Photography by Carmen Troesser
When Carolyn and Rick Dames decided to sell their Ladue home and move to a Clayton high-rise, they still had one daughter in high school, rooms full of furniture, and a new dog. “Our friends said, ‘You’re crazy’ or ‘You’re a genius,’” Carolyn says with a laugh. But with Preston Bradshaw, the legendary St. Louis architect who designed The Chase Park Plaza, as her grandfather, Carolyn was bound to embrace an innovative style.
Tasting Notes
The spacious corner unit is anchored by the bright, open kitchen with its immense island of Caesarstone quartz and a serene white color scheme. An oversize Elkay sink and massive rush-seated stools offset large-scale light fixtures. The dark-stained wood floors are replicated on the ceiling, defining the space and echoing the warm tones of the adjacent wine cellar.
Inner Calm
Carolyn worked with the architecture firm of Myers & Yanko to reconfigure the space within the existing structure, selecting the finishes herself. She prioritized clean lines, choosing Miele ovens set flush with the cabinetry. Other appliances, including the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer dishwasher and the Thermador induction cooktop, are similarly low-profile. Atlas hardware and a Grohe faucet complete the look and provide contrast to the white subway tile backsplash.
A Signature Piece
A small photo of the boucherie where Carolyn shopped as a newlywed reminds the couple of their time in Paris. With their signature style, the Dames’ home retains the essence of a pied-à-terre, a placid space above the busyness of life.
