In a thoughtful renovation of a 1970s South County residence, interior designer Krista Howard of KH Interiors teamed up with Metro Lighting’s Heidi Sanders to reimagine the heart of the home through the lens of light.
This project, designed for a busy family of five, combines architectural transformation with curated lighting. The result is a space that’s both practical and elevated, perfect for daily living and hosting alike.
A Modern Rebirth, Rooted in Collaboration
This residence marks another chapter in Howard’s ongoing relationship with longtime clients. What began as a dated kitchen is now a two-story expansion that includes a spacious cooking and dining area, as well as a covered outdoor porch, with every element tailored to fit the family’s packed sports schedules, entertainment, and everyday functionality.
Partnering closely with architect William Cover, Lurk’s Custom Cabinets, and photographer Anne Mathias, Howard called on Metro Lighting to bring the final layer of intentionality and light that supports the heart of the home.
With Metro Lighting, every fixture was chosen not only for its aesthetic contribution, but also for how it interacts with the home’s surfaces, materials, and mood.
Kitchen Centerpiece
The reimagined kitchen features two large orb pendants above dual islands, with one designed for storage and the other for function. The orbs are complemented by onyx stone cylinder fixtures that echo the kitchen’s stone detailing and add a soft, sculptural glow. As Howard and Sanders put it, “These were the chef’s kiss in this custom kitchen.”
Above the breakfast table, a clean-lined gold fixture delivers contrast. Its simplicity offers a calm balance to the kitchen’s more dynamic pieces.
Transition Spaces with Intention
Lighting continues as a design statement in more unexpected places. A hallway off the kitchen, dubbed the “kitchen hall,” acts as a connective thread between bedrooms and public space. Here, the lighting softly illuminates stone accents and adds a welcoming tone to a utilitarian space, transforming into something quietly refined.
Nostalgia Meets Function
In the powder room and adjacent lower-level pool changing area, Howard and Sanders turned to the past for inspiration. Brass vertical sconces, reminiscent of 1940s design, pair with playful wallpaper to create a charming, retro-meets-modern ambiance.
Howard and Sanders described the lighting in these rooms as “quiet and classic,” chosen to support the activity of the space without being the focal point.
The Finishing Touch
Beyond aesthetics, this home integrates smart lighting and automated window treatments, offering convenience and energy efficiency while maintaining a timeless look. App-based control allows the family to adapt their environment for hosting, winding down, or rushing out the door without sacrificing design integrity.
Much like the lighting, Lurk’s Custom Cabinets grounded the space in craftsmanship. The finishes and cabinetry details were coordinated with the lighting plan, ensuring a seamless visual rhythm throughout the kitchen and adjacent rooms.
A Space That Glows From Within
This South County home is more than a renovation; it’s a reflection of thoughtful design, long-term collaboration, and lighting that enhances not only the architecture but also the way that people live within it.
Thanks to Metro Lighting’s expert eye and KH Interiors’ design vision, what was once a dated kitchen is now the radiant center of a home built for connection and comfort.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Metro Lighting. To learn more, visit metrolightingcenters.com, or stop by any of its showrooms, in Brentwood, O’Fallon, Ballwin, Arnold, Cape Girardeau, or Chesterfield.
