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.

The goal was immediately clear when Tina Wolff and Lauren Berry of Wolff Interiors were asked to design this elegant 3,000-square-foot condo residence: to create a sleek and simple space that would allow their clients’ spectacular artwork and custom architectural details to take center stage.

Modern vs. Contemporary: When you ask most people the difference between modern and contemporary design, they draw a blank. While the two design styles are easy to confuse, there’s one easy way to tell the difference: the age of the style itself. Modern design appeared in the early 20th century and follows more concrete design guidelines. Contemporary refers to whatever is current in design, focusing on new and innovative ideas. Many designers aiming for a contemporary home will use references to the modern interior design style mixed with new advancements.

Cozy blankets, games, coasters and more are easily hidden away in a stylish storage ottoman.