LAKE FOREST LEGACY

The historic neighborhood of Lake Forest is known as one of St. Louis’ first subdivisions. With its meandering streets, 100-year-old trees, and sprawling lawns, it feels worlds away from its urban surroundings. It’s an easy place to put down meaningful roots, and as the homeowners of this Lake Forest home will attest, it’s a difficult place to leave.

After many years, the homeowners, with their teenage children and oversized Golden Retrievers, were starting to outgrow their historic Tudor Revival home. While grand, the home did not meet the needs of modern living. The existing kitchen was small and there was not a central gathering place for family and friends.

The homeowners contemplated moving, but eventually realized they didn’t have the heart to leave their home that was host to so many cherished memories. An expansive addition was planned to create a chef’s kitchen that would be open to the new great room and large outdoor terrace.

The design team was challenged to make this new addition feel as though it had always been a part of the home. From leaded glass windows, to exposed decorative beams, classical elements were incorporated throughout the project.

Hand-forged iron chandeliers and pendants from Ironware International make a statement in the kitchen and great room and blend seamlessly with the home’s original black iron fixtures. Terrazzo floors we expertly laid in the new kitchen to perfectly match the home’s existing patterned flooring.

In the great room, soft upholstery pieces are juxtaposed with rustic iron and reclaimed wood side tables. Historic textiles, such as Lewis & Wood drapery fabric – a complete reproduction of an 18th century palampore print – add stately elegance.

Now, this Lake Forest estate is lovingly reimagined with modern function and convenience, all the while celebrating its historic charm and grace, and leaving a legacy for generations to come.