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Category 20 / Best Wine Cellar
Winners: Laura Neri Baebler Architects & Associates, 338 S. Kirkwood, 314-909-4979, lnbarchitects.com; Beck/Allen Cabinetry for two projects, 633 Spirit ofSt. Louis Boulevard, 636-519-1611, beckallencabinetry.com
The Baebler Project: The goal: Create a showcase for a 1,000-bottle wine collection with a tasting area. Challenges included a stairway that ended too abruptly, was too close to the foundation wall, and blocked the cellar entrance.
The architects opened the stairway with an entry arch leading into the tasting room. Design features include archways and barrel-vaulted ceilings, a brick wall, crafted cabinetry, and a vaulted passageway. Curving brackets and arched seeded glass echo the vaulting. For visual warmth, the architects used hand-hewn wood flooring, running the short dimension to add the perception of width, to tie the wine storage and tasting areas together. An antique wall fountain became the inspiration for an elegant place to rinse wine glasses.
Beck/Allen Project 1: The lower-level bar: The goal was to provide ample seating for entertaining large groups. Panels and molding were installed in order to conceal structural columns, which were balanced by false columns. Oversized corbels were placed at the bar sink, and the finish selected coordinated with the owner’s antique pieces. The appliances were hidden, and the television was mounted behind a mirrored backsplash.
Beck/Allen Project 2: The main-floor bar: Here the builder added inlays; beaded molding; mirrored, textured glass in the cabinetry and a rubbed, distressed finish. With extra depth in the counter and wall cabinetry, there was room to accommodate audiovisual equipment.
Category 21 / Best Children’s Room
Winner: Interiors by Decorating Den, 15630 Sugarridge, 636-519-4090, decoratingden.com
The Project: The 8-year-old daughter wanted an elaborately draped bed. Her father wanted to use the existing white furniture but add built-ins, including a window seat, storage space, and a desk area.The color was dictated by her favorite Pottery Barn Teen bedding.
After discussing various options and budget, the built-ins were a go, but it was necessary to get creative on the draped bed. A design with ceiling tracks, installed on either side of the bed, limited the amount of fabric and therefore the expense. By letting the tiebacks down, the sparkly sheers could be drawn for the desired privacy and princesslike feeling.
An awning-style valance fit the window-seat area and was installed with a removable bottom rod so the shutters could be opened. Fabrics were chosen to coordinate with the selected bedding. The new window seat was designed with a lift-top for additional storage, and a cushion was ordered to make the bench a comfy spot to read and relax. In addition to the requested green wall, the backs of the new bookcases were painted blue to add interest.
The Judges Wrote: “Love the color scheme. Consistent throughout room. Well-balanced.” “Nicely done.”
Category 22 / Best Traditional Interior Design
Winner: Jamieson Design Associates,4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777
The Project: The client, a bachelor, wanted dramatic, comfortable spaces for his new neo-Georgian home and to build a collection of fine and decorative arts. The designer, chose the early 19th-century neoclassical decorative style for its clean lines, coupled with its strong sense of architectural form. Contemporary art balances the formality of the style and downplays the importance of the furniture and antiquities.
Mr. Jamieson chose to create a somewhat monochromatic backdrop by keeping color contrast to a minimum and in order to further downplay the formality of the furniture and art. The collection contains fine examples of French Empire, Biedermeier, Italian Empire, and American Classical furniture.
The Judges Wrote: “A strong overall vision!” “Elegant. Clean. Scale right and cohesive. Palette soothing.” “Well-balanced, clean lines, monochrome but with purpose.”
Category 23 / Best Contemporary Design
Winner: Studio|Durham,1856 Menard, 314-664-4575, studiodurham.com
The Project: See Category 3.
The Judges Wrote: “Good clean stuff. The atrium works. Good spatial relation-ships.” “Sleek. Well edited.” “Modernist with consistent narrative throughout.”
