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ABODE

CONTENTS Designer Insights 8

Lauren Sweet-Schuler

10

Anne Marie Boedges

of Studio Sweet Schuler

30

of Anne Marie Design Studio

Trends to Try 15

Sitting Rooms

Function & Form 20

Backsplashes

Inspired Interiors 25

10

A Northeast Nod

by Amy Studebaker Design On the cover…

Amy Studebaker Design’s renovation of this 1920s cottage evokes all the tranquility of a coastal escape.

Photography by Alison Gootee, styling by Natalie Warady

30

Modern Mood

35

Make It Fun

39

Island Time

by Megan Temple Design

by C&M Interiors

by Karr Bick

Take it Outside 44

Kitchen Gardens

Shop Local 46

Persnickety by Jen Farley

35

SETTING RECORDS IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE ST. LOUIS REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

544 Quail Ridge Ln. | St. Albans

132 N. Brentwood Blvd. | Clayton

11758 Westham Dr. | Town & Country

active

active

active

466 S. Price Rd. | Ladue

12045 Gailcrest Ln. | T&C

represented seller and buyer

represented seller and buyer

2025 Woodland Knoll | Kirkwood 4 Country Life Acres | Clayton pending · representing seller

represented seller

20 Picardy Ln. | Ladue

represented buyer

2033 Woodland Knoll | Kirkwood pending · representing seller

139 Frontenac Pl. | Frontenac 348 E. Bodley Ave. | Kirkwood represented buyer

234 N. Brentwood Blvd. | Clayton 11600 Clayton Rd. | Frontenac 2017 Woodland Knoll | Kirkwood

24 Woodcrest Dr. | Ladue

926 Claymark Dr. | T&C

represented seller

represented seller

represented buyer

CONNECT WITH US

·

represented seller

445 Baker Ave. | Webster

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42 Countryside Ln. | Frontenac

pending · representing seller

· 314-725-5100 | LAURAMCCARTHY.COM | 29 THE BOULEVARD · CLAYTON

Connect

WITH ABODE AND LADUE NEWS

Follow Ladue News on Facebook to keep up with the latest home décor trends. Each week, look forward to THE RESET column, which showcases three pieces ideal for updating your interior design.

LN ABODE PUBLISHER Ian Caso

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Ashley Klein | aklein@laduenews.com DIGITAL EDITOR & STAFF WRITER Amanda Dahl | adahl@laduenews.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emily Standlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

Photos supplied

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Megan Rubenstein, Andrea Smith

ADVERTISING

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Kevin Hart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

See something in the magazine that inspires you? Follow LN on Pinterest to save your favorite FEATURES for whenever you need a creative spark.

Photo by Peter Larson; florals and styling by Revel & Hearten

SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST Katie Ray | kray@laduenews.com MEDIA STRATEGIST Michelle Brown | mbrown@laduenews.com SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Maggie Peters | mpeters@laduenews.com CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER Lisa Taylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

ART DIRECTOR Laura De Vlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Christopher Oth | coth@laduenews.com

Get a peek inside luxurious local homes by following @laduenews on Instagram. Photos from the DESIGN ELEMENTS column show off stunning work by some of the top interior designers in the metro area.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessica Ekern Photography, Alison Gootee, Corey Hogrefe Photography, Chris Kennebeck, Christina Kling-Garrett, Peter Larson, Megan Lorenz, Jeannie Liautaud Maul Photography, Lisa Mitchell, Alise O’Brien

CONTACT

Photo by Alise O’Brien; design by Joni Spear Interior Design

901 N. 10th St., St. Louis, MO 63101-1250 314.863.3737 | laduenews.com A LEE ENTERPRISES PUBLICATION

4 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

9.02± ACRE ESTATE |NEARLY 9K SQ FT HOUSE | FAMOUS WILLIAM BERNOUDY DESIGN | LOCATED IN SUNSET HILLS This extraordinary 9-acre estate offers nearly 9,000 square feet of timeless craftsmanship and modern comfort. Built with 22 tons of oak timber joined by wooden pegs—a detail nearly impossible to replicate today—the residence is a true work of art designed to endure for generations.

Inside, you’ll find seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and a half bath, along with inviting gathering spaces, three fireplaces, and a flowing kitchen that anchors the home.The walk-out lower level lives as its own residence, complete with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a wine cellar, and expansive areas for entertaining, exercise, or games. A walk-in safe adds another layer of distinction.

The property also includes a separate guest house—ideal as an office, suite, or meeting space—featuring two bathrooms, a fireplace, a singlecar garage, and an architectural addition inspired by William Bernoudy, apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright.

Outdoors, Vallevue offers eight acres of fenced pasture, a horse barn, and abundant wildlife. From the home’s many windows and decks, it’s common to watch deer and wild turkey wandering the grounds, reinforcing the sense of privacy and retreat.

Vallevue is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle of elegance, peace, and everyday escape, all in one of St. Louis’s most desirable locations.

For your private showing, please contact: Bailey Properties • Drennan Bailey – 314.283.4886 • Taylor Bailey – 314.249.6373

Drennan Bailey Broker | Owner | President 314.283.4886 drennan@buymoland.com

Taylor Bailey Broker | Owner 314.249.6373 taylor@buymoland.com

“We are a Missouri state-wide land & farm sales company” www.buyMOland.com

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ABODE

Photo by Christina Kling-Garrett

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T

his might just be ABODE’s coziest edition yet. Elevated comfort runs throughout the entire issue, with warm color palettes and treasured antiques accompanying modern conveniences and luxurious finishes.

Take Amy Studebaker Design’s Cape Cottage project on our cover, for example. “The family firmly believes their home should be lived in – nothing is too precious or perfect,” Studebaker says of the redesign, which incorporates historic elements of the centuryold architecture into the expansive new addition. Read more on p. 25.

This issue’s highlighted trend – sitting rooms – offers a plush way to utilize that one room in the house that deserves more love, whether that be a formal dining room or a space opened up by a recent expansion to the home. Learn how to create your perfect haven on p. 15.

Of course, the coziest aspect of any space comes from the love and care invested in it. Some channel that TLC into a home garden – which, with the help of an expert, might not be as big a challenge as it seems.

Learn all about custom kitchen gardens on p. 44. For the interior, find inspiration on p. 46, where home décor and furniture shop Persnickety

by Jen Farley curates only the most carefully selected and exquisite pieces for its new storefront.

Happy reading,

Ashley Klein

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Designer

INSIGHTS WITH STUDIO SWEET-SCHULER

By Megan Rubenstein

Photos by Megan Lorenz

I

n 2022, Lauren Sweet-Schuler opened design firm Studio Sweet-Schuler specializing in contemporary and modern design. Today, she’s leveraging her 16 years of experience as an interior designer to create spaces with a clean look and comfortable vibe, aiming to help every client feel at home.

We spoke with Sweet-Schuler about her methods and inspiration for creating spaces tailored to the people who live in them.

Project spotlight

In a recent renovation I worked on, the homeowner was an architect, so it was a very collaborative effort. It was a joy to work with that kind of creative mind. It’s a 125-year-old craftsman-style house, so to keep the integrity of the house while infusing the homeowner’s modern style was a fun challenge.

Each room reflects each person in the family. The main bedroom, which has a sitting room and bathroom off of it, was tailored to the husband and wife; you can see that there are two different styles that come together. Their boys’ bedrooms reflect each of their personalities. It’s fun to see them identify with their space.

Trust the process

We have an initial consultation where we go into the client’s home and ask them to show us what they love and what they’d like to change. In doing that, you end up hearing stories of how they’ve gathered artwork or pieces of furniture or something that they really [admire]. You might hear a little bit of how they grew up and where they grew up, and that gives us some ideas of how we could infuse that back into the new space.

We also create a lookbook. When we start working with a client, we ask them for imagery from magazines or Pinterest or wherever, because we think images work better than words when figuring out what a person likes and what their style is. We take those images, find a through line between them, then come with our own ideas to collaborate with the client.

8 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

Inspiration

I take an insane amount of pictures everywhere I go, and I am constantly taking screenshots of anything I see online or on Instagram or Pinterest. We have our dream boards – we always sort of joke about them in the office – things that we pin that we hope to use sometime. And then we love going through design magazines. There’s always inspiration or ideas to save.

Pro tip

Do your research and find a professional who reflects the style you’re looking for. When you hire a team, make sure you’re clear about your wants and your expectations. Be open to letting them be creative, because they could show you things that you’ve never even thought possible. It’s a balance of finding people who are the right fit, but also allowing them to be [adventurous] with your space.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Studio Sweet-Schuler, 314-484-0903, studiosweetschuler.com

Designer

INSIGHTS WITH ANNE MARIE DESIGN STUDIO

By Megan Rubenstein

Photos by Chris Kennebeck of Drive Social Media

F

or Anne Marie Design Studio, each project is about creating a space perfect for the people living in it.

The work of an interior designer, president and designer Anne Marie Boedges contends, is more personal than it might seem at first blush.

“Life changes happen,” she says. “So how do I create a space someone can enjoy as even more life changes continue to happen? I like to understand everything about the dynamics of the family or whoever the space is for.”

Below, Boedges dives deeper into her team’s process.

On trend

I love that wood stain cabinetry is back. It never quite went away with me, I will say. I’ve always leaned toward warm tones when I’m designing a space – everyone wants warm and cozy, right?

You want people to feel invited into that area, and warm colors and hues that just have a little softness to them takes that bitter chill out of anything.

10 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

Inspiration

Every genre of art. I could get that musically or just looking through fashion magazines or even from cars. You can find inspiration from what you surround yourself with on a daily basis. What clothing do you put on your body? What are you grabbing as your handbag?

And how do those pieces make you feel? I always jump from what I’m seeing to what that reaction is [to the object or source]. I’ll notice if I’m feeling happy or energized, or if it makes me feel calm or sad.

Also being around different design styles, whether that’s being on vacation or visiting someone. I have a lot of family that live in a small town in Illinois, and there’s a lot of old farmhouses there with history and character.

Favorite room

The bathroom. Important life moments often happen in the bathroom. Maybe you’re taking a pregnancy test, or playing with makeup with your kids, or helping your daughter put on earrings or shave her legs for the first time. It’s important to feel comfortable when you’re in that space. You want to feel like you can have privacy, and privacy makes you feel like you can be you. Creating a bathroom for someone who really didn’t even know they needed that space is probably the best thing.

Finishing touch

I don’t like to forget what I call the ‘fifth wall,’ which is the ceiling.

I think a lot of people forget that they even have a ceiling, so they just paint it white and call it a day. It could have texture. It could have a color. It could have wallpaper. It could have beams added to it. It could be raised up. It could have box beams. I love when people walk into a room and immediately look up and say, “Oh, that’s so cool!”

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Anne Marie Design Studio, 17014 New College Ave., Suite E, Wildwood, 636-821-3395, annemariestudio.com

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Design by 1749 Designs, photo by Lisa Mitchell

Sita Spell

By Connie Mitchell

Photo courtesy of The Cheerier Interior

Sitting rooms are having a moment – here’s what distinguishes them from other lounging areas in the home.

16 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

“Sitting rooms” elude precise definition. Originally a British term, it’s also known as a “front room” or “parlour,” but many Americans use the term interchangeably with “living room.” As it’s used today, it most often describes a space that’s smaller and more private than a traditional living or family room.

“I’ve noticed sitting rooms gaining popularity over the past several years,” says Debra Bevard, owner of 1749 Designs. “More and more people are looking for a cozy, intimate space set apart from the rest of the house – somewhere to curl up with a book, enjoy a little quiet time, or even host cocktails with friends on a girls night.”

Carving out that space sometimes requires a bit of creativity, and some homeowners are looking to rarely used spaces that can be repurposed. Occasionally, a formal dining room is targeted for a change of design, but more often, sitting rooms result from new home additions that reconfigure multiple spaces. For example, a home might be expanded to create a great room with a hearth and TV. “Then the old living room becomes a long dining room, and the old dining room becomes a sitting room or sometimes an office,” says Allison Williams, owner of The Cheerier Interior.

Although great rooms are also spaces for relaxation, a sitting

Photo courtesy of The Cheerier Interior

room has a different vibe and intention.

Bevard describes the difference: “When I think of a great room, I think of movie nights with popcorn and snacks on a sectional or family gatherings with lots of chatter and movement. A sitting room is meant to be an escape – a quiet retreat designed for calm and comfort. Think of a plush velvet loveseat, rich leather chairs, and thoughtfully chosen furnishings that bring a sense of luxury and intimacy to the space.” Williams adds that sitting rooms tend to be more formal than great rooms, but not as precious as traditional parlors or living rooms.

Sitting rooms are not designed for screen time, so they usually don’t have TVs, and many don’t have a fireplace as a focal point, so the space must be designed with the purpose in mind. Lush, rich wall colors in shades of navy or even charcoal can lend a cozy feel to the space, and Williams often

Design by 1749 Designs, photo by Lisa Mitchell

Design by 1749 Designs, photo by Lisa Mitchell

opts for four comfortable armchairs or a sofa and two chairs to anchor the space.

Reading lamps, statement ceiling lights or chandeliers, and soft finishes and accents help gird an inviting space.

If the house doesn’t have a separate room, space can still be identified for sitting room purposes. Even in an open floor plan, Bevard says that using a rug, furniture and a chandelier can mark a space with purpose and personality. “A sitting room comes to life with an intimate seating arrangement, anchored by furniture that is both stylish and comfortable,” she says.

“Layered textures and ambient lighting set the tone, while curtains and moody colors add depth and warmth to the space.”

To begin the sitting room design process, Bevard says she talks with clients about how they see the space being used and what kind of mood they want to evoke. Then

they consider layout and style preferences from formal to cozy. Williams visits the homes of clients who are considering the conversion of a dining room to a sitting room or contemplating where else to carve out space for a sitting room, so as to help determine layout and design features such as built-in shelving.

“The most important thing to remember is to create a space you’ll truly use,” Bevard says. “When a room is filled with furnishings you’ve thoughtfully chosen, colors that make you feel at home and artwork that reflects your style, it naturally becomes a place you’re drawn to – one you’ll love spending time in.”

1749 Designs, 314-566-0045, instagram.com/1749designs The Cheerier Interior, 314-210-4300, thecheerierinterior.com

WHERE STYLE MEETS

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Splash Make a

By Brittany Nay

Design by C&M Interiors,

photo by Corey Hogrefe Photography

Options are endless when choosing a backsplash behind your range. Here’s what to consider.

W

hether it’s a sleek slab of marble or porcelain tiles with a pop of color, a backsplash can become the focal point of a kitchen, adding plenty of personality to the hub of your home.

“Careful thought needs to be put into what you want to use,” says Wendy Kuhn, lead designer at St. Louis-based Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath. “Each material has a distinct fingerprint it will give to the finished project.”

For practical purposes, Maria Hogrefe and Channing Krichevsky, co-founders and principal designers at St. Louis luxury interior design studio C&M Interiors, say cleanability is an important quality to consider. “Between water, food and oil splatters that can happen on a daily basis, it’s always nice to be able to wipe that surface clean,” Hogrefe says, noting classic handmade ceramic tiles are a favorite.

20 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

Posh Upgrade: Pot Fillers Pot fillers can be a statement piece, St. Louis interior designers say.

“We always ensure the fixture is as special looking as the kitchen faucet,” Hogrefe says.

Typically mounted above a stove or range, the fixture features an extendable arm that can be pulled out to fill pots with water – directly at the cooking area, avoiding the need for heavy lifting from the sink – and folded against the wall when not in use.

A pot filler is integral to incorporate “if the range and the kitchen sink are not in close proximity to one another,” Hogrefe

Design by Karr Bick, photo by Lisa Mitchell

From an aesthetic standpoint, “we love when a backsplash contrasts with the cabinets. Bringing in a different color, whether it’s a soft neutral or a pop of color, is always a nice way to layer in some depth and interest in a kitchen,” Hogrefe says.

For example, a recent C&M Interiors kitchen remodel led by project manager Jessica Kilian incorporated a gorgeous green tile reminiscent of an English garden as a subtle nod to the greenery sprinkled throughout the home.

Another popular trend involves featuring a single slab of countertop as the backsplash, Kuhn says. One seamless piece, such as quartz or marble, can be selected for the design’s focal point. But, keep in mind both the cost – it can double the countertop budget – and how the stone will hold up to stove heat, she says: “Some manmade quartz material might discolor [when] close to a strong heat source.”

For a recent Karr Bick kitchen renovation in a local historic home, a client decided the price tag was worth it. The goal was to preserve the traditional style while also making it modern, Kuhn says: “We had found the most gorgeous piece of marble, so we wanted to highlight that as much as possible. Running it up the wall so you can vertically see the stone gave us the impact we were looking for – a beautiful backdrop to the focal point pot filler.”

says. “We also come across clients who have big families and love to entertain, so having access to water while they’re cooking on their range can create a less chaotic environment.”

To install a pot filler, ensure a new cold-water line is extended from an existing plumbing source to the chosen location above the stovetop, Hogrefe explains, adding the fixture can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on brand, level of detail, product quality and desired finish.

Jill Worobec, senior design consultant at Mosby Building Arts in St. Louis, says pot fillers offer convenience: “It’s helpful for multiple cooks and multitasking.”

Worobec advises thinking about the function and ease of use, from the filler speed and distance to the sink for draining the pot to the amount of burners that need to be reached and the number of shutoff valves on the spout and wall, as more will provide extra leak protection. “[Also,] determine the correct mounting height, still within a comfortable reach based on your tallest pot – usually 16 to 24 inches above the cooktop,” she says.

Additionally, consider the filler’s finish, for both aesthetic and cleanability factors, and the number of faucet joints – single or double arm, Worobec says: “[Ask,] ‘Is this filler a statement piece behind the cooktop, or do you want it to blend in?’”

C&M Interiors, 2855 Accomac St., St. Louis, 314-328-1923, candmstudio.com Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath, 2715 Mercantile Drive, Brentwood, 314-645-6545, karrbick.com

Design by C&M Interiors, photo by Corey Hogrefe Photography 22 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

Mosby Building Arts, 115 W. Argonne Drive, Kirkwood, 314-909-1800, callmosby.com

Design by Karr Bick, photo by Lisa Mitchell LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | OCTOBER 2025 | 00

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A Northeast Nod Fresh, breezy Americana meets classic coastal charm in this 1920s cottage renovation and addition by Amy Studebaker Design.

By Bethany Christo | Photography by Alison Gootee, styling by Natalie Warady

W

alking along a shady historic St. Louis street and glancing up at the home known as the “Cape Cottage,” with its coastal-inspired wood shake shingles, white trim and windows, one might think they’ve been transported to a relaxed East Coast summer house retreat.

Stepping inside, the feeling intensifies – soft, pastel hues; filtered light through breezy

curtains; delicate wallpaper and classic art adding layers of charm and nostalgia; cozy nooks filled with classic furniture; and timeless hardware and finishes are layered throughout the home, which began renovations in 2021.

“It’s fresh, airy, handsome Americana meets classic coastal charm – relaxed yet refined,” says Amy Studebaker, whose

eponymous design firm completed the whole-home renovation and substantial addition that took a 1920s cottage and reimagined it with a fresh and found approach. Phase one took the original 4,800 square feet and expanded that to nearly 9,000 square feet with the additions of a kitchen, breakfast room, butlers’ pantries, family room, mudroom, laundry room and two

bathrooms – plus a luxurious pool house with an additional kitchen and bar. Amy Studebaker Design touched essentially every element of the home – big and small – including designing architectural components of the kitchens, bathrooms, bars and fireplaces as well as interior and exterior finishes, furniture, rugs, window treatments, textiles, lighting, accessories and artwork.

The homeowners approached Studebaker knowing it was going to be a lofty undertaking but trusting she would keep them grounded throughout the process while focusing on what they value most.

“The family firmly believes their home should be lived in – nothing is too precious or perfect,” Studebaker says. “It was built with the family’s functionality and love to entertain and host at the focus of the design.”

A potential challenge with the Cape Cottage project required navigating between maintaining the timelessness of the 1920s cottage footprint and balancing it with the addition and contemporary updates. Studebaker paid particular attention to applied moulding, crown and trim details, and carrying through new and existing beams. Architectural details like planking and oval windows played well with dormers and wood shake shingles, and joist-style beams in the kitchen, family room and breakfast room added interest to the volume of the additions.

“Adding to a home with history means carrying details from existing to new in order to balance an interior full of character while still breathing in new life and functionality,” she says. “It was important to keep the scale of charm and balance of the original footprint while juxtaposing a massive kitchen hood and

oversized island with beautifully thoughtful butlers’ pantries.”

In their testimonial, the family noted this careful curation and original-versus-updated symmetry are what make their house feel like a home.

“The level of thought, detail and artistry [Studebaker] brought to every decision continues to reveal itself over time,” they shared. “Even now, two years after phase one of the project is complete, I still find myself pausing to appreciate the way she styled a particular room, arranged a bookshelf or selected a throw pillow.”

An example of this is the tall, narrow antique hutch in the family room that Studebaker and her team discovered in Atlanta. They searched for more than a year to find something fitting the particular specifications: shallow enough to not encroach on the path toward the pool house and game room yet adding warmth and anchoring the room. There needed to be glass at the top to display family heirlooms, antiques and photos, as well as a functional base for quick access to blanket storage, board games, and toys for the family dog. It highlights just one example of Studebaker’s ability to mix fresh and found, old and new, charm and usefulness to the new addition that could otherwise feel cold and disconnected.

“This home is as functional as it is stunning, and you feel that immediately when you spend any amount of time inside or out,” Studebaker says. “A home should be lived in, and this house is such a beautiful example of the proper way to do so while still valuing the beauty of a home.”

Amy Studebaker Design, 9749 Clayton Road, 314-440-0853, amystudebakerdesign.com LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | OCTOBER 2025 | 27

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Modern MOOD

By Alecia Humphreys | Photos by Jeannie Liautaud Maul Photography

By Alecia Humphreys Photos by ???

MEGAN TEMPLE DESIGN’S TIMELESS RENOVATION FEATURES INTENTIONAL TOUCHES OF DRAMA.

A

fter a makeover by the namesake of Megan Temple Design, this Creve Coeur Colonial has emerged as a moody masterpiece with saturated walls, daring pops of color and animal prints that prowl through the interiors with unapologetic allure.

The result is not just a renovation, but rather a reinvention of this 1992 residence.

“The couple bought this house in 2023, and it was beautiful, but dated,” says Temple, owner of the local design firm.

“They are a younger family with two young daughters and really wanted to give it some new life. [One of the homeowners] – loves a moody feel with playful touches like animal print – anything animal print is for her.”

The main floor-home remodel began with gutting the existing kitchen for a major update.

“I love the kitchen,” Temple says. “It achieved exactly what we set out to do in terms of having something classic, timeless, but also with a little uniqueness.”

Crisp Beck/Allen Cabinetry atop wide-plank white oak flooring steals the show, while the footprint of the quartz-topped

walnut island was adapted to achieve additional seating. Most of all, it’s the lighting that adds a touch of playfulness to the space.

“I am obsessed with the pendants,” Temple says. “They feel fresh and unexpected over a kitchen island.”

Juxtaposing the clean modernity of the kitchen is the moodier dry bar, featuring an antiqued mirror backsplash that ties into the hearth room, where you’ll find a floor-to-ceiling fireplace with a custom Reclaim Renew mantel.

“We had the antique mirror template custom cut to fit over the fireplace in its existing arch to add reflection and moodiness,” Temple says. “Having that touch ties everything together and leads you from one room to the other without a major departure.”

A Reclaim Renew beam was also added to the vault ceiling, which is highlighted by the color-drenched walls, abundant natural light and white oak flooring.

“This is their main living space, so we definitely needed to focus on design and comfort,” Temple says. “I think this space exemplifies mixing things that are unexpected, like the floral rug with the Lulu and Georgia animal print swivel chairs.”

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | OCTOBER 2025 | 31

However, most would likely agree the transformation of the powder room would receive first prize for most unexpected space.

“We fell in love with the blush concrete sink, and then we wanted a wallpaper that was going to take it over the top,” Temple says. “We found this wallpaper from Osborne & Little, and it was the epitome of what [the client] loves. You’re not going to see that paper in anyone else’s house. It’s very unique and really touches on her style and interests.”

Temple selected an ivory Villa & House mirror and Kate Spade light fixture to polish off the powder room.

“I love the Kate Spade lighting in there,” Temple says. “I thought it just added the perfect amount of feminine touch.”

Step into the dining room, where additional molding was added before being color drenched in Slate Tile paint from Sherwin Williams. “Obviously the statement here is the chandelier from Visual Comfort,” Temple says.

A lacquered burl wood table from Restoration Hardware offsets the dark walls, while Dana Gibson art provides a pop of pink.

“My philosophy is to decide what you want to be the statement and letting that do all the talking versus having everything in there trying to work hard,” Temple says. “I think that when people see the finished product and see how little things can really pull everything together, they’re always surprised and excited that it’s theirs. I think that’s the case here: They love it, they are proud of it, and it’s functioning really well for them.”

Megan Temple Design, 124 W. Jefferson Ave., Kirkwood, megantempledesign.com

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By Emily Standlee | Photos by Corey Hogrefe Photography

Found objects and fineries fill C&M Interiors’ historic home design with character.

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s they set out to transform a well-done builder flip into a space that could truly feel like home, principal designers Channing Krichevsky and Maria Hogrefe – co-founders of St. Louisbased luxury residential design studio C&M Interiors – quickly realized that their client had full confidence in their vision: “We had a lot of range to be creative, play with color and mix patterns,” Hogrefe says.

“It was a breath of fresh air to have a client come to us and say that they loved our style and [wanted us to] put the C&M touch on their home.”

Dubbed the Maryland Historic home, the property had been revamped by the builder, combining original architecture with features designed for mass appeal.

“All of the historic details were there and the preservation upheld,” Krichevsky explains, “but it was our job to make it exciting, vibrant and homey.” To do this, the designers – as they often do – started with a high-level color palette or single “main character fabric,” as Krichevsky calls it. They found a Zak & Fox fabric with Japanese snow monkeys and persimmons woven together with yarn, using it as a “jumping off point” for the entire living

room. “It’s upholstered beautifully on an accent chair and makes our client so joyful every time she gets her eyes on it,” she says. Hogrefe adds, “We’re obsessed with texture around here – we aim to have a

lamps and chair legs, bright white table and of course, the banquette’s indigo-and-white nature-themed motif all create contrast with the nearby living area. “It feels so inviting, packs a punch with pattern and

and often pick up vintage pieces if they speak to us.” The team has been collecting these items for the last decade – a mix of new and old personality pieces just waiting for the right client to welcome them into

huge variety in every project. It’s the best way to give a space depth.”

These playful components complement the moody flow of color threading through the living room, moving the eye around using rich indigoes in the furniture and area rug and earthy ochre among the draperies, pillows, glassy vases and lampshades.

“We worked on the dining room, foyer, and main living room and eat-in kitchen,” Krichevsky says. “The [combined] living room and eat-in kitchen was a challenge because it’s directly connected to the kitchen. We had to strategically delineate space … and the end result is a cozy [area] the entire family can be together in.”

The custom banquette here is the team’s favorite aspect of the whole design.

Its metal and light-wood details in floor

is extremely comfortable,” Krichevsky says.

“You could linger there for hours.”

Hogrefe and Krichevsky were able to pull the client’s “make it fun” request into the home’s foyer and staircase with a wall display of photos in varying frames, plus woven baskets and other textural flourishes. The nature and animal theme from the living room continues here, where a flamingo and pair of gilded snail bookends take center stage. These objects make the room feel lived in – and exemplifies how the team used accessories to pull the overall design together.

“There’s a story behind every object we source for clients – we genuinely feel like these tiny details give a space personality,” Krichevsky says. “We source artwork through trade vendors and local artisans

their home.

Over in the dining room, the walls are a deep, glowing green that never becomes too dark. Here, an understated chandelier floats above a dark wood table; surrounding it are dynamic blackand-white chairs, darker earth-colored draperies, dark green wainscoting that slightly offsets the wall color and more black or dark wood furniture to round it all out. “The client wanted fun, and we took that very seriously,” Hogrefe explains. “She also wanted the space to feel warm and inviting; the moody colors add so much warmth. Not to mention they make for the best backdrop to a candlelit room.” In a word: flawless.

C&M Interiors, 2855 Accomac St., St. Louis, 314-328-1923, candminteriors.com

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | OCTOBER 2025 | 37

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Island

By Andrea Smith | Photos by Lisa Mitchell

Karr Bick crafts a warm, inviting kitchen for homeowners serious about entertaining.

N

o man is an island in this kitchen. With not one but two quartzite Taj Mahal stone islands, Karr Bick’s design and construction team fashioned a kitchen that offers ample space for cooking and congregating in the heart of the home.

“They like to entertain a lot,” designer Janelle Helms says of her clients. “The space was very large. Those are actually two, 13 foot-by-4.5 foot islands, and they fit the space. … It just makes sense in the house.”

The kitchen opens up into a dining area and hearth room with a cozy TV area, so the design needed to complement the flow of guests who linger for a bite to eat or walk around with a glass of wine. Helms and her team worked into the fall with the holiday season in mind, preparing a space that would be merry and bright all year round.

“In [the homeowner’s] prior kitchen, we had done all black and white, and I think she really wanted to warm it up in this space,” Helms describes. “The Taj Mahal stone is nice because it gives it a modern feel, but it still has warm grays and neutrals in it, so it doesn’t feel too cold when you’re looking at it.”

Stone Fabricators in Olivette collaborated on this project to ensure that the luxurious islands with waterfall edges would stand thetestoftime.Anaturallyoccurringstone,quartzite“combinesthe veining of marble with the strength of granite,” Stone Fabricators’ website states. “Quartzite is a smart choice for homeowners who want a surface that’s both elegant and hard-wearing – especially in high-use areas like kitchen islands and bathroom vanities.”

The hanging light pendants and wall sconces feature a 40 | OCTOBER 2025 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

Taj Mahal-like stone too that coordinates with the full-height backsplash. From floor to ceiling, oak wood cabinets warm the neutral color palette and disguise appliances, including a paneled fridge, freezer, icemaker and dishwasher. It’s a functional space for hosting family gatherings and sizable dinner parties, equipped with a double oven, two sinks, a pot-filler faucet and a wine fridge.

“In a lot of the kitchens I do, we use the integrated cabinet doors with the appliances. It gives it a nice, seamless feel – especially in a kitchen like this where it’s part of the hearth room,” Helms says. “It doesn’t feel like you’re just looking at a big wall of stainless appliances.”

Black-and-gold bar stools add to the sleek aesthetic, along with brushed gold hardware throughout the kitchen. Even with some white cabinets, the design firm avoided a “stark, white kitchen” by balancing soft tones with bright, modern finishes.

“The trend in general is to warm things up,” Helms notes, “whether it be the wood, or the stone, or the brass – it seems like people are really gravitating toward that lately.”

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

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We ask for their ideas. We ask them to share pictures of design ideas they love, and we incorporate those into the home design. The homeowner’s ideas are the basis of design.

Award-Winning Innovation We have won two national awards from the US Dept of Energy through their zero energy ready homes program for innovation in custom home building. This award was based on achieving higher levels of energy efficiency and indoor air quality using innovative methods for both. We have a national award winning level of innovation.

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Homegrown

HAVEN V

By Drew Gieseke | Photos courtesy of Custom Foodscapes

The time is ripe for building or renovating your kitchen garden – here’s what you should know about working with a pro.

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inter is one of the best times of the year to revamp your garden for the spring planting season. Preparation is key; as any green thumb will tell you, there’s more to growing a garden than simply tossing some seeds in the ground and hoping for the best.

Here’s what to consider when seeking a professionally designed gardening space for growing vegetables and edible plants, including the construction process, upkeep requirements and options for customizing its appearance.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN Dispel the notion that you’ll be able to plant a garden that requires no effort and no maintenance. Even the hardiest plants demand your attention and effort from time to time.

“Gardens can be incredibly nourishing and beautiful, but there’s no such thing as a no-maintenance garden,” Custom Foodscapes founder Matt Lebon says.

“A garden is an invitation to spend time outside, observing the miracle from seed to harvest.”

Lebon recommends newcomers start with easier plants, such as vegetables like lettuce, peppers, green onions, radishes and herbs, and fruits like blackberries, strawberries and serviceberries.

He says that one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades for any garden is drip irrigation. This slow trickle of water allows homeowners to spend more time planting and harvesting – and even traveling – without worrying about the garden drying out. Plus, drip irrigation is a more ecological use of water and results in less plant disease than sprinkler systems.

Finally, a sunny location is essential.

Most fruits and vegetables need at least six

hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive, so picking the right spot for your garden makes a big difference.

GETTING STARTED Ask yourself what you want from your garden and what kinds of plants and food you want to grow. These details will help you better communicate your vision to the professionals and set expectations for the project from the jump.

“We start by learning the client’s vision and asking who will be using the garden most,” Lebon says. “For someone with limited mobility, we might build in seating or benches within the garden beds. For families with small children, we might design lower beds and plant easy-topick berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.”

Lebon’s team also encourages clients to use a Pinterest board or other visual tools to help them organize their vision in a way that inspires them and harmonizes with their aesthetic preferences. Once they’ve finished their consultation, foodscapers will work within your budget to create a multi-layered site plan showing the location of plants and landscape features. Designs are drawn to scale using professional design software or by hand.

Construction begins once you’ve worked with your provider to settle on a vision for your garden. Custom Foodscapes sources timber from right outside of St. Louis and custom-builds all structures to fit each client’s space perfectly, including trellises, pathways and more.

COMMON MISTAKES Lebon points out that the most common gardening mistakes fall into three categories: irrigation adjustments, pruning hesitance and replacing soil unnecessarily.

“Water needs to change with the seasons,” he says. “Increasing or decreasing irrigation is essential as rainfall and temperatures shift.”

Likewise, some gardeners are hesitant to cut back plants for fear of harming them. Thoughtful pruning often stimulates growth and leads to healthier, more productive plants, so don’t be afraid to break out the clippers.

Finally, Lebon says the soil his team installs is designed to last. It doesn’t need to be replaced each year, but it does need care, like aeration, compost additions and occasional organic fertilizer.

MAINTENANCE Upkeep varies depending on what’s planted. Vegetable gardens typically need weekly tending, whereas perennial plants such as asparagus or fruit trees might only need attention once a month.

Lebon adds: “For clients who don’t have the time, we also offer ongoing garden maintenance services to help them reach their goals.”

Custom Foodscapes, customfoodscapes.co

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | OCTOBER 2025 | 45

Just

By Ashley Klein | Photos by

Jessica Ekern Photography

Persnickety by Jen Farley brings vintage fineries and eclectic furnishings to its brand-new Alton storefront.

F

or the eponymous owner of Persnickety by Jen Farley, a home décor and furniture boutique in Alton, Illinois, an exacting aesthetic sensibility has been passed down like a family heirloom.

“I grew up next door to my grandparents, and my grandmother had exquisite taste in fashion, fine china, porcelain, art, crystal,

etc.” Farley says. “I spent a lot of time on shopping trips with her. When I was very little, I would go to her house to play, and she would allow me to ‘redecorate’ her rooms. She would put all the pieces back after I left so I could come over the next day and do it all over again.”

The shop pays homage to Farley’s grandmother not just with its vintage fineries, but also through the owner’s careful curatorial process of sourcing its wares. “[My grandmother] was very particular with how she dressed, the pieces she would purchase and how she would display them in her home,” Farley says. “One might say she was ‘persnickety.’ The name of the boutique is a nod to her and the influence she had on my personal style.”

Persnickety by Jen Farley launched in March 2024 inside Alton antique store Honeybee Vintage, located on East Broadway. Quickly outgrowing her 100-square-foot space there, she moved down the street to the historic Mineral Springs Hotel five months later.

Customers’ responses proved “positive and overwhelming,” so Farley made a final move to her own 1500-square-foot brick-and-mortar, still on East Broadway, in September this year. Farley contends that her native Alton is “experiencing a renaissance of architectural renewal and a small business explosion,” making it well worth the approximately 30-minute drive for visitors from Ladue. In keeping with her hometown loyalty, Farley donates 5% of gross sales to a local nonprofit each month.

The shop, which reflects what Farley describes as her “classic masculine eclectic” style, blends vintage and antique décor and furniture with new pieces from brands that “reflect the whimsical, sophisticated and eclectic vibe that is Persnickety,” Farley says. This includes a collaboration with Edwardsville, Illinoisbased Keepsake Candle company, through which Farley helped craft the exclusive “Persnickety Home” scent, which she says blends notes of “library, tobacco, saffron

and other fragrances to create the feeling of walking into your grandfather’s library.”

“I like to mix and match everything,” she says. “I don’t feel a space needs to look like a museum. It should reflect the personality of the person who lives there.”

At the new storefront, a dedicated room houses European cottage-style décor sold by Erica Swagler, owner of Altonbased Landmark Vintage. Every Thursday, fresh flowers are delivered to the store’s bythe-stem bouquet bar, where shoppers can create their own (or get help creating their own) bouquets. Perhaps the most exciting addition to the new space, however, is the china bar.

“I believe it will be the first of its kind in the St. Louis area,” Farley says. “These are becoming popular in New York, Chicago and Texas. … People are falling in love with vintage china again. Formal sets are available, or you can make an appointment for a private consultation to create a blended collection of different patterns, pieces and makes curated to your specific style and needs.”

With the expansive footprint of the new storefront, Farley also hopes to begin hosting recurring events. “The first event I’m looking to host will be similar to Antiques Roadshow; you can bring in a small piece and have it evaluated for its history,” she says. “Keep an eye on my socials [on Instagram @persnicketybyjenfarley and on Facebook at facebook.com/persnickety. by.jen.farley] for more information and dates for this particular event.”

With customizable and interactive services like these, shoppers sprucing up their homes can be as persnickety as they please.

Farley says: “Pieces have a story to tell and a life and personality all their own. I feel my pieces find me to help them find their perfect owner.”

Persnickety by Jen Farley, 413 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois, 618-908-9393

“The communication, design and craftsmanship were first-class, just as we expected.”

–Tom S

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Winter Classes & Parties Create your own live, evergreen decor this year in our winter classes!

All planters, wreath for ms, & materials included in pricing

Winter Planters November 22

Live Wreaths December 6

Winter Centerpieces December 13

Private Parties

Book a time for your friends & family or throw a fun & unique holiday of fice par ty this year!

Available Monday - Saturday, December 1st - 21st

Parties Include Complimentary Hot Chocolate Bar For more infor mation & booking, please call our Garden Center or visit our website 636-532-9307 | www.ChesterfieldValleyNurser y.com