The story of this cottage is truly special. Tucked away in a valley that is home to a community of people who have grown up with each other generationally. It’s a place that has no lack of love and is even where you can find Owner Jenny’s thinking road. Since the community is rooted in its rich history, the homeowner wanted to stay true to the valley’s spirit, but also make it a functional space that fit the family’s personality. In the beginning, the historic cottage had one main room, a porch, and was built on the original tent platform. With uneven floors, rotting boards, and water damaged walls, there was quite a bit of rehab work to do. To see more before pictures, head over to our before & after portfolio. To make the space feel more open and airy, Jenny opened up the kitchen to what was once the main room. This allows for optimal gathering space for the father and sons. To make the space really come alive, pieces of the old and new are found throughout. The trunk, which is being used as a coffee table, is original to the cottage and even has handwritten notes […]

For some, the early stages of considering a remodel project can feel like a personal Indiana Jones adventure. Searching through the deep dark caves to find the legendary crystal skull, or in this case, a #NothingOrdinary kitchen, bath, or wherever space. Whatever your design dilemma, the Karr Bick family is here to help guide you along the way. Few people realize that home designers are all very different creatures. There’s a special skill set needed when it comes to home design. Some designers and builders are short on design skills and long on building expertise, while in many other cases, design talent and training doesn’t necessarily come with technical skills. While these professions revolve around home and building design, there remain some skills that necessitate the hiring of one over the other. Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath designers are masters of their home designing domain. Hiring Karr Bick ensures a smooth transition from dreams to reality. Here’s the how, why, and helpful distinguishing characteristics in the home design profession. Skills Karr Bick Designers Master: Space Planning Karr Bick designers are experienced in interior space planning and additions. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or adding a family room, our designers […]

There’s nothing better than a classic home renovation. For this local family, the kitchen is their cornerstone. After a long day, everyone gathers to create and enjoy a meal together. In order to help reflect the special meaning they felt in this room, the family decided that a remodel was needed. To ensure enough space to come together, Owner Jenny added an island that is slightly taller than normal. All the family members were blessed with height, so this customization is perfect. The island also needed to be multifunctional as the kitchen is the place they cook, eat, do projects and wrap presents. The light fixture makes the room feel polished and delicate. Classic marble countertops add a sense of elegance and are paired perfectly with brass accents. Deep navy cabinetry contrasts against the crisp white in the marble, while bringing a calming effect. The range hood, featuring a refined pattern, is made of printed marble. This special detail makes the space feel unique and personalized. It’s truly a #NothingOrdinary element. With several windows, the kitchen feels open and flows cohesively with the surrounding rooms. Beside the oven, you can find a window seat. It was incorporated to connect the […]

This year has been unlike any other. With COVID-19 disrupting the lives of every single person, we were faced with new challenges, hardships, and obstacles to navigate. Along with this though, we had the opportunity to spend time with family, learn new lessons, and build up our resilience. This has truly been an unforgettable journey. In light of everything, we’ve taken the time to reflect on the joys this year brought us. February The biggest event in February for us was the Design STL’s Architect & Designer Awards, ADA Awards. Owner Todd won Best Millwork for the family’s home bar. Designer Wendy had 3 nominations in the final round, and won Best Powder Room. Designer Janelle was a finalist in two categories, Traditional Kitchen Greater than 300 sq ft. and Traditional Bathroom Greater than 150 sq ft.. We couldn’t be more proud of the amazing work our team has done! September To kick off the Fall season, we welcomed Ashley Willman Obradovits to the team and announced the launch of our new Interior Design department. Ashley, daughter of the late accomplished local designer, Sonja Willman (Summer House), is carrying on her mother’s legacy with her own touch. October The Karr […]

Sometimes decorating for the holidays can seem like a daunting task. It can make the most wonderful time of the year more like a chore. Or maybe you couldn’t be anymore like Cindy Lou Who and hanging the ornaments come naturally to you? Whether you’ve already started decking the halls or don’t know where to start, these tips are perfect to help on your decorating journey. Our Easy Holiday Tips The Old & New If you’ve read our Halloween or Thanksgiving decorating blogs, you know that we’re a huge fan of mixing and matching the old with the new. Not only does it bring a sense of effortless simplicity to a space, it can also be super cost effective. By using pieces, such as some old silver platters, in your decorations, you’re saving yourself some time and money. Some of our favorite things to incorporate include vintage candle holders, aged silver, and antique ornaments. Bring On the Greens With a season filled with holly, mistletoe, and various trees, it’s the perfect time to use festive greenery in your home. For the front door, a wreath is always the classic way to go. If you want to go with a specific […]

We have another paint collection for you! In the past, we’ve shared our designer’s favorite whites, neutrals, and blues. This time, the designers pulled together their favorite greens… and boy are they incredible! Known to bring a sense of renewal, peace, and growth, green is perfect for every space. Below, you’ll find some of our designer’s amazing greens. Designer Wendy’s Color Choices: When asked about her favorite greens, Designer Wendy immediately said, “Green tones are my favorite!!” Her picks are perfect to bring an earthy touch to any room. If used for cabinetry, Wendy suggests going with something that has a greyed out tone. Ben Moore- Soothing Green Farrow & Ball- Vert de Terre Sherwin Willams- Foxhall Green Designer Janelle’s Favorite Greens Designer Janelle’s green picks are truly #NothingOrdinary. Each bringing their own richness to spaces. Benjamin Moore’s “Dakota Shadow” is lovely to use on furniture, cabinets, or walls. Sherwin Williams “Roycroft Bottle Green” speaks of luxury. If you’re looking for the perfect sage green, Farrow & Ball’s “Calke Green” is the pick for you. Farrow & Ball- Calke Green Benjamin Moore- Dakota Shadow Sherwin Williams- Roycroft Bottle Green Designer Deb’s Picks: When it comes to Designer Deb’s favorites, there’s […]

This year has been… a mess. We’ve all faced new challenges and have been forced to adapt to the ever changing state of the world. Through all of this, we’ve been trying to focus on what makes us happy, what we’re thankful for, and the positive outcomes. In honor of Thanksgiving, we’d like to share some of the things we’re grateful for. Owner Jenny “I think there has been a bright side to COVID. I wouldn’t have enrolled my kids in a private, which has turned out to be really healthy for them. People wouldn’t be home looking around and finding a million remodel projects. In June, we got to visit Yellowstone. Due to COVID, it was almost empty. It was the most wonderful family vacation we have ever had. We’ve also had some amazing family movie nights, because the world was closed. I am grateful for all the people I work with every day. They can find humor in anything, everyday life or a global pandemic. We raise each other up and keep each other going.” Designer Wendy “I was thankful to get to spend Spring working from home and watching my beautiful flower beds bloom. It was nice […]

As a day filled with all things dark, spooky, and haunted, Halloween is the perfect day for a witching party. Gather all your friends and family to enjoy and celebrate. In honor of Owner Jenny’s favorite holiday, we’ve compiled some of our favorite festive tips, table setting ideas, and a list of the items in our shopping carts. Remember, it’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus! Spider Ice Cubes: A fun way to add spook to your drinks is to add fake spiders to your ice cubes. All you need to do is pop a spider in an ice cube tray and add water. Let them freeze, and pull them out right at party time. Little details like this make your party seem really thought out, when all you really did was make ice! Plus, the kids will go crazy for them! We’ve included the perfect spiders at the end of this post for purchase. All Out Decorating: Nothing is better than a well decorated party. Immediately upon arrival, you want your guests to be wowed. In addition, good decorating can really help set the scene for a good party. Your decorating can range from Doctor Hyde’s Lair to […]

Fall: The season of pumpkins, apple picking, scarecrows, and colorful trees. With such warm colors and textures to play with, Fall decor looks great in every home. Plus, it’s the season of one of our favorite holidays. As we’re sure some of you already know, Halloween is Owner Jenny’s favorite holiday to decorate for. All things spooky and scary are right up her alley. On All Hallow’s Eve, you’re sure to find some creepy vintage decorations, elaborate costumes, and hauntings galore at Jenny’s house. Below, you’ll find some festive Fall and frightening Halloween decorating tips and tricks! Create a Scene One of Owner Jenny’s favorite tips for Halloween decorating is to create a scene. Draw inspiration from one of your favorite festive movies. Whether that be Hocus Pocus, Haunted Mansion, or Practical Magic, think of different ways you can create a narrative. This year, Jenny created a skeleton dinner at her dining room table. With nice place settings, spider webs, and spooky details, the two skeletons look like they’re having a great night out! Have Fun Just like with any decorating, it’s important to make sure you have fun. Allow yourself some creative freedom to explore different holiday fun. For […]

When the valley is in flow, the sun gently shakes hands with the lush greens and rocky surface of the bluffs. During this time, all the Earth’s natural hues are vibrant. The crickets are always active with their daily song, the blue of the sky contrasts gracefully against the freshly cut grass used for frisbee games, and the pool water provides a crisp release from the sun’s warm hug. When the valley is in ebb, the lighthouse breaks through the darkness to welcome the community home. The cricket’s song still rings true but with greater volume. The warm cottage lights provide sanctuary to rest from the flow of the day, and the crackle of a bonfire can be heard only if passers listen closely. Like everything, the valley constantly experiences these ebbs and flows. Each day, month, season, and year undergo this process. While each cycle brings its own form of evolution, there are a few things the valley will always be home to: love, memories of sweet summertime bliss, family, and harmonizing crickets. Within this valley, there is a road where Owner Jenny does her best thinking. It carries the same comforting feeling that the valley homes, but has […]