Don’t mess with perfection. After rehabbing multiple old houses—and selling countless more—realtor J. Warner understands the truth to the old adage. So when he and his partner, George Hettich, found their current Clayton home, they knew to leave well enough alone, preferring instead to allow the house’s elegant proportions and sophisticated details to speak for themselves.

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home where family and friends gather to nibble and nosh while sharing stories and making memories. With an Italian heritage, a deep love for food and a propensity for entertaining, homeowner and interior designer Mary Tramelli is definitely one of those people. But her tiny (123 square feet) kitchen posed a problem. “It meant that I was alone in the kitchen while the party went on without me,” says Tramelli, who was forced to prep food in the small space and then bring it out to guests. She knew a remodel was long overdue.

Chandeliers aren’t just for formal dining rooms. Now incorporated into bedrooms, bathrooms, foyers and even outdoors, the lighting fixtures can be found in a variety of styles to fit any room’s furnishings.

“Pewter is a wonderful metal, and one that’s becoming very high style,” says B. Davis owner Barb Davis. “The style, however, has changed dramatically since the '70s,” Davis adds, pining that this detail makes pewter all the more interesting to collect.

Silver, concurs C.J. Knapp, ASID, senior interior designer and creative director of Savvy Surrounding Style, is losing ground. “Metals are becoming muddier in feeling. As such,” Knapp says, “silver is being replaced by pewter and bronze.”

Washington Universty Lopata Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri
Photography by Alise O’Brien

Cutting edge, innovative and progressive are the best terms to describe avant-garde design. By incorporating one avant-garde item into your room design, you can breathe fresh air into a space. Or, add several accents for an inspired new look.

one: Eufaula rectangular chandelier, by Curry & Co., from Metro Lighting.

two: 5 o’clock shadows wall art, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.