A Fresh Start

“A touch of the unexpected is always exciting.”

DESIGNER SKETCH
Hometown:  Salem, Illinois

“When it rains, it pours,”  has never been more apropos than for Kirkwood homeowners, Kerri and Greg, who bring their love for the Seattle area to their historic and newly renovated St. Louis home. For the couple, a front yard filled with hyacinths, daffodils and tulips is proof positive that every cloud has a silver lining. With the home’s extensive transformation, the spacious front yard lost its original identity. From late October when the yard was cleared (through Christmas, when the couple moved into the home) until late February, when the ground thawed, the  family’s front “lawn” was a mass of mud. “I don’t even know how the mailman got to the door,” Kerri admits. “We were getting notices from the City of Kirkwood asking us what we intended to do with our front yard.”

But with the advent of spring, the dark clouds began to part and reveal the silver lining under all that mud. “What had seemed a total mess actually turned into a blessing,” Kerri says. “Because we found ourselves with a clean slate for a front yard, we could literally do anything we wanted.” 

For the landscaping project, they selected Rex Rieger, who heads Rex Rieger Landscaping. “At the time we talked, Kerri didn’t even have a front porch, but she already knew she didn’t want traditional foundation planting,” Rex explains.

How do you suggest that homeowners use color in their homes this holiday season?
The holidays always bring traditional colors, but this year white and cream, complete with metallics of gold, silver and the new copper, will be what to look for. Also, I like fresh greens in various shades.
 
How do you work with and guide your clients to create a look that is fresh, exciting and current?
First of all, I listen to them. I need to find out their lifestyle before I can guide them. Part of my job is to inspire and educate my clients. It isn't always necessary to change it all, but a simple rearrangement of furniture and area rugs, along with a change in the accessories, can create a fresh look. A touch of the unexpected is always exciting.
 
Which room transformations are among your favorites, and how did each evolve into a unique, tailored space?
In one home that was contemporary to the extreme – the furniture was not in proportion or to scale with the space. We warmed it up with rich fabrics, beautiful light fixtures, amazing accessories, and now, the furniture fits the rooms. The change is dramatic, and everyone is happy. The second one was a condo in Florida that I completed – from empty to completely furnished and accessorized in 4 days! I brought some of my client's keepsakes along but still kept it light and airy, which was our goal. My client was shocked when he saw it because it looked like it had evolved over time.
 
What is your design philosophy?
No matter the budget, I believe that everyone can have well-designed spaces. My approach to styling a home is laid-back, but the final result is sophisticated and understated with a meticulous attention to detail. To me, rooms should be unpredictable, with an exciting mix of the old and the new, creating a wonderful haven to come home to and a place that you will never tire of. Also important to me is the process. During this time I really connect with my clients, and we always have a lot of fun working together!