“We really love discovering new artists, and about 99 percent of the art in our home is from Missouri or Illinois,” previous residence. They knew Carol could transform the condo into a space bursting with color and personality while highlighting their impressive collection of local artwork. “There wasn’t much in the way of finishes or lighting when I first took a look at the unit,” Temple says. While natural light from the wall of windows was nice, the condo lacked efficient overhead lighting in the main living spaces. There were also several nooks and alcoves that the couple knew they could make better use to display their growing art collection. Temple collaborated with Bryan Crawford and Treasa Dolan of DC Strategies to address the renovations that needed to occur. Cement ceilings made it difficul to remedy the lighting issues, but DC Strategies came up with the idea of adding beams in the main living area. Not only do the beams create visual interest, but “they provide a place for lots of wiring to go, from the lighting to electronics,” Dolan explains. With the main issues being addressed, the focus shifted to making the condo feel like home. Temple chose understated colors for the walls and furnishings to let the art shine. “Showcasing the sleek, modern art was the main objective,” Temple says. Having to give up many pieces of art they were in love with in their previous residence, the homeowners knew they could find more art that they appreciated just as much. “We really love discovering new artists, and about 99 percent of the art in our home is from Missouri or Illinois,” the wife says. Stepping into the entry, you are immediately immersed in the living space… kitchen, dining room and great room. As avid entertainers, the homeowners loved how open the layout was, but they also wanted to distinguish each space. In the great room, the first thing on the design team's agenda was outfitting the niche with storage and shelving. A custom built-in by Centorbi is crafted from exotic woods and was designed with the couple's pieces of art in mind. “We had a solid plan before we built anything,” Dolan explains. “We did drawings that depicted all of the fine details.” Details like notches in the back of each shelf to let light come through, strategically placed shelving for specific art pieces and proper ventilation for media equipment stored in the console. Temple added simple mica wallpaper behind the built-in for a layer of texture. Furnishings in the great room were chosen for simplicity and comfort with seating including matching leather swivel chairs, a metal bench that can be used for extra seating without impeding the view and a Barbara Barry for Baker cove sofa that delineates the great room from the dining room. The couple’s art collection really shines in the dining room with several prominent pieces including a statue by Kimberly Willcox titled "Bird Keeper" purchased at the Clayton Art Fair, an expansive painting by Julie Malone from Houska Gallery over the built-in sideboard and pedestal piece by Michael Bauermeister. Perhaps the most conversational piece in the condo is the wall of windows with sweeping views of Forest Park and the city skyline. The homeowners have enjoyed watching the fi eworks from the VP Fair on 4th of July as well as the Balloon Races in Forest Park from the comfort of their condo with family and friends. A pair of bright orange chairs is the ideal STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
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