Quietly tucked within a quaint bedroom community in Illinois—just 20 minutes from the energetic pulse of St. Louis—Gaye and Barry Julian’s elegant home integrates so seamlessly with its surroundings it looks as though it’s been there for years. A surprising new build completed in 2019 after three and a half years of construction, the house blends as exquisitely with the natural landscape as it does the charming neighborhood scenery.

When interior designer Tamsin Mascetti told friends and family she was considering purchasing a tired, mid-century home that hadn’t been updated in decades, they were less than enthusiastic. In fact, “everyone told me I was crazy,” says Mascetti. “They couldn’t see what I saw.”

Others saw a Glendale house with no curb appeal, interiors so dated they still contained Cold War-area pink bathrooms, tiny inefficient windows, and a back yard with such a steep drop-off there was essentially no usable space.

These six culinary charmers are packed with originality and design details.

Platinum 

Over 400 square feet: Jessie D. Miller Interior Design 

300-400 square feet: Karr Bick Kitchen + Bath 

Under 300 square feet: Gegg Design & Cabinetry, Garrison LTD 

Gold 

Over 400 square feet: Liston Design Build 

Like everything else in this kitchen designed by Jessie D. Miller Interior Design, the island is enormous. The designer chose butcher block ends to add variety and functionality to the expanse of white marble countertops. The island is painted an olive green, which the designer chose to anchor the massive island. Custom-designed light fixtures above the island are heavy iron and inspired by vintage factory pendants. The homeowners requested a statement arched windows allowing for views of their property to be the focal point of the kitchen.

Karr Bick Kitchen + Bath designed a timeless black-and-white kitchen with accents of gold that gives a feeling of refinement and elegance. The homeowners wanted the space to be comfortable enough for coffee with their kids yet stylish enough for entertaining family and friends. Sub-Zero appliances with integrated panels provide the convenience of a large refrigerator/freezer, wine fridge and icemaker with the warmth of cabinetry, not stainless steel.

This new-build kitchen by Gegg Design & Cabinetry and Garrison LTD focused on clean lines. The space is visible from the large, open-ceiling great room, so the design had to complement the area. The designers chose clean white cabinetry accented with mid-tone rift white oak and horizontal grain center panels for a more contemporary feel. The island, hood and refrigerators were all constructed of the stained wood. Mirrored upper panels on the refrigerator fronts lighten the effect of the wood. The glass-front cabinet interiors are also rift white oak for warmth and contrast.