Classically
Traditional A Clayton teardown is restyled into an eclectic two-story that is the epitome of comfortable elegance.
By Melissa Mauzy Photography by Anne Matheis
any homeowners don’t dare tackle the planning and research required when purchasing a teardown, but a St. Louis couple knew a teardown was just what they were looking for as they made the move from central St. Louis County to the hub of the city in Clayton. Previous residents of University City and Creve Coeur, Clayton appealed to them for its proximity to the Metrolink, restaurants and retail. After searching for the right property with no success, the couple turned to architect Lauren Strutman. “Lauren suggested looking for a home with the back facing south,” the homeowner explains. “At her recommendation, we explored this orientation and found our home.” The property was perfect. The back faced south, and the home had an alley in back, so they were able to use the whole lot. The existing Cape Cod was also on an ideal street. The homeowner drew an initial layout and also compiled a folder of tear-out sheets from magazines, as well as photographs that she and her husband had taken of other homes they liked. They handed the folder over to Strutman, who turned their ideas into an initial draft. “It was a great decision to hire Lauren,” the homeowner says. “She and her staff are very familiar with the Clayton area, and her ideas really fit with what we were looking for.” Architecturally a turn-of-the-century Edwardian style home, the homeowners then brought in trusted interior designer Janice Rohan of Park Avenue Design, who they worked with in the past, to assist with the interior styling. “Janice helped determine the direction the interior of our home was going to take,” the homeowner notes. “She was great in making us edit our ideas to come together into a cohesive look.” Classic and traditional with comfortable antiques and lush fabrics, the home is warm and welcoming. “We focused a lot on the finishes in the home,” Rohan explains. “The combinations and layers in the finishes take the home from super traditional to a more eclectic traditional.” Rohan was also instrumental in ensuring the millwork fit with the period of other homes in the area. She was so successful that many visitors don’t realize the home is a teardown. “It happens all the time,” the homeowner says. “I wanted people to come into our home and not know how old it is.” One aspect of the design that was important to both the homeowners and Rohan was repurposing furnishings from the couple’s previous home. Using furnishings in new ways and in new spaces brings a fresh feel to the home. An intricate tile motif greets your feet in the entryway.
Opposite page: Light off the rear courtyard fills the Old World living room. The two facing sofas were brought from the owners' previous home and covered in a crisp cotton rayon. The crushed-limestone fireplace was locally made. This page: An antique porcelain pitcher and bowl sit atop a Kentucky maple chest.
STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2014
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