Sometimes, it pays to wait—especially when hunting down your ultimate dream home. After a two-year search involving multiple options and communities, St. Louis couple Wendy and Mark Gellman still couldn’t find the features and feel they were looking for. But things started to click when they heard about the newly anticipated vision for downtown Chesterfield and saw previews of the Waterfront at Wildhorse Village. “Once we saw the plans, we could not unsee them,” says Mark. “We knew this was the style of home and community we wanted to live in—an incredible combination of an urban development flanked by two lakes with picturesque views of the water, recreation trails, parks, an amphitheater, and long-term plans of shopping, restaurants and activities all within walking distance.”
Opting to build one of the new village’s 35 single-family homes, the Gellman’s 4,824-foot-property faces the main lake and includes an alley-loaded garage. “McKelvey Homes was our builder, and they did a fabulous job,” says Wendy. “The modern architectural style displays a colorful combination of Nichiha siding, stone, stucco and traditional siding. Although our tastes are not ultra-contemporary, we wanted to stay consistent with the exterior, so we kept the main areas neutral while having some fun in the smaller spaces. We avoided anything too trendy to keep the décor as timeless as possible.”
With a contemporary backdrop palette of black, white and gray, the interiors implement strategic pops of color to add vibrancy and personality to the spaces. The entire home features stunning views, with a first-floor lanai and a second-floor deck off the primary suite overlooking one of the two large lakes, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Additionally, a private courtyard on the side of the house offers a secluded outdoor space perfect for relaxation or entertaining. “We walk right out our front door onto a walking path around the lake that connects to other trails in the area,” Wendy adds. “Needless to say, our dog is equally as happy with our new place.”
The overall setting began as a baseline package from McKelvey Homes, with options to personalize finishes and modify the layout. “The Gellmans wanted to turn it up a notch to make it more custom,” says designer April Jensen, CEO and founder of ADJ Interiors, enlisted by the homeowners to spearhead the interior design direction. “What we created is timeless, streamlined and not overly fussy. The couple wanted to step outside their comfort zone and create a home that seemed a bit more modern yet still cozy and welcoming for family and friends.”
The interiors combine soft, versatile tones with bold accents, generating an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. The owners’ wish list included spacious open areas for watching TV and entertaining their large family during the holidays, plus multi-purpose areas for their favorite pursuits like cooking, reading, art collecting and casual gatherings. The furniture had to be comfy but not heavy, with plenty of cozy colors and textures. “We like our home to be inviting and very comfortable, both for us and our guests,” says Wendy. “So, we made sure to sit in each piece of furniture before buying—which even involved a trip to Chicago just to sit on a barstool. And our kids have great hangout areas in the lower level and upstairs loft.” The home’s well-balanced mix of woods, metals, ceramics and glass translates to a relatable and livable aesthetic without appearing overly decorated. A dramatic surprise awaits in almost every room, whether an unexpected wallcovering, vibrant paint color or the whisper-soft blue hues defining the primary bedroom.
“We love working with discerning homeowners like Wendy and Mark who know what they want. They were one of the first to purchase our new innovative Signature Series which features modern designs never seen before in St Louis. Our Mckelvey team worked closely with the Gellman’s and their designer to create a spectacular home customized to their personal desires” says Charlie Brennan, C.O.O. of McKelvey Homes.
The couple’s diverse art collection infuses color and interest into each room, with accent shades of blue and teal accentuated with gold finishes, creating eye-popping pizazz. The stone fireplace surround in the hearth room connects with the landscape palette, and sliding doors allow easy outdoor access, enabling entertaining throughout the seasons by merging the patio with the interiors. In the kitchen, quartzite countertops with caramel and charcoal accents contribute lustrous warmth and a sense of continuity, contributing to the home’s multiple layers of texture and color. “We travel often, and many ideas came from hotels, restaurants and even airports,” notes Wendy. “April’s help was invaluable in making certain changes to the floorplan to ensure the home would meet our family’s needs with the most usable space. She made sure the whole house would flow together.”
“The homeowners and I discovered that we are not afraid of the unexpected when it comes to design,” April jokes. “By adding a bold accent wall off the entry, the study becomes a cheerful moment when you walk in the door. And in the primary bedroom, a surprising geometric wallpapered ceiling creates a splash of bold playfulness while maintaining a level of sophistication with serene furnishings and paint color.”
The property embodies both luxury and functionality and caters to a family-oriented lifestyle. A private side courtyard, created with the help of Outdoor Creative Design, offers a secluded area for outdoor activities. While the lanai and deck provide scenic spots for relaxation and social gatherings, making it ideal for a dynamic yet serene lifestyle. “There were a few must-haves that we were not willing to budge on—one of those being the outdoor living spaces,” says Wendy. “This home definitely checks that box with a front porch lanai, a balcony off our primary bedroom and a center courtyard with a wood-burning fireplace, outdoor bar and grill. It’s hard to decide where to have my glass of wine.”
“We will never forget after we sold our home and were living down the street in temporary housing, we’d walk down to our new home every evening while it was being built,” Mark recalls. “Memorable or not, we spent thousands of hours picking out every color, tile, appliance, fixture and doorknob. It was unforgettable, fun and exhausting.”
When guests enter the Gellman’s new abode, they immediately notice the attention to detail and thoughtful design choices throughout every room. “One of the most enjoyable and creatively rewarding aspects of this project was the ability to customize the home to fit the couple’s needs,” notes Gia. “Seeing the joy and excitement on their faces as their vision came to life—and knowing we tailored this house perfectly to fit their lifestyle and preferences—was a meaningful standout experience.”
