“You should really ask yourself: Are you messy, or are you neat?” architect and designer Susan Bower says.

Pro trends, tips, and resources

Owners Brian and Erica Kniffin sell approximately 8,000 hostas a year to buyers from across the country, making it one of the largest hosta farms in the bi-state area.

To date, five houses have sold in private, off-market sales and three more are currently under contract. Nine homes, in addition to two loft-style condominiums set atop the historic Wolfner building, are still available.

For those rehabbing historic homes, the business is a treasure trove of clay roofing tiles, colorful bricks, old windows and doors, cast-iron gates, and more.

What to know before you go to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, The Little Shop Around the Corner, Link Auction Galleries, and The Green Shag Market

“We take care of all the things that a designer doesn’t think of, might not know of, doesn’t have time to deal with,” Bourgeois explains. “We take all of that off their plate so they can focus on designing their next collection or building their brand.”

Carter has painted in acrylics for much of her career, but her first love has always been watercolor—the medium she uses exclusively now.

On average, her beadwork can take six to 25 hours per piece—and her more ambitious creations can take even longer than that.

The lead singer of the popular St. Louis–based cover band has built a home on The Hill that complements his taste and interests.