Fashion-forward homeowner Sharlene wanted to create a home that felt like her in every single detail, so she commissioned a custom house within Castle Rock subdivision in St. Paul, MO. “I wanted a space that truly reflected my personality, lifestyle and values. I didn’t want to compromise,” she recalls. “Building a custom home allowed me to prioritize quality, function and longevity in ways a pre-built home just couldn’t offer.”
With construction starting in November 2022 and finishing in April 2024, the property has 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half bathrooms and approximately 7,800+ square feet of floor space, all on a 3.77-acre lot. “My favorite part of the house is the kitchen and family room because it’s where everything comes together. Whether I’m entertaining friends or just unwinding, it feels like the heart of the home,” asserts Sharlene. “It reflects who I am and how I love to live. It’s both beautiful and functional, and I never get tired of being in that space. It’s my go-to retreat.”
She received “life-saving interior design assistance” from Tamsin Design Group’s owner and designer Tamsin Mascetti and designer Nicki Lyell. Tamsin says Sharlene was interested in a modern aesthetic that was classic and timeless. “Her chic dressing style inspired us. She wanted a luxurious home feeling, keeping function top of mind.”
Nicki emphasizes the benefits of designing the majority of the house from the ground up. “Being involved in the beginning of a custom home process is so beneficial to an overall design, allowing us to create a cohesive feeling throughout." During the building process, the two designers worked with Sharlene to modify floor plans for better function and flow. “Together we selected all interior finishes from flooring, plumbing, lighting, cabinets, countertops to door hardware. Our focus was to create an elegant, new home with unexpected details thoughtfully included,” Nicki says.
The house was constructed by Jeff Bax, owner of St. Charles County-headquartered Bax Custom Homes. He says they first worked with the building site topography to achieve Sharlene’s objective of having a flat back yard, while also getting a partial walkout from the lower level. “This homesite was very large, so we spread the garages and porte-cochere out to add more length to the home, ending up at 173 feet,” he explains.
Jeff planned the home’s layout with Nick Godat, vice president at Godat Architectural Design in Hermann, MO, but it was Sharlene’s clear vision for the home that became the driving design force. “Her preferred style was loosely based on English country homes for exterior elements, and materials chosen by Sharlene herself were used within the framework of that theme,” Nick says.
Due to the house’s combination of stone and brick, some may place it in a contemporary category. Tamsin considers the house’s style to be “transitional with a modern twist.” She adds, “Classic architectural details, such as arched openings, skew more transitional, while the modern vibe comes from dramatic lighting, tile and furniture. Overall, it has a modern, luxurious feel."
While Tamsin admits it’s tough to select a favorite element of this project because they enjoyed all of its aspects, she spotlights the foyer with a deep-red Sparta chandelier with glass spikes. “We added a coffered ceiling detail in the vestibule and formal living room. The space is spectacular, fun and works so well together.” She and Nicki also recommended a custom metal kitchen hood with inset horizontal banding in brass and dark bronze, while the alabaster Arteriors pendants over the kitchen island echo the hood’s horizontal lines. The kitchen’s rich, brown island cabinets and bronze hood balance the creamy Neolith Calacatta island tops and textured Calacatta backsplash for an overall look that is fashionable and functional.
Nick agrees that this home’s details separate it from others with similar appeal. “They reflect specifics that Sharlene felt were important, as well as the craftsmen who carried out the construction.” The home's interior central spine organizes everything while separating public and private areas in an effective way.
Relocating from a previous 1 and-a-half-story house, Sharlene says her new home felt right and comfortable from the beginning. “I have my own style, and enjoyed creating this home from scratch. It was a chance to build exactly what I wanted, with a wide choice in amenities.” Tamsin affirms: “Sharlene was a dream client, trusting and open-minded. She has such a strong, sophisticated sense of style."
Resources:
Appliances: AutCo Home
Lighting: Metro Lighting
Plumbing Fixtures: Premier Plumbing Studio
Tile: ASMI, Tile Bar, Ann Sacks
Artwork: Leftbank Art
Cabinetry: Beck Allen
Wood Flooring: Prosource
Floor Covering: Bronwen
Closet: St. Louis Closet Co
Fireplace: C. Bennett
Furniture: Century, Belle Meade, Caracole, Arteriors, Hickory White, Vanguard, Rh, CB2
Granite: SFI
