From weekend adventures to work and special occasions, leather bags can be worn and enjoyed just about anywhere, making them the true workhorses of any wardrobe. But perhaps no one knows this better than artist and leather worker Kristin McDonough, who owns Hollis Leather, a local leather goods company that makes specialty leather bags and other products.  

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.

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    

This kitchen and pantry were part of a two-story, 2,000-square-foot addition to this home. The goal was to create a space for this family of five to have plenty of room to entertain. The client wanted two large islands to prep meals and additional items were added to help streamline this process. Two dishwashers, two microwaves and a hands-free faucet and garbage roll out keep busy hands clean and limit wait times. The Taj Mahal counters set the mood for the kitchen and work with the deep green separate bar area and dark bison stained cabinets.

These homeowners were looking for a kitchen that fit their lifestyle, needs and aesthetic. The kitchen redesign added a wall between the mudroom and laundry area, which allowed the kitchen to be expanded by pushing the range wall into the previously oversized mudroom. The refrigerator and freezer were then split to add balance and openness to the space. A walnut hood with a lower brass accent band sits above the 48” dual fuel range. The kitchen island continues the use of walnut and comfortably sits four chairs.