--- title: "Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ladd-suydam-contracting-llc-pfvwus-pf~1828875225 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1828875225.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/59c32604005a4d90_5889-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2621 Ann Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, United States" latitude: 38.6128 longitude: -90.2185 phone: "(314) 324-1537" website: http://www.laddsuydam.com rating: 5 review_count: 33 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 275 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ladd-suydam-contracting-llc-pfvwus-pf~1828875225) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** St. Louis, MO - **Serves:** St. Louis, University City, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Clayton, Saint Louis, Richmond Heights, Ladue, Maplewood, Brentwood, Shrewsbury, Glendale, Rock Hill - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (33 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2023), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves I am a general contractor who specializes in kitchen and bath remodels, basements, drywall and plasterwork, exterior trim and decks and historic remodels. We partner with an architect and design firm to give you the best product from start to finish. We believe in quality craftsmanship, superior customer service and strong communication. Our goal is to create this foundation for every project we do in order to create a solid working relationship between our crew and our customer. We believe in working together as a team to turn your vision into reality. I've been married to my wife, Jen, for 15 years. We have two beautiful children, and my family is the love of my life. I was born and raised on the east coast but moved to the St. Louis area 22 years ago. I attended college at Southwestern Illinois College, Fort Lewis College and SIU-Cabondale. Though going for my Bachelors in Biology, I couldn't get my love for building off my mind, and I've always had a passion for building and creating. Over the years, I have honed my skills building houses, working on general construction crews, building high end custom cabinetry. I've also worked at an upscale furniture retailer, where I was designing custom built furniture to suit customers' needs. I even built my first piece of furniture in the Daintree Rainforest in Australia while working there for a year. In 2009, I decided to take all of my experience and start up my own company and Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC was born. Early on, we decided that the customer experience was as important as the quality of our product. We work hard to keep communication open and clear and to keep our client in the loop and part of the team. From clearly laying out the scope of work to be done in the beginning proposal, to respecting your home and property while on the job site, to providing friendly and approachable staff, our aim is to build relationships while building our projects. Call us at 314-324-1537 to get started! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Deck Building - Basement Remodeling - Porch Design & Construction - Deck Repair - Cornice Repair - Remodeling ### Areas Served - St. Louis - University City - Kirkwood - Webster Groves - Clayton - Saint Louis - Richmond Heights - Ladue - Maplewood - Brentwood - Shrewsbury - Glendale - Rock Hill ### Typical Job Cost $30,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC | | Address | 2621 Ann Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, United States | | Phone | (314) 324-1537 | | Website | http://www.laddsuydam.com | | Followers on Houzz | 275 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/laddsuydamcontracting - Blog — www.laddsuydam.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ladd-suydam-contracting-llc-pfvwus-pf~1828875225) - **Website:** http://www.laddsuydam.com - **Phone:** (314) 324-1537 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - EPA Lead Certified Contractor, Gold Brick Award for historic rehab given by DeSales Community Housing Corporation in Fox Park, St. Louis Missouri2014: Best of Houzz Service2015: Best of Houzz Service2015: Best of Houzz Design - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2023), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 33 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Geri Dreiling, Aug. 2022** > I highly recommend Ladd Suydam Contracting for your home remodel project. We began working with Ladd about two years before we started our kitchen renovation in our historic home. Because we were taking down a load-bearing wall and significantly overhauling our first floor, we wanted to move deliberately. Ladd connected us with an architect who understood the unique nature of our home. Jenn Suydam worked with us on interior design. Throughout the project, the entire crew was responsive and professional. It was a big undertaking. With Ladd, you get a dependable, honest contractor who cares deeply about his craft. I look forward to working with them again on our next project. **★★★★★ — Marianne Przetak, Aug. 2022** > We love our new bathroom! Ladd, Jenn, Spring and their whole crew were Excellent! Dependable, on time, skilled, thorough, helpful and cooperative with every aspect of the remodel and very conscientious with cleanup. > Dealing with the challenges of my 80+ year old home - I was so glad to find Ladd Suydam and his team! **★★★★★ — Rochelle DelaRoche, Nov. 2019** > We had a fantastic experience working with Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC. From our first inquiry contact email that was answered same day with a phone call to the final walk though and punch list review, we were wowed by the professionalism, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and responsiveness. We live in a 125+ year old home in a historic district and because of Ladd’s knowledge and relationships with the architect and city officials our plans were approved on first submission. High quality subcontractors were used and they were on time, on budget, and all required inspections were passed easily. We loved working with Jen Suydam for design element selection and guidance. Jen reviewed all of my Pinterest saved images and incorporated styles I liked into a vision we could afford. I still bounce ideas off of her as I continue to decorate...I trust her great taste. They have an excellent project manager on board who communicated with us regularly and ran point on the change order process — which was pretty painless. They use the Buildertrend app so you see real time project pictures, videos, estimates, calendars, and all change orders. They went way beyond our expectations fir a general contractor and I could share a multitude of examples of the personal touch they brought to our project. We can’t imagine ever using anyone ever again..Ladd Suydam fans for life. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thanks, Rochelle! We are blushing here. We had a blast working with you on your project. You have such a fantastic home and we are thrilled we could help with making it an even more enjoyable space! **★★★★★ — Katie M., Oct. 2019** > We had the Ladd Suydam team renovate our kitchen and we could not be happier with their work. Having never done a large-scale project like this, we were extremely impressed with the design, detailed bidding process, daily communication before and throughout the project and the final result. Everyone they had on the job was very personable, professional and did quality work. We would unquestionably use them again on future projects. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you so much, Katie! We so enjoyed working on your kitchen and getting to know you! Enjoy your awesome new space this holiday season! **★★★★★ — Patricia King, Oct. 2019** > Ladd and his team just finished up a bathroom remodel and it makes me smile every time I step in the room. We began with a loose idea of what we wanted -- new vanity, mirrors, sconces and tub. Ladd helped us think through how to make it work within a budget we were comfortable with. Jen helped us find just the right fixtures. Spring kept us updated along the way. It was our 2nd project with Ladd Suydam Contracting and we hired them because they do excellent work and are extremely responsive. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you so much, Patsy! We're glad your bathroom makes you smile! That makes us smile too! You were a pleasure to work with. We truly appreciate the opportunity! **★★★★★ — User, June 2018** > We felt so lucky to have been directed toward Ladd Suydam Contracting (LSC). First off, Ladd helped us think through what to do with two rotted corbels that squirrels kept trying to live in. Previous contractors had made more expensive suggestions, including complete replacement. Ladd explained why replacement would actually be a lot more complicated for us. He recommended repair and explained the process and material. Considering that there was no guarantee that the squirrels and their sharp teeth wouldn't come back, a much less expensive repair was the best place to start. > > Ladd also gave us an estimate to demo an ancient, slat-wood closet in our basement that was covered in flaky lead paint, and watching him think through how it would be done (e.g., where plastic barriers would go, what the pathway out of the basement and through the garage would be, where the dumpster would go, what needed to be shut off for safety reasons, what clearance issues were present, etc.) was so impressive. We'd had someone from a highly rated company give us a bid for the same project, and that person never once discussed possible obstacles or how it would be done in a lead-safe way. (Just to note, the prices were comparable.) > > We accepted both projects with LSC (corbels and demo), but then had a slight snag with our municipality, which was asking for a permit (site unseen) on the demo work. Ladd offered to get involved, including meeting with the inspector and us. During that meeting, Ladd asked very respectful questions about any rules/expectations he could be sure to follow, and the inspector determined we did not need a permit. The fact that Ladd was so patient and willing to get involved with what, really, wasn't that exciting or big of a project won him huge points with us. And this wasn't even the best part of our experience! > > The day before the project when the dumpster was delivered, Ladd and his team came over, dropped off supplies, looked at the corbels, and talked in the basement for quite a while, discussing how the demo would take place. It was great to finally meet Spring, who'd been so nice and responsive on the phone; Ladd's wife; and Robb, who was the project leader. Robb was a godsend--so pleasant to be around and SUCH a hard worker! On demo day, I could hear him talking with his fellow worker about safety (need for masks, suits, etc.), while for a long, long time the two of them taped up plastic. Taping up plastic took almost as long as the demo, but after the demo, Robb took even longer HEPA-vacuuming the area. When the work was done, the area was completely clean. > > We cannot believe how lucky we were—it was the perfect experience, and we can't wait to have Ladd and his crew tackle a project in the future, something a lot more fun than a closet demo. Wish we had met them years ago! **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you so much! We are so pleased. We really strive for an en excellent client- team collaboration and work hard to keep our communication open. It's always great to get feedback! **★★★★★ — kueblije, April 2018** > Ladd, Spring, Jen and Rob were the best! Their constant professionalism and creative design suggestions combined with precise workmanship gave me confidence and peace of mind. They stayed on schedule and were thoughtful about my schedule. I also appreciated that they were "dog people" who were patient with my dog. I love the results everyday. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Than you! We are thrilled you you love your space. We strive for everything you stated, so we are quite honored! **★★★★★ — Alastair Anderson, Nov. 2017** > We have had a lot of remodelling done to our 107 year old house over the past 3 years, and hired Ladd to deal with the final phase. The contractors we used before him were very good, but we decided to use Ladd as we appreciated the transparency of his pricing, which was completely absent with the other contractors. > The overall experience was excellent - highly professional throughout, very well organised, high quality workmanship, really clean worksite at the end of each day (which was appreciated as we lived in the house throughout the project) and high quality of subcontractors. Ladd and his team are also really nice guys. A pleasure to have in the house. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you! We are so pleased that you had such a good experience! **★★★★★ — Terri Major, Sept. 2017** > Excellent experience and the job was finished on time and as promised! I live out of town so I particularly appreciated the use of Builder Trend for updates as well as the ability to pay online. Top notch all around. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you for your feedback! We're so glad you like the software we use. We're kind of tech heads. Why not use technology to keep everything running smoothly and like you said, if you're not staying in the space being worked on, it is so beneficial to see what is being done every day! Glad you are happy with the result! **★★★★★ — Cody Woods, July 2017** > Ladd and team remodeled our entire first floor (kitchen, dining room, living room, hallway, and bathroom) in the CWE. They were amazing. I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant group of people on top of their professionalism. So happy we got to work with them and can't wait until our next project rolls around because we will for sure be calling them again. Thanks for making our house a home Ladd and team! **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you for your review! We had so much fun working on your project and are thrilled you love your new space! We look forward to working with you again as well! **★★★★★ — jk, July 2017** > Ladd and his team remodeled my 1920's "bungalow". We moved out during the process and while it was a total pain the results were excellent and a much shorter time frame from other remodel stories I hear. While I was a bit frustrated about the budget and the small stuff, color of doorknobs, who is cleaning up messes left by contractors etc The results were well with it. After two months I am still happy with all of the work. Rob is excellent as is Adam, Devon and Elory. Everything they did was done right. > > Know that the process will be frustrating but try to stay focused on the end result and watch the budget like a hawk. Make sure you know who is buying everything from lights, to wallpaper to vanitys. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you so much for your review and we are so happy you love your space! Renovations can be tough, but hopefully worth it in the end! **★★★★★ — Todd Morgan, Dec. 2016** > If you are looking for a general contractor, look no further than Ladd Suydam Contracting, seriously. If you have never had to hire a contractor before, it can be very difficult to know who to call. Ladd was our 6th call in our quest and from the minute we met in person we were sure we had found our team. What a team it is!! Robb the Master Carpenter is amazing and does such great work and the attention to detail by the crew was impressive! What most impressed us about Ladd and his crew was their ongoing communication, not a day went by that we did not hear from Ladd and the Buildertrend app on our phone really helped keep us in the know. Ladd and his crew go above and beyond when it comes to cleanliness too. Any rehab is a dirty job and we expected a lot of dust during the project. While there was still dust (you'd be crazy to think there won't be) it was VERY minimal and we had a lot of demo on this project. > Our project was a first floor renovation of our home built in 1893. The house had been modified for multi-family in the 1930's and Ladd and his crew brought it back to it's original glory. We LOVE the results of our renovation!! I cannot say enough good things about Ladd, Jen, Robb, Donovan, Adam and his crew. The sub contractors that they partner with were all top notch, well respected and respectful. Our next projects are the kitchen and bathroom and we will be calling Ladd back for that work too. The best!! Thank you, Ladd. **Comment from Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC:** > Thank you for the wonderful review! We had such a great time working on your project and will miss seeing you both on a regular basis! ## Selected projects - [Benton Park 3 Story Remodel of Historic Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/benton-park-3-story-remodel-of-historic-home-pj-vj~7418670) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 18 - [Compton Heights Place Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/compton-heights-place-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~6904536) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Pool Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-pavilion-pj-vj~6710686) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [University City Bath: Modern Meets Mobility](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/university-city-bath-modern-meets-mobility-pj-vj~6678753) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Classic University CIty Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-university-city-bath-remodel-pj-vj~6717878) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Central West End Historic Porch Rebuild](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-west-end-historic-porch-rebuild-pj-vj~6096220) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 4 - [Historic Shaw 1st Floor Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-shaw-1st-floor-renovation-pj-vj~6048524) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 23 - [A Bright New Kitchen for An Historic Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-bright-new-kitchen-for-an-historic-home-pj-vj~6038003) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 10 - [Webster Groves High Contrast Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/webster-groves-high-contrast-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~5805731) - Location: Webster Groves, MO - Photos: 13 - [1920s Spanish Revival Gets a Modern Addition and Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1920s-spanish-revival-gets-a-modern-addition-and-remodel-pj-vj~5751886) - Location: University City, MO - Photos: 12 - Description: This 1920s Spanish Revival was purchased for a wonderful couple looking to retire and enjoy entertaining and family time. They were looking to expand the back of the house with an addition letting in lots of light and providing wall space for their art collection. They wanted a modern addition and kitchen renovation. - [Frontenac Kitchen Remodel-](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frontenac-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~4491508) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: This was a fun kitchen remodel- we brought a dated 80s kitchen into a more traditional and classic feel at present. The clients wanted to keep their existing island countertop that matches their fireplace in the adjoining room. We kept the counter intact and worked to make it flow with the rest of the space. We enlarged the kitchen window to let in more light and have a better view to the garden. The clients also wanted to keep their existing pantry light as it provides substantial light and it… - [Town and Country Bespoke Gable Rebuild](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/town-and-country-bespoke-gable-rebuild-pj-vj~523628) - Location: Town and Country, MO - Photos: 6 - [Central West End 2 story Atrium Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-west-end-2-story-atrium-conversion-pj-vj~2739446) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: We converted a dark 3 story atrium to a bright, detailed 2 story atrium with an office in the old open space on the third floor above. This is a much better use of space for the homeowners. This was definitely a fun project to work on! - [University City, St.Louis, Mo Full Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/university-city-st-louis-mo-full-renovation-pj-vj~2492628) - Location: University City, MO - Photos: 34 - [Tower Grove Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tower-grove-master-bath-pj-vj~1960616) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 5 - [Tower Grove Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tower-grove-remodel-pj-vj~2046991) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 10 - [Westminster 1st Floor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westminster-1st-floor-remodel-pj-vj~2213969) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 14 - [Downtown St. Louis Loft Wainscot and Trim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-st-louis-loft-wainscot-and-trim-pj-vj~646573) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 10 - Description: We added trim and wainscot throughout the living area of this transitional loft in Downtown St. Louis, MO. Trim was added to bookcases and doorway to office and wainscot was installed in entry hallway and on kitchen wall with counter seating. - [Frontenac Master Bath and Bedroom Trim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frontenac-master-bath-and-bedroom-trim-pj-vj~1790432) - Location: Frontenac, MO - Photos: 15 - [Soulard Pocket Door Fix](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soulard-pocket-door-fix-pj-vj~297290) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Photos: 5 [See all 49 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ladd-suydam-contracting-llc-pfvwus-pf~1828875225) ## Ideabooks - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31023864/list/bathrooms) — 25 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114585913/list/wish-list) — 18 ideas - [wallcovering](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17320004/list/wallcovering) — 5 ideas - [kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5515829/list/kitchen-ideas) — 64 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111655438/list/lighting) — 1 idea - [Kuebli](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91906573/list/kuebli) — 7 ideas - [bespoke cabinets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88600994/list/bespoke-cabinets) — 8 ideas - [color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88600880/list/color) — 1 idea - [Exterior Rework](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87534546/list/exterior-rework) — 7 ideas - [living room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46956087/list/living-room) — 10 ideas - [Reading Nooks and Crannies](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31214680/list/reading-nooks-and-crannies) — 8 ideas - [Creative Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5147414/list/creative-storage) — 24 ideas - [Mudroom / Built in Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15049484/list/mudroom-built-in-storage) — 15 ideas - [Fireplace spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43302043/list/fireplace-spaces) — 3 ideas - [House Styles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31790408/list/house-styles) — 16 ideas - [windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15046264/list/windows) — 9 ideas - [Stairways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56418928/list/stairways) — 1 idea - [doorways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17320776/list/doorways) — 7 ideas - [Guest house/ Carriage house/ Garage Space](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31670715/list/guest-house-carriage-house-garage-space) — 2 ideas - [Flooring / Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15044613/list/flooring-tile) — 12 ideas [See all 25 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/laddsuydam) ## Community Q&A **Q: please share this runner.** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the pattern A: Hello Michele. Unfortunately I do not have the carpet information any longer. This was from a job in 2016 and may have been purchased by the client. There are some great diamond pattern carpets out there though! It is a lovely pattern. **Q: Where did you get this tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am having trouble finding a larger than 2" white tile version of this look. Thanks A: Hi Trish! This was several years ago. I pulled up the contract- it is Dal Tile octogon with black dot. Here's a link: https://www.daltile.com/product/Octagon-and-Dot **Q: Hi, do you know what color black paint was used on the vanity?** *(in Photo Questions)* Vanity color? A: I don’t, unfortunately. But a good true black we like to use is Sherwin William’s Tricorn black. **Q: teal wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful! Would you mind sharing the wall color? Thank you in advance! A: Sure! It’s Sherwin Williams Seaworthy **Q: Help with kitchen colors please** *(in Remodeling)* Hi All! We are finally getting around to updating our kitchen and I could use some advice. Cabinets will stay Java. We are redoing the island. It will be rectangle and turned parallel to the sink/fridge wall. There will be a prep sink and cook top in it. Wall ovens will be replaced with a single oven and a microwave. Cabinet above the existing microwave will be replaced with a longer one to match the one on the left. We will be using quartz for the countertops. The kitchen is very bright-lots of natural light. I’m open to changing paint color. Support pole can’t be moved. Floors are honey oak and will be refinished to either a light raw wood or a medium neutral tone. Questions: 1\. What color quartz? 2\. What color backsplash? 3\. Should the new island be java also or is there a color that looks nice with the nearly black existing cabs? 4\. Anything else that stands out that I should consider? Thanks! A: I would consider a light quartz in some sort of marble veining- there are many to choose from- I've posted silestone's eternal calcutta gold. Both the island and perimeter counters. Your island could go the same as your cabinets, white or you could look into Sherwin Williams Loggia- it's a nice warm stone color. picture below. I would suggest an elongated white subway style backsplash- the one pictured below is from one of our jobs- it's hard to tell in the photo but it has a wave to it that bounces the light. I've pictured a warm style of pendant that you could do multiples of over your island. wall color shown is Sherwin William's Gossamer Veil. Its a nice warm and very light. Can look grey. I've also attached a photo of a paneled column. It might be nice to add some visual weight to the support column between the living room and kitchen. trimming it out could make it feel more like an established piece and not something you have to work around. My main concern with adding the cabinet in place of the microwave is making sure you match the existing style and color of current cabinets correctly. Good luck and have fun! addisonswonderland.com pinterest image- couldn't find who to credit **Q: Gray is dead to me. What's the next "it" color palette? \#seasaltsucks** *(in Paint)* I'm starting to look at finishes (paint, tile, flooring, cabinets, you name it) for a kitchen and bathroom remodel we'll probably start in 2019. I've never met a trend I didn't like, and I respect the hell out of Joanna Gaines, but I'm sick of gray, white, chevron, white, subway, herringbone, griege, nail head trim, burlap, sea salt, antlers and arrows, tradewinds, more white and all things coastal hipster farmhouse. All of that is very nice looking, classy and can be downright gorgeous, but that's the only thing I'm seeing besides the usual safe beige/wheat. I'd like to do something a little more interesting. (That does not mean I'd like to go bananas and paint my ceilings high gloss navy blue and do poured concrete countertops tinted magenta.) We have a 1957 brick rancher, I have to respect its age and style, but I don't want it to look like the set of Mad Men, either. I'm kind of in limbo. It would be cheap and easy to suck it up and do the gray & white, but I'll hate myself for caving into what's easy. Who do you think will replace farmhouse, "new" MCM and coastal? Maybe I should just paint the whole thing in kerosene and accent it with a match... A: It's good to find your baseline. What are you drawn too? When you focus on what you love, chances are your decisions will have more staying power with you. When you can make choices that are timeless- that helps as well. For example, we use a lot of subway tile- but this is a style that's been around for a long time and we happen to have always loved it. It is trendy now, but our marble subway backsplash will be something that will be classic and because I know myself, I'm confident I will still think it looks good in 10 years. (We installed it 3 years ago or more.) Just an example. I know in my own home, I always go back to a neutral palate. (I've tried bright orange walls- it was fun at the time- but never settled with me) We layer it with classic furniture, art and items from our vacations, textiles that bring texture and interest. As much as trends can be fun, we try to just stay focused on what makes us happy and what has classic elements. We've had black plaid or brown plaid for years throughout our home. We like how it is a punch against our neutral walls, it works with our camel leather sofa and works with some of our mid century pieces. It's also cozy. My point is, we pull in things that we love as a baseline and watch them go in the trendy zone and out again, but they are always classic- those that aren't still make us happy. Don't focus too much on if what you like is currently trendy or not. Yes- Chevron had its moment, but herringbone is a classic pattern- just look at pics of old Parisian apartments and the floors. As far as the kitchen goes- try to stay classic with elements that make you happy. White will always be in style. If you go for wood cabinets- try not to pick out something that is too orange (80's oak) , too red (90s cherry) too grey (the last several years) Try to pick something in a neutral and warm tone that highlights the wood itself. Pick a simple style. I put on some examples from pinterest that try to capture the feel of the wood- not necessarily the style. There are some beautiful paint options out there that aren't grey and are still neutral- Sherwin Williams Loggia, wool skein and warm stone. That was a long winded answer- but it's what I always suggest. Best of luck! Stay focused on your baseline of what you always go back to and see if you can lean towards classic! \- Jen Ps- just saw your quiz result- I tend to think of "Old world European eclectic" as : --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*