Made by the Lake

On Smith Mountain Lake, one house stands out. Unlike other 1980s-era McMansions, this developer-occupied estate exhibited quality craftsmanship, elegant architecture — not to mention panoramic views of one of the state’s most popular lakes. “My clients coveted it for years,” admits St. Louis-based designer Robert Idol. The couple was living in a condo on the lake nearby when a for-sale sign went up, and they didn’t waste any time making an offer on their dream home. 

Statement Ceilings

Adding a special ceiling treatment can transform a room from top to bottom, whether using paint, wallpaper, wood or another material of your choice. For our September issue, we asked local design professionals if statement ceilings were a classic or a craze. Here’s what they had to say.

Classic