In kitchens, light unabashedly symbolizes joyful happiness. Creating lighter possibilities within a darker kitchen was the exact mission of a St. Louis family of four when they contracted a remodeling project. Enter Ladue-based Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath designer Christine Paul and team to this renewal rescue.

Seeking a life makeover, the Lindons left their 10-acre farm in Virginia in 2016 and bought a 1904 World’s Fair showpiece house in the Central West End. “There are street parties, and it’s easy to get together with people for a glass of wine or walk over to a restaurant,” says Dr. Britt Lindon, of their neighborhood. “We have our annual Easter egg hunt that we all cook a lunch dish for. It’s extremely social and kid friendly.”

Purposeful Preparations

It was this homeowner’s dream to live on Kirkwood’s quaint North Taylor Avenue one day. For over 30 years, she loved this neighborhood with its beautiful mature trees, wide streets and cozy urban vibe. An easy walk to the downtown farmers market, a bustling train station and a slew of charming local eateries made it all the more appealing. Then, at long last, the day finally came. After moving into a new phase of life with adult children scattered around the country, she acquired a picture-perfect property along her favorite avenue.

This is the tale of two homes. One is designed as an intimately livable space for two empty nesters. The other was built to entertain, a structure frequently hosting large crowds for business gatherings and for extended family and friends.

Renovating a historic structure takes a contractor who is both left-brained and right-brained, analytical and artist, pragmatist and dreamer. As specialists in historic renovations, Ladd Suydam Contracting demonstrated all those attributes in a full remodel of an 1880s brick beauty in Benton Park.