The Butlers knew a thing or two about basement renovation; a decade ago they’d transformed their prior home’s cellar into an impressive entertainment complex. They were happy with the finished product, but hadn’t used the space as planned. “It was more for entertaining than living,” explains Kelly Butler. When she and Brian were ready to finish the lower level of their new turn-of-this-century home, they called on husband-wife duo Jeanne and Keith Liston of Liston Construction to take 3,350 unfinished square feet from wasted space to true multipurpose living for the family’s diverse needs.

Known for traditional style, designer Tom Manche of Tom Manche Interiors in Clayton is still game for letting a client’s desires and individual tastes take him to new places. The key to ending up in a good spot is not just having a good eye, but in having his ears open too.

When updating a hundred-year-old home in an idyllic neighborhood near Washington University, there are bound to be obstacles. “You don’t know what you’re getting into, and sometimes you’re pulling horsehair insulation out of walls,” explains Jill Worobec, certified designer with Mosby Building Arts. It’s a fun challenge, especially when working with clients like Worobec’s, one of whom was so psyched about the project that she took a sledgehammer and started the demolition herself!

As far as the onset of great renovation stories go, it’s the opening line to end opening lines: “All we were going to do was knock out this one wall.” But then, it’s 5 p.m. on a beautiful summer afternoon, and you’re sitting with Susie Fandos before a reclaimed-wood wall treatment that’s tonality perfectly complements burnt-orange terra-cotta tiles and the Old World, European-inspired color palette of the now-open kitchen and exceptionally furnished dining room. And – amid all that glorious enterprise – only one thought comes to mind: Must have been one hell of a wall.

When purchasing his condo in May 2014, Steve Toedebusch was surprised he chose the first-floor unit in the Clayton high rise. After years of living in the Central West End, the Clayton location was convenient, and the building, built in the mid-1970s, featured 9-foot ceilings, great security and its own dog park where he could take his dog Edie. Even better, the condo serves as a pied-a-terre between St. Louis and his residence in Palm Springs. “This place is so convenient because I can close the door and not worry when I am away,” Toedebusch says.

Remodeling is on the rise in 2015 as more and more homeowners are taking the steps to improve one, if not several, spaces in their homes. Careful planning, sticking to a budget and enlisting the help of an interior design, architect and/or remodeling professional will ensure a successful end result. If you are considering embarking on a remodeling project, we want you to be inspired. This special before-and-after section highlights innovation and clever design at its finest.