S7, E2: Breaking the Mold with MidCentury Design

SEASON SEVEN, EPISODE TWO | Podcast Episode TRANSCRIPT

They say good design never goes out of style. In this episode of The Art of Custom, we shine a spotlight on two homes that broke the mold in St. Louis, proving that modern architecture has a place in the Midwest.

We’ll hear from Barbara Bolk, who built one of the first truly modern homes in the area after decades of traditional design trends. We’ll also revisit our conversation with Amy Desart, whose award-winning custom home became a modern masterpiece.

Both stories are about following your gut, leaning into your vision, and proving that when you build boldly, the results speak for themselves.

Barbara’s Story: A U-Shaped Modern Home

Barbara dreamed for years of a U-shaped home with a pool at the center that is visible from every room. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s lines and angles, she leaned into a clean, modern aesthetic. Architect Jim Bujelski brought her vision to life, ensuring that every angle of the home framed the pool.

Modern Home Design Highlights

• Caribbean blue pool, visible throughout the home.
• Caribbean blue bedroom walls for a resort-like feel.
• Modern stairwell with illuminated glass balusters, customized to echo details from her bar cabinetry.
• Large, airy kitchen designed for entertaining.
• A mudroom cabinet converted into a hidden dog den for her pets.

Challenges & Creativity

Vendors often told Barbara, “No one in the Midwest wants that.” But she pushed back—ordering unique materials, like turquoise and silver backsplash tile, directly from overseas when local suppliers couldn’t deliver.

Result

Her home became a local trendsetter, inspiring other modern projects in St. Louis and proving that modern design has staying power in the Midwest.

Amy’s Story: A Modern Ranch Inspired by Travel

After years of living in production-built homes, Amy wanted a house tailored to her life and passions. As an avid traveler, she drew inspiration from boutique hotels and global architecture. Working with Hibbs Homes and architect Jim Bujelski, she designed a modern ranch that was functional, timeless, and uniquely hers.

Design Highlights

• A carefully planned floor plan, developed over five years of dreaming.
• Clean modern finishes balanced with comfort and livability.
• Energy-efficient systems that lowered utility bills compared to her older home.
• Quality finishes and details that gave the home a boutique feel.

Challenges

• Unexpected soil issues during excavation.
• Budget adjustments that required scaling back certain features—without losing the home’s overall vision.
• A flooded foundation hole during early construction (which Amy humorously called her “temporary swimming pool”).

Result

Amy’s home was awarded Custom Home of the Year and featured in the Home Section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She describes it as so perfectly suited to her lifestyle that she’d “rather stay home than travel.”

Key Lessons from Modern Home Builds

• Follow your heart. Don’t let trends (or naysayers) dictate your style.
• Assemble the right team. Collaboration between builder, architect, and client ensures alignment on vision and budget.
• Expect the unexpected. Soil conditions, weather, and budget adjustments are all part of the custom building journey.
• Invest in efficiency. Modern homes can deliver not just style, but also lower energy costs and healthier living environments.

From Barbara’s pool-centered retreat to Amy’s wanderlust-inspired ranch, these homes prove that modern architecture has a lasting place in St. Louis. The takeaway? Build boldly. Trust your instincts. And create a home that feels like you.

In our next episode, we’ll explore how Hibbs Homes gives back to the community through our Hibbs Gives program because building homes is only part of the legacy we’re creating.

OUTRO: For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.