See the winning projects of Design STL’s 2019 Architect & Designer Awards

Dining Room

Temple and Hentz | Chouteau Building Group | Fendler + Associates

When the original dining room was folded into a kitchen renovation, a clubroom space was reimagined as the new dining room. Tile floors were replaced with herringbone, and walls were painted almost black. Decorative ceiling wallpaper coordinates with the dark walls, which are adorned by a vintage Murano chandelier and sleek wall sconces. The glass table with navy-upholstered chairs provides an elegant finish. “Gorgeous!” exclaims Alison Pickart. “Those drapes on the black…swooning. The vintage chandelier…excellent call!”

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Addition + Specialty Room

Chouteau Building Group | Fendler + Associates

The clients wanted to replace the existing detached garage with a carriage house that would provide parking for two cars and an upstairs space for hanging out and entertaining guests. The carriage house is rich in detail but remains historically accurate. The painted cedar shake siding is enhanced with copper gutters, functional wood shutters, and arched garage doors. Inside, every space has been used. Panel doors conceal storage areas in the lower eaves and bench seats lift for storage.

Apartment Living

Jessie D. Miller Interior Design

“Beautiful and hip. Elevated wall color, art, and table,” writes Pickart. The designer, who also happens to live in the apartment, fell in love with this space at first sight, feeling that it had that perfect St. Louis soul. The apartment has evolved over the years; most recently, in addition to a design makeover, the decision was made to flip the location of the dining and living rooms. Light now streams into the living room from the arched doors that lead to a terrace, creating a look that’s both light and chic.

Children’s Room + Custom Furniture Design

Amy Studebaker and Jamie Reeves, Amy Studebaker Design | PK Construction

This blue-and-white bedroom functions as a nursery but is designed to transition into a toddler’s bedroom with a pair of twin beds clad in checked upholstery. The room is just one part of a children’s suite that includes a playroom, a bathroom, and a second boy’s room featuring custom-designed bunk beds with a built-in bookshelf and hidden storage drawer. “Well done!” writes Pickart. “I love the multiple sizes of plaids!” Christiane Lemieux says, “Successful use of a niche. Spatially well-planned.”

Commercial Hotel Space

Checkmate Design

The Current Hotel in Davenport, Iowa—housed in the last building completed by American architect Daniel Burnham—blends Old World charm with modern amenities. A monochrome palette is set off with chunks of gold, bold paintings, and glass creations that adorn the walls and ceiling. During the 27-month renovation, masonry was restored, the original elevators were preserved, and the rooftop was reimagined as a restaurant and sky bar.

Commercial Restaurant Space

David Kent Richardson Decorations + Interior Design | Zoë Robinson

Aesthetics and durability reign inside Clayton restaurant Billie-Jean. The client wanted the space to showcase her Robert Motherwell collection, so many of the planning conversations centered on how best to display the art. Warm and cold textures were used to create an exciting but restful room in which the art stands out. Lighting washes softly over the walls and illuminates the centers of tables. The overall arrangement of the space makes for smooth transitions.

Commercial Retail Space

JEMA

Volpi is a 115-year-old company located in the Hill neighborhood. For generations, the family-run business has been creating its signature prosciutto. But the time had come to modernize the St. Louis classic-. At 1,800-square-feet, the challenge was to increase the area of the retail store while maintaining office space and an existing break room. Full-height storefront windows and subway tile lend an open feel. Large-scale photos on both ends of the counter remind visitors of the company’s storied history. Wood-block counters update the overall look.

Fireplace

Marcia Moore Design | Russo Stone & Tile Design

The designer’s goal was to make the room look and feel moody and masculine. Using one massive piece of Volcano Suede granite to replace the tired paneling and tile, the designer achieved her mission. The dramatic lines of the natural stone, the dark stain over the original paneling, and a fun geometric pattern on the new carpet create a cohesive statement. “Nice combination of luxe materials,” writes Pickart.

Foyer

Stückenschneider Decoration & Design

A gilded Neoclassical mirror, metallic-papered walls, and Palladian-style windows impart light, radiance, and glamour. Furniture is carefully minimal and classic. The forms are delicate and organic, much like the winding tree branches that adorn the room’s backdrop. “Beautiful,” writes Pickart. “Substantial in impact; traditional furnishings are on point.”

Great Room

Dana Romeis, Castle Design

The owners of this condominium moved to the Central West End from the suburbs. They wanted to capitalize on their new home’s 17-foot ceiling and views of Forest Park. Over the course of a three-year renovation, the great room received a full-length chimney breast and new millwork at the ceiling. The palette of grays and pastels was selected to complement the clients’ artwork.

Historic Residential Renovation

Randy Renner Jr., Period Restoration

This two-family house underwent a complete restoration. Given the home’s interior masonry walls, the project came with its share of challenges. The team installed zoned HVAC, updated the electrical, and replumbed the building. There’s a new kitchen and bathrooms and a new slate roof. The leaded metal windows, which were molded into the masonry, were drilled out of place, then taken off-site, deglazed, repaired, and rebuilt. The metal frames were sanded down to their bare metal, primed, and painted.

Home Office/Library

Amy Studebaker and Michelle Thore, Amy Studebaker Design | Greg Terbrock Luxury Homes

An ornate parlor was turned into a dramatic gentleman’s retreat featuring a mix of yellow leather, blue plaid upholstery, and a layering of Persian and natural-fiber rugs. The room’s bleached oak chest is the perfect perfect-yet-imperfect piece. Its contrasting light finish makes a statement against the deep charcoal of the walls, ceiling, and trim. The designers chose to move the entry from the master suite to the foyer and added such architectural details as built-in bookcases and French doors. “A dramatic, handsome makeover. Simple and elegant,” says Bush.

Master Suite

Johnson Design

This client, who travels quite a bit for work, wanted a master suite that would rival the five-star lodgings in which he spends many nights each year. A neutral palette serves as a tranquil backdrop to chic pops of fuchsia. Expansive windows provide a view of the extended outdoor space. “LUXE! Very well done, restrained, sophisticated, and chic. A winner,” writes Bush.

Modern Bath (less than 150 square feet)

Amie Corley Interiors

The goal? To renovate a 50-square-foot bathroom into a beautiful yet functional space for a 10-year-old boy. A glass box shower replaced the existing tub, opening up the space and maximizing light from the window. A wall-mounted toothbrush holder and washstand, inset medicine cabinet, and brass shelf above the toilet help declutter the space and maximize every inch of the room. The handmade tiles frame out corners in a crisp blue-and-white design. Brass bath fixtures and a heated towel rack enhance this timeless look.

Modern Bath (greater than 150 square feet)

Jessie D. Miller Interior Design

The renovation of a Midcentury jewel updated its look without losing the spirit of the home. In the bathroom, carpet was replaced with a three-color striped marble floor that wraps around the tub, and the marble backsplash balances this graphic pattern. A built-in that formerly housed a television was reimagined as a vanity, and a steam shower was replaced with one of marble-and-brass. “I appreciate the execution. Striped tile layout is very cool and the dimensioning of the pattern is spot-on with the stripe transition. Super creative,” says Pickart.

Modern Interior Design

Johnson Design

The rooms in this house, one of which is also pictured on the opposite page, were designed to showcase a growing art collection and accommodate large-scale entertaining. Lustrous fabrics and finishes, a restrained palette in the public spaces, and radiant light fixtures draw the eye around each room. In the library, shown here, a subtle Asian influence elevates the meditative mood of the space, with dramatic yet calming tones of flax, red, and black. “High drama!” exclaims Lemieux.

Modern Kitchen (less than 300 square feet)

Jenny Rausch, Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath

The renovation of this 290-square-foot kitchen slightly altered the original layout, yielding this bold new space inspired by Ralph Lauren, the fashion house. Its clean lines and dark colors melt into the surrounding rooms, and the brass hardware adds a pop of color to the classic design. “Beautiful and dramatic. So controlled, yet bold… fabulous follow-through with design intent,” says Pickart.

Modern Kitchen (greater than 300 square feet)

Lexie Morrison | KM Designs

The objective of this kitchen renovation was to create a space that could be used for both cooking and entertaining. Good flow and an efficient traffic pattern were crucial to its success. The client wanted to capture the look of a New England farmhouse and a coastal California home, so handmade elements, such as the encaustic cement tiles and banana-fiber pendant, were selected for the space. Appliance garages neaten the countertops.

New Build

Randy Renner Jr., Period Restoration

The goal was to build a townhouse that looks like a single-family home and fits into a historic neighborhood. Constructed of full masonry, the home features a slate roof, copper gutters and snow guards. Note the exterior adorned with decorative brackets and Douglas fir soffit and fascia. Tucked around back is an auto court with room for multiple vehicles. The inside of the house features a laundry room, open kitchen, and dining and living areas. The second floor holds two bedrooms, plus a master suite with a beamed vaulted ceiling. “Very well done on the exterior,” writes Jamie Bush. “Love the attention to detail and the use of authentic materials.”

Outdoor Living Space

Chouteau Building Group | Mary Morgan

The clients love spending time outdoors and wanted a space that would accommodate their desires: He wanted a pool, and she sought a sanctuary for reading, meditating, and visiting with friends. The designers carefully selected materials that would make this two-level space feel like an outdoor retreat. The selected wood will weather to a soft gray that will blend with the stone pool coping.

Overall Home Design

Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design | Tamsin Design Group | R.E.A. Homes

The front of this 7,400-square-foot home has the look of a traditional manor—in keeping with the style of surrounding homes—but the back of the house was designed for parties. The outdoor living area includes a kitchen, pool, spa, and fire pit. Folding exterior doors aid the seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the upper level includes the children’s rooms, ensuite bathrooms, theatre and exercise rooms. The main floor features an owners’ suite along with public spaces, which include luxurious details such as a three-sided open fireplace, custom cabinetry by Beck/Allen, and a spiral staircase that give the limestone-clad home a contemporary feel.

Paint Technique

Temple and Hentz

The designers were tasked with updating elements of an older townhome. Front and center was a functional but outmoded fireplace, adorned with a waterfall feature and track lighting, that the team transformed into a modern entertainment piece. The built-in surround was demolished, rebuilt with drywall, and given an application of metallic paint and activator to achieve a rusted finish. Iron clavos were installed to help produce the look of sheet-metal cladding. “Dramatic and necessary update on this space,” says Lemieux.

Powder Room

Rebekah Murphy, Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

The Art Deco–style floor tile—black and white, with an interplay of matte and gloss finishes—sets the tone for this stylish powder room. The client was concerned about the effect of dark paint on the walls, but the designer convinced her that wainscoting would lend depth, dimension, and interest to the space. The effect is bold yet fashion forward. “Well balanced and clean design. Perfect for this small space,” writes Lemieux.

Remodel

Jassen Johnson, Renaissance Development

This project entailed combining two condos into one residence. The original shotgun-style units comprised multiple small rooms along one hallway. The ceilings were low and the floors were raised in certain places because of the location of mechanical systems and fixed plumbing. As a result, design challenges involved the relocation of structural elements and designing around existing windows and plumbing while keeping the ceilings as high as possible and on one plane.

Residential Swimming Pool

Laura Lee Home

The clients, a couple with three young children and two dogs, wanted a vacation getaway in their own back yard. The pool, which features a shallow end for the youngest child, and a spa anchor the space. A family-size daybed is positioned for anyone who wants to take in the view and relax after a swim. Coral and turquoise fabrics are used throughout to echo the tones of water and crape myrtle trees. “Nicely done. I like the different levels of plantings and lounge spaces,” writes Bush.

Traditional Bath (less than 150 square feet)

C&M Interiors

Built in 1885, the house is a vision of exceptional craftsmanship and quality—but to make it better suited to contemporary life, the owners decided that the bathrooms needed updating. They hired the designers to take a small bedroom and convert it into a luxury bath, paying close attention to detail and finish. “I like the black-and-white floor!” writes Pickart. “It gives the space a pop without taking away from what looks to be a charming old house with lovely architectural details. The designer chose the best of what is available in this product tier and worked a look that is spot-on.”

Traditional Interior Design

Stückenschneider Decoration & Design

The designer’s deep understanding of art history and interior design helped him curate a look that combines the homeowner’s art and artifacts. Light-washed rooms and glass shelves provide an elegant backdrop, giving each item its deserved prominence and significance. Antiques from around the world feel right at home with the owner’s collection of Abstract Expressionist paintings. Each of the spaces—from the dining room to the dressing room—is filled with decorative elements that speak to a classic beauty.

Traditional Kitchen (less than 300 square feet)

Wendy Kuhn, Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath | Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design | PK Construction

In the renovation of this World’s Fair–era mansion, the clients wanted to preserve the home’s original features. This caterer’s kitchen, located off the main kitchen (pictured left), is intended to hide dirty dishes, pots, and pans. Materials were selected to reflect the period of the home and ample counter space provides plenty of work space and prep area for service. The shelves are designed for easy access to serving platters.

Traditional Kitchen (greater than 300 square feet)

Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design | PK Construction | Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath (for cabinet design)

The team was tasked with taking the existing butler’s pantry, kitchen, and breakfast room and turning them into a gourmet kitchen and hearth room. The space, centered on the Wolff range with ovens below, now features a walnut island that seats 11. A custom-made copper pot rack lends the room Old World charm, and the limestone hood speaks to the home’s Italian Renaissance style. “Excellent adaptation of an old space into a modern traditional space,” writes Pickart.

Use of Color

Amy Studebaker and Jamie Reeves, Amy Studebaker Design | PK Construction

The designers used a wallpaper with a mirrored background to make the room feel larger. A custom faucet with crystal knobs was designed to elevate the space, and a sculpted marble backsplash with subtle curves adds a touch of femininity. The designers even found tassels to adorn the knobs, softening the feel of the room. “The color is warm and unexpected. It works well in the overall small space,” writes Lemieux.

Vacation Home

Emily Castle, Castle Design

Though this yacht made its debut in 2009, the new owner found the interior design ornate and ostentatious. A redesign was needed to create a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. Ralph Lauren textiles were used with contemporary furnishings and finishes in a modern twist on the classic nautical theme. The biggest challenge? Ensuring that the new furniture and fixtures met weight and size restrictions. “Timeless, very handsome, great taste level,” says Bush.

Use of Fabric or Wallcovering

Amie Corley Interiors

The directive was to create a colorful breakfast room with layers of textiles and vintage pieces. The clients wanted the room to be a happy place, to be kid-friendly, and to meet the demands of lazy weekend morning meals and spontaneous dinner parties. The wallcovering—the classic Fig Leaf by Peter Dunham—functions as a statement piece. “Nice use of design elements to create a functional and decorated space,” writes Lemieux.

Use of Interior Lighting

Candice Wideman, Youtopia Designs

The designer wanted to use lighting to improve the appearance and maximize the functionality of this room. To do so, she created layers of light, using task, ambient, and accent pieces. A single ceiling-mounted track light in the entryway was replaced with strategically located LED can lights and a translucent-blade LED ceiling fan. In the kitchen, five LED can lights, under-cabinet lighting, and two pendant lights were installed to round out the lighting scheme. “Interesting and unusual choices,” writes Lemieux.