ST. CLAIRSVILLE – “The life we all wish we were living” is Kelly Cappelletti’s description of the minimalist lifestyle.

Cappelletti is owner and principal designer at Kelly’s Suite II. Her staff includes: main designer Darek Wilson, design assistant Erica DeFilippo, and office manager Courtney Colaw.

This easy living is expressed in home design by clean, neutral colors such as white, gray and pink. Simple furniture utilizing materials including reclaimed lumber and personalized touches all reflect minimalist style, according to Cappelletti.

An iconic characteristic of minimalist home design is using subway tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and even hallways. Subway tiles originated in the 1900s and are highly popular because of the clean background they create. The subtle canvas allows for customization through decorative pieces. This streamlined approach hearkens back to the 1950s, according to DeFilippo.

Cappelletti said the younger generation is driving this minimalist style movement, which is increasing in popularity with all ages. She said it began to take hold about two to three years ago and doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon.

Reclaiming and renovating older, deteriorated buildings into residential, office and retail spaces is also an aspect of minimalism. Neighborhoods like Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh, German Village in Columbus, and North Wheeling all reflect this ethos of restoration which embodies minimalism.

A perfect example of this phenomenon is the recently renovated building at 1890 E. Market St., which is across from the Belmont County Courthouse at the intersection of East Main and South Market streets in St. Clairsville.

Cappelletti and her friendly staff are ready to bring minimalist style into the homes across Eastern Ohio and the Ohio Valley. She said professional home designers often encounter the stigma that their services are beyond the means of most people.

However, Cappelletti said a professional designer can actually save money by making the correct purchases the first time. She highly recommends a client to use expert guidance because there is more to home design than copying something found in popular media, such as catalogs and home design television programs.

The studio is approaching its one-year anniversary in an elegant white house on West Main Street in St. Clairsville that dates back to the 1800s. Cappelletti and her husband, William, started her home design business 17 years ago in the garage of their home before spending 15 years uptown on West Main Street.

Kelly’s Suite II is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and by appointment on evenings and weekends. The studio is located at 235 W. Main St. and can be reached at 740-695-2776.