Center of Attention

It took four years of searching — yes, four whole years — but after watching and waiting for the right property to come on the market, Dana Jones, owner of Flavor Dance Studio and professional home renovator, finally found her dream kitchen hiding away in a historic Clayton duplex. And all she had to do to make it perfect was figure out how to navigate the red tape that comes with remodeling a historic home and complete a total conversion of said duplex into one, big cozy home. With the help of interior designer Joni Spear of Joni Spear Interior Design, it was a piece of cake.

Whether you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling the one you’ve got, choosing a countertop is a big – and expensive – decision. National Kitchen & Bath designer Ashleigh Schroeder weighs in on the pros and cons of five popular surface materials for your home’s busiest space. 

After the last of their three children flew the coop, Kathleen and Jack Davis decided it was time to scale back and build the cozy forever home they dreamed of.  The pair found an empty lot in Kirkwood three blocks from the lively downtown scene and immediately started envisioning a beautiful bungalow and weekly trips to the Farmer’s Market. When the Davis duo met the owner of the lot, Monte Herring of Herring Design and Development, their dream quickly changed from a bungalow to a modern farmhouse. Why the sudden change of heart?

Ditch the upper cabinets in favor of sleek, open kitchen shelves that will display your dinnerware, pots, pans and more. Open shelving keeps your kitchen feeling light and airy.

1. Cook's kitchen, by Artichoke, Photography by Marcus Peel.

2. By Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath. Photography by Alise O'Brien.

3. By Mhouse, Inc. Photography by Stephani Buchman.

Peabody Opera House, St. Louis, MO
Photography by EverGreene Architectural Arts