This 30-square-foot powder room was in need of a refresh, and the family’s lively and colorful personalities provided plenty of inspiration for Youtopia Designs and Home Maintenance Solutions. The designers chose a matte porcelain tile that simulates Calacatta marble for the flooring, which helped neutralize the matte black picket tile that lines the bottom half of the walls. A sumptuous floral print wall mural covers the top half of the walls brightening up the small space. The mural serves as the statement piece and is accentuated by the lacquered turquoise vanity.

Apart perhaps from the carnival funhouse, homes should avoid lopsided surfaces, slanted walls and other oddities that throw off the equilibrium of any given space. Laura Lee, owner and lead designer of Laura Lee Home, found herself nurturing the design balance of a home whose master bedroom had needed an update.

Classic

I believe that bidets are a classic in design. They have been a standard in Europe for many, many years and should be a standard in the United States as well. They are quite refreshing and so easy to use. Tom Manche, Tom Manche Interiors, LLC.

In 2005, Paul Mills and Mary Faller purchased their dream home, a two-story spec in Creve Coeur built by Berkley Construction. “I couldn’t believe at such a young age we had this beautiful, big home where our children would grow up,” recalls Faller, a physician who had graduated from medical school just a few years earlier. “It had everything we wanted so there would be no need to move.”

Built in 1977, the 4-bedroom ranch was a classic example of mid-century modern architecture—low-slung, streamlined and designed to integrate with its surroundings. In spite of the home’s age, the soon-to-be owner recognized its potential and acquired the property in 2019. Nearly two acres in size, the lot was beautifully wooded, large enough for a planned pool and well-oriented to capitalize on natural sunlight.

1. Tesselle Blocks Decorative Cement Breeze Blocks, often called Screen Blocks or Ventilation Blocks, are available from Tesselle in dozens of patterns, and 8 colors. They are ideal for separating and defining spaces, while providing sun protection, increasing privacy, and maintaining openness and airflow. Tesselle carries several patterns in stock, available on a first-come basis, and offers free shipping within the 48 contiguous states. Custom orders are delivered in approximately 12 weeks.