ABODE - April 2019

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GLORIOUS

&GREEN M I T C H E L L WA L L A R C H I T E C T U R E & D E S I G N

Dive into

Divine Design OUTDOOR

Oasis

KARR BICK

KITCHEN & BATH & WHEREVER

featured mudroom designed by rebekah@karrbick.com

Create your #nothingordinary kitchen, bath or wherever space.

Start now with a free design consultation Create / 314 645 your 6545 #nothingordinary

For those who desire a beautiful heirloom quality home.

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P E R I O D R E S T O RAT I O N C O . C O M 314.704.5146 LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 |

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ABODE

CONTENTS Design Boards:

Inside Look:

Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design

Emily Castle of Castle Design

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19

Pick the Perfect Paint

25

Astounding Abodes:

How To:

Lavish Landscaping

48

Select Fine Art

14

22

Jessie Miller

16

Pool Perfection

on the cover...

Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design

37

Cover: Bathroom of the Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design featured home.

Photo by Alise O’Brien Photography

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42

30

12

Brett Clark

Outdoor Living

G.Terbrock Luxury Homes

Jenny Rausch of Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath

Designer Q&As:

Outdoor Oases:

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CELEBRATE SPRING!

GREAT PLACES. GREAT HOMES. GREAT SPACES.

CONNECT WITH US

·

· 314-725-5100 | LAURAMCCARTHY.COM | 29 THE BOULEVARD · CLAYTON LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 |

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ABODE

VICE-PRESIDENT OF NICHE PUBLISHING Catherine Neville | cneville@laduenews.com

GENERAL MANAGER Andrea Griffith | agriffith@laduenews.com

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

MANAGING EDITOR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Alecia Humphreys

| ahumphreys@laduenews.com

COPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

| bhollerbach@laduenews.com

Bryan A. Hollerbach

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

| bchristo@laduenews.com

Bethany Christo

DIGITAL EDITOR & STAFF WRITER Robyn Dexter

| rdexter@laduenews.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Conroy

| sconroy@laduenews.com

Kayla Nelms

| knelms@laduenews.com

Peggy Smith

| psmith@laduenews.com

Ann Sutter

| asutter@laduenews.com

CUSTOM CONTENT WRITER Amanda Dahl

| adahl@laduenews.com

CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER Lisa Taylor

| ltaylor@lee.net

SALES ASSISTANT Sherry Davis

| sdavis@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Drew Gieseke, Mary Mack, Connie Mitchell,

CREATIVE

Brittany Nay, Allison Pohle

ART DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL INTERN Trey Ross | tross@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dawn Deane

| ddeane@laduenews.com

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Christie Sielfleisch

Jim Corbett, Andria Graeler, Michael Jacob Photography Inc.,

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Anne Matheis Photography, Alise O’Brien Photography,

Lauren Ellsworth | Chris Oth

Photographie by Li, Emily Rose Studios, Megan Thiele Studios

ADMINISTRATION

CONTACT Ladue News, 8811 Ladue Road, Suite D, Ladue, Missouri 63124

OFFICE MANAGER Megan Langford

| mlangford@laduenews.com

314.863.3737

| LadueNews.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Courtney Eaves

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| ceaves@laduenews.com

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A S U B U R B A N J O U R N A L S O F G R E A T E R S T. L O U I S L L C P U B L I CAT I O N A D I V I S I O N O F L E E E N T E R P R I S E S

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ABODE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A

lthough I certainly love cozying up by the fireplace with an oversized throw and a warm cup of coffee, I’m welcoming the shift in seasons with open arms.

There’s something about the beautiful blossoms, shining sun and natural sprightliness of spring that has me exuberant for the months ahead.

This energy, though, can also be dangerous – making me overly eager to tackle projects, and in turn, potentially making mistakes (like planting flowers just a little too early in the season). Thankfully, St. Louis is full of experts in every industry who are happy to help ensure your energy and eagerness for spring cleaning and renewal result in beauty rather than blunder.

On p. 48, Ladue News contributing writer Connie Mitchell speaks to local landscapers from Chesterfield Valley Nursery and Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction about how to properly prepare (and execute) a lively, lush outdoor landscape that will last all season. Our sources cover everything from maintaining a gloriously green lawn to flourishing flowers to irrigation and more.

Grass isn’t the only green subject Photo by Sarah Conroy

covered in these pages. On p. 37, we share the story of a stunning eco-friendly

cottage constructed in Clayton by Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design.

Ladue News copy editor and staff writer Bryan A. Hollerbach speaks to Thomas Wall about what the firm dubs “the first ground-up, newly constructed home … to be recognized as green,” and takes us on a tour of the abode, which not only displays marvelous masonry but also features enviable eco-friendly elements.

Envy takes a new form, though, when it comes to the outdoor oases created by local pool pros. Starting on p. 52, Ladue News contributing writer Drew Gieseke speaks with three local experts about everything from opening your pool this year to creating a special backyard retreat.

All the best,

Alecia Humphreys 6

| APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

The Right Ingredients.

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CONNECT WITH ABODE and LADUE NEWS Reimagine your room by following us on Twitter, where you’ll see stunning spaces by local interior designers in columns like DESIGN ELEMENTS that showcase brilliant redesigns.

Photos by Emily Rose Studios

Stay in style with the latest trends in home décor and more from our regular column THE TRIO, found on our Facebook page.

Ignite inspiration for all things home by following LN on Instagram, where you’ll find additional photos from our cutting-edge FEATURES. Photo by Jim Corbett

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| APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | ARPRIL 2019 |

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DESIGN BOARD

Br Barbie

&British ts

BLISS

By Alecia Humphreys Photos courtesy of Amy Studebaker When Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design was tasked with designing a space for a preteen that was elegant and elevated, yet reminiscent of Barbie’s 50th anniversary Malibu Dreamhouse, she was thrilled with the thought.

That thrill certainly shines through Studebaker’s final design – one of a playful palace that drips with darling details that are both daring and sophisticated.

“The main inspiration for this room was a home [that] designer Jonathan Adler designed for Mattel

Studebaker notes that Adler’s design featured “lush deep pink drapery, saturated colors and feminine detailing – like corset detailing on the back of the chair,” which inspired the drapery over the bed and the fun corset and tutu elements on the client’s desk chair.

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celebrating Barbie’s 50th anniversary,” Studebaker says. “The home was a lavish interpretation of Barbie’s Malibu mansion and was filled with vivid colors, slightly playful, but still retaining an elegant, elevated atmosphere. … The client loved Barbie!”

Studebaker incorporated Adler’s use of velvet as inspiration in her space, as well, noting, “The velvet adds a luxurious feel and textural element to the space that is always important to have.”

What Studebaker’s client loves almost as much as Barbie: boy band One Direction. “The navy element was brought into the room from the client’s love of the British pop group,” Studebaker says, adding that the color, more specifically, was borrowed from the Union Jack flag.

S T. L O U I S ’ F I N E S T C A B I N E T S

Since 1987

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12 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

BEHIND THE DESIGN

Doggone

Delightful

By Alecia Humphreys | Photos by Photographie by Li

Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath’s Jenny Rausch created a laundry and mudroom that’s so fetch.

N

o one likes laundry. But the thought of fluffing and folding in a space this doggone delightful might

and a white honeycomb tile for its base – the juxtaposition as playful as the paper adorning the walls.

make the chore seem like a walk in the park.

Jenny Rausch of Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath, the

Speaking of which, the paper in question came from Osborne & Little and was a no-brainer for Rausch after meeting the

designer behind this striking space, was originally tasked with designing the clients’ kitchen; however, she soon found

family’s furry friend during her first visit.

“When I saw that they love their dog so much, I sort of kicked

the renovation extending into the kitchen’s neighboring laundry

down the door and said, ‘Let’s use this paper!’” she says. “The

and mudroom.

“It’s pretty common in renovations,” Rausch says. “There is sort of [a] ‘Well, as long as you’re here’ mentality.”

laundry or mudroom is the best place to play with fun things like crazy wallpaper.”

Rausch also added naturalgrass cloth accents to the space,

For the space, the clients in question sought additional storage and a “tweaking” of the space’s functionality.

“They wanted to hide the

but it’s evident that man’s best friend stole the show.

“The wallpaper was the last thing to go up,” Rausch says.

“Once it did, we all knew we

brooms and cleaning supplies and desperately wanted a place to fold,” she says. “We also did a little

nailed it!”

Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath,

reboot on the dog shower.”

Rausch chose a clean, white

2715 Mercantile Drive,

subway tile for the shower walls

karrbick.com

Brentwood, 314-736-3931,

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 13

Q &A

Pro tip.

Lighting – the foyer, dining room and kitchen are all areas where lighting can be a prominent feature in the space.

Updating lighting can be a wonderful way to make a space feel current.

With BRETT CLARK Interior Designer at Savvy Surrounding Style

By Trey Ross | Photos courtesy of Savvy Surrounding Style

Recent reno.

The Chocolate Pig – it was such an amazing collaboration with HOK, Tarlton and The Cortex community. We really set out to create an interior and atmosphere that followed the same message of innovation that is so important to Cortex. This and the diversity of architecture, people and businesses were translated into the design by

Brett Clark, interior designer at Savvy Surrounding Style, says he has been an interior designer since he was “strong enough to move furniture” around his parents’ house. Anyone who has seen one of Clark’s stunning spaces, though, can attest that he has graduated from simply moving furniture to that of a talented titan in the design world – and we aren’t just saying that because he was a 2018 Ladue News Design Award recipient.

Trend alert.

I wouldn’t consider myself to be very trendy, but I have to say I am loving all the green we are now seeing in the design world. You’ll soon see some beautiful green elements I introduced in some recently completed work!

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combining material types and design elements and styles in unexpected ways!

Carefully curated component.

It’s hard for me to narrow down favorites, but one component I always look forward to are the things that can sometimes be overlooked – plumbing fixtures, cabinet

Favorite part of design.

The gift of having a visual representation

hardware, light-switch covers. The smallest details can have a huge impact

of my work. Not every career do you get to step into your own

and really become the finishing

creation and see the community interact

touches.

with your design.

STOP IN TODAY TO SELECT YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND ABBEY FIND! 10090 Manchester Road • Glendale, Missouri • 314.965.1400 www.MarketplaceAtTheAbbey.com LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 15

Q &A

Make or break.

Scale is a big one for me. …

A lot of times I go into homes, and they look so sparse and sad – the area rugs are too small, there is not enough furniture in the room, lighting and artwork [are] way too small. From time to time, you’ll run into someone who has way too big of an oversized sectional

With JESSIE MILLER

or something like that. I feel like I have a natural sense of proportion.

By Alecia Humphreys Photos by Megan Thiele Studios

One earns the “design daredevil” designation not by happenstance, but rather by the creation of spaces that exude fierce, unmistakable elegance. Ladue News had the opportunity to speak with the daredevil herself, Jessie Miller of Jessie D. Miller Interior Design, about the most common design mistakes, her new favorite trends and more.

Recent reno.

I like doing rooms for young people because there’s a lot of joy in it. I like to be personal. I recently finished a suite for a 13-year-old.

Personal faves.

Without a doubt, my dogs. I have two Chihuahuas – Mr. Hemi, my 14-year-old boy, and Sweet Potato is my 13-year-old girl.

The color palette has been so much fun to work with because everything is really bespoke.

I really put a lot of time into creating a whimsical woman’s story. Everything is really unique.

Favorite furnishing.

I love lighting, but because it is my

Trademark style.

favorite, it can be challenging because I

I am really known for this black-and-

put such an enormous amount of thought into it. Also, when I

white look, but that is not really my personal style. Personally, I’m very into a monochromatic color palette right now, whatever color that may be. I like to have a blend of vintage and contemporary.

can incorporate any antiques or vintage into a space, that really gets me going, but that is not for every space. I was into superbold chandeliers, but I’m growing a bit more sophisticated right now.

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Pro tip.

Paint color should always be picked last. There are so many color options, but your finishes are limited oftentimes, so why would you choose your finishes based on paint color? That’s crazy.

I like a lot of architectural details – ornate architectural details. I like crown molding, paneling – things like that I never tire of – [but] I also like to experiment with new things. I like a lot of European influence in my work. I like rooms that feel like there is a story to tell.

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Alise O’Brien Photography

Design by Chris Paul chrispaul@glenalspaugh.com

9808 Clayton R oad Saint Louis, MO 63124 314-993-6644 | www.glenalspaughkitchens.com 18 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

ROOMVIEW WITH A POINT OF

By Mary Mack | Photos by Michael Jacob Photography Inc.

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 19

SETTLE IN TO INTERIOR DESIGNER EMILY CASTLE’S INDOOR/OUTDOOR LADUE ESCAPE.

T

ucked away in a charming Ladue neighborhood

esque vibe immediately transports you to a warmer climate.

is a haven of old-meets-new, unique-meetstraditional, secluded-meets-accessible: the lightfilled home of interior designer Emily Castle.

Castle owns and serves as

A catwalk hallway leads to the upper-level master suite, but the downstairs living space constitutes the true draw of the home, with 20-foot glass windows (mirrored both on the residence’s east and west sides) allowing

principal interior designer (ASID) for Castle Design, a 16-year-old firm operating from four storefronts along Clayton Road that has earned a reputation for expertise

light to pour in even on a dreary, 25-degree February day.

Award-winning architect and Washington University in St. Louis alumnus Dimiter Stoyanoff built

in high-end traditional, transitional and modern residential design throughout the Midwest.

Her hideaway home might look unassuming from the outside

the house 48 years ago for himself and his wife, adding some unique elements along the way.

“The architect was way ahead of his time because he was using

Emily Castle | Photo by Sarah Conroy

– in Castle’s phrase, it’s a 40-square-foot box, save for a sunroom addition – but once you enter, the rustic, Bali20 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

salvaged pieces before it was fashionable to repurpose things,” Castle says.

This is showcased in one of Castle’s favorite spots in the house, the dining room. Every door in the home is an antique, and wood beams from an old St. Louis rail station anchor the dining space. Church pews from High Hill Baptist Church provide rich wood texture to the lofty walls and lead to etched windows that give a glimpse of the upstairs. Behind the ornate 19th-century bar, sideways church doors, also from High Hill Baptist Church, serve as unique paneling.

That hefty bar itself bears mermaid and other mythical faces; it isn’t original to the home, but was a piece Castle and her husband, Bill, had to negotiate to keep. “The previous owners wanted to strike it from the sales contract, but we said it looked like it was built in [and] it needs to stay,” she says.

The previous owners also left behind another unique feature. From the dining room table as you look into the kitchen, you’ll spot a hotel luggage cart that has been converted into an island with a butcher-block top and surrounding stools. The high bar, formerly used to hang garment bags, now hosts a handful of baskets, a touch from Castle.

For the Castles, who lived in a Warson Woods colonial for 23 years before moving into the Ladue house 18 years ago, the bones and unique elements of the home differed somewhat from what they were used to, but they kept them intact, save for a few minor tweaks, and slowly started acquiring new pieces that better fit the space – a design philosophy she

Photo by Sarah Conroy

employs with her clients.

“Everything we do [at Castle Design] is about scale,” Castle says. “You could love a Restoration Hardware sofa, but honestly, if it doesn’t fit, it’s a mistake. And then you’ve just spent a lot of money on something that is overpowering your room or doesn’t even work. We try to guide our clients so that the scale of things is appropriate for their house.”

Favorite pieces in Castle’s light and airy space range from a stone elephant figure that doubles as a side table – “My grandkids love to sit on that!” – to varying blue-and-white ginger jars collected through the years arranged on a Tansu step chest that’s both functional (housing table linens, silver and candles) and eye-catching.

“My design style is kind of eclectic,” Castle says. “We tell our clients that if you surround yourself with things you love, they all go together.”

Accenting the tall windows looking to the east patio are simple, pale green curtains with a knotted element roughly halfway down.

“We thought the wall of windows needed some softness, but I didn’t want to block light either,” Castle says. “I tend to like cleaner-lined things because of my architectural background; I don’t do swoop drapery or anything like that.”

Vibrant paintings from favorite artists Hessam and Carol Stewart add color to the wooded walls, and a McGuire glass-top dining table anchors the space without becoming too heavy, saving showstopping status for the Italian iron and Murano glass chandelier above.

“We design in a timeless way at Castle, and I try and do the same thing in my own home,” she says. “I don’t change things up very much, and we have some classic furniture that is going to survive the test of time.”

Castle Design, 7707 Clayton Road, Clayton, 314-727-6622, emilycastle.com LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 21

FRAMING Excellence

LOCAL EXPERTS PAINT A PORTRAIT OF HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT PIECE OF FINE ART FOR ANY ROOM IN YOUR HOME.

A

rt can easily transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. With so many options available, though, finding the perfect piece to adorn the walls of your abode can seem nothing short of daunting.

Thankfully, local experts have this process itself down to a fine art and are quick to share some tips and tricks.

“Art serves many purposes and can add so much to your home and lifestyle,” says David Kodner, who co-owns Kodner Gallery Fine Art with his brother Jonathan. “An artwork can inspire, peak curiosities, add beauty and is a reflection of your own individual personality. Buy what you enjoy, and think about how it makes you feel.”

Kodner notes that when visitors stop to shop at his 6,000-square-foot gallery, which contains more than 2,500

artworks including traditional, western, regional, abstract, and modern and contemporary, its staff often recommends individuals peruse solely to see what pulls them in.

“We are a big believer in buying something that has staying power,” Kodner says. “And that is going to be something you cherish.”

Laurie LeBoeuf, interior designer at Castle Design, shares in Kodner’s sentiment.

“When selecting a piece of art, it is important to choose something that really speaks to the client, whether it is the subject matter, color palette, style or medium of art,” she says.

“Don’t feel the need to fill your space with something just because you feel the wall needs to be covered. Wait for the right piece, and build your collection rather than purchasing Room photos by Anne Matheis Photography

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Pure, Tanya Kirouac

Almost There, Stringe Gallery

Baroque, Tanya Kirouac

Bay Autumn, Stringe Gallery

something on an impulse just to ‘complete’ a room.”

One important factor to consider when selecting art for a space is color. However, LeBoeuf notes that individuals shouldn’t let the thought of finding a space’s exact color swatch hold them back.

“While matching some of the colors is a perfectly acceptable method for choosing art, it is not the only method,” she says.

“Sometimes the colors in the art you choose can be the direct opposite of what you’ve already incorporated into the space. Look for a piece that attracts you to it, and don’t worry too much about perfectly matching the colors.”

“We provide artworks that are not only beautiful but by wellestablished artists who have an intrinsic value,” Kodner says.

“It is important to know that the artwork you buy comes from a reputable gallery who you have a relationship with and trust.

Many of the artworks that we handle come from private collections, museums or institutions, and we guarantee authenticity. Trying to buy art at auction or on the internet can be very dicey, as you cannot truly evaluate a work based on what you are seeing online, or by seeing it on the auction block for 30 seconds. We are members of the Appraisers Association of America and the New England

Another important contributing component to consider is the size and scale of a work. After all, you don’t want a piece swallowing a space or, on the contrary, swimming solo on a wall of white. “Don’t be afraid to create an impact with oversized paintings,” LeBoeuf says. “Also, a good rule of thumb is to hang artwork so that its midpoint [center] is between 57 and 60 inches from the floor.

“Creating a gallery wall with art pieces can instantly elevate the style of any space and add personality and interest to a room.”

Once you’ve found that perfect piece, though, how do you know it’s worth the investment?

According to LeBoeuf, it’s less about the investment and more about intuition. “In my opinion, the value of a piece is less significant than how the actual art makes the client feel,” she says.

“It should be something that draws your attention, captures your eye, makes you feel something and creates a conversation.”

Kodner, on the other hand, prides himself on his gallery’s selection of premier works by well-known, as well as up-andcoming, artists.

Appraisers Association. We research and document each work that comes through our gallery so that our clients get the whole picture of what they are purchasing. That helps retain the value of the work.”

Ultimately, the process of purchasing pieces is all about that feeling and finding what truly infuses a space with personality.

“Have fun!” LeBoeuf says. “Don’t be afraid to combine traditional pieces with bright and colorful contemporary prints.

The combination can create a fun, happy and even elegant space.

Artwork helps to make a house a home, so when designing for the interior, it is important to hone in on the way that art can make the space feel.”

Castle Design, 7707 Clayton Road, Clayton, 314-727-6622, emilycastle.com Kodner Gallery Fine Art, 9650 Clayton Road, St. Louis, 314-993-4477, kodnergallery.com

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 23

Photo by Megan Lorenz Photography

9753 Clayton Rd. 24 | APRIL | ABODE St. Louis, MO 2019 63124

| LADUENEWS.COM

Residential and Commercial Design

(314) 432-7289 savvyladue.com

ROLL SLOW YOUR

By Trey Ross Photos by Alise O’Brien Photography

Local experts share tips and trends for picking the perfect paint for your place.

W

hether you go bananas for yellow, gravitate toward green or find beauty in blues, color is all about personality. Picking the perfect paint color is more than just rolling your favorite hue onto the wall and calling it a day: Color impacts mood and dictates what furnishings will fit a space. So slow your paint roll, and let local experts share tips (and trends) that will help you pick the perfect paint for your place.

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 25

Gigi g Lombrano Interiors

“YOU CA N PAINT A R OOM W HATE VE R CO LOR YOU WA N T. IT’S YO U R HOUSE , AND YOU S HOULD BE SUR R OUNDE D B Y THINGS YO U LOVE .”

TEDDY KARL principal designer at The Great Cover-Up Denise Fogarty Interiors 26 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

According to Teddy Karl, principal designer at The Great CoverUp, a rule of thumb for picking paint is to do it last.

“I always talk about a funnel,” Karl says, “because in design, every choice that you make makes the next decision that much more difficult. You are narrowing it down to the last puzzle piece, so you want to make sure you are making proper choices in the right order.”

Gigi Lombrano of Gigi Lombrano Interiors concurs: “It’s fine to have an idea of color direction, but it’s more difficult if you paint first, as you’ll limit your options for finding that perfect rug and your fabrics. There are endless options of paint color, which is easily tweaked, once you make your other selections.”

Karl suggests starting a space by deciding first how you intend to use it, asking questions like these: Will this solely be for cocktails before dinner or watching television before bed? What kind of feel do I want from this room or reaction from guests?

“I do believe in color psychology,” Karl says. “Red is an excitable color. It’s good for conversation. Yellow is a warm, happy color … but not everyone looks good with a yellow glow in the room.”

Denise Fogarty of Denise Fogarty Interiors simply notes that individuals shouldn’t be daunted by color; however, she does recommend that anyone who’s intimidated should use imaginative colors (and even wallpaper) in smaller spaces like the powder room or even on ceilings – and Lombrano agrees.

“People think ‘small space, small pattern,’” Lombrano says. “I try to persuade people into doing a really large pattern in a small space; it actually helps grow the size of the room. I usually find there are two rooms people are ready to peel back the edges and let it rip: No. 1, the powder room, and No. 2, the dining room. You can dress up the powder room like a jewel box – go bold, go exciting. You don’t spend a lot of time in there, and it’s eye candy walking by.”

Regardless of which space you are painting, all three designers agree that colors in lieu of muted tones are popping up everywhere and that grass cloth wallcoverings are very “of the moment.”

“I’ve always said design is the most cyclical of any of the other industries, everything comes and goes,” Karl says. “Just like fashion, it’s about trends leading the way, but the old faithful, the regulars, follow suit.”

Perhaps the most essential aspect of picking the perfect color or wallcovering for a room, experts say, is staying true to yourself.

“Color is almost completely unlimited in choice,” Karl says. “You can paint a room whatever color you want. It’s your house, and you should be surrounded by things you love.”

The Great Cover-Up, 9708 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314-995-5701, greatcoverupdesign.com Gigi Lombrano Interiors, 101 La Gorce Drive, Chesterfield, 314-707-7291 Denise Fogarty Interiors, 314-757-1112, denisefogartyinteriors.com

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 27

The comforts of home without all the house.

You’ve reached a time in your life that is yours — to spend with family and friends, pursue new passions and to savor life’s pleasures.

At The Gatesworth, you can lease a home without the worry of a house.

Whether it’s an affordable one bedroom, two bedrooms or the penthouse suite, we offer residences sized to fit your lifestyle.

With endless amenities and a friendly, attentive staff, The Gatesworth is an exceptional place to call your own.

Exceptional People. Exceptional Living.

The Gatesworth Lifestyle is customized exclusively for seniors. Call 314-993-0111 or visit TheGatesworth.com The Gatesworth is committed to equal housing and does not discriminate in housing and services because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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Wood Floor Specialists Since 1910

314-432-2260 | 2438 Northline Industrial Drive Maryland Heights MO. 63043 | missourifloor.com LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 29

Building Dreams

By Brittany Nay | Photos by Anne Matheis Photography

30 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

G.Terbrock Luxury Homes specializes in custom constructing and remodeling the luxury houses about which its clients have long fantasized.

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or VIP access to first-rate amenities, from a wine cellar, theater, dry sauna and infinity-edge pool to bocce ball, pinball machines and even a golf simulator, a local family must travel no farther than their fully remodeled Huntleigh Woods home.

The cozy, traditional-style stone mansion received a topto-bottom renovation by G. Terbrock Luxury Homes, an area custom homebuilding and remodeling firm specializing in luxury living reflective of each client’s specific style and tastes for more than two decades.

The sky was the limit for the inspired design of this Huntleigh Woods estate, from projecting traditional elegance through a new Valders stone entryway with Carolina gas lanterns on its exterior to giving guests and residents alike the

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modern luxuries of a five-star resort on its 11,000-square-foot interior and surrounding manicured grounds.

The homeowners can head to the backyard for sports courts – bocce ball and tennis – then cool off in the infinity-edge pool and relax in the cozy pool house.

For further fun and relaxation, they simply step inside the main house to find a custom wine cellar boasting a ½-inch-thick glass wall and separate chiller system with auto-ventilation for cigar smoking, a home theater featuring alligator-leather wallpaper and two tiers of leather seating aglow with light-emitting diode illumination, a game room decked out with video and pinball machines, and even a separate space outfitted with a high-definition golf simulator.

For more pampering following a workout in the expansive inhome, rubber-floored gym, they can decompress in the dry sauna or one of two steam showers, or take the elevator to either the lower- or main-level wet bar.

And after a long day, it’s comforting to retire to the spacious master suite showcasing a glamorous walk-in closet, complete with 14-foot ceilings, suspended crystal chandeliers and two glass-mirrortopped islands, as well as a pendant-lit makeup area with beveled mirrors, marble countertops, a tufted bench and custom cabinetry.

A range of rare finishes make the home truly special, from darkstained, white oak hardwood floors on most of the first level; through heated all-natural stone floors in the master bath; to honed Danby marble countertops in the kitchen, butler’s pantry and wet bar; and polished nickel and aged brass hardware on door, lighting and plumbing fixtures throughout the house.

Customizing residences like this gem is G. Terbrock Luxury Homes’ specialty. Led by owner Greg Terbrock, a third-generation homebuilder whose grandfather started F.H. Terbrock & Sons in 1957, G. Terbrock Luxury Homes strives to build or renovate every client’s version of the ideal home.

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 33

The G. Terbrock team helps identify clients’ space needs, design preferences and personal touches to create the perfect plan for their new custom home project, Terbrock says. The firm’s trademarked design-and-build process features five steps, starting with an idea session with the client to establish the project’s scope, budget and personal design preferences. Next, the design team is selected, and preliminary floor plans are developed; then, selections are finalized and a full set of construction plans is created to maximize design, innovation and value engineering to meet the client’s budget and approval. The construction team then builds the project according to the client’s specifications, with the ultimate goal of completing the project on time and on budget in an effort to earn the client’s five-star review.

The extensive, 13-month-long Huntleigh Woods upscale remodel garnered a glowing review from its homeowners after frequent, close communication with G. Terbrock’s team made their dream home

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project a success. “We continue to have great communication with them and remain dedicated to the service and maintenance of their home, as well,” Terbrock says.

With nine employees, the smaller size of Terbrock’s company lends itself to personalized projects that keep satisfied clients coming back for generations. “Our main differential is our ability to end projects successfully with a lasting relationship and connection to the client,” Terbrock says. “I am still in frequent communication with clients we started with over 20 years ago – [and] we are working for their children, too!”

For each unique client, G. Terbrock Luxury Homes aims for the same achievement: making his or her vision of a dream home a reality.

G. Terbrock Luxury Homes, 722 Spirit of St. Louis Blvd., Suite D, Chesterfield, 636-778-2005, gterbrock.com

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | ARPRIL 2019 | 35

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EXTERIORS, INC.

“Creating Customers for Life!”

Going

GREEN A local architect dwells on the delicate balance involved in embracing eco-friendliness residentially.

By Bryan A. Hollerbach Photos by Alise O’Brien Photography

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n its website, Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design lays claim to having overseen the creation of “the first ground-up, newly constructed home in Clayton to be recognized as green.”

The cottage in question boasts glorious masonry, including some exquisite basket weave coursework on

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its chimney, and handsome fenestration beneath a multiply gabled hip roof, backed by an expansive patio sheltered by a Doric-columned pergola. Within,

Rome,” he says, “they would have these courtyards with fountains in the middle of them, and the reason was that that courtyard would bring in the breeze, the

the residence generally abounds with airy spaces – chambers and passageways alike – in white, beige and sage, including a stunning alabaster kitchen with ashen flooring.

Behind the architectural scenes, moreover, the

fountains, the water would cool off the air, and then the air would go through the house.”

Wall states that his firm customarily attempts to steer clients toward green innovations – an agenda sometimes complicated by monetary matters.

residence includes such green insulating features as solar panels, geothermal ground source heat pumps, abundant natural lighting instead of artificial lighting and an underground stormwater detention system, all while blending into its neighborhood.

“The main recommendation is geothermal for your HVAC systems,” he says of heating, ventilating and air conditioning. “But the problem is, in order to go green, it actually costs more money, and people just are still more interested in preserving their wallets

“Although the home was designed to be LEED-certified, modifications were made during the construction so that it no longer reached the LEED certification point,” says the firm’s Thomas Wall, referring to the Leadership in Energy and

than they are the earth, unfortunately. However, this is changing, and our clients now see the necessity to save the earth, reduce [their] carbon imprint and correct climate change. Along with this interest, of course, prices continue to drop to do the right thing.”

Environmental Design program governed by the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council

Figuratively speaking, Wall’s firm has been creating green-lighted projects for more than four

and reflecting the fact that LEED certification may well rank as the best known but also the most

decades now. Since Mitchell Wall was founded in 1976, its goal, according to the firm’s website, has been to

stringent measure of architectural eco-friendliness.

“But it is still very much a green home – lots of use for solar and water retention and rain gardens and

create “beautiful space: residential space, work space, school space, on time and on budget. We are here to create your vision.”

things of that nature.”

Architectural eco-friendliness, of course, long

Mitchell Wall’s team of eight has designed a panoply of projects in Missouri and Illinois, as well

predates LEED certification and similar measures, as Wall relates.

“When you look

as in Colorado, Florida, New York and Puerto Rico.

“We just want to be your architect, your interior designer and your landscape

at ancient

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designer,” the website continues.

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Wall, who owns the company, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ithaca, New York’s lauded Cornell University – with a major in medieval literature with a concentration in architecture. He also holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and studied Scandinavian architecture and furniture design in Copenhagen, Denmark. A Registered Architect in Missouri, Wall otherwise holds a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards National Registration and belongs to the 162-year-old Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects.

Regarding the eco-friendliness of the technology underlying the Clayton domicile, Wall sketches diverse binary options. “There are ‘active’ systems, which are things like solar panels, efficient heating systems and cooling systems – all the things that technology has brought us that can help create a renewable system,” he says.

“And then there are ‘passive’ systems. Passive systems …

Regarding the Clayton cottage, Mitchell Wall

create a more ecological environment. So to that end, if you don’t have south-facing windows, for example,

also faced municipal restrictions beyond budgetary constraints. “In Clayton, you’re not allowed to do anything

you don’t get direct sunlight coming into the house at that point. The south face gets the most sunlight, and

too crazy that doesn’t jibe with their aesthetic,” Wall says.

“They have an architectural review board in place for that

if you’re not getting all that sunlight, you have cut the heating and cooling down.

“Other passive systems [in the Clayton house]

reason. Also, the client wasn’t looking for that aesthetic.

You do what you need to do.

“We created a plethora of passive systems to

include shades over the blinds outside, courtyards and water features in the courtyards – design concepts

control the light coming into the house, as well as air flow. … There are a million different ways to make

and technology, essentially, that we’ve known about for hundreds of years if not thousands of years on how to cool our homes that we just forgot when the air

points in order to make it in the ecological home, and not all of those have to be highly visible.”

In Wall’s view, finally, the local popularity of green

conditioner was invented.”

In that respect, Wall makes another eco-friendly historic comparison to the Clayton abode, this one involving the North

features has been building slowly but surely. “Every day, our clients are becoming more aware of their social responsibility,” he says. “We haven’t really had anybody

American Puebloans.

“You know, you look out at the Southwest, and that

come up and say, ‘I want to make a zero-impact home, live off the grid – solar power, wind turbines,

meant adobe, really thick walls that during the daytime would absorb all the sun’s radiation and at nighttime would release that heat back into the house,” he says. “These were different ways that people created to make their own

all that.’ But we have had people who want individual aspects. We have a home in Wildwood that has a solar panel array on the roof. We have homes that reclaim groundwater to use for watering the lawn at a later

environments more comfortable.”

Wall continues by alluding to the sod houses popular during the settlement of the Great Plains: “There are no plants growing on the [Clayton residence’s] roof, but if you were to look at the south face of the roof, on the

date. Our clients and our staff are looking to the future.”

In short, to quote Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green – but it’s definitely getting easier.

slope, there’s a solar array.”

St. Louis, 314-576-5888, mitchellwall.com

Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design, 2 The Pines Court,

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The Great

OUTDOO

Forshaw of St. Louis 42 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

OORS

Local design trends ers share to spru c your o utside e up space this sp ring.

By Allison Pohle | Photos submitted

Photos shown on the right from KDR Designer Showrooms

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a rsh Fo w

Fo rsh aw

of

St

. Lo

uis

weather any type of … well … weather.

“In St. Louis, we often see a lot of extreme of S

t. Lo uis

temperatures,” says Amanda Bauer, director of marketing for KDR Designer Showrooms. “It’s important to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.”

One of the best ways homeowners can ensure the quality of their outdoor furniture is by purchasing pieces with attractive, yet

C

ozy evenings spent with friends and family don’t lose their appeal once the wintry blues start to melt away

and spring arrives, which is why local retailers are seeing an increasing number of homeowners use outdoor spaces to create intimate and attractive entertaining spots.

Well-maintained landscapes don’t just enhance the value of your property – they also can enhance your lifestyle, according to Glory Castello, marketing assistant for Chesterfield-based Amini’s.

This year, customers can follow their true decorating passions, whether futuristic, nostalgic or exotic, because there’s not just one trend that’s “in.”

“This year’s popular trends are timeless, so they aren’t likely to go out of fashion any time soon,” Castello says. “Really, the stuff that’s ‘in’ now has always been cherished, but it’s just coming to the forefront of everyone’s focus again.”

For some, that might mean decorating with contemporary styles and incorporating pieces with sharp edges and metallic finishes. For others, it might mean following a retro theme and using pops of color to break up a largely black-and-white design.

But because the climate in the Midwest can often be harsh and unpredictable, retailers suggest purchasing products that can 44 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

durable, fabric.

“The biggest change in outdoor [trends] over the last couple years is fabric qualities,” says Rick Forshaw Jr., co-owner of Forshaw of St. Louis. “You’re getting more indoor-level fabrics that have more texture to them, which creates more of the living room look outside.”

Those fabrics, he says, maintain their quality through all types of weather. Although most choose cast aluminum furniture, which doesn’t rust, Forshaw says the newest offering at Forshaw is a brand called Summer Classics, which has a variety of finished, preweathered teak, as well as wicker options.

Also this year, little touches go a long way. Castello says furniture embellishments are particularly noteworthy, with both floral and textilelike configurations incorporated into designs.

“The inspiration is across the board, really,” she says. “It depends on what captures the eye of the designer, but I’ve definitely seen suggestions of the Victorian era, [and] 20th-century modernism is also regaining attention.”

At KDR Designer Showrooms, Bauer says, there’s been an increased interest in an “all-over” upholstered look. Chairs don’t have just removable seat cushions that need to be brought indoors when it rains. Now, entire pieces are created with comfortable upholstery that maintains its quality in all conditions, for a modern

KDR er ign Des o ro ow Sh

s m

Am in

i’s

and contemporary look.

“We’re also seeing increased interest in neutral colors,” Bauer says. “Many people are searching for products in beige, and the offerings aren’t as taupe-y as they used to be.

Now, we’re seeing more sand colors and warmer tones than we have in the past.”

Castello agrees and says patio furniture this season is featuring more internationally inspired shapes, designs and hues, many with vivid colors. Color isn’t the only thing warming up backyards this season: Fire pits are one of the hottest – literally – trends in outdoor furniture. Forshaw says outdoor gas fireplaces have been rising in popularity, especially as customers seek ways to artfully integrate them into existing outdoor areas.

“With gas fire pits, they’re functional, and you don’t smell like a campfire after using them,” he continues. “Depending on the space, we use propane or run a new natural gas line. We also can integrate aluminum or tile to make the fire pit look more like a furniture piece, or we can create a look made out of concrete or stone to make it blend into the patio.”

Bauer says customers at KDR Designer Showrooms have also embraced fire accessories such as fire pits and fire tables, particularly in three-season rooms.

“With bioethanol fire pits, your space can look fun and exciting while still being eco-friendly,” she says. “You can burn them indoors, and they make for great centerpieces as the weather transitions.”

As the weather improves, many customers look to bring the entertaining normally done indoors into the outdoor space.

Forshaw says homeowners are now looking to create outdoor kitchen and entertaining spaces.

thought of, but in the hotter months of summer, it’s important,” she says. “Cantilever umbrellas [freestanding umbrellas supported by a pole on the side, rather than in the center] are great additions to backyards and are portable, so you can move them based on where guests are sitting.”

No matter the design, Castello says, adventure awaits customers this summer, all in the comfort of their own backyards.

“You don’t need a plane ticket in order to draw from the world’s excitement,” she says. “This year’s design trends will take you back in history and across cultural borders.”

Amini’s, 17377 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636-537-9200, aminis.com Forshaw of St. Louis, 825 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, 314-993-5570, forshaws.com KDR Designer Showrooms, 11660 Page Service Drive, St. Louis, 314-993-5020, kdrshowrooms.com

Am ini’ s

“In addition to the fireplace, along with the seating area, they’re looking to extend the usefulness of the patio into the spring and the fall seasons,” he says.

“To help them do that, we do work with outdoor fireplaces, gas and electric heaters, based on what customers are looking for.”

But as people spend more time outdoors, Bauer says it’s important not to skimp on shading.

“Shading isn’t always something that’s LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 45

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SENIOR LIVINg We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support 46 | APRIL 2019 and | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM an affirmative advertising marketing program in which there are no barriers to housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial or national origin.

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Perfect

Plantings

By Connie Mitchell | Photos supplied

LOCAL LANDSCAPERS SHARE THE LATEST IN PLANNING FOR SUMMER’S LUSH PLANTING SEASON.

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e never thought it would happen, but winter did finally end. It’s time to look ahead to the glories of summer and prepare for a season of beautiful outdoor living surrounded by lush greenery and

bright flowers. Creating a fresh, beautiful garden to complement outdoor living spaces, such as patios or pergolas, adds the perfect finishing touch.

Although winter seemed extreme, Richard Poynter, owner of Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, says the moisture from melting snow and ice along with the relatively short period of intense cold is preferable to an entire season of extremely cold and dry conditions. “Some grasses, like fountain grass and maiden grass,

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Designed and built by Poynter Landscape Architecture

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 49

Design by Chesterfield Valley Nursery | Photo by Andria Graeler

Magnolia

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or bulbs that were planted in the fall can have some trouble with ‘wet winter feet,’ and they may not benefit from all the moisture we’ve had,” he says. “But most plants, such as evergreens and standardized perennials that have been in place for a while, will appreciate the moisture.”

Lawns should be treated with pre-emergent weed control as soon as possible, if they haven’t been already, Poynter says. Andria Graeler of Chesterfield Valley Nursery adds that homeowners should check their irrigation systems for any leaks and ensure that sprinkler heads are properly positioned and timed to provide adequate water for both lawn areas and plant beds, which might need more moisture than turf.

Now is a good time to prepare those planting areas for fresh annuals and maintain the health of perennials, Poynter says. It’s advantageous to turn the soil over or

Petunias

Cypress

Impatiens

Japanese maple

rake it well to loosen it before working in a couple of inches of compost to a depth of about 8 inches.

Heavy clay soil, the kind that sticks together when you squeeze a handful, also benefits from an inch of coarse sand worked in with the organic matter. “The coarse sand can help release nutrients in the soil and also make it easier to work,” Poynter says. About 2 inches of mulch should be maintained year-round to help with moisture retention and prevent winter freezing, he adds. A common mistake is adding too much mulch. “More than a couple inches of mulch isn’t really helpful, but you also want to make sure the mulch doesn’t biodegrade down to less than an inch or so,” he says.

Graeler notes that the number of varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, from old favorites to new cultivars, continues to increase every year. “We know that people love the tried-and-true plants, like impatiens and petunias, for pops of color, but most of our clients want landscapes that are unique,” she says. “They don’t want the same trees and flowers as all their neighbors. So every year, we add to our stock to bring in different shapes, sizes and colors.”

When it comes to plants, Graeler says that Japanese-style gardens are popular, and that pines and Chamaecyparis grown in the ‘Hindu-Pan’ style are also trending. These evergreens are “cloud-pruned” to create bulbous tufts of greenery that resemble giant bonsai. Another Japanese tree, Chamaecyparis pisifera, also known as the Sawara cypress, and dozens of varieties of Japanese maple trees are also being used in more landscapes of this type. The many sizes and colors available in various cultivars of these trees allow for landscapes that stand out from the crowd.

Other popular landscape plants include magnolias and hydrangeas, Graeler says. “Magnolias are making a comeback in both their deciduous [the type that loses leaves in the winter] and evergreen varieties,” she says. “And new types of hydrangeas are very popular right now. The pistachio hydrangea, for example, has a magenta bloom with a green center.”

If you want to do your own planting this season instead of hiring a landscape company to install for you, then pay close attention to the sunlight in various areas where you would like to plant. Graeler points out that morning sun and afternoon sun differ in intensity and the heat that accompanies them. Some plants require a hot, full sun while others will wilt in such locations. “We encourage everyone to plant smart for a successful summer season,” she says.

Chesterfield Valley Nursery, 16825 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, 636-532-9307, chesterfieldvalleynursery.com Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, 15815 Jedberg Lane,Ballwin, 636-256-2600, poynterlandscape.com

Pistachio hydrangea Photo by Andria Graeler

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 51

SPLASH PLAS Into SUMMER UMME

By Drew Gieseke Photos courtesy of Liquid Assets Pools, Pool Pros of St. Louis and Prestige Pools & Spas

From planning to play, area pool experts talk about what to expect with installations and making the most of your space.

52 | APRIL 2019 | ABODE | LADUENEWS.COM

F

or the perfect pool setup, every detail, no matter how small, needs to be considered when designing and installing. Most

important, that setup needs to work for both the homeowners and the home. Metro area pool experts know just how to turn that dream into a reality, from start to finish.

For Liquid Assets Pools, the pool installation process begins long before any concrete is poured. “Once we present initial designs and cost ranges, we then go into more detailed drawings,” says company president John Jacobsen. “We even offer a 3D design service that shows a 360-degree view of exactly how the pool will look upon completion.”

The company, which has been in business for 15 years, specializes in constructing in-ground concrete pools, all with an emphasis on custom projects and offering clientfriendly experiences.

“If they want a free-form pool designed to meet the shape of their backyard, then they’ve come to the right place,” Jacobsen says. “Our

Liquid Assets Pools, Inc.

customers generally don’t want cookie-cutter designs, so the structure of the backyard and the customer’s preference dictate the shape of the pool.”

Pool shapes can vary from rectangular to more natural, lagoon-style designs and even regal, as in the so-called patrician shape, which combines a narrow rectangle with a circular entry – almost like a cocktail shaker laid on its side. Regardless, pool experts bring

LADUENEWS.COM | ABODE | APRIL 2019 | 53

Pool Pros of St. Louis

concepts to life before any ground is ever broken.

“Most customers can’t visualize the finished product, but

Liquid Assets identifies points of entry for the pool area – inground pool construction requires heavy-duty equipment – and

with our [3D] software, it allows them to see the finished product before starting – and make comments,” says Jeff Fitterling,

typically takes a day to excavate. Plumbing for the pool takes place either during the excavation process or immediately afterward,

president at Pool Pros of St. Louis. “Pools and recreation areas are permanent installations; we want the experience to be fun and fully anticipated. The customer should not have to guess at what

and then the pool finally starts to take shape.

“Once that’s in place, we line the pool bottom, sides of the pool and around skimmers with steel reinforcing rebar rods

the outcome looks like.”

Design aside, Liquid Assets also focuses on walking clients

to provide long-term stability,” Jacobsen says. “Then the fun begins, as our experienced crews ‘shoot’ the pool with a concrete

through permit applications – another essential step in any pool project. No construction can begin without municipal approval, and the team assists customers through this oftencomplicated process.

Once all of the preliminary work has been completed (and

mixture that is pneumatically applied under great pressure. This forms the pool shell.”

What follows next is coping – which serves as a cap for the edge of the pool – tiling, electrical and gas lines, and then the application of the pool deck. And once the six- to eight-week

once the homeowner has probably taken a deep breath), clients can rest assured that the entire construction process will be handled with care and consideration.

construction process is complete, the ever-necessary rundown of pool functions and ongoing maintenance is provided.

The pool might be finished, but next comes the surrounding

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area, which can be outfitted with accompanying cabanas, basketball hoops for the youngsters (or the young at heart), nearby outdoor fireplaces and other unique additions that add character and comfort.

“The space surrounding a pool is every bit as important as the design of the pool itself,” Fitterling says.

“You might only swim a few times a week, but many people use their outside areas almost daily.”

Fitterling maintains that maximizing the entertainment area is important, but the key is for those features to enhance the pool experience, from general ambiance to day-to-day use.

“Having water features included with your pool

Prestige Pools & Spas

allows the homeowner to relax outside in the pool area while listening to soothing water sounds,” he says.

“These sounds can be soft, like a babbling brook, to louder, like a large waterfall. Lighting and fire features are also important factors to consider in completing the outdoor space.”

Fran Struckhoff, owner at Prestige Pools & Spas, echoes the sentiment that surrounding amenities help make the space truly special.

“Make sure you have plenty of patio left over for tables and chairs [and] sun-lounge chairs for sunbathing,” Struckhoff says. He’s also careful to note that every client’s home is different, which offers unique solutions and settings. “It’s a process, not a

Liquid Assets Pools, Inc.

slam-dunk; the homeowner’s ultimately the boss, but we make suggestions on what we think would work best by the situation.”

No matter which direction a homeowner decides to go, there’s a reassuring certainty with transforming a home’s backyard with a pool.

“It’s a lot better than a vacation because it’s there for years and years,” Struckhoff says. “There’s a lot of enjoyment out of a pool.”

Liquid Assets Pools, 221 Way Ave., St. Louis, 314-822-7946, liquidassetspools.com Pool Pros of St. Louis, 4709 LaGuardia Drive, No. 180, St. Louis, 314-427-7767, poolpros-stl.com Prestige Pools & Spas, 10416 Watson Road, St. Louis,

Prestige Pools & Spas

314-821-6660, prestigepoolsandspas.com

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I M A G I N E

L I F E

I N

A

A L I S E O ’ B R I E N P H OTO G R A P H Y

Meet the Designer, L AU R I E L E B O E U F

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emilycastle.com

In-Stock curtaInS 20% Off | SpecIal orderS 10% Off * *Includes curtains, shades, shutters, hardware, rugs & furniture. offers valid thru april 30, 2019

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