I recently considered selling my house and while it was listed, my house caught some attention on an Instagram account called Zillow Gone Wild, and then KMOX reported about that.
UPDATE: Then Ladue News did, too!
Here’s the Ladue News article by Andrea Smith…
The whimsical, vibrant interior design of this Clayton home has gained attention across the globe, with some calling it an “‘Alice in Wonderland’ mansion.” The home was featured on the Zillow Gone Wild Instagram account followed by 1.2 million people when it was listed on the market with Kirkwood’s Tadlock Brueggemann Real Estate.
The interior designer, Michael Wyrock, says he drew inspiration from the client’s unique personal items and eclectic art collection. Wyrock is the owner and senior designer of Nistenhaus Design, a St. Louis architectural and interior design firm, and Warehaus by Nistenhaus.
“This property is such a good example of how we see our clients’ homes being an expression of them as individuals,” he describes. “The approach in this home is to bring excitement to the inhabitants of its rooms. When being met with so many examples of vibrant art and a rainbow of paint and fabrics, it’s hard for a visitor not to press on, room by room, to see what each has in store for them. So I guess in that respect, there is a story unfolding that keeps you guessing, much like a fairy tale.”
Bold color and exuberant patterns and textures define the living area shown here. Wyrock points out the dazzling portrait of the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as one of the most intriguing pieces of art in this space.
“It is such a true expression of both the subjects’ larger-than-life presence and the client’s love of fabulous execution of color and texture, wrapped up in a mixed-media piece for the ages,” Wyrock muses. “The piece was ceremoniously installed only weeks prior to the passing of RBG and in many ways will serve as a perpetual memorial of her legacy.”
The original work by metro area-based artist Zack Smithey features thousands of colorful gems representing “RBG’s strength, personality and vibrancy,” according to Smithey’s website.
Wyrock acknowledges that the colors in this space might appear excessive to some, but says the success of an interior design depends on how it makes the homeowner feel.
“Colors that are personal to the inhabitants can have literal effects on the mood of the owner and change your days for the better,” he explains. “Many people can afford to be more daring in their design choices. If your choice can make you smile, it will also be something that will spark joy in others too, and [that’s] worth the risk!”