7424 Somerset Ave.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, and it would be equally foolish to think the elegant, traditional faÇade of Alan Brown’s Clayton home will tell you all you need to know about what’s inside. Behind the brick and lush landscaping, you’ll find innovative angles, open spaces and striking architectural details. Brown has created a unique space that reflects the home’s innovative design.

How long have you lived in the home?
AB | Since 2004

What attracted you to the house?
AB | Its incredible interior and traditional exterior. The entryway has two beautiful columns, and the wood beams in the living room are just stunning. It’s contemporary and unique. I think it’s a special house.

What is the neighborhood like?
AB | It’s probably the friendliest place I’ve lived, especially this block of Somerset. About twice a year, there are neighborhood gatherings at someone’s home. Everyone is invited, and most of the block shows up. People bring food and just hang out.

Have you renovated or updated much?
AB | Lots! The master bathroom has been completely redone. The guest room and the bathroom upstairs were totally pink—pink walls, pink carpet, pink tile— and that has all been taken out. The entire kitchen has been redone, and I changed the flooring in the entryway. And almost all of the lighting in the house is new.

How would you describe your decorating style?
AB | The house is very inspiring, so I wanted to make the art match the interior. If you look at the art, it’s colorful and modern. The couch is a nontraditional shade of blue. I think I’ve kept with the modern and contemporary theme.

What is your favorite room?
AB | I’d have to say the living room. The columns and the beams in the ceiling are breathtaking. I love to have movie nights there. I used to have a 100-inch screen and projector set up over the replace. I also love the master bedroom. The architect incorporated many different angles, and it’s very unusual compared to the box-type bedrooms that most other homes have. There is just so much character to this house.

What do you like about the outdoor space?
AB | There’s a small koi pond in the fenced- in backyard, and I like to watch and feed the sh. There is a magnolia tree in the front. Sometimes magnolias struggle in Missouri’s climate, and I actually did have some difficulty with this one. At one point, I thought it was dead, but then new growth sprouted. There’s a decent-sized tree regrowing now. The neighbors were very excited to see it come back!

from the agent: “While its exterior is traditional, this residence has the one-of-a-kind, open floor plan you’ve been searching for in Clayton. —Bruce Butler