Sometimes it’s the slightest things—a chance encounter, an inspired purchase, hiring the right professional—that can change the direction of our lives or a project.

So it was for the homeowners of this sleek, sophisticated home. As they were planning their new house, Tom Shipp and John Callahan were browsing at Metro Lighting when a Metro representative realized the two were overwhelmed at the daunting aspect of selecting every element for a custom home. The Metro rep referred them to interior designer Julie Reinecke.

Titans of Industry: The industrial revolution heavily influenced the Art Deco design era after large quantities of sleek metal became more available. Incorporate metal work into your space in both furniture and accessories, adding a sleek and shiny finish to your decor.

Joy Tribout is a design pro in many, many ways. The founder of Joy Tribout Interior Design in Belleville, Illinois, she’s a 30-year veteran of the industry, having designed primary residences and vacation homes coast to coast. She started a custom pillow line. A few years ago she moved into real estate, designing new homes from the ground up. And she’s begun a heavy focus in Naples, Florida, where she’s renovated multiple condos and worked with several local clients.

Most in-demand designers will attribute their popularity to two factors: listening carefully to clients’ objectives, then fulfilling—better yet, surpassing!— their expectations. St. Louis-based Youtopia Designs would certainly agree, but this full-service design firm takes the process a step further.

At first sight, the classic architecture of this Tudor-style home in University City captured the homeowners’ attention. From the arched front door to the sunroom’s original stained-glass doors, their first instinct was to preserve the charm of this house yet also add modern elements to reflect their own personal style. So when they were set to renovate, they called on Kathleen Matthews, an interior designer of 30 years at the award-winning Marcia Moore Design firm in St. Louis.

Many of us hesitate to boldly use color in our homes, particularly when it comes to big-ticket items like sofas or appliances. Audacious wallpaper or vivid paint hues? Forget about it. We’re afraid of making expensive mistakes, fearful a trendy shade will come and go before the paint dries or the sofa gets its first spill.