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    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.

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    When designer Kathy Israel first sits down with a client, her top priority is getting a clear picture of how the family lives before devising a plan that fits their lifestyle and day-to-day needs. As owner and principal of the award-winning Accent on Cabinets Design Group, whose client list stretches nationwide, she passionately believes that the little things can turn an ordinary project into something spectacular.

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        Delivering a cleverly modern, crisp redesign to a mid-century kitchen in Sappington allows utmost efficiency in its confined space, verifies Chelsea Smith, founder and principal interior designer of Chelsea Design Company. “I’d dreamed of ways I wanted my home to better function for my family of four. I’d even envisioned details. But I had no idea how to make that happen,” recalls homeowner Sara Hellwege. “Chelsea and her assistant, Christopher, made the picture in my mind come to life. What’s more, they helped me refine my vision and added things I hadn’t even considered.”

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    It was love at first sight when the owners purchased their Creve Coeur home on a quiet private road amidst the neighborhood’s quaint setting and beloved parklands. The classic Nantucket-style architecture and contemporary living spaces were more than enough to draw them in despite the outdated design of a partitioned kitchen, pantry space and family room.

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    At first sight, the classic architecture of this Tudor-style home in University City captured the homeowners’ attention. From the arched front door to the sunroom’s original stained-glass doors, their first instinct was to preserve the charm of this house yet also add modern elements to reflect their own personal style. So when they were set to renovate, they called on Kathleen Matthews, an interior designer of 30 years at the award-winning Marcia Moore Design firm in St. Louis.

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    The “effortlessly chic” look of a pared down space complete with clean lines, well-curated artwork and subtle yet memorable decor requires thoughtful precision and, oftentimes, a lot of hard work. Undeterred by the challenge, Jason and Lisa Noakes took up the mantel of minimalist design in their new addition to honor the history of the original 1920 house and make room for their growing boys.

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