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Life Media brings together a team of professionals that is incredibly experienced and the very best in the business. Members of the life Media team have been working together for over 20 years, serving clients in the Midwest and beyond. our team has worked on a variety of projects ranging from modest compact single rooms to expansive complex homes and commercial spaces. our designers and installers have built a strong long-standing reputation by working in some of the area’s finest homes and with owners that have some of the most discerning tastes.
lifemediallc .net Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 |
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CONTENTS How to:
Designer Q&As:
Decorate a Mantel
Laurie LeBoeuf
10
18
Whimsical Wallcoverings
26
Diane Fogerty
20
Astounding Abodes: Period Restoration
38
Schaub+Srote Architects
46
Design Boards: Laura Lee Home
14
Savvy Smart Homes
28
Joni Spear Interior Design
16
Expert Advice:
Outdoor Oases:
Organization with Kids
22
Outdoor Living
on the cover... Kitchen Trends
33
Cover: Kitchen designed by Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath. Photo by Photographie by Li
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Lavish Landscaping
54
ST. LOUIS ON SALE
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VICE-PRESIDENT OF NICHE PUBLISHING Catherine Neville
GENERAL MANAGER Andrea Griffith
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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DIGITAL EDITOR & STAFF WRITER Robyn Dexter
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Sherry Davis
Brittany Nay, Nancy Robinson
CREATIVE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alise O’Brien Photography, Photographie by Li,
ART DIRECTOR
Tomo Muscionico, Elizabeth Ann Photography,
Dawn Deane
Andria Graeler, Relic Photography, MStudio West
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A DiViSiON Of LEE ENTERPRiSES
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Explore the work of local interior designers by following us on Twitter, where you’ll find columns like DESiGN ELEMENTS that showcase brilliant redesigns.
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Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 |
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Letter from the editor
H
ello, and welcome to the inaugural edition of Ladue News’ ABODE Magazine! We’re so excited
for you to explore the following pages and hope they wow and inspire you. For me, my home is my haven. It’s where I feel most at peace, where I can recharge and where some of my favorite memories have been made. It’s also truly where I dream – not only about life but also about the plethora of possibilities for the design and function of our home, both inside and out. Each detail of a home, no matter how big or small, can be as special as the next – and the proof is in these pages. On p. 10, Ladue News contributing writer Mary Mack speaks to local design experts about how to style a mantel. Although a mantel is just one small component of your abode, arranging elements to adorn it can be tricky – especially when trying to meld your personal style and home’s aesthetic in one divine design. Luckily, these experts share how to achieve both, regardless of the season! If you’re hoping to make a bigger statement, though, one decorative detail is making a comeback – and in
Photo by Sarah Conroy
a big way. Designers are delighted by the return of wallpaper. Whether bold
and beautiful, pretty and patterned, or subtle and simple, interior designers are seeing it all come back in style. Starting on p. 26, local experts talk trends and why homeowners shouldn’t be intimidated by wrapping rooms in wallpaper. Although I’m a sucker for the intricate details found in many historic homes, it’s also hard to resist the beauty created by Schaub+Srote Architects’ expansive 19th-century European-inspired manor custom-built in St. Louis. Starting on p. 46, we hope you enjoy a peek into this luxurious abode, with flawless finishes throughout. All the best,
Alecia Humphreys
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A NEW WAY TO REMODEL Learn what is possible. Call to schedule an inspiring in-home consultation with our award-winning design and construction experts. NE x T pROjEc T sT uDiO.cOM
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Kitchens • Baths • Additions • Basements • Outdoor living • Whole home • Interior design Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 7
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making a
Mantel s R
egardless of the room, a fireplace is a focal point. It needs to be aesthetically pleasing yet functional and represent your
home’s style in an eye-catching way – so no pressure when it comes to decorating this all-important feature, right? Local designers offer a few tips to lower that pressure. “The main focus should be scale and playing with proportions to make sure whatever you’re using to decorate the mantel doesn’t feel overbearing to the fireplace and take over,” says Channing Glover, partner and principal designer at C&M Interiors. She and her
partner, Maria Hogrefe, run the St. Louis-based interior design studio, which specializes in luxury projects for private clients and property developers throughout the Midwest. Taller fireplaces and ceilings, they say, allow for more room to play with scale. “A lot of times, when we see super-tall fireplaces with tall ceiling heights, we’re able to do taller and larger artwork because it helps
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elongate the space and it brings your eye up,” Hogrefe says. Scale also has to do with how deep the mantel is, which comes into play when adding décor elements, says Ethan Allen design consultant Jennifer Johnson. Decorative boxes, for example, carry more visual weight, and if the mantel is deep enough, boxes can be stacked without creating clutter. If you’re working with a narrower or smaller fireplace and need to use smaller accent pieces, Glover and Hogrefe advise keeping it simple: Pieces that share a common element like a light-colored wood will always work well together. And remember, when it comes to grouping, it’s an odd-numbers game. “Working in groupings of three or five is the easiest way to achieve balance but not make things symmetrical,” Glover says. You also want to consider how formal the space is, Johnson says. Placing pieces symmetrically creates more of a traditional and formal design, whereas asymmetry evokes a more casual vibe. Hung art or
scaPe frames equal traditional, while leaning framed pieces equal casual. Johnson also says you need to pay attention to what is around the mantel. “Are there windows on either side?” she asks rhetorically. “Or bookcases? You might have a lot of accents there, and then you don’t want to use too many on the fireplace in that case because they will fight for attention.” What about seasonal décor? “We often suggest starting with a mirror hung above the mantel as a base for your design,” says Sarah Corrigan, co-owner of The White
By Mary Mack Photos supplied
as opposed to a specific holiday – that way you aren’t stuck with Halloween skulls on your mantel on Thanksgiving morning. For early fall, live cotton and cotton branches are an easy addition, or if you already have greenery such as eucalyptus incorporated, simply switch it out for pieces in warmer colors. “With fall, people bring nature inside,” Johnson says. “The greens, the fall leaves, pumpkins and gourds. Young children at school might be doing projects and bringing home things like turkeys, so moms and
for you to use if you like to swap out for seasonal décor. Every season’s
dads might want to incorporate that in there as well.” And when it comes to specific pieces, whether it be a kindergartner’s “hand turkey,” a unique found item or a treasured antique, as long as it’s in scale, fits your style and you like it, go for it.
décor will match a mirror, as opposed to having to work with artwork with color in it.” Of course, how far you lean into holiday décor is a personal preference, but Glover and Hogrefe suggest decorating for the season
“Typically, the fireplace is either in the middle of a living room or a dining room where you have big gatherings,” Hogrefe says. “We are always in favor of finding pieces with a story behind them to spark a conversation.”
Hare. “If you always have a mirror, there it will be an easy background
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DESIGN BOARD
Prettyin
pink By Alecia Humphreys Photos provided by Laura Lee Home
When Laura Lee of Laura Lee Home was tasked with creating a sophisticated space that could withstand the college years (and beyond) for a soon-to-be high school senior, she delivered sophistication imbued with femininity.
Lee cites the black-and-white desert print as, perhaps, the most important part of her design. “In a very pastel room, we need to anchor the space with some neutrals,” she says. Lee cites Greek key detailing on the white bedding, the geometric gray-and-white area rug and the vintage fashion print as the balancing components. Lee’s color palette, cited as her starting point, was inspired by the ‘Lady of Shalott’ rose – a beautiful citrus yellow with shades of blush and light coral. “We loved the color combination and began pulling other ideas to
The Alexis Walter painting above the bed was hung in a floating copper-colored frame from a chain to add texture and interest to the room. “The dark copper-colored chain adds a little edginess to the design,” Lee says. “The heavily textured painting adds great depth to the overall design.”
support the palette,” she says. “Mixed metals are often a part of my work, as they help a space feel more collected than decorated,” Lee says, referring to the statement ceiling fixture that was chosen to add a modern element to the space. “The warm tones of the brass spikes and funky shape are a good juxtaposition to the tailored design,” she says.
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Lee says these funky tricolored tassel earrings inspired the lambswool fur pillow added to the bed.
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By Alecia Humphreys Photos provided by Joni Spear Interior Design When Joni Spear of Joni Spear Interior Design was asked to design a 2-year-old boy’s room in Webster Groves, she took note of the boy’s idol – his father, a 10-speed titan. She used this observation as a conceptual breakaway that resulted in a bold, whimsical room featuring a bicycle theme.
“After some extensive researching, we found the light fixture crafted from an actual bicycle wheel on Etsy,” Spear says, noting she and her clients requested the painter change it from black to orange to make the room more playful.
Knowing the clients Spear says she is a traditionalist at heart so took inspiration for the blue-and-white ticking fabric draperies
In addition to the toddler’s room, Spear designed an en suite in this home that kept with the theme. Spear says the
from this little-boy attire. The draperies
metal bicycle sculpture from Expressions adorning the boy’s dresser was inspired by
are even detailed with grosgrain trim.
the bubble backspace installed in the en suite, shown here.
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wanted blue and orange incorporated into the boy’s room, Spear tried to integrate different shades with the bold graphic rug against the soft shade of Sherwin-Williams’ Sleepy Blue used on the walls.
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Q &A
Pro tip. LeBoeuf notes that mixing metals – such as polished chrome or nickel with gold – can add a clean and elegant style to any room, creating a more collected look, rather than a simple matched look. “The key is to pick one metal finish to speak more strongly in your space or home,” she says. “The other finish can be a complement to it.”
With Laurie LeBoeuf By Alecia Humphreys | Photos supplied
Statement piece. LeBoeuf says lighting can truly make or break a space. “I have a true love for decorative lighting, and I believe it can transform a space and take it up a notch in style and design,” she says, adding that she gravitates toward fixtures with a wow factor.
Laurie LeBoeuf of Castle Design knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue interior design. She recalls asking her parents to take her to display homes and house tours, all so she could return home to sketch floor plans. “I always paid close attention to architectural details, both exterior and interior,” LeBoeuf says. “I have always had a desire to explore interior design and create aesthetically pleasing spaces that essentially affect all of us – how we feel when we are in a space, how interiors play a part with our experiences and how we create memories.”
TTrend alert. L LeBoeuf foreshadows a comeback of warm, neutral tones like beige and medium-toned browns after many yyears of gray reigning. “A deep, jadelike green tone called Night Watch has already been named [Pittsburgh’s N PPG] color of the year for 2019, so I would suspect we P will start seeing more and more dark, moody, deep-color hues that make bold statements,” she says, “whether it is used in upholstery or for the walls.”
With 11 years of designing under her belt thus far, we turned to LeBoeuf for expert advice on turning your house into a home (with some of her personal favorites sprinkled in).
Personal fave. The one item LeBoeuf could never imagine parting ways with is her formal dining table, handed down from her parents. “It was the first dining table that they purchased together after they were married,” she says. “It is not particularly expensive or has much monetary value, but it holds so much meaning and has seen so many memories over the years.” She describes the piece as oval-topped with dainty, thin legs and a medium-toned wood stain. 18 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
Quick fix. LeBoeuf says if a home already has a seemingly neutral palette, her quick fix is accessories – throw pillows in a different palette or pattern, or perhaps a new rug, piece of art or lighting.
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Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 19
Q &A
Diane Fogerty of Savvy Surrounding Style says she was drawn to design at a young age. However, it wasn’t until approximately 10 years ago, after raising her children, that she was able to jump in full time. “I find how people live to be fascinating,” Fogerty says. “I get my inspiration from everything around me. Many times, people tend to look at what others are doing, but to
With Diane Fogerty
By Alecia Humphreys | Portrait by Relic Photography Interior photos by Tomo Muscionico
be really innovative, you have to keep your eyes open. I like to look at nature or wander around a city looking at architecture and lifestyle. It inspires me.”
Pro tip. I’m not sure if it’s a pro tip, but definitely step out of your box, and try something new. Small spaces do not dictate the need for only small artwork. If you have a traditional-style home, you don’t need to fill it with traditional furniture. Modern light fixtures in a traditional kitchen can make the look. Add interest and individuality to your home by breaking the rules and incorporating pieces you love into your space.
Statement piece.
Personal fave.
If I’m going to generalize, I don’t think clients focus enough on lighting. It seems to be an afterthought many times, but great light fixtures and the correct bulbs
Other than family photos, it would be my record player. I have an album collection that is always growing. I have music playing 24/7 in my home. Many of my albums
can make all the difference in a space.
belonged to my mom, so I think I inherited the love of music, and it’s in my blood!
Favorite recent project. Honestly, my favorite project of late was my Central West End condo. It is a contemporary space, and I had a blast redesigning it. The open floor plan and clean lines showcase the art I have acquired through travel. I incorporated a lot of texture and fabric in a clean neutral white, black and cream color palette. Urban living is awesome, and my home is truly a reflection of my lifestyle and my loves in life.
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Favorite component to select. Color and fabrics. I love determining a color palette and finding great textures and fabrics to enhance the space. Savvy has a beautiful design library with a wide variety of fabric selections. I can get lost in it for hours.
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Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 21
Clearing Kids’
CLUTTER By Connie Mitchell
F
or parents of young children, simply keeping everyone fed and clothed can be a chore – especially as the tiny tornadoes tear through the house. Seeing social media posts of pristine homes where little ones seem to calmly reside, keeping toys tidy and spaces clear, is enough to make typical parents cringe with embarrassment about their own surroundings. However, there’s hope! Local organizational experts say that even with small children at home, certain techniques and
strategies can help control the chaos. First, having the proper type of storage makes the task of organizing easier. “Playrooms and crafting/art spaces are usually the hardest areas to get and to keep organized,” says Jennifer Williams, president of Saint Louis Closet Co. “We like to design areas specifically for toys, books and crafts so the kids can play and be creative, but at the end of the day, they can easily clean up, too.” Williams recommends baskets and pullout tray shelves
Photos courtesy of NewSpace
Experts provide advice for controlling residential chaos with little ones at home.
Photos courtesy of Saint Louis Closet Co.
Photos courtesy of NewSpace
for toys, and counters for games and crafts. “Assign a specific area of the house that belongs to the children,” she advises. “Make this space their own, let them get involved with the planning and decoration of the area, give them ample play space and also places to store toys when they’re done. Teach them where things go and make that part of the playtime. And always look to wall space and the back of doors to add bulletin boards and places for them to display their prized possessions.” Jay Kamps, owner of NewSpace, echoes Williams’ sentiments about creating systems around the appropriate storage spaces. “It should be easy for [children] to access and have ownership – setting up individual bins, cubbies or baskets that are labeled with pictures or printed labels is an excellent way to get them organized.” However, the hard part is vigilantly taking the time to create an organizational routine in which putting things back when finished is part of each child’s day, he notes: “It’s easy to race out the door to the next activity without taking the time to ask that of your children.” Both Saint Louis Closet Co. and NewSpace offer residential consultations and design storage solutions based on a family’s individual needs. Drawers, counters, baskets and cabinets,
customized for children’s belongings and ages, help harried parents make cleanup time a fun part of their little ones’ routines. NewSpace, 1960 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, Overland, 314-423-3200, newspace.com Saint Louis Closet Co., 2626 S. Big Bend, Maplewood, 314-781-9000, stlouisclosetco.com
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Tempaper unveiled its first panoramic design, utopia, in response to the market’s demand for large-scale art, scenics and mural wallpapers.The self-adhesive, removable wallpaper pattern is inspired by the lush jungles and landscapes of southeast asia. tempaperdesigns.com
Whimsical Wallcoverings By Nancy Robinson Photos supplied
W H e T H e r B o l D a n D B e au T i F u l o r s u B T l e a n D s i M p l e , Wa l l pa p e r ' s s Tag i n g a B i g - T i M e c o M e Bac k — a n D D e s i g n e r s a r e D e l i g H T e D.
W
hile it’s long been the darling of high-end designers, wallpaper is seeing a resurgence in homes by bringing color, texture and patterns that paint alone simply can’t.
“Wallpaper is probably as big as it’s been in a very long time,” explains Teddy Karl, principal designer at The Great Cover-Up in Ladue. “The paperhangers are all backed up. The people who had wallpaper and swore they would never have it again are rethinking that; they don’t want to go without it.” Jessie Miller of Jessie D. Miller Interior Design attributes the fear factor of wallpaper to the previous commitment associated; however, 26 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
she states that times have changed. “The way it’s made now is just so much easier to remove, so the commitment level isn’t what it was, you know, 20 years ago,” Miller says. “People having these horrific memories removing their grandma’s wallpaper with a steamer – those days are long gone. It’s so much fun to experiment with.” Whatever the backstory, homeowners are discovering what designers have always known – wallpaper is a great way to introduce fabulous patterns, gorgeous color palettes and rich texture to a room. “It’s a great fix for a space that doesn’t have a lot of
architectural interest to it, so if it lacks molding, trim work or anything like that,” Miller says. “It’s just a very The iconic Dark Floral wallpaper by ellie cashman Design is an original creation featuring the designer’s signature floral print. elliecashmandesign.com
efficient way to add an architectural element and insert dimension into a flat wall. And then, of course, obviously color is kind of a no-brainer.” Not surprisingly, easy-to-integrate, time-tested traditional patterns like stripes and florals remain top choices; however, other classic patterns like damasks and chinoiserie, as well as murals and grass cloth, which are a bit more cyclical in popularity, are coming back into vogue. Edgier looks including bold geometrics and novelty patterns are also finding a place on walls in today’s modern homes. Miller and Karl agree that their favorite place to introduce dramatic patterns is in the powder room, where
These fresh patterns are from Thibaut’s Bridgehampton collection. it includes the Waterford Floral wallpaper, shown with a variety of vibrant coordinated fabrics. greatcoverupdesign.com
it’s easy to let one’s imagination run wild with big, bold patterns that might not be used elsewhere in the home. “Powder rooms are always an opportunity to go super-bold because it’s such a small space,” Miller says. “I think the crazier, the better in a powder room because it’s a fun discovery for your guests to get a kick out of.” Of course, bedrooms, dining rooms and dens are also top spots for wallpaper placement. “We’re still doing a lot of wallpaper in bedrooms and grass cloth in dens and dining rooms,” Karl says. “And I love dramatic, traditional florals
This simple black-andwhite pattern is called chalkboard. it’s one in a series of wallpaper patterns in the Joanna gaines’ Magnolia Home collection from York Wallcoverings. reinekedecorating.com
in the dining room.” Miller says she likes to use organic patterns that don’t have a consistent redundancy, but are more abstract, but she notes a homeowner really can’t go wrong. “No matter what the design is, it’s immediately going to elevate the space to add that extra layer – even if it’s a very muted pattern,” Miller says. “Wallpaper grounds the room in such a way that’s hard to describe.” Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 27
Transition to
T E C H By robyn dexter | photos provided by Walbrandt technologies
H
ome technology in the 21st century is mindblowing. Gone are the days when the universal
remote was the coolest piece of technology in the living room. In 2018, homeowners can moderate the temperature of their residence from thousands of miles away. They can use their voice to control lighting and music. Forgot to lock the door? Do it from your smartphone. Whether you’re wanting a few new speakers installed or a total revamp of how your home’s electronics are controlled, metro area professionals can make it happen. Aaron Walbrandt, president of
Walbrandt Technologies, says that while there was a point when homeowners were questioning the integration of smart home features, now, “There’s really no question. “Technology is becoming an essential part of the modern home,” he continues. “We expect intuitive control of the amenities in our car, oftentimes through a touch-screen interface. Why not have that in your home, as well?” With a mission to deliver life-enhancing technologies and award-winning service, Walbrandt Technologies often is frequently brought on while 28 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
a house is still in its architectural phase. The initial step is to design the wiring for the home, which will be the backbone of its wired and wireless network and all the technology that relies on it. “Every device that accesses the internet or communicates with [another] is going to use that network, so it must be done properly,” Walbrandt says. Once the network is in place, Walbrandt works with the
Metro area tech experts have their finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest for your hoMe. customer to find out which types of technology will best fit the family’s lifestyle. If they’re big music fans or like to entertain, Walbrandt will work with them on a sound system. If they often have people over to watch sports, Walbrandt says there’s nothing like viewing an event on a large projection screen with full surround
his team can even condense a bank line of light switches into one switch that controls lighting, shades, ceiling fans and music for a given room. “All these things together help make the house more comfortable, convenient and better for entertaining,” he says.
sound. “It brings the action right into your home,” he says. “We can design a system to automate lighting and shades, for security, energy efficiencies and to interact with outside lighting conditions. Today’s automated shades can be controlled with the press of a button and
and bigger. As 4K TVs move in to replace their 1080p predecessors, picture quality has reached stunning heights. Walbrandt says it’s not uncommon for people to have 80-inch TVs in their homes and notes
add convenience, energy efficiency and security to the home.” When planned out and installed properly, innovative hometechnology features don’t have to take away from the aesthetic. Walbrandt works closely with interior designers and architects to ensure that wires aren’t running across the home and that there’s not a need for furniture to hide routers and outlets. He says he and
When it comes to entertainment, home TVs are getting bigger
that having a cinematic experience in your living room is now easier than ever. When the 80-inch TV isn’t big enough, Samsung introduced a new product earlier this year called The Wall. Not to be mistaken for the 1979 Pink Floyd album, The Wall is a 146-inch TV that can be installed in a home or business. Although its price tag hasn’t been
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 29
announced, CNET predicts the roughly 10-foot-wide, 6-foot-tall TV could cost upwards of $100,000. If home security and surveillance are more up your tech alley, innovations in that field have been through the roof, so to speak. Terrence Hampton, partner at Life Media, says that at least half of its projects these days are focused on keeping the home secure and giving homeowners the ability to keep an eye on it from wherever they may be. “Surveillance is one of the most important technology features
TVs into their homes. Hampton says he’s excited to see what’s coming next in the TV world and notes that a new paper-thin one is coming down the pipeline. He’s also looking forward to the disappearance of cable boxes as TV services move over to using networks instead. Although it might be difficult to stay ahead of the technology curve, there’s no shortage of metro area companies bringing the latest and best to local residents. As author Alvin Toffler put it: “Technology feeds on itself. Technology makes more technology possible.”
right now,” he says. “Everything is more user-friendly and gives the user more control.” Today’s cameras are smaller and more inexpensive, and Life Media works with its customers to find the system that’s right for them. Customers can now see who’s at the front door or if a package has arrived simply by opening an app on their phone or tablet. By integrating more smart home features, today’s technology also allows customers to lock and unlock doors and set alarms. “Most of our clients are not basing their system on a budget,” Hampton says. “They want user-friendly. The operation of the system is most important to them.” Life Media also has a large customer base in entertainment installation and works with its clients to bring the latest and greatest 30 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
Life Media, 314-966-3775, lifemediallc.net Walbrandt Technologies, 11612 Page Service Drive, St. Louis, 314-627-0346, walbrandt.com
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 31
32 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
Kitchen designed by Brooksberry | Photo by Alise O’Brien
Trends KiTchen By Alecia Humphreys | Photos submitted
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 33
L ocal
design
experts discuss
what’s now in vogue in the
kitchen.
K
Kitchens designed by Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath | Above photos by Photographie by Li
Photo courtesy of Karr Bick
itchens are undeniably the heart of the home, and as such, individuals should devote extra time (and funds) to ensuring their kitchen is both functional and aesthetically appealing. However, trends come and go, so Ladue News spoke with local kitchen design experts about looks that will establish your kitchen as both trendy and timeless. Andy Coffin, owner of Brooksberry Kitchens and Baths, says that the all-white everything trend is still holding strong – albeit with a minor adjustment. “Whenever possible, [clients] are offsetting the white with a wood-toned or painted island,” Coffin says. “This along with a beautiful counter or adventurous backsplash gives the room some character.” Jenn Lewis, Right Kitchen and Bath designer for Mosby Building Arts, concurs that white kitchens remain popular, but
adds she’s seeing pops of color being incorporated minimally, as well. increase in technological integration into the kitchen. “Smart home technology is growing every year and shows no “You will find [clients] playing with different colors, too,” Lewis sign of stopping,” Liston says. “We recently attended a conference all says. “You are finding more islands in an accent color or even different colors used between the base and wall cabinets.” geared toward innovation in remodeling. It’s all about simplifying In terms of cabinetry, Coffin says your lifestyle.” he sees inset cabinets – a cabinet Kuhn agrees that smart frame that fits flush to the face of the elements are gaining momentum in cabinet when closed – stealing the the kitchen. hearts of his clients. “Hands-free faucets are definitely “When clients see and things we are installing; it’s not experience inset cabinetry, they something you are just out there fall in love,” he says. “It’s not a great hearing about,” she says. “I think fit for every family or budget, but as people are eating healthier and aesthetically, it’s very appealing.” embracing that healthier lifestyle, Jeanne Liston of Liston Design [the steam oven] is one appliance Build, though, is seeing the continued I see people incorporating. … I do integration of open shelving. think up and coming are all the “From an appearance appliances that are connected to perspective, having open shelves [Amazon’s] Alexa.” allows your kitchen to showcase Kuhn, however, advises clients to carefully consider where they are your personality,” Liston says. “The incorporating technology. shelves can also serve as an accent “The thing that always comes to with material options from raw wood mind is when you go into people’s to stainless steel and everything in homes right now that have the between, creating a wow factor.” home-intercom system right there Liston recommends being mindful, in the wall,” she says. “Technology though, about what will inhabit the open is going to change so rapidly, and it shelves before going that route. does change so rapidly right now, “[Ask yourself] will it mesh with your overall cooking style and lifestyle,” that I always try to keep anything she says. technological out of the hard surfaces Both Lewis and Karr Bick Kitchen that can’t be easily changed out.” & Bath senior designer Wendy Kuhn says Whether adding a simple pop St. Louisans are also becoming more of color or a tech-savvy appliance, accepting of quartz countertops. these exciting design trends don’t “St. Louis traditionally, for me, has miss a beat on the latest updates for been a very natural stone-oriented the heart of the home. market,” Kuhn says. “And that is still really popular, but rather than have Brooksberry Kitchens and Baths, 751 Old Frontenac Square, the maintenance of marble, a lot of Kitchens designed by Mosby Building Arts St. Louis, 314-872-7720, people, if they want natural stone, Photos supplied by Mosby brooksberry.com are going more into quartzite, which is a lot more durable than marble and has a very beautiful, veiny Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath, 2715 Mercantile Drive, Brentwood, look to it.” 314-274-3640, karrbick.com Lewis applauds the maintenance requirement – or lack thereof – of using quartz. Liston Design Build, 1106 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, “Quartz is a nonporous material; therefore, you don’t have to 636-940-9417, listondesignbuild.com seal it,” she says. “Cleanup is simple and maintenance is minimal. Quartz manufacturers are growing their lines to include patterns Mosby Building Arts, 645 Leffingwell Ave., St. Louis, 314-909-1800, that appear more natural.” mosbybuildingarts.com Last, but certainly not the least worthy of mention, is the Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 35
Residential and CommeRCial inteRioR design
9753 Clayton Rd. st. louis, mo 63124
36 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
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314.432.7289
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| ABODE | october 2018 | 37
a tudor udo to Die
for By Bryan A. Hollerbach Photos courtesy of Period Restoration
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 39
Yesterday remains elegantly alive and well today in a Jazz Age abode just past Clayton’s eastern edge.
D
espite the blandishments of the present and the future, the past, when skillfully stewarded, embraces timelessness, as a local property rejuvenated by Period Restoration
illustrates adroitly. That property, listed as a 1929 Tudor, stands at 233 Woodbourne Drive in St. Louis due southwest of the intersection of Skinker and Wydown boulevards – roughly a westward wedge shot from St. Louis’ Forest Park.
“With most homes, we get quite a bit of information from the family and also have a historian do a background on the home,” says Randy Renner Jr., who co-founded Period Restoration with his father, co-owner Randy Renner Sr. “Woodbourne didn’t have much info transferred from the previous owners, and we didn’t do a historic investigation. … I do know they were avid art collectors and, I believe, were prominent in the community.” Predictably, authorities vary on the temporal and physical
40 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
details of the Tudor style (technically a revival of a 16th-century English style) in the United States. Lester Walker’s American Shelter dates it from simply 1900. For their part, John Milnes Baker’s American House Styles and Steven J. Phillips’ Old-House Dictionary cite ranges starting in 1890; Baker’s range ends in 1930, though, while Phillips’ runs a full decade longer, to 1940. Physically, Phillips and Walker agree on a stylistic component immediately discernable from 233 Woodbourne Drive’s main entryway. “The most common exterior feature of the Tudor house is that of half-timbering,” Walker states. “In this type of construction, the actual timber framework of the building is left exposed and the spaces between the timbers filled or ‘nogged’ with brickwork and often covered with white stucco.” To half-timbering, Baker adds parapeted gables and leaded windows with certain stone components, and Phillips cites masonry construction and tall chimneys often topped with pots – all structural components gloriously exhibited by the Woodbourne Drive abode.
Renner Jr. states that the 2½-story residence contains close to 4,900 square feet with five bedrooms, three full baths and a half-bath, surrounded by an oversize lot boasting more than 2,000 square feet of English garden space. The house sports a multiply gabled roof in slate, as well as half a dozen gabled dormers, and exemplifies the glories of St. Louis brick in coursed range work. It also abounds with metal casement windows, which feature 18 leaded panels. Admitting visitors at the front is a stately masonry-framed sash door with a central patera. Just off it, from a two-story entry hall, an equally stately wood-and-metal stairway angles to the right, past a spacious window seat above which lies the second floor. Most of the residence features hardwood strip flooring almost too handsome for the depredations of even measured treads. Moreover, despite an exterior palette largely muted by the abode’s brickwork, woodwork and roofing, white predominates within and synergizes with the glories of the glazier’s art to brighten everything magnificently.
42 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
Achieving such overall magnificence took considerable time and effort, Renner relates, especially given the property’s listing on the federal government’s prestigious National Register of Historic Places. “The total restoration took approximately eight months,” he says. “We removed and replaced the slate roof with a matching 120-year S1-grade slate roof. More than 130 leaded-glass metal window and door panels were totally restored, stripped, deglazed, reglazed and two-coat finish-painted – that process took over 2,000 man-hours. “Copper gutters with custom conductor heads were replicated. Mechanicals included all new wiring, removal of knob-andtube wiring, a new 400-amp panel. The home did not have air conditioning, so we installed all-new HVAC mechanicals, one system per floor, along with all-new ductwork, which was sized correctly to condition the space appropriately. “The whole house was re-plumbed … Custom-designed brick lined the English garden, with a one-of-a-kind pergola, along with full landscape plantings and an irrigation system.
“We removed the back staircase, an old elevator and loadbearing walls to establish the new open-kitchen design. The kitchen has custom furniture-quality cabinets with beaded inset doors, a ladder-and-rail system, a 2-inch-thick walnut island top, a custom exhaust hood, a farmhouse sink. The gentleman bar is mahogany and has a bar sink, a second dishwasher, a wine fridge and an ice-maker. The appliance package consists of a Wolf range, a Sub-Zero paneled fridge and a paneled ASKO dishwasher.” When asked which component of the rejuvenation most challenged Period Restoration, Renner cites the metal leaded windows. “Anytime you’re working with older things, it takes a lot of patience and skill to get them functional again,” he says. “Sometimes sourcing parts is also difficult.” Given 233 Woodbourne Drive’s listing on the National Register, Renner reflects on the strictures involved in rejuvenating such properties. “With all Period Restoration projects, much thought is put into reusing and enhancing the architecture of the home,” he says. “The Woodbourne home was no exception, from the gardens to the roof, windows, the matching of all the interior trim, the tile chosen in all the baths, lighting, plumbing fixtures and cabinetry – all painstakingly considered to ensure a timeless look that doesn’t take away from the original beauty of the home. We call it an Heirloom Quality Home when we’re finished.” Appropriately, reflecting Period Restoration’s 2009 founding, Renner also looks back at its first 10 years – and forward to its second. “In the last decade, we’ve done work to a lot of houses that ranged from 1,300 square feet to the largest of 12,000, each having its own difficulties,” he says. “We’ve done condo conversions, additions, built an elaborate carriage house, luxury condos, built several periodcorrect new infill homes and tons of whole-house restoration to many old homes. I’m proud of our team and how we don’t cut corners and figure out what many people are afraid to tackle. We have a pretty diversified portfolio, and I hope to continue to build on that.” Otherwise, in addition to his partnership with his father, Renner cites another homey, familial connection in inspiring his vocation. “My grandfather piqued my interest,” he says. “I used to work with him when I was a kid. He had a wood shop, and he built and made furniture along with other carpentry items. “We used to watch [the long-running PBS TV programs] New Yankee Workshop and This Old House, and I’ve carried that same passion since I was a kid.” Period Restoration, 7417 Delmar Blvd., Unit A, St. Louis, 314-704-5146, periodrestorationco.com
• 2018 Ladue News Platinum List Winner - Interior Design •
314.707.7291 44 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
We are the experts in transforming an old, ugly, unused fireplace into the beautiful, warm, and efficient focal point of the home. We can add fireside warmth to your basement or bedroom to help you better enjoy those spaces. If you’re building a new home, we work with many contractors and builders to supply fireplaces, mantels, and surrounds. We’re skilled in contemporary or traditional styling so we can work with any design goals. Email us @ fforshaw@forshaws.com • www.forshaws.com
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One-of-a-Kind
By Brittany Nay | Feature photos by Elizabeth Ann Photography, main image by Alise O’Brien Photography
St. Louis-based Schaub+Srote Architects integrates unprecedented quality and creativity in every square foot of each client’s custom-built luxury home. 46 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
T
he St. Louis metro area isn’t necessarily the first place you’d expect to find an expansive 19th-century European-inspired manor. But that’s just what you’ll come upon along a lovely tree-lined lane in Frontenac. Standing serene and stately, like a majestic modern-day castle, the idyllic manse, dubbed Bridleview, is the unique work of Schaub+Srote Architects, a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm serving residential and commercial clients throughout the area. “Our firm specializes in luxury home design,” says principal architect Robert Srote. Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 47
Bridleview captures the elegant essence of 19th-century France, the clients’ dream destination, Srote says, adding, “Our clients’ direction was to simply have fun with the design while incorporating every unique element [they desired].” The abode’s opulent exterior boasts stately cut limestone window and door surrounds, crosshatch windows, wrought-iron balcony railings, copper spires and Flemish diagonal bond gable brickwork – a pleasing pattern of alternating stretchers (sides of brick) and headers (ends of brick) found in late medieval buildings across Europe. Inside the impressive estate, homeowners and guests alike receive a warm welcome from the two-story grand foyer, featuring a stunning stairwell turret with iron railings showcasing a creative scroll design. The kitchen glows with custom white cabinets, a white granite-topped island and a tray ceiling with crown molding, 48 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
and the dining room stuns with white marble flooring, French doors and a chic metallic ceiling. The two-story grand hall shines with a wall of wood-framed French doors and windows and a limestone fireplace, while the office space boasts custom solid-wood walls and built-in bookcases. A strategically positioned tavern between the grand hall, kitchen and hearth room, featuring curved timber ceiling beams, creates a symbiotic relationship among the spaces, perfect for a private family evening and equally inviting for larger formal gatherings, Srote says. A peaceful master bedroom with a plush tufted upholstered bedframe and floral-patterned gold wallpaper also includes a cozy adjacent sitting room, while the relaxing master bath has white marble floors, a soaking tub and a delicate gold chandelier. Outside, an immaculately landscaped backyard featuring an
“
“
Our in-house interior design and
structural engineering divisions allow
for seamless collaboration throughout the architectural process, eliminating o subcontract services vices. the need to subcontr – RobeRt SRote
alfresco dining terrace, an inviting gazebo and a pristine pool, complete with a soothing waterfall and adjacent hot tub, adds to the abode’s entertaining space. Intricate interior design details throughout the home, from regal furniture to eye-catching chandeliers and metallic wall treatments, were achieved thanks to Laurie LeBoeuf of Castle Design in St. Louis. “[LeBoeuf ’s] ability to capture the client’s desire for a transitional interior, while melding with the French eclectic exterior, created a truly dramatic synergistic effect,” Srote says. As an expert in luxury home design, Schaub+Srote Architects works closely with clients throughout the design-and-build process to construct their perfect home. “Our in-house interior design and structural engineering divisions allow for seamless collaboration throughout the architectural process, eliminating the need to subcontract services,” Srote says. The firm’s vision for each custom home is an extension of the client’s dreams, Srote says. “We create inspired designs by incorporating an extensive predesign phase, which allows us to become exceedingly familiar with our clients’ wants and needs before beginning the creative process,” he says. “Once predesign is complete, we have absorbed the necessary information to express our design
prowess in a way that we feel is unparalleled in the industry.” Schaub+Srote Architects principal architect David Schaub founded the firm as Schaub Design Group, Inc. in 1992. Schaub+Srote Architects was formed in 2012 with the addition of Srote, who formerly helmed the high-end residential architecture firm Residential Masterworks. And in 2015, Schaub+Srote Architects expanded to commercial architecture with the acquisition of John Lark & Associates. With this expanded staff possessing decades of designand-build experience and expertise, Schaub+Srote Architects is well-versed in all types of large and small projects of varying architectural styles, from modern to Victorian, Italianate and Tudor. Although the firm can create luxury homes as large as 40,000 square feet, it also has provided architectural services for renovations and additions as small as 400 square feet. “Every project presents a unique challenge,” Srote says, “which is why we get just as enthusiastic about a small addition or renovation as we do about an expansive 19th-century European manor.” Schaub+Srote Architects, 2900 S. Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, 314-822-7006, schaubsrote.com
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 51
Make the most of your outdoor space this autumn with the help of local furnishing experts.
Furnished spaces by Forshaw of St. Louis
f
urnishing
52 | OCTOBER 2018 | ABODE | Laduenews.com
Fall
By Drew Gieseke Photos courtesy of Amini’s and Forshaw of St. Louis crisp, autumn breeze is in the air, the perfect complement to the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges so colorfully decorating the surrounding foliage. With a fire crackling nearby and cozy furnishings all around, there’s no better way to enjoy fall than from the comfort of your own redecorated outdoor space.
For Chesterfieldbased Amini’s – which has been in business
products to do it when
since 1975 – this time of year is all about changeover.
which opened in 1871,
“The fall season is when we start to transition our showroom from outdoor to indoor
has changed since the 19th century – modern central-heating and -cooling systems, for
have a wide selection of fire pits for those crisp fall evenings, which are especially popular.” Zimmerman is
is a fifth-generation family business. Much
starters – but the business has adjusted to customers’ needs every
Furnished spaces by Amini’s
furnishings,” says design consultant Scott Zimmerman. “We still
they want to do it.” The company,
quick to mention that autumn is one of the best times of the year for customers to take advantage of seasonal pricing by purchasing outdoor furniture for the final fall days, as well as the upcoming spring. With that in mind, the virtue of choice is what makes Amini’s special. “We have a huge selection of in-stock merchandise for clients who have an immediate need, but [we] can also customorder thousands of pieces to fit even the most unique spaces,” Zimmerman says. Multiple configurations play a role, as well, particularly because Amini’s serves customers looking to update their patios for a wide variety of get-togethers in autumn. “Sporting events, birthdays, holidays and graduations are the most common events,” Zimmerman says. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or simply taking in sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of your outdoor space, having furniture that’s easily movable is essential. In these cases, Zimmerman recommends chairs over sofas and sectionals for the obvious reason: They’re much more manageable. Zimmerman says throws are the most effective way to make a space feel cozy, but Amini’s also carries everything from accent tables designed to weather the elements to umbrellas and rugs, each adding a special touch to your comfort and overall open-air aesthetic. Meanwhile, at Forshaw of St. Louis, a Frontenac retailer that specializes in fireplaces, the key to creating a cozy fall setup is extending the life of customers’ outdoor spaces. “It’s always better if someone can enjoy their patio for longer,” says general manager Rick Forshaw Jr., “and we have the
step of the way. “We’re doing more and more outdoor setups,” Forshaw says. “What we get a lot of is people wanting to add a fireplace, reface a fireplace or add something totally new.” Far and away the most popular styles of fireplace that Forshaw installs are gas-operated, thanks in part to simplicity and ease – homeowners can switch their fire on with the press of a button or flip of a switch, all without the hassle often associated with wood-burning setups, which can be timeconsuming and odorous. Other configurations, such as direct-vent inserts, add functionality to the flame, providing a heat source on top of that oh-so-comforting crackling fire that lights up evening patio parties in the fall. The company also offers infrared heaters, which are a more cost-efficient option that keep outdoor spaces toasty well into the cold season. “They warm the surface and not the air, which keeps the space warmer for longer,” Forshaw says of infrared heaters. “I did a house last winter, and the [installation] guys were out there working in shorts in 10-degree weather, so you know it works.” As in all home redecorating, remodeling and revitalizing, customizability is essential. “With gas fireplaces, you don’t need to build a big chimney or anything: We just put the framing and fireplace in, and people have their masons finish the box once it’s installed,” Forshaw says. “Customers love it because it makes the process simpler.” 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
Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 53
Lush
Autumnal Landscapes By Connie Mitchell
Our experts provide landscaping tips for a fabulous fall yard, from cleaning and clearing to planting seasonal beds and pots and tackling hardscaping projects.
A
s area trees begin to shed their leaves, you might assume your lawn and garden are finished till spring. However, fall offers plenty of opportunity to keep your landscape looking beautiful even into early winter. First, take care of general maintenance, advises Tony Frisella Jr., lead landscape designer for Frisella Nursery in Defiance. “If you only do one thing, remove debris from and cultivate your mulch beds,� he says. Raking out dead leaves and then turning the existing mulch over with the rake will bring darker mulch to the surface, freshening the look and preparing beds for the next season of planting.
Andria Graeler of Chesterfield Valley Nursery agrees that clearing dead leaves is the most effective way to keep things looking fresh through the fall. “Touching up your mulch and re-edging your beds significantly adds to the beautification of your yard,” she says. “Depending on the size of your landscaping, this project can be completed in a few hours and helps your yard look less cluttered and more clean-cut.” In their enthusiasm to tidy up mulch beds, one common error people make is piling mulch too high around the base of trees and other plants, Frisella adds. “You want the mulch thicker between plants, but thinner around their stems to help prevent disease and excessive root growth, which can damage trees,” he says, noting to mulch beds once a year. Photo courtesy of Frisella Nursery “The flip side of that is that if you have azaleas, rhododendrons, crepe myrtles or butterfly bushes, it’s a good idea to cover them loosely with fallen leaves,” he says. “Just lightly rake leaves over these bushes – the extra protection will help them bloom better in the spring. The loosely piled leaves help the
Photos above and below by Andria Graeler of Chesterfield Valley Nursery
plants retain moisture and insulate the stems from severe freezes.” Once the grass is clear of leaves, Frisella recommends spreading a high-nitrogen fertilizer on the turf in late November. “This gets the grass ready for the following season,” he says. A good year-round turf maintenance program will help ensure that lawns are properly fertilized on a regular basis and keep grass in good condition. Once the lawn and planting beds are cleaned and cared for, it’s time to add some pop with fall annuals. Mums, pansies, ornamental kale and cabbage, red fountain grass and Denver daisies are among the plants that can add brilliant color and curb appeal at this time of year whether added to planting beds or pots. “If you’re getting further into the late fall, it’s time to start thinking about what you can put in your pots for the winter, such as ornamental evergreens that are hardy enough to survive in pots during cooler temperatures,” Graeler says. Winter arrangements also can include ornamental wicker Photo courtesy of Frisella Nursery balls, ribbons and lights. Fall is also the perfect time for hardscaping projects. Both Frisella and Graeler recommend considering this time of year for adding outdoor fireplaces, lighting, water features and patios. “Another major project would be adding some evergreen landscaping if you have a lot of deciduous trees [those that drop their leaves in winter] in your yard,” Graeler says. “Once winter comes, you want there to still be plants that maintain their color and foliage for you to enjoy all winter long.” Frisella adds that property owners can take advantage of colder months to work with a company on landscape design for spring installation. “Paying attention to your landscape throughout the year will help you present a nice fall landscape,” he says. “Every season has opportunities.” Chesterfield Valley Nursery, 16825 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, 636-532-9307, chesterfieldvalleynursery.com Frisella Nursery, 550 Highway F, Defiance, 636-798-2555, frisellanursery.com Laduenews.com | ABODE | october 2018 | 55
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Wood Floor Specialists Since 1910
314-432-2260 | 2438 Northline Industrial Drive Maryland Heights MO. 63043 | missourifloor.com
Mitchell Wall
architecture and design
WWW.MITCHELLWALL.COM | 314.576.5888 | 2 THE PINES COURT, ST. LOUIS, MO 63141