Every home tells a story, and for these homeowners, each chapter has been defined by thoughtful design and transformation. They were no stranger to home design, having undergone several new builds and remodels through the years. 

“With each of our remodels, we’ve leaned towards a more contemporary look, but because our property is in a pastoral area, we brought in some rustic features,” she said.

Meet our esteemed panel of Kitchen of the Year Judges: 

Anne Marie Boedges, Anne Marie Design Studio, LLC

Anne Marie Boedges, President and Principal Designer of Anne Marie Design Studio, LLC, has been helping clients fall in love with their homes all over the St. Louis area since 2001. Specializing in kitchen and bath design, Anne Marie’s positive and down-to-earth approach helps clients feel anything is achievable. Her unique attention to detail distinguishes her work among the rest.

Gigi Lombrano, Gigi Lombrano Interiors    

When baker and homeowner Lia Holter bought her house with her husband, Maxwell, in 2016, they barely made any improvements. But, at almost a hundred years old, the house was due for renovation. “Until now, we had only done some painting in it,” says Lia. “So, we thought it was time to put a modern spin on the house.”  This modern spin came in the form of an entire first-floor remodel.

By Castle Design. Part of a renovation for a fun-loving family’s historical and stately home, this breakfast nook sought to be both a thoughtful extension of the kitchen where family and guests can overflow and a cozy breakfast nook for a quiet cup of coffee. Incorporating peaceful pattern play and classic colors in the Lisa Fine wallcovering, Carolina Irving banquette fabric, custom walnut table and Visual Comfort lighting, this breakfast nook is a perfect addition to this grand home.

Flow and functionality were top of the list for a young family embarking on a kitchen renovation. Anne Marie Boedges, president and designer at Anne Marie Design Studio, joined forces with the couple shortly after they took ownership of the home. The goal was to make the kitchen reflective of their personalities while keeping the design functional, warm and tasteful. “The only thing they didn’t want was a white-and-gray kitchen,” Boedges says.

Faced with an inconvenient layout, unused appliances and a lack of storage, a family of five turned to Julie Abner Interiors to help reimagine their outdated kitchen. With three young children, it was important to the couple to have an updated, livable space that exudes warmth and character.