAgainprojectisthe two-storygreatroom,whichwasuniquetotheChesterfield homeandimpressesuponfirstentering.“Wewereabletodo 21-footwindowtreatments,gorgeousdraperypanels,and dramaticoversizedlightingtohaveareallygrandeffectwhen youfirstwalkin,”Redderssays.“Butwemadesuretofind comfortablefurnitureforthetwokidsanddog–andbecause thefamilylovestohostandentertain,thenewhousehas greatflowandindoor-outdoorspacesforfriendstogather.”

Infact,thebiggestchallengeReddersrecallsfromthe projectweretypicaltimelinedelaysforfurnishingdeliveries andinstallations–buttheyweredowntothewirebecause thehomeownershadscheduledapartytoshowofftheir newdigs.“Wewereworkingwithatighttimelinebecause ofthepartyandwerescramblingabitatthelastminute, butwewereabletopullitoff,andtheyweresohappywith theresults,”Redderssays.“Theytoldustheygotatonof complimentsandthatitforsurehada‘wow’factor–and Faiththedogapprovedthenewchairs.”

EllieReddersInteriors,14610ManchesterRoad (byappointmentonly),Ballwin,636-220-8144, elliereddersinteriors.com

Elegance AnEnduring

ByAmandaDahl |PhotosbyPeterLarson,floralsand stylingbyMarcieShermanofRevel&Hearten

LuxurydesignfirmMurphy& Moorerevealedtheromanceof agalleykitchenwhilerenovating thisGeorgian-inspiredinterior.

TS L is-b d M h & M D i

uckedinsidethisstatelyGeorgianresidence,a newlytransformedgalleykitchendrawsyouin with subtle beauty and impactful organization t.L dM hy&M eD d

St.Louis-basedMurphy&MooreDesignexecuted arenovationthatelevatedthekitchen’spurposethrough modernamenitieswhilemaintainingthearchitectural significanceofthis1930shome.

“Theaimwasrefinementwithoutformality–akitchen thatfeelsgracious,practical,andcomfortablytimeless,” RebekahMooreMurphysays,addingthat“achievingmodern performancewhilepreservinghistoricalcalmwasthecentral designexercise.”

She,alongsidehersisterKatherineMoore,co-foundedthe high-endinteriordesignfirminpartnershipwiththeirmother, CynthiaMoore,asynergisticcareermoveforallthreewomen whosecombinedtalentsbalancearchitecturalrefinementand historicalknowledgewithcreativevision.Theirinstinctual approachharnessedharmonyinaspacewherethehistorically petitefootprintcouldhavecauseddesignlimitations.

“Homesofthisperiodwereneverdesignedto accommodatecontemporaryrefrigeration,storagecapacity,or luxuryapplianceperformance,”Murphyexplains.“Ratherthan allowingthoserequirementstodominatevisually,weworked

tointegratethemarchitecturally.”Onewallconcealstwolarge Sub-Zerocolumns(single-purposeunits–onearefrigerator, theotherafreezer),whichappearasfreestandingfurniture withantiquemirrormullions,alongsiderecessedpantry storage,toamplifyfunctionality.

Georgianarchitectureisrecognizablethroughan homagetoGreekandRomandesignelements,fromframing aresidencewithinsymmetricallinesandtypicallybeneatha hippedrooftousingdouble-hungwindowsandunderstated ornamentalism.So,howdidtheinteriordesignerscrafta comfortablysizedlayoutinanarrowspacethatcanblend wellwithintheGeorgiandesignphilosophy?Theydidit throughsymmetryanddisciplinedproportiontoalignthe layoutwithGeorgianprinciples.

“Proportionguidednearlyeverydecision,”Murphy elaborates.“Cabinetalignmentsfollowexistingarchitectural axes,whilesoftlyarchedmullionsreferencethegeometry foundinthehome’soriginaltransomsandentrydoors.”

Superiorcraftsmanshipisatthecoreoftheroom’s transformation.TheMurphy&MooreDesignteamtakes prideinitslocalpartnerships.

“ConstructionwasledbyChristopherWelchofWelch Carpentry,ararecraftsmanwhocombinestraditional woodworkingskillwiththeoversightofageneralcontractor [whohas]integrity,”Murphysays.“Hishands-oninvolvement ensuredthatfinearchitecturaldetailswereexecutedwith careandcontinuityratherthandelegatedbroadly–an increasinglyuncommonapproachthatgreatlycontributed tothefinishedresult.”

TheissPlatingcontributedwithcustom-made,exteriorstylebrasshardwareandspecialtyfinishesthataddrichness anddepth,creatingasenseofsettledluxury.Flutedglass frontsonthecabinetsandanapron-frontsinkmadeof carvedmarble,withasolidbrasstowelrail,exhibithow functionalityneednotbeutilitarianandhowelegancecan comefromrestraint.

TwoquintessentialfeaturesofGeorgiandesignareputto expertuseinthisspace:Paneleddoorsprovideseamlessstorage, whilepaintedcabinetryinamattefinishsoftensthespaceand directstheattentiontothekitchen’srefineddetailing.

“Themattecabinetryfinishwaschosentolendbutter softnessandpermanencetotheroom,”Murphydescribes.“The aestheticdrawsfromtraditionalEnglishkitchensandservice spaces–roomsdesignedfirstforusefulnessyetpossessing quietelegance.Elementssuchasreededglasscabinetry,finely detailedtongue-and-groovewallpaneling,coffeemugpeg rails,andscallopedmarble[edges]referencehistoricbutler’s pantrieswhilesupportingcontemporaryliving.”

Thecurvedliquorbarwastailoredtolookinherited,and itisthisdedicationtomarryingthevintagebeautyofthe homewithcontemporaryconveniencesthatdefineMurphy &Moore’sredesign.Symmetryisreflectedthroughoutthe authenticallylivablespace.

“Thekitchenoverlookswhatwasoncetheproperty’s horsestable,nowtransformedintoafamilyherbgarden, reinforcingtheconnectionbetweendailylivingandthe home’shistory,”Murphysays.Thehomeownerscanmove fromtheespressobartotheirgardentothekitchensink witheaseofcomfort.AsMurphyexplains,“[Thespace] wasdesignedtofeellivedinfromtheoutset–comfortable, welcoming,andenduring.”

Murphy&MooreDesign,11622PageServiceDrive, Suite109,MarylandHeights,314-873-1154, murphyandmooredesign.com

Everyday Living Elevating d

ByBrittanyNay

Moderninterior designspecialist MorganBrown strikesabalance betweencozyand classyinsidea youngfamily’s Olivetteabode.

Foralocalyoung,fun-lovingfamily,acomforting, contemporaryremodelcompletedtheirdreamhome.

AmidaneighborhoodfilledwithCraftsman architectureandcontemporary-stylehomesinthe metro’sserenesuburbofOlivette,thehomeownersdesireda residencewithdualpurpose:acomfortableretreatfordaily familyuseandasophisticatedbackdropforentertaining,says MorganBrown,aninteriordesigneratSt.Louis-basedhighendinteriordesignfirmCastleDesign.

“[I]soughttocreateacontemporaryspacethat incorporatedcalmingtonesandorganicpatterns,”explains Brown,whospecializesinmoderninteriordesign.

Uniqueamongtoday’straditionalabodes,thishouse’sdining areaisthefocalpoint.“Thediningroomisthefirst[space]that catchesyoureyewhenyouwalkintothishome,”shenotes. “[Iused]boldcolordrenchingcoupledwiththefurniture’s organicsymmetry[to]createapowerfulimpactofftheentry.”

BenjaminMoore’sBrownstonepaintmakesadramatic declarationonthewalls,crownmolding,andceilingasa sleekmoderndiningtableseemstofloatuponasoftJaipur arearug.Thoughtfullycuratedabstractartaccentsthespace, whilecurtainsbyMarkAlexanderframetheroomfora femininetouch.

Thecrownjeweloftheproject–aJulieNeillstatement lightfixturefeaturingstunningcrystalbaublessuspended fromagoldchain–shinesabovethesculpturaltable,emitting agentleglowacrossthesophisticatedspace.“Moodyand romantic,thisdiningroomisequallyequippedforhosting livelypartiesasitisforintimatedinners,”Brownshares.

Seamlesslyconnectingthechicdiningareaandclean, brightkitchen,Brown’sremodeloftheeye-catchingbar iscompletewithcustomcountertopsandcabinetry,plus astrikingcream,gray,andrustyshadedwallcovering,all beautifullyreflectedintoadjacentspacesbyawallofmirrors.

“ModerngeometricSchumacherwallpaperintroducesa popofcolorandcreatesasenseofproportionwithitslargescalepattern,”thedesignernotes.

Andwhenthecoupleofthehomerequestedaserene escapefortheprimarybedroom,Browndeliveredacalming placetounwindandrelaxinspa-likeluxury,rightintheir ownabode.

Amidtheelegantrespite,acreamy,tone-on-tonecolor paletteislayeredwithneutraltexturesandpatterns,creating depthintheclean,contemporaryspace.ThibautGrasscloth gracesthewallbehindthesoft,upholsteredbedflankedby modern,curvednightstands.AbeigeandcreamgeometricpatternedJaipurruganchorstheroom.

Subtlemauveaccentsofferawhisperofcolorandplenty ofcomfort,fromvasesoffloralstocozypillows,andapairof plushvelvetLeechairsservesasanotheropportunitytorelax, read,andchat.Softbeigecurtainscanbeopenedforviewingthe naturalgreenlandscapeandclosedforanightofserenesleep.

Inspiredbynaturalelementsandelevatedliving,the secretbehindthisdreamydesignliesinthethoughtfuldetails ofeachroom,creatingacohesiveandseamlessresidence, Brownexplains:“Combiningthecomfortsofeverydaylife withtheluxuriesofmodernliving,thishomeexemplifiesthe longevityofthoughtfulcontemporarydetails.”

Thefamily’sfinalverdict?Thehomerenovation,withits mixofmoderncomfortandelegance,isahit.

Forhomeownerslookingtocreatetheirowncozy, contemporaryretreat,themoderndesignerrecommends layeringgeometricpatterns,modernsilhouettes,and comfortableupholsteredpieces,noting,“Mixinga contemporarydiningtablewithunexpected,upholstered chairsandgeometricaccentslikelightingorartcanhelp achieveacontemporaryandcomfortablespace.”

CastleDesign,1215N.WarsonRoad,CreveCoeur, 314-727-6622,emilycastle.com