Photos: At Home with Laura and Ken Wilhelm in Des Peres
When Laura Wilhelm's parents decided it was time to move to a one-story home, she and her husband Ken decided to keep the house in the family. Although the home underwent an extensive remodel, it still remains a gathering place for family and friends.
The kitchen overlooks the family room in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A large sectional fills the family room in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The spacious and bright kitchen includes glass-front lighted cabinetry, clean white countertops and two large islands with seating for the whole family.
Flowers decorate the second island in the kitchen of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The home’s new open floor plan includes a dining area with seating for eight, the chef’s kitchen with two large islands, and a new family/TV room where the garage used to be.
A cabinet is filled with family photos next to the dining table in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A decorative light hangs above the dining table in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A tea set it arranged for Laura Wilhelm's sisters' grandchildren to come play at her home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
Laura Wilhelm's mother painted what her home in Des Peres looked like when Laura was growing up, as seen on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Changes were made when Laura got the house from her parents and remodeled it. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
This cozy sitting area next to the home’s original fireplace is special to Laura Wilhelm as it was a common gathering spot for her family growing up. “This is where we hung out and chatted a lot,†she recalls.
A coffee table is decorated in the fireplace sitting area in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The front sitting room in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A decorative vase in the front sitting room of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
Laura Wilhelm displays her mother's piano in her home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Laura grew up in this house and kept certain items after getting it from her parents and remodeling it. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The wall along the staircase is decorated with a mirror, cabinet and chair in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A cabinet is decorated between two French doors in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The first floor bathroom in Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The primary bedroom is awash in white.
A beaded decoration hangs on the bed frame in the primary bedroom of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The newly added primary bath features a freestanding tub and separate glass-enclosed shower. Laura chose the black and white patterned floor tile for visual interest.
The double vanity in the primary bathroom of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A porch stretches across the front of the Wilhelm home.
The Wilhelms’ goldendoodle, Josie, relaxes on the expansive front porch, which is outfitted with potted palms, hanging chairs and rockers.
Chairs hang on the front porch of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A sign Laura Wilhelm's mother hung by the front door when she lived in the Des Peres home was rehung after Laura remodeled the home, as seen on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
The backyard is the perfect spot for parties and family gatherings with a swimming pool, deck and built-in bar. It was the site of Laura and Ken’s wedding when her parents still owned the home.
The outdoor bar by the pool at Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
A sign hangs by the outdoor bar next to the book at Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
Chairs and plants decorate the walkway by the back porch of Laura and Ken Wilhelm's home in Des Peres on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Photo by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com
Laura Wilhelm’s parents built this covered deck overlooking the swimming pool and backyard for outdoor dining and entertaining. Two of the Wilhelms’ three sons attend college at Ole Miss and they proudly fly the university’s flag.
Laura Wilhelm poses with her dog Josie on the front porch.
Allie Schallert
Videographer/Photographer
The house and its furnishings are nearly all white with accents of beige, aqua and black in a beachy, shabby-chic style.
