Meet DeirDre Krotz -- A St. Louis Favorite

Close-up shot of finish applied to what was once a white laminate cabinet. CRAZY!

My St. Louis favorites list is growing, this time with DeirDre Krotz, faux artist, who does the most amazing treatments with paint. Her company is called Crazy Walls.

I first became acquainted with her when I took one of her classes and she has since done work for my clients.

Her most recent work transformed a plain laminate cabinet to become a stunning old-world piece. Crazy!
Original white laminate cabinets (above)
AFTER (above) DeirDre does her "crazy" magic. Same cabinets, no joke. These are laminate, but you would never know.

I can't tell you how many clients ask me if they can paint laminate.

Yes Susie, you can! And DeirDre can help.

If you live in the St. Louis area and would like to learn how DeirDre and I can transform your furnishings, your walls and any paintable (not a word, I know, but I like it) surface, give me a call: 314-276-1129. If you live elsewhere, fly us out!

The Henken's Family Room -- featuring Ashley Furniture's Curved Sofa

It's been several months in the making, but yesterday we finally finished the Henken's family room and kitchen.
We started with one of my favorite sectionals: Ashley's curved sofa.
We teamed the curved sofa with Ashley's Jenna chairs which inspired the color scheme of red, green, yellow and tan. The walls are painted in Restoration Hardware's Bay Laurel. The area rug, about 11' by 14', was found at Rug Decor to complement the chairs. Notice the old window to the left side, it's an actual window from Joe's family home. The lamp and small table were made by Joe using reclaimed woods.
The window treatments and pillows are by Material Girl, Jeanette Longfellow. We banded the red treatments with a 12 inch block of tan fabric to mimic a valance. I love the graphic statement this makes.
Dining table (pictured above) was found at Three French Hens. The top is made of reclaimed wood -- the base was a pillar rescued from a Missou frat house. The chairs for the dining table are from Bassett. The ladder back chairs are upholstered in leather, practical dining for the children. The parents sit in the fabric chairs.
Tile back splash is subway tile laid in a brick pattern, the centerpiece surrounding the pot-filler is glass tile mosaic.
Accessories were found at Ashley Furniture and Pier One, but some of my favorite accessories were made by Joe, the reclaimed porch post lamp and small side table, seen with the Jenna chairs.
A fun find: whimsical side table that is a monkey holding a tray, found at Arhaus. Too cute! It's one of Joe's favorites.
Everyone feels at home, including the Henken's dog!

Thank you Henkens!...it's been fun. Let's do the living room now!

Want it: DOWNTOWN CHIC

I am starting something new. A running list of wish-books for my design reference library. This will be a handy list -- found on the side bar of my blog -- for friends and family who want to get me a gift!

DESIGN CHIC is reviewed by DESIGN MOM.

The cover of the book inspires me because I am getting ready to launch a design re-do of my master bedroom. I want to inject color, but I don't have the time or energy to paint my walls in the immediate future. Injecting color in the fabrics and finishes like I see on the cover of this book are likely the way I want to go.

Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis

Sitting area in lobby of the Moonrise Hotel.


Dan (husband) and I went with friends Don and Diane Wallace to check out the new Moonrise Hotel on the Delmar Loop.

The website says it "blends cool modern design and quirky sophistication to create a truly unique boutique hotel experience...The result: an unforgettable experience that combines Midwestern hospitality with urban chic and luxury boutique."

The lunar-themed decor is really out of this world. LOVE it!

It's so cool. We'll book guests here for sure.


Stairs light up and change colors. The Chihuly inspired chandelier is to die for.



The place was hopping. Great to see in this economy.