Wrapped in Comfort

Resting peacefully on two parklike acres in Ladue is the architectural masterpiece that busy professionals Chrissy and Mike Nardini share with 8-year-old Harry.

Originally designed and built in 1968 by architect Ralph A. Fournier for himself and his family, this mid-20th-century American-style contemporary home was the focus of an extensive renovation that honed a remarkable, yet tired, ranch into a well-rested, refreshed and sparkling jewel.

Fournier, a contemporary architect, graduated from the School of Architecture at Washington University during the golden age of St. Louis modernism. Indeed, Chrissy and Mike’s home was born during the time that saw St. Louis as the epicenter of American-style contemporary and modernist homes.

Kris Keller, president and founder of The Design Source Ltd., took this icon of architectural history and catapulted it into the 21st century. By honoring its mid-century contemporary roots, yet adding a punch of sophisticated style that gives the home a softly modern edge, Kris was able to give the Nardinis the nesting place of their dreams. “We offered Kris the creative license to do her magic here,” says Chrissy. “Having worked with her on a previous home, we knew she could give us exactly what we wanted.”
And so began the transformation that would take seven months from conception to completion and lead to a home that, according to Kris, is “a lean ribbon of linear spaces beautifully and newly defined by the renovation, leaving only the original footprint as a memory of what was.”

Following a total gutting of the home, Kris and the talented interior design team members, Douglas Ong and Cyndi Schmitz, went to work making their vision a reality. “Our design overview for this project,” explains Kris, “was to create the simplicity of artistic tranquility by contrasting vanilla and java or chocolate finishes – a more Zen-like approach to the typical and starker black and white.” She adds, “The modern sensibility of the home provided us with clean, sleek architecture, eliminating the need to focus on the abundant use of millwork and allowing the home, in its simplicity, to become the showcase.”

Embracing this mid-century work of art and re-envisioning it for today, Kris was able to give Chrissy, Mike and Harry a home that seems to transcend time, paying homage to the past and looking to the future. “Our home wraps you in comfort,” say the homeowners. “The warm colors and soft, sophisticated design are very comfortable and relaxing. It’s timeless.”

Every inch of space was taken into account when reconfiguring the interior. By removing the wall that enclosed the entry and staircase, an updated and open space was created. Flipping the staircase and adding glass panels in lieu of a more traditional railing system completed the new look. Dramatic custom-designed mahogany front doors are a striking and welcoming final touch.

A living room wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows invites the outside in, allowing the exquisite landscape to become an ever-changing canvas of color. And whatever the season, light dances through this space, giving it energy and life. Kris’ deft blending of circular shapes with more graphic lines softens the home’s modern mentality, making it undeniably chic, yet completely comfortable.

The large master bedroom suite was a previous addition. However, creative design changes allowed for his-and-her offices, closets and bathrooms. “A thick chunk of floating wall accommodates the bed, with a comfy chenille headboard, two bedside tables and wall lamps,” says Kris. “For a bit of fun and whimsy,” she adds, “the new wall is peaked, highlighting a circular cutout lined in stainless steel that offers a glimpse of the new barrel ceiling leading to Chrissy’s bath and closet.”

To take advantage of the magnificent views, Kris shifted the bed to face the window that overlooks the yard. “Our bedroom is serene and tranquil,” says Chrissy. A pop of lime and buttercream adds dimension to the home’s prevalent deep chocolate and vanilla color scheme.

The fun, edgy, European-style kitchen features open storage for dishes and thick chunks of java-stained oak that serve as unique shelving for stemware. Stainless steel legs support the island, which showcases a floating glass bar top that plays with a surfboard shape.

Just off the kitchen is the stunning dining room that truly begs guests to linger, enjoying another glass of wine in front of a roaring fire. The dining table mimics the surfboard shape of the kitchen island’s glass bar top. “Subtle repetition of shapes and the use of contrasting materials create a memorable space,” Kris notes. A gorgeous see-through fireplace, completely redressed with bold new surrounds, connects the dining room with the living room.

“This home is perfect for entertaining,” says Chrissy. “It has wonderful flow and intimate spaces, such as the new pass-through butler’s pantry.

The home also works well for catered parties. But more than anything, this is a family home, a place where we can unwind with each other and with Harry. And while we didn’t know that children were in our future when we purchased this home, the biggest blessing has been having Harry here with us and a part of our lives.” Surely, everything about this home works well. It has truly become a place where the Nardinis can rest their heads and their hearts.

RESOURCES
Interior designer: Kris Keller, president and founder of The Design Source Ltd., 636-391-7640, www.thedesigsourceltd.com
General contractor: Kevin Goffstein, 20/20 Development, LLC, 314-712-3898.
Beck/Allen Cabinetry, 11626 Page Service Dr., www.beckallencabinetry.com.
The Screening Room, 10311 Clayton Rd., www.thescreeningroomllc.com.
Midwest Tile and Granite, 17253 Chesterfield Airport Rd., www.midwesttileandgranite.net.
Painting by A K Decorating and Design, Inc., 636-978-7719