For 10 years, Carol lived within minutes of the Chesterfield villa she now calls home. It’s on the same street as her sister’s and sister-in-law’s and walking distance from pretty much everything else.

But after years of sameness, the place needed a reboot. “It had gotten to where I’d been here for 19 years and I hadn’t done anything major practically since I moved in,” Carol says. “It had gotten really dated.” Aside from recently purchased living room recliners, marble bedroom flooring and a Murano glass chandelier she purchased in Italy, she was open to most anything.

Dining benches are a practical seating solution for your dining space. Easily tucked under the table, benches can be a great option for a small space. Combining traditional dining chairs with a bench makes for an interesting, eclectic mix.

Michelle Jessup has more than 30 years experience in floral design, thanks to a creative grandmother who encouraged her eye for color and shape. 

SLHL: Where did you get your start in floral designs?

Michelle: My grandmother actually got me into it. I told her I wanted to be an interior designer and she said, “Oh, it’s too hard to get a job in interior design. You should do florals like me.” I started going to work with her when I was just a little girl and I’ve been doing it ever since. 

SLHL: Please share an experience that was a major influence on your career decision.

These five talented young professionals are the people to watch in St. Louis, producing some of the most innovative and exciting projects in town.