In 2005, Paul Mills and Mary Faller purchased their dream home, a two-story spec in Creve Coeur built by Berkley Construction. “I couldn’t believe at such a young age we had this beautiful, big home where our children would grow up,” recalls Faller, a physician who had graduated from medical school just a few years earlier. “It had everything we wanted so there would be no need to move.”

Redecorating a child’s room can be tricky; not only should the design age with them appropriately, but also function for them at the moment. Throw in the design opinions of your 7-year-old daughter, and you have the experience of interior designer Candice Wideman of Youtopia Designs.

SLHL: How did you get into interior design?

After 18 years of using her master bath, the client was ready to breathe some fresh air into the outdated bath construction with builder-grade materials. She was seeking a relaxing space where she could get ready for work each morning and unwind after a long day. Design firm, Youtopia Designs, along with Berkley Construction focused on making the new design fresh and modern. A freestanding tub was also a must for the homeowner.

SLHL: Please share an experience that was a major influence on your career decision.

After a dozen or so years in her St. Louis home, Dawn Weinhardt, co-owner of Weinhardt Party Rentals, was ready to freshen up around the house, starting with an outdated master bath. A head-to-toe makeover in the summer of 2017 took the room from dim and dull to bright black and white. It’s now a modern gray-tone bathroom with a mix of just enough femme frill and mild machismo to make the space a haven for just about anyone seeking a quiet retreat.