A time capsule of its era right down to the fully wallpapered 1970s interiors, this stately English Tudor residence nestled in the heart of St. Louis’s posh Town & Country community has stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood for five decades. But in 2023, the previous owner decided to sell the historic landmark, which was quickly scooped up by a young couple with an active family. But instead of a gut renovation, they envisioned a top-to-bottom refresh to honor the home’s history while embracing modern elegance. “We sought to preserve the Tudor character—decorative beams, leaded-glass windows and rich woodwork—while adding a fresh twist,” says the homeowner, who, along with his wife, aimed for a “modern, whimsical retreat” that balances playful design accents with the timeless charm of its Tudor architecture.
Located in a private community in St. Louis County, the dwelling spans more than 11,000 square feet across two stories on three acres of scenic landscaped grounds. To carry out their extensive remodeling goals, the owners tapped the expertise of interior designer Caryn Boultinghouse, founder and owner of the prestigious St. Louis firm Caryn Boultinghouse Design Studio. The renovation, which began in the summer of 2023 and wrapped up in fall 2024, left no space untouched. “Every bathroom was reimagined, and a new half-bath was seamlessly added between the study and great room,” says the designer. “Our goal was to preserve the home’s stunning architectural details—rich woodworking, slate floors and striking stone and brick elements—while alleviating the heavy, dim atmosphere often associated with traditional Tudor design.”
Spacious and functional, the home accommodates everyday life and entertaining on a larger scale. The carefully preserved Tudor features—steep rooflines and unique wood detailing—integrate effortlessly with contemporary finishes to enhance modern living. Soft neutrals like warm whites and taupes establish the color palette, offset by brighter hues in furniture, art and accent pieces. “From the outset, we wanted to highlight the home’s original 1970s Tudor architecture,” says the wife. “We restored and enhanced elements like the intricate wood beams and stone fireplace to serve as visual anchors. Then, we allowed ourselves room to play by selecting performance fabrics for upholstery and mixing in modern hardware finishes like brushed brass.”
Playful accents shine through via patterned wallpapers, unexpected color combinations and bold art pieces. The owners’ architectural approach generated a cohesive through-line—exposed beams, rich wood neutral backdrops—while sprinkling in cheerful flourishes that reflect the home’s cozy retreat vibe. Boultinghouse introduced clean lines, vibrant pops of color and imaginative touches that keep the historic architecture from feeling too formal. Together, they merged traditional Tudor with a more energetic aesthetic, ensuring the design never lost sight of its original charm. Neutral wall tones showcase architectural details, and carefully chosen bursts of pattern and unconventional lighting keep the interior feeling lively and unexpected. “We appreciate how the renovation honors the grand scale and historic character of a Tudor-style home yet feels bright, open and family-friendly,” adds the wife. “Whether hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, the layout supports both communal and private moments.”
At first, the homeowners' differing design preferences presented a challenge, as the wife gravitated toward light, airy aesthetics, while the husband was drawn to the moody sophistication of darker woods. Boultinghouse’s diplomatic solution was to create a harmonious blend. “Key spaces, including the main living areas, received a bright and refreshing update with painted woodwork, elegant wallcoverings and vibrant textiles,” says the designer. “Meanwhile, the study maintained its rich, masculine character, infused with a menswear-inspired palette and refined textures. The result is a home that feels both timeless and revitalized—a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary charm.”
The kitchen required a complete redesign to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. With the existing green slate floors—original to the home and with only a limited amount of leftover tile available—Boultinghouse had to be thoughtful in her approach. “For this young, on-the-go family, the kitchen needed to be highly functional while delivering a striking ‘wow’ factor, as it serves as the central hub for gatherings with friends and family,” she explains. “To honor the home’s English Tudor heritage, we infused the space with an English countryside charm.”
She also introduced tray ceilings to mirror those in the study, creating a cohesive architectural flow. Brass accents—seen in the strapping on the range hood, open shelving and lighting—emit warmth and depth. A curated collection of vintage transferware in rich chocolate brown further elevates the home’s timeless character, bringing an authentic nod to the classic English aesthetic. Serving as the heart of the home, the great room seamlessly connects to the kitchen on the right and the study on the left. The kitchen naturally extends from this central space, with a butler’s pantry creating a smooth transition between the dining room and kitchen. Throughout the entry foyer, kitchen and great room, the dwelling's original green slate flooring sets a rich, grounding backdrop, while the dining room and study retain their classic wood floors.
“Embracing the green slate as a foundation, we introduced soft blues throughout the first floor to create a cohesive, inviting flow,” says Boultinghouse. “A once-imposing dark wood bar in the great room initially felt heavy, but by incorporating a lighter blue palette, we transformed it into a warm and welcoming space—perfect for gatherings with family and friends on any occasion.”
True to the home’s original architectural era, all bedrooms are located on the second floor. For the primary suite, a balance of sophistication and comfort curates an elegant retreat that offers refined style and a cozy area ideal for curling up with a good book or a quiet refuge from the couple’s active family lifestyle. Ultimately, the two-story Tudor offers a balanced fusion of historical richness and modern-day vibrancy. Steep gables, half-timbering and traditional woodwork blend fluently with an easygoing, playful spirit—where Italian inlaid sculptures, statement wallpapers and bold lighting fixtures coexist, ensuring every corner of the house feels timeless and fresh.
“One of our favorite highlights was the post-renovation housewarming, where friends and neighbors experienced the updated spaces,” the husband recalls. “Watching them explore the interplay of Tudor details with whimsical modern accents confirmed that our vision had been realized in a way that truly resonates.”
“Adding to the fun was the family’s resident doodle, Boomer, who quickly became an honorary project manager," says Boultinghouse, "eager to walk the site with the contractor and our team or strike a pose for the occasional photo shoot. His playful presence made the renovation even more memorable, in addition to the homeowners, who were an absolute pleasure to work with, always bringing enthusiasm and trust to our design process.”
Resources:
Appliances: Authorized Appliances
Cabinetry: Perspective Cabinetry & Duanes Cabinets
Granite fabricator: Granite Heros
Granite supplier: MSI
Interior lighting: Visual Comfort
Plumbing fixtures: Immerse
Window treatments: Wise Designs
Wallpaper: Thibaut
Outdoor furniture: Lane Furniture
Outdoor lighting: Wilson Lighting
