Capturing Happiness

For native St. Louisan Linda Martinez, her loft space on Washington Avenue couldn't be more perfect. She describes the open, bright space as, “full of energy, light and happiness.” And living next door to the City Museum, the lighthearted sounds of laughter from energetic children float in with the soft autumn breezes in Linda's window-lined loft. The atmosphere, living adjacent to the ultimate artistic children's playground is both “magical and captivating,” according to Linda. The eclectic museum, which appeals to both the young and the young at heart, is housed in the 600,000-square-foot former International Shoe Company – one of the many renovated buildings in the city. Linda's building is one in the series of reclaimed structures in the Washington Avenue Historic District.  The 1904 World's Fair era building, currently named the Paristyle building, has had numerous lives as part of the city's garment district.

In selecting her penthouse loft in the transformed space, Linda loved the idea of open, well-lit rooms. From her rooftop view, striking, artistic etched-glass paneled doors set the stage for the window-lined, impressively situated floor plan – a space that is punctuated with color, personality and panache. A vivid color palette, including a painted concrete ceiling in light lavender grey, joins and anchors the interior spaces and lends a one-of-a-kind feeling to the large yet comfortable and welcoming loft. A natural element throughout the space is Linda's choice of bamboo flooring, which adds warmth and character to her high-rise home. Original brick exterior walls encircle the loft and allow the building's historic presence to permeate. Landscape paintings are a colorful breath of fresh air with their strong use of color and accent to the brick walls. The juxtaposition of old and new in partnership is fully evident with the introduction of new, brightly painted architectural beams against the building's earthy red exposed brick and steel beams.

Deep red and purple work in complement with golden yellow and bright chartreuse in Linda's selection of contemporary furniture, accessories and artwork. A more traditional dining table and chairs pair remarkably with  the artful slant and punches of color of nearby cheerful furnishings. The edgy, smart arrangement – with half of the loft's floor plan devoted to the spacious main living area – promotes conversation and evokes a “wow” factor with its unique charm and personality.  Genuine Brunswick bowling alley benches define one of the most unique seating areas in the living space. The V-shaped seating area creates a cozy nook by a see-through double-sided fireplace, and it is a perfect spot for gathering with a touch of St. Louis nostalgia.

With a love for entertaining, Linda confesses that everyone ends up near the kitchen – which has ample space for socializing. “I've done more entertaining since I moved here than in my whole life,” she says. The minimal feel and sleek design of the kitchen integrates granite, stainless appliances, light ash-colored cabinetry and stainless barstools within the space. Linda's idea to maintain an open space under the counter for hidden storage is a perfect design modification for easy access while entertaining. The 4,000-square-foot loft adapts easily for both casual and formal events, with perfect spots for intimate conversation and enough room to host a dinner party with a musical quartet – such as for the Celebrate the City dinner party that Linda hosted to benefit the Des Lee Collaborative Vision.

Privacy screens take the place of window drapes and rooms are defined by the creative use of furniture placement. The positioning of lighting and the use of area rugs frame the generous living spaces. Linda's guest room is draped at the entryway to allow for privacy and easy access to an adjacent bath. Pocket doors and curved walls throughout the loft allow for spaces to flow generously from one to another with little visual interruption.

In the master bedroom, a double chaise provides the ideal spot for reading, relaxing and watching TV, and helps to transform the room into a sun-filled sitting area. “It's one of my favorite spots to sit and read and enjoy the afternoon sun. Even though I'm eight stories up, I love the feeling of being outdoors in the sun-drenched space and catching the afternoon breezes.” The unique master bath includes a built-in closet unit with transparent doors that allow colorful clothing to show through and mimic the space's creative and color-driven design. The custom space also includes a vanity desk area and spa tub.

At the end of the day, Linda's office niche is the perfect spot to catch up with work and keep up with friends – and shopping – online. Her bookshelves are lined with favorite books and family photographs. Last year's photographs from her trip to Italy with family and friends will surely take a future spot within Linda's collection of pictures and mementos aside her favorite travel books. She loves planning her next adventure and reports that a trip to Egypt and The World Cup in South Africa “is on the books” for 2010.

Linda admits loving city living, within walking distance to sports events and restaurants. “I love the microcosm of people and shops – with an entire range of humanity and places to go – from the smallest of designer shops to a wide range of eating options. And my nephews give me the perfect excuse to visit my favorite place – my neighborhood gelatoria.”