ABODE Spring 2024

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entertaining SPACES t tai i TAKEITOUTSIDE: monochromatic INTERIORS monochrom

WOODLANDKNOLL

Thefirsttimeprojectpartnershipoftwoiconsintheindustry: HollingsworthDesign and NJLCustomHomes Insteadofjustsellinglotstobuildon,wearesellingthe entirepackage,handling allofthedetails soyoudon’thaveto.

Allofthearchitecturalandlandscapeplanning,exteriorandinteriordesignworkalongwiththerelatedtime, energyandcostshavebeentakencareofandareincluded. Topofthelinedesignfeaturesandfinishes.

WoodlandKnoll isapicturesqueneighborhoodcovering7acresofgentlyrollinglandscapewithmaturetrees. Eachhomeisdistinctiveandbeautifulwhileatthesametimepartofacohesiveandcovetedneighborhood.

FollowLN’sFacebook pagetokeepupwiththe latesthomedécor trends. Eachweek, lookforward to THERESET column, whichshowcasesthree piecesideal forupdating yourinteriordesign.

Get apeekinside luxurious localhomesby following@laduenewson Instagram.Photosfrom the DESIGNELEMENTS column showoffstunning workbysomeofthe topinteriordesignersin themetroarea.

Seesomethinginthemagazine thatinspiresyou?FollowLNon Pinteresttosaveyourfavorite FEATURES for whenever you needacreativespark.

PUBLISHER

IanCaso

EDITORIAL

MANAGINGEDITOR

AshleyKlein | aklein@laduenews.com

DIGITALEDITOR & STAFFWRITER

AmandaDahl | adahl@laduenews.com

COPYEDITOR & STAFFWRITER

MadeleineAckerburg | mackerburg@laduenews.com

ASSOCIATEEDITOR

EmilyStandlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

MULTIMEDIAREPORTER

DanielPuma | dpuma@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

BethanyChristo,DrewGieseke,AleciaHumphreys, ConnieMitchell,BrittanyNay,AndreaSmith

ADVERTISING

VICEPRESIDENTOFSALES

KevinHart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

SENIORMEDIASTRATEGIST

KatieRay | kray@laduenews.com

MEDIASTRATEGIST

MichelleBrown | mbrown@laduenews.com

SPECIALPROJECTSMANAGER

MaggiePeters | mpeters@laduenews.com

CLASSIFIEDACCOUNTMANAGER

LisaTaylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

ARTDIRECTOR

LauraDeVlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

ASSISTANTARTDIRECTOR

ChristopherOth | coth@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

AnneDeutch,ChristinaKling-Garrett, JenniferKlink,MeganLorenz,AnneMatheis, LisaMitchell,AliseO’Brien,KarenPalmer, DebVuagniaux,BjörnWallander CONTACT

901N.10thSt.,St.Louis,MO63101-1250

PhotocourtesyofFox & HoundAntiques

PhotobyAliseO’Brien;designbyJoniSpearInteriorDesign

Photosupplied

LN ABODE

PhotobyChristinaKling-Garrett

LE TT ER FR OM

T HEED ITOR

It’samazingwhatyoucanlearnaboutsomeonejustfromwalking intotheirhome.

Atmyhouse,you’llfindavaseofflowersIpickedupwhile groceryshopping,shelvesfilledwithmybooks(alphabetized, naturally)andafewtoomanydogtoysscatteredaroundthefloor.

Mymom’shouseisthecoziestplaceintheworld,fullofsunshineandalways smellinglikefreshcoffee.Mygrandparentsdecoratetheirhomewithfamily photosonthefridge,wallsandmantle–evenaroundthepooltablein thebasement

WitheachprojectsharedinthiseditionofABODE,you’llfindhomes brimmingwithpersonalityandpackedwithSt.Louis’signaturehospitality. Hostswiththemost,thisistheissueforyou–learnhowbutler’spantries andsculleriescanchangeyourentertaininggameonp.17,andcheckout someabsolutelyluxuriousin-homebarsandwinecellarsonp.22.Ofcourse, springtimegatheringsmeanmakingthemostofthesunshine–getinspired torevampyouroutdoorentertainingspacesonp.45.

Makingyourhousefeellikeahomematterswhetheryou’reexpecting guestsornot.So,takethiseditionofABODEasyourinvitationtodreambig andjust goforit.Onp.38,peruseasunroomrenovationinvolvingasevenfoot-widepaintingofamulticoloredfish,andseeabathroomredesignon p.36thatinvolvedliftinga400-poundconcretetubthroughasecond-story windowviacrane.Whateveryourcrazyideais,St.Louis-areainterior designersarepreparedtomakeithappen–andmakeitbeautiful.

Happy living, AshleyKlein

DesignerINSIGHTS

WITHCHANNINGKRICHEVSKY & MARIAHOGREFE

C&MInteriors

ByAleciaHumphreys PhotoscourtesyofC&MInteriors

Fornearlyadecade,theC&MInteriorsteamhas beencreatingone-of-a-kindspacesthatarenotonly drippingwithdetail,butalsopersonalized to match clients’lifestyles.

“Ourentiremissionrevolvesarounddesigningbespoke homeswithdelightfuldetails,timelesssolutionsanda refinedsenseofpurpose,”saysprincipaldesignerChanning Krichevsky.“Ifyoucanwalkintooneofourspacesandnotbe abletoidentifywhenitwasdesigned,wehavedonewhatwe setouttodo."

KrichevskyandMariaHogrefe,themastermindsbehind thebusiness,saytheyachievesuchalluringaestheticsby meticulouslyplanningandfocusingonthefeelofaroom.

“A[space’sdesign]cantrulyimpactyourlife,”Hogrefesays. “We[set]atoneandbackdroptoourclients’lives.Weboth havealwayshadaloveforthebuiltenvironment–how aspacecanmakeyoufeelandchangeyourmood.”

Homemust-have

ChanningKrichevsky: Everyspaceneedsadistinctpersonality ormood, whichisn't atangiblething. It’safeelingbeforeavisual It'showyour wholebody responds to an expressionofaroom–how yourhomebecomesanothermemberofthe family.It’s whyour clientscome to ustimeandtimeagain.

PhotobyJoanFisherforTheScoutGuideSaintLouis

Pro-tip

MariaHogrefe: Thetiniestdetailsmake thebiggestimpact. Withoutsmall,uniquedetails, yourdesignwilllackany senseofpersonality.Beingoriginal andfindingunique, one-of-a-kindorcustompieceswillhelpsetyouapartfrom whatlikely feels 'trendy' and whateveryoneelsehas.

Recentreno

CK: Oneofourrecent favoriteprojects published onour websiteisthe‘HeirloomEstate’project. Itcheckedalltheboxes. Theclientwassolovely.Theprojectwasahistoric 1923 home, andshewanted somethingthatfelt refined,comfortableand like asanctuary.Ittruly embodieseverything aboutthe C&M brand while alsofeelingjustlike ourclient. Shewasoverthe moonwiththeresult, andwearesogratefulto havebeena partof it.

Favoriteprojects

MH: Historichomesareourthing.Welovethechallengeof preservingtheoldandinfusingitwithupdatedamenities.Wealso adoreworkingonnew-buildprojects,butithastobetherightfit. Weneedtohavetherangetoinfusepersonality,characterand uniquedetailsintoeveryinchofthespace.

C&MInteriors,2855AccomacBlvd.,St.Louis,314-328-1923, candminteriors.com

EXTRAORDINARYCUSTOMJEWELRY

MEETTHEOWNER

Chris,Formorethan20years,Chrishasbeenthe drivingforcebehindthousandsofexquisite,customdesignedjewelrypieces.Withanimpressive portfolioboastingover4000custom-designed pieces,Chrishastransformeddreamsintotangible, wearableart.Eachcreationreflectshisunwavering commitmenttoperfectionandhisdee p understandingoftheartistrybehindjewelrydesign. Hismeticulousattentiontodetail,combinedwithhis flairforblendingtraditionalcraftsmanshipwith contemporaryaesthetics,hasearnedhimrecognition andrespectintheworldoffinejewelry. Hisabilitytotranslateemotionsandstoriesintohis jewelry,makeseverypieceacherishedmemory.

MEETTHEDESIGNER

Jess,themindbehindmanyofourcaptivatingcustom jewelrycreations.Formerlyacorporatedes igner,Jess hasseamlesslytransitionedhercreativeprowessto theworldofbespokejewelry,wheresheconsistently pushestheboundariesofimagination.

AttheheartofJess'sportfolioliesatreasuretroveof exquisite,custom-designedpieces.Herabilityto capturetheessenceofeachindividual'spersonality andstoryinherjewelryistrulyremarkable.Every pieceshecreatesisatestamenttoherdedicationto craftingone-of-a-kindtreasures.

Ifyouseektim elesseleganceandpersonalized craftsmanship,looknofurtherthanChrisandJessat TheDiamondBar,wheredreamscometolifein preciousmetalsandgemstones.

Hue

GETA Hue

Onecolor doesn’tmean onenot e. Three areadesigners wei gh in ontrendin g mono chromatic int eriors.

EByAshleyKlein

xercisingartisticcreativitydoesn’tnecessarilymean usingeverycrayoninthebox–Picassohadablue period,forexample,andVanGoghspentyearsin yellow.Ininteriordesign,manyofthesameprinciples apply:Paringdownthepalettetoasinglecoloropensthedoorto explorationsintexture,shapeandhue.

Atfirst,amonochromaticdesignschememayseemsimple to execute,but experts employcertaintechniques toensurethe resultisdynamicratherthanone-note.Wespokewithmetro-area designersabouttheirthoughtsonthetrendandtheirstrategies forsuccessfullyachievingthelook.

WELCOMEBACK,COLOR

Clean,neutralcolorpalettesareclassic,butthehyperminimalist,cool-whiteinteriorsthatgainedpopularityinthelast decademaybelosingtraction.

“Homeownersareseekingwarmth,comfortanddepthin theirspacesnow,”saysKarenKorn,ownerandprincipalinterior designerat Karen KornInteriors.“Saturatedcolors feel inherently cozy.Theall-whiteandneutraltrendlostitslusterbecause, eventually,itfeels emptyandunfulfilling.”

TheowneroftheeponymousJessieD.MillerInteriorDesign theorizesthat thedeparturefrom blank-slateinteriors is about

expressingindividuality:Boldcolormakesastatementandleaves animpression,whether inpersonor inphotos online.

“Thereisagrowingtrendtowardsmorepersonalizedand authenticexperiencesbothindesignandonsocialmedia,”Miller says.“Peopleare…movingawayfromoverlycuratedandsterile aestheticstowardsmoregenuineandexpressiverepresentations ofthemselves.”

Thisiswherecolorcomesin.Milleradds:“Workingwitha saturated,monochromaticpalette createsavibelikenoother. Thisfocusedapproachoncoloranditsemotionalimpacthelps toestablishamoodthatresonateswiththeoverallessenceof theroom.”

DesignbyKarenKornInteriors

PhotobyKarenPalmerPhotography

PhotocourtesyofJessieD.MillerInteriorDesign

EMBRACEYOURDARKSIDE

Somecolorchoices might feel bolderor more challenging thanothers.Darkinterioraestheticshavelongbeensurrounded withtaboosofmakingspacesfeelsmaller,butunderadesigner’s experteye,darkshadescanmakearoomcomfortingratherthan constrictedandsleekratherthanstuffy.

JessicaKilian,leaddesigneratC&MInteriors,selecteda deepbluetobringacalmingauraintoafamilybathroomwhile leveragingtheabundanceofnaturallightfromtheroom’s largewindowandcarefullychosenfinishestokeepthespace feeling airy.

“Darkercolorshavethecapabilitytotransformaspaceinto acozyretreat,”shesays.“Wewerecognizantofthetileselections andwentwithaclassicCarraramarblefloortiletohelpbrighten thespace.Itistrulyallaboutbalance.”

Dependingonstyling,darkpalettescanreadasluxurioustoo. Kornwentwithdeepbluesandgreysinaloungedesign,using thedarktonestocreateanopulentvibe.Theinspirationwasa black-tie affair.

“The[colors]inthisspaceareinspiredbymenswear,”she says.“Weusedrichfabricsandhigh-qualityfinishestoensure aluxuriousfeel.”

GETCREATIVE

Wherecolorissimplified,othervisualdynamicscomeout toplay.Kornemphasizestheimportanceofvaryingtexturesina monochromaticcolor scheme.Try mixing up the upholsterywith smooth-finishmaterials,nubbyfabricsandleather,forexample, andincorporatingbothwoodandmetalaccents.

“Youreyehastostartandstopwithdifferentfinishes, otherwisetheroomalllooksthesame,”Kornsays.

Wanttotrythetrendbutnottotallyreadytocommit? Selectingmore approachablecolorsor experimentinginsmaller roomsofthehomemaybeyouranswer.

“Itend to lean towardsneutral,interchangeablecolors for main,commonspacessuchasafamilyroomorkitchen,”

Millersays.“Ialwayspushforadventuroushuesinintimate spacessuchasbedrooms,studiesanddressingrooms.Ifearno colorindecorating,exceptmaybe1980sCountryBlue.Butnow thatI'vehadtoconsiderit,Iwilllikelyattempttomake itfashionable.”

“Smallerspacessuchasbathrooms,mudroomsandentryways aretheperfectspotsforhomeownerstobreakoutoftheir comfort zoneandexperiment withcolor,”Kilianconcurs.“Welove encouragingourclientstobringcolorintotheirhome,evenifwe needtostartwiththesmallestroominthehouse.”

Andifyou’restillitchingtouseeverycrayoninthebox?Doit! One-colorlooksonlyworkwhentheymakeyourhousetrulyfeel likehome.

Smal lerspacessuchas bathrooms, mudrooms and entrywaysaretheperfectspots forhomeownerstobreak out ofth eircomfortzoneand exp erim entwithcolor.

“Toachieveadramaticimpactwithamonochromaticcolor palette,onemustcommittotheentireroom,”Millersays.“This isnotjustasaturatedpaintcoloronallfourwalls;itincludesthe ceiling,crown,base,trimanddoors.Itisnotfortheindecisive. Isupposewhatmakestheeffectsoenticingishowfearlessthe designis.Commitmentissexy.Justgoforit.”

C&MInteriors,2855AccomacBlvd.,St.Louis,314-328-1923, candminteriors.com

JessieD.MillerInteriorDesign,2741SuttonBlvd.,St.Louis, 314-833-3445,jessiedmiller.com

KarenKornInteriors,7352ForsythBlvd.,St.Louis, 636-675-6150,karenkorninteriors.com

PhotocourtesyofC&MInteriors

Withafullin-housemarketingteam,stunningvisuals,andstrategicplacements,we createcompellingnarrativeshighlightingyourhome'suniquestory.

Ourteamoflocalexpertsofferspersonalizedserviceandin-depthmarketinsights, ensuringaseamlessandsuccessfulsellingexperience.

ListingyourhomeasanExclusiveSelectionletsyoucontrolwhatinformationisreleased regardingyourhomeandremaindiscreetthroughoutthesaleandmarketingprocess.

TheSotheby'sbrandcarriesalegacyofexcellenceandtrust,elevatingtheappealofyour propertytopotentialbuyers.

Yourpropertywillbenefitfromourextensiveinternationalnetwork,reachingqualified buyersacrosstheglobe.

BehindSCENES THE

ByConnieMitchell

DesignbyStoneHallCabinetry;PhotobyAliseO’Brien

Thebutler’spantryismakingacomeback. Here’showtodesignyourscullerywith functionalityandbeautyinmind.

FansoftheacclaimedPBSMasterpieceshow “DowntonAbbey”andotherperioddramasmay recognizethescullerymaid–thelowest-ranked domesticservant,taskedwithwashingandscouringthedirtiestpots,pansanddishes.Thoseforlorn characterswouldbeamazedattheelevationofthescullery inmodernhomes.EvenMarthaStewarthasputherstampof approvalon themodernscullerymovement

Nolongeradark,dankwashroom,sculleriesarebecoming bright,functionalspaceswherekitchen-relatedtasksaretackledanditemsarestoredtosavethekitchenitselfforpresentation anddining.“Homeowners wantto achievea cleankitchen withcountersthatareclutter-free,”saysRebekahMurphy, founderandleaddesignerofStoneHallCabinetry.Modern sculleriesmayincludetheirownsinks,dishwashers,refrigerators,ovensandsmallappliances.

Cabinetrythatblendswiththeexistingkitchenandopen uppershelvingforeaseofstoragearepopularinsculleries,and homeownerssometimesopttoaddluxuryappliances,likea built-incoffeemakeroricemachine.“Theymightalsolikea ladderforfunctionality–andwedesignthemtobeprettytoo,” Murphysays.

AsimilarbutdistinctspacealsogainingrenewedpopularityfromitsVictorianroots:Abutler’spantryisaserving arealocatedbetweenthekitchenanddiningroomthatisused forstoringandpreparingfoodforformalmeals.Thesespaces tendtobemorevisiblethanasculleryandoftenfeatureextra countertopsandadditionalstorageforplates,servingdishes andcookbooks.

“Wehavestartedtofocusontheseauxiliaryareastofully maximizethekitchenspace,”saysJennyRausch,ownerand kitchenandbathdesigneratKarrBickKitchen+Bath.“They areanextension ofthekitchen that helpswith organization andutility.Wearealsomakingthempretty.”

Rauschworkswithhomeownerstodesignandchoose

Homeowners want toachievea clean kitchen withcounters that are clutter -free.

countertopandcabinetspaceforanytypeofsmallappliance andotheritemsusedforfoodpreparation.“Butler’spantries andsculleriesaregreatplacestostorethepartyfoodand plateswithoutfullycommittingtostorage,”sheadds.“Ifyou haveabunchofingredientsforarecipeyouwanttomakethe nextday,youcanleaveitalltogetheronthecounterwithout clutteringupthemainkitchen.Youcanalsocleardirtydishes tothatspaceifyouhaveasinkanddishwasher.”

Homeownerswhowanttoaddasculleryorbutler’spantry toanexistinglayoutmaybeabletocarvethespaceoutofan existingwalk-inorcloset-stylepantrybyinstallingshallow cabinets,acountertop,woodshelving,andtaskanddecorative lighting.Rauschalsorecommendsaddingplentyofoutletsfor smallappliancesthatcansimplystayaccessibleonthescullery’scounterspaces.

Aesthetically,abutler’spantryorscullerycancreatea playful spacewherehomeowners canaddbright colorsor patternstheymightnotuseinthelargerkitchenspace.“This isaplacewherepeoplefeelcomfortableaddingcolor,”Rausch says.“Sometimesweusewallpaperontheceilingorwalls,and decorativelightingalwaysincreasestheaestheticvalue.”

Inconsideringbothfunctionalityanddecorativeaspects, professionaladvicehelpsensurethespacewillprovideeverything neededinanattractivepackage. Homeowners“needtohirea kitchendesignerskilledindrawinganddesigningthese spaces, ” Murphysays. “Theywouldhirethemtocomeintotheirhometo assess, measureanddrawlayoutoptionsfortheirspaceofferings.”

“Itshouldcomplementallthatyou doinyourkitchen, somakesureyou planitwelland[consult] aprofessional,” Rauschadds.

KarrBickKitchen+Bath,2715MercantileDrive, Brentwood,314-645-6545,karrbick.com

StoneHallCabinetry,9155ClaytonRoad, St.Louis,314-873-1154,stonehallcabinetry.com

RebekahMurphy StoneHallCabinetry

PhotoscourtesyofKarrBickKitchen+Bath

Bar N ONE

ByAndreaSmith

A homebarandwell-craftedwinecellar cantransform a kitchenorlivingspace intoanelevatedhangout.

Forwineconnoisseurswithaseriouscollection,asimplewinerackwon’t do–theyknowahigh-qualitycellarnotonlypreservespreciousbottles butalsocaptivateseveryonewho enters.

InWildwood,awinecellarmastermindedbyListonDesignBuild evokesEuropeangrandeur withitssophisticatedironwork,organicstone andmoodyaccentlighting.Thehomeownersenvisionedawarmandcozy–yet elevated–spaceforentertaining,andtheytrustedListontobringittolife.The renovationextendedthroughoutthehome,creatingacohesivedesignthatflows effortlesslyfrom roomto room.

“Combiningthestoneandbrick, masonry,beamsandwoodsurfacesgave[the space]arusticvibethatstilllooksverysmartwiththeoverallfinish,”saysJeanne Liston,co-ownerofListonDesignBuild.

Whensittingatthebar,guestsget apeekintotheclimate-controlled, 525-bottle winecellarthrougharchtopwindows. Thebarandkitchenfeaturefunctionalstorage anddisguisedappliancesbehindcarefullyselectedcabinetry,withwoodpanels hidinganintegratedrefrigerator.

Ahomebarcan relievethekitchenof theburdenofsharing itsstoragewithbarware andbottlesand,ifitis designedproperly,itwill bethegatheringspot insteadofthekitchen.

KellyJohnson KellyJohnsonDesign

DesignbyListonDesignBuild;photosbyAnneMatheisPhotography

ListonenlistedCor yLamp,owner ofthe St. Louis-basedcompanyLampWineCellars, to ensurethehomeowner’swinewouldbeperfectly storedanddisplayed .

“Exceptional designandexpert craftsmanship are[importantparts]offinewinestorage,but keepingthequalityofyourwinethesameastheday it wasbottledisequallyasimportant,”LampWine Cellars’websitestates.“Correctroom preparation andtemperaturecontrolare crucialto theproper agingofyourwine.”

Not all clientsopt for a temperature-controlledspace fortheirwine. However,when atruecollector wantstoinvestinacellar,Listonsaysit’s importantto collaboratewith reliabletradepartners.

“Workingwithsomeone whospecializesin[winestorage]is highlyrecommended,” sheemphasizes. “Weworked closelywithCory [Lamp]to get those detailsrightand makesurethat[theclient] had thestoragethattheyneeded forthewinetheycollect.”

withinviewofthediningroom andotherentertainingareas. “Thedesignofthisbarlendsitto service acateredpartywithabartender, butits scalealso allowsittobeaninvitinggatheringspotforsmall groups,”Johnsonsays. “Thereisamplecabinet and shelfstorageforbarwareandbottles. Inaddition, italsohousesanicemaker,refrigerator,sinkand dishwasherto provideoptimal convenience.”

Atthebar,it’sallaboutease of servingorbeing abletoconcoctyourowndrinkstress-free. April Jensen ,own er ofADJInteriors,saysfunctional appliancesshouldbeatop priority,with“plentyofuninterr upt edcounter space to make drinks, and anarea to placeanice bucket, flowers and décor.”

Kelly Johnsonof Kelly JohnsonDesignsayswinecellarsarebecoming morepopular,andsituatingonenearahomebar provestobe“apracticalpairing.”

“Noteveryoneunderstandsthepracticalityof thehomebar, buttheydoacknowledgethatguests willalwayscongregateinthekitchenatanytypeof gathering,”Johnsonsays. “Ahomebarcanrelieve thekitchenofthe burdenofsharingitsstoragewith barwareandbottlesand,ifitisdesignedproperly,it willbethegatheringspotinsteadofthekitchen.”

InJohnson’sdesign,thebarandtemperatureandhumidity-controlled winecellarare located

Jensen notesthat convenience at thebar mightcreate achallengewithsymmetry: “Itisverydifficulttodesign cabinetrythatissymmetrical whenplacingmultipleappliances, alongwithbase cabinetsandtryingtocenterthe sink. Ithinkitisokaytohave thesinkoffset, oritisperfectlyfinenottohavetheupper cabinetsmatchthebase.”

“Functionoverform,”shecontinues. “Ifyou makegooddrinks, noonewillknow.”Cheers!

ListonDesignBuild,1106FirstCapitolDrive, St.Charles,636-940-9417,listondesignbuild.com

KellyJohnsonDesign,11622PageServiceDrive, Suite101,St.Louis,314-733-5877, kellyjohnsondesign.com

ADJInteriors,2800S.BrentwoodAve.,Floor3, St.Louis,314-230-9099,adjinteriors.com

PhotocourtesyofADJInteriors

CROWN THE

ByBrittanyNay

Whether you chooseatraditionalor contemporary approach,here’showtoselecttheperfecthood andrangeforyourhomecenterpiece.

Atthecenterofthekitchen,arguablythe home’smost-usedspace,sitsitsfocalpoint: thehoodandrange.Choosinganeye-catchingandpeak-performingapplianceduoisa mustforthishomecenterpiece.Here,areadesigners weighinonhowtocombinebeautyandpracticality whenchoosingeachpiece.

EmilyKoch,adesignerwithJCRDesignGroupin St.Louis,saysbothformandfunctionareimportant forthehouseholdstaple.

“Thestyleofthehoodshouldmimicthestyleofthe kitchen,”sheexplains. “Iftheroomleanstraditional,then ahoodwithcurvesandaclassicfinish–stainedwoodor aneutral paintto complement thecabinets–wouldbea greatchoice. Ifthestyleismoreclean-linedandcontemporary,choose ametalhoodwithstraightlinesorangles.”

Whether you go traditionalor contemporary, Kochnotesthatthehoodcanbedesigned eitheras anintegralpartofthecabinetrywithacoordinated finishorasafocalpointwithafewshareddetails, dependingonthedesiredlook.

RandyRennerJr.,founderandco-ownerofPeriod RestorationinSt.Louis,saysluxurypropertyowners anddesignersoftenoptforahoodandrangetobe“a statementpiece…designedto‘wow’people.”

“Metalhoodsaretrendingrightnow,butthey’re alsoquitetimelessandclassic,”Rennernotes,adding thatagloss-blackorabrushed-nickelfinishwithbrass strappingispopular.

LaCornuerangesfromFrance,knownfortheir qualityandelegance,areindemand,alongwithWolf andSub-Zerobrands,Rennerdetails.

Withtimelessstyleandlong-lastingfunction,La CornueluxuryFrenchrangescanbeenjoyedfora lifetime,hesays.“Theycanbecustomized,including nameengraving,andIhaveheardofpeoplepassing themdownintheirfamily.”

TamsinMascetti,ownerandinteriordesignerof TamsinDesignGroupinSt.Louis,lovestousethe hoodasadramaticfocalpointintheroom–the kitchen’s“crown.”Her teamoften designspersonalized hoodstomakesuretheystandout.

DesignbyEuroTrash,INC.;PhotobyBjörnWallanderStudios

“Wedesignkitchenhoodstobebothaestheticallypleasing andfunctional,”sheexplains.“[Weoftenincorporate]different materials,suchasmixedmetals,marble,limestoneandplaster.”

Whenselectingarange,Mascettirecommendskeepingfour elementstopofmind:space,budget,functionalfeaturesand style.“WhatIloveaboutthecurrenttrendsis[the]blending ofmaterials,colorsandstyles,creatingamorecuratedlook,” sheshares.“Theboldcoloroptionsandmixedmetalscurrently availableinranges[allow]clients’uniquestyletoshinethrough, makingthespacetheirown.”

“Classic,timelessstylehasenduringappealandpracticality, whiletrendy choicesoffer opportunitiesforcreativeexpression inkitchen design,”shecontinues.“Combining elementsofboth canresultinaspacethatbalancestimelesselegancewithmodernsophistication.”

Functionalityalsoisimportant,Mascettiemphasizes,so selectthecorrectsizingforyourappliance,andaddanydesired smartfeatures,includingtouch-andvoice-controlandWi-Fi connectivity.

AnnieBrahler,owneranddesignprincipalofSt.Louis-basedinternationaldesignfirmEuroTrash,INC.,notesthat, witheverydesign:Formfollowsfunction.“Wealwaysconsider andselecttheblowerunit[thehood’sexhaustfan]first,then decidehowbesttoaddressthesurround,”sheexplains.“There isaspecificratiobetweenthesizeofyourrangeandtheblower. Thesizeandair-handlingcapacityoftheblowerunitmustbe abletoaccommodatethecookingsurfaceandheatbeneathit.”

Inopen-conceptproperties,Brahlersays:“Weoftenliketo addarchitecturalelementstothedesignofourhoodsurrounds tocreateawarmthintheoverallatmosphere,soitdoesn’tread somuch asstraightforwardequipment.”

Fordedicatedkitchenspaces,EuroTrashusesbrassand stonehoods,sheshares:“Thesearealittlemoreindicativeof atraditionalelement,butacarefulselectionofmaterialscan evokealotmorewarmththansomethinglikestainlesssteel.”

Withseeminglyendlessoptionsforhoodsandranges,Koch advisesinvolvingadesigneroranapplianceexperttohelp homeownersmakethebestchoicesfortheirkitchen.

“Weconsiderlifestyleandpreferenceswhendesigninga kitchenandselectingappliances,”shesays,“workinginclose collaboration andcommunication with allpartiesinvolved.”

EuroTrash,INC.,126E.LockwoodAve.,WebsterGroves, 660-221-8487,eurotrash.us

JCRDesignGroup,11622PageServiceDrive,Suite103, St.Louis,314-706-2727,jcrdesigngroupstl.com

PeriodRestoration,9155ClaytonRoad,St.Louis, 314-704-5146,periodrestorationco.com

TamsinDesignGroup,3155SuttonBlvd.,Suite103, Maplewood,314-282-0035,tamsindesigngroup.com

DesignbyTasminDesignGroup;photobyKarenPalmer

DesignbyJCRDesign;photobyMeganLorenz

DesignbyPeriodRestoration;photobyAliseO’Brien

StunningEstates on 3+AcreHomesitesnearForistell

We’rebuildingnewhomes,villasandtownhomeswithourlegendary qualityinSt.Charles,Cottleville,LakeSaintLouis,O’Fallon,Weldon Spring,andEureka.Wecanalsobuildahomeonyourland!Pleasevisit ourwebsite,FandFHomes.com,orcall314-283-6510fordetails.

SOAKUP

THE

ByDanielPuma PhotoscourtesyofJ&JDesignTeam

Embracegoodvibeswiththis charming,sunshine-filledbungalow.

It’shardtoimagineatimewhenJennaandJasonSiebert’s charmingWebsterGrovesbungalowwasn’tasunnysanctuarypackedwithgoodvibes.However,beforetheinterior designduobehindJ&JDesignTeamgottheirhandsonit, theabodewasindireneedofarefresh.

“Ithadn’tbeenupdatedsincethemid-80s,”JasonSiebertsays. “Everythingwasbrown,darkwoodanddarkdraperies.Ijustdidn’t seeit.Jennalovedit;Ihatedit.I’velearnednottoquestionher judgment.Jennastyleseverything.”

Jason’sfaithwasn’tmisplaced.Today,thehomebrimswith personalitythanks to an abundanceofnatural light,bohemian accentsandpopsofcolorfrompottedplants.Indeed,theSieberts’ post-makeoverhomeisamasterclassinusingtimelesstechniques tobringoutdatedaestheticsintothe21stcentury.

AstheownersandoperatorsofJ&JDesignTeam,Jennahandles allthingsdesignwhileJasonoverseestheconstructionsideof projects.Together,theduooffersshort-termrentaldesign,interior designandstyling,E-Design,andconsultingservicesthatwork

togethertofulfilloneultimatepurpose:creatingone-of-a-kind,inspiringspaces. OnestepintotheSieberts’bungalowoffersatestamenttotheirexpertise;the spacejustputsyouatease.

Theentrywaymakeseffectiveandefficientuseofspacewithoutsacrificing styling.Carefullyplacedarearugsbringtextureandcolortolighthardwood floors.Baywindowsbeckonnaturallighttofilltheinterior,creatingtheperfect placefortheSieberts’dog,Brutus,torelaxinthesun.Acrosstheroomisasmall readingnookfittedwithapairofbookshelvesandarattanaccentchair.

“Thebiggesttransformationinthehousewasthekitchen,”saysJennaSiebert. “We wantedtolightenitupbecause it wasso, sodarkwhenweboughtthehouse.” Whitecabinets, wooden butcherblockcounters, floatingshelvesandadarkstonetopcenterislandmaketheroomfeelfreshandmodern,andblack-and-whitebamboo wallpaperaddsanextratouchofcharactertotheotherwise minimalspace.

“Mypersonalstyle[istobringa]senseofpeacetoaspace,”Jennaadds.“You walkin,andeverythingjustflows.”

Thesurpriseoftheabodeliesjustbeyondthekitchen:abackroomrunning thewidthofthehouse,drenchedinnaturallight.Brightwalls,twoskylights, south-facingwindows,slidingglassdoorstothebackyard,vaultedceilings, brightnaturalwood-stainedaccentsandlargegreenplantsenricheverynook andcrannyofthespace.

“Thisroomwasoneoftheonlyroomsthatjustgotpaintandsomeaccents ontheceiling,”saysJasonSiebert.“You’rekindoftakenbackbyit.”

“Iliveinthisroom,”saysJennaSiebert.“Ineedthesunlight.Itfeelslikea treehouseinhere.”

J&JDesign,jandjdesignteam.com

elcome

LAURIE BUSCH

314.496.9654

lauriebusch@janetmcafee.com

Iampassionateaboutrealestate,my clients,andtheirgoals.Mypreviouscareer withAnheuser-Buschinstilledinmethe high-qualityservicethatIprovidetoday. Mycorevaluesarehardwork,dedication andastrongpartnershipwithmyclients.

CINDY HANDY

314.489.3546

cindy.handy@janetmcafee.com

Oneofthethings I love aboutrealestate,isthe one-on-oneconnectionwithpeople.Itrequires trustandskilltoguide a clientthroughthe processofbuyingorselling a home.Because ourhomesaresuchanimportantpartofwho we are, I findtheprocess veryrewarding.

TRICIA KOLBRENER

314.504.5564

tkolbrener@janetmcafee.com

Ilovetheeverchangingmarketsinthe realestateindustry.With35yearsof experience,Ihaveseenandworked throughmanychallengingtransactions. Letmehelpyouwithyournextmove.

TERRI WOLFNER

314.440.3737

twolfner@janetmcafee.com

With34 years workingatJanet McAfee, I trytomake allmyclients have thesmoothesttransactionin buyingandsellingtheirhome! I love myjob!

MARC Y B YRNE

314.750.5800

mbyrne@janetmcafee.com

With30+yearsofexperiencewithJanet McAfee,Iknowhowimportantitistohave atrustedadvisorwithlocalknowledgeand marketinsightinordertofindtheperfect homeintherightneighborhood.

S ALLY GOLDKAMP

314.479.9396

sally@janetmcafee.com

IhaveconsistentlybeenaTopProducerthroughout my13+yearsintherealestateindustry.Iattribute mysuccesstomydrive,dedication,knowledgeand experience,aswellasmycommunicationskillsand abilitytoworkwellwithothers.Ihaveatrackrecordof results,demonstratingaremarkableskillsetthathelps bringmyclientsanunmatchedexperience.

LIS A COULTER

314.941.2883

lisacoulter@janetmcafee.com

As a consistenttopproducer for over 35 years, I amfirmlycommittedtoproviding exceptionalservicefromstarttofinish forallmyclients.And I love helpingmy buyersandsellerssuccessfullynavigatethe currentcompetitive market!

KATHLEENLOVETT ANDLAURADONOVAN

Kathleen:314.610.7408

Laura:314.229.8978

klovett@janetmcafee.com

ldonovan@janetmcafee.com

Asbestfriends for over40 years, a team approachhasservedusandourclients well. Theleveloftrustinourpartnershipcombined with over50 yearsrealestate experience, expertlypositionsustocontinuetohelpour clientsnavigatethis everchangingmarket.

LEANNE SETIEN

314.623.9946

leannesetien@janetmcafee.com

ThethingIlovemostabout realestateisworkingdaytoday withmyclientsmakingtheirhome buying/sellingprocessassimple andenjoyableascanbe. Itrulylovemyjob.

ANDREA MADDOCK

314.518.6699

ahmaddock@janetmcafee.com

As a JanetMcAfeetopagent,I’d love tobe yourtrustedpartneron thesaleorpurchaseof yourhome. Whether youarereadynow orinthe future,let’s comeupwiththebest plan for youand your family!

SUSANCOX HOLDEN

314.503.3345

susan@susanholden.com

Notwo daysarethesameinrealestate and I love that I gettoputonmanyhatsto helpmyclientsbuyandsellhomes. I amhandsonandtreat everypropertyas ifit wasmy ownpurchaseorsale. I usemy34 yearsof experiencetogive conciergeservicetomyclientswhich createslongtermrelationships.

RYAN GOLDSTEIN

314.671.8333

ryangoldstein@janetmcafee.com

I love St.Louis,thepeopleandthereal estate! I amdedicatedtohelpingmyclients throughoutthebuyingandsellingprocess withaslittleeaseaspossible.Whether we are workingtowardfindingtheright home,gettingthebestpriceas a selleror pickingthebestareawithinSt.Louis, Iwork tirelessly forthebestoutcomesaspossible.

OASIS OUTDATEDTO

ByBethanyChristo PhotosbyAliseO’Brien

TheteamatStoneHall

Cabinetrytransformed anoutdatedprimary bathroomintoanoasis ofsleekluxurywitha freestandingconcrete tub,aspaciousand practicalwalk-in showerandstriking terrazzotiling.

It’sabird,it’saplane, it’s…a 400-poundconcretetubbeingcrane-lifted througha second-storywindowtocompleteaprimarybathroomrenovation by RebekahMurphyandtheteamatStoneHall Cabinetry.

“Therejust wasn’tanyother waytoget thetubuptothe secondstory,as thestairwell wastoonarrow,soitalmostdidn’tmakeitintothefinished design,”saysMurphy,who servedasprincipaldesignerforthebathroom remodel.“Thecranethroughthewindow wastheonlyoption,anditgave theneighborsquiteashowto watch.”

Withthat, thetraditional, outdatedprimarybathroomoffthemainbedroomin a midcenturyGlendalehometransformedinto acontemporary,sleek spaceinspired byLosAngelesresortescapes–spa-likefreestandingtubandall.Althoughminimalist inconcept, thoughtfuldetailselevatetheaestheticimpact –hallmarksoftheluxury bespokeworkdonebytheSt. Louis-areacabinetrydesignerandmanufacturer.

Onesuchnotableelementisthespacious walk-inshowerfeaturingboldterrazzo tilingonthefloorandshower wallthat’snotoften seeninSt. Louis, accordingto Murphy.Theblack-and-pinkpalettecomplementsthenatural walnutwoodinthe

nearbyfloating vanity.Andtheflush,zero-entryslopingfloorsans showerdoorisadreamtocleanthankstominimalgrout.

“The walk-inshowerisafavoriteforthetallhomeowners, as thepreviousshower wasclosed-inandsmallandmadethemfeel claustrophobic,”Murphysays. “Now,itfeelsverylight, brightand open,almostasifyou mightbeshowering outdoors.”

Thevertical,whiteKitKat-stylewalltilethroughouttherest ofthebathroomservesasaneye-pleasingbackdropoftexturefor thelayersofdetailfoundinthesurroundings.Forexample,the round,oversizedpendantlighthoveringabovethetubheightens therelaxed,resort-likevibeofthebathroom.“Thetubpendant resemblesawarmsunsetonavacation,”Murphysays.“Itwas purchasedonawhimshoppingtriptoNewYork,whichisthe bestkindoffind.”

Asecondstriking element isthe aforementionedfloating vanitywithnatural walnutcabinetsandpolished-brassgeometric

hardware. “The walnutgrainsings againstthewhitetile wall,” Murphy says.

Framingthe vanityaretwocustomblack-metalmirrors, offset bythreespherical sconces. Thestonebacksplashesandcountertop showcase the wall-mountedHouse ofRohlfaucet fixturesfromthe Eclissicollectioninpolishedbrassovertwincounter-installedvessel sinkbowls.

AccordingtoMurphy,thisprimarybathroomremodel wasa watermark in herdesign career.Requiring lotsof carefuldesign choices, changesofplansandsomecreative–andliteral–heavy lifting, theenduringoasiseffect isenviableandonefortheportfolio. Sheadds:“It’sthemostdifferent contemporarybathroom designI’ve accomplished to date.”

StoneHallCabinetry,9155ClaytonRoad,St.Louis, 314-873-1154,stonehallcabinetry.com

Refresh

Refresh

Herecomes thesun!

Experienceconfident colors,amplenatural lightandlayersof textureinthis playfulsunroom.

ByAleciaHumphreys PhotosbyJenniferKlink

Stepinsidethissunroomandexperienceplayfulpatterns, vibranttextureandakaleidoscopeofcolorexpertly designedbyAmyStudebakerofAmyStudebakerDesign. “Thishomehadlotsofcharmandsodidthefamily, sowewerethrilledwhentheyreached outtous,”saysStudebaker ofthe 4,500-square-foot 1940s TownandCountryresidence. “We designed severalspacesthroughoutthisclient’shomeovertheyears –includingapoolhouse. Thisvibrantlyplayfulsunroominitially beganasasimpleconversation regardingthereplacementor repair oftheroom’sexistingwindowtreatments. Spoileralert: Wedidmore thanreplacethem!”

Studebaker’sinspirationforthespacebeganwithaPierreFrey wallpaper–specifically,thebelovedikatToiledeNantespattern thathasbecomesomewhatofastapleininteriorssinceitsrelease in1991.

“Weappreciatedthat[ourclient]wasopentodramaticcolor combinationsfrom theverybeginning,”Studebaker says.“Itgaveus permissiontotakeaplayfuldirectionforthespacefromthestart.”

Thewhimsicalwallpaperisaccentuatedbyboldbluetrim.

“Thevibrantbluereallyframedtheroomandseemedtoalmost showcaseallofitstexturesandtinytouches,”Studebakersays. “Beingconfidentwithcolorisimportant.Whynotgoforit?”

Color,however,isn’tthe only element adding to thisroom’s eclecticelegance. “At secondglance, theroom’sadditionallayerof textureisalmostasnotableastheboldbluetrim,”Studebakersays.

Forexample,Studebakerusedamixtureofrugslayered beneaththecustom furnishings(oneofwhich featuresa charming cheetahpattern).Shefurtherelevatedtheroomwithcustom windowtreatmentsandincorporatedawoven leather tablethat anchoredthenaturalelements at theroom’scenter.

“Oftentimes,acozierspacewithanabundanceofnaturallight requiresgreaterdetailinordertoelevatetheroomandholdyour attention,”Studebakersays.“Andwedolovea[good]detail.”

Onedetailworthmentioning(asithasbecomethecenterof discussionandadorationalikeonsocialmedia)isthefishpainting that hangsfront andcenter

“Thefunanswerwouldbethatthefishwasfirst,andtheroom wasdesignedaroundthatelement,butourclientbroughtthis piecetousaswewerestylingthespace,”Studebakersays.“We lovewhenclientssharethesameenthusiasmfortheunexpected andcollected.”

Thecolorful,large-scale(punintended)paintingfrom JonathanAdler,titled“BennetFish1,”clocksinatawhopping 84-by-36inchesinsize.

“Weliveforlayersandelevatingaspacewithfreshand foundpieces,”Studebakersays.Thispiece,amongallofthe other carefullycuratedcomponents,not onlymakesthesunroom ashowstopper,butalsoevokesasenseofcharacterandcharm.

“Thegoalforthisroomwastonotonlycreatea[place]for ourclient’sfamilytogather,butalsodesignadesirabledestination thatfeltasplayfulasitdidinviting,”Studebakersays.

Whilethatambitionwasspecifictothisclient,itultimately mirrorsStudebaker’shopeforallthehomesshehasthe opportunity to design.

“Regardlessifourclientscometouswith[a]newconstruction, a historicrenovationor anoverallrefresh,we approach each space withasimilarintensity,”Studebakersays.“[Weare]alwaysaiming toinfusethesamelevelofdetailandcustomcharmregardlessif weareworkingonlocalhistoricpropertiesordesigningout-ofstatevacationhomes–weknowluxurytrulylivesinthelayers.”

AmyStudebakerDesign,9749ClaytonRoad,St.Louis, 314-440-0853,amystudebakerdesign.com

Forever

Fairytale

ByMadeleineAckerburg PhotosbyLisaMitchell

KarrBickbringsmagic tolifewithanenchanting nurserywovenwith timelesselegance.

Designingachild’sbedroomis thefunpart.Thenot-so-fun part?Whensaidchildgrowsup, theytendtooutgrowstriped furniturepieces,brightpaintcolorsand animal-themedwalldécor.That’swhyAshley ObradovitsofKarrBickKitchen&Bath soughttocreatearoomthatcouldstand thetestoftimeandpreservethemagicof childhoodfor yearsto come.

Thetalebehindthedesignisascharming astheroomitself.Obradovitsandherclient, whowaspregnantattheproject'sinception, hadbeen friendsin elementaryschool. Whenthesoon-to-bemothermovedback toSt.Louistocompleteherresidencyat Children’sHospital,thetworeconnectedover lunch,wheretheclientexpressedherlovefor thenurseryObradovitshaddesignedfor her daughter.

“Iknewcolorwasnotgoingtobe somethingthatthisclientwouldshyaway from,”Obradovitssays.“Shewantedtodo somethingclassic,likeachinoiseriemural intheroom,[tomakeit]feelelevatedbut alsoplayful andhappy.”

Settingthestage,Obradovits envelopedthewallsin Thibaut wallpaper, avividcanvascontrastingtheroom’s traditionalmoldings.Greenleavesand flutteringbirdsbalancethespace’spink femininity,evokingimageryofsecret gardensand enchantedforests.Further explorationrevealsacharmingsurprise behindrich green doors –thenursery closet,swathedinpinkLeToucheanimal printwallpaper,visiblethroughtheglass.

Theclientrequestedamixof traditionalelementsandcontemporary pieces,andObradovitsdelivered.

Contemporaryaccentssuch asanacrylic, wavysidetableandgrassclothtable minglewith sophisticatedpieceslikean acrylic cribandan elegantchandelier.The piècederesistance?AcaptivatingMing Asian-styledresser,repurposedfroma bookcase,sitsasthefocalpointofthe room,bringingoutthedeeprosycolors inthewallpaper.

Everydetailinthenursery,fromthe chinoiseriemotifstothecustom-made pillowstotheaccentfabrics,hadtobe thoughtfullyselected.Obradovitswanted theroomtotranscendtimeforherclient andforthepiecesinthespacetobe everlasting.“Wedidn’twanttheroom tohaveatimestamponit,”sheexplains. “Iliketodesignnurseriesasroomsto last,andnotasroomsthatyou’llneedto changeinthreetofouryearswhenyourchild growsup.Iwanttheroomtobesomething clientswillbehappywithforalongtime.”

Tocapturethattimelessessence, Obradovitsselectedqualityfurniturethat couldbeusedfromchildhoodintoyoung adulthoodorevenpasseddownasfamily heirlooms.For parentslooking toemulate asimilarsanctuaryfortheirlittleones, sherecommendsprioritizinglong-term functionalitywhenpickingfurniturepieces

andtakingriskswithcolorsandpatterns.

“Iwouldincorporateboldpatterns; wallpaperanddraperyaretwogreatplaces tostart,”Obradovitssays.“Pulloutcolors fromthewallpapertouseasaccentpieces. Ithelpsyoureyescarrythroughoutthewhole space,anditmakesthewholeroomfeellike it’sbeinghuggedtogether.”

KarrBickKitchen&Bath,2715Mercantile Drive,Brentwood,314-645-6545, karrbick.com

MakingASplash PREMIER LUXURYPOOL CONTRACTORS

Webringdecadesofexperienceandindustry-leading 3Dsoftwaretocustomdesignandconstructpools forthespecificterrains,slopes,views,landscapes andfeaturesdesiredbyourcustomers.

Wedon’tjustbuildswimmingpools,wetransform backyards.Letourteamofinnovativepool& landscapedesignersbringyourdreamstolife.

636-519-POOL

www.bakerpoolconstruction.com

JulieAbnerInteriorsandMosbyBuildingArts breakdownwhatfurnitureandelements youneedtomakeyouroutdoorentertaining areaathingofbeautyallyearlong.

PhotocourtesyofMosbyBuildingArts

HOWTOMAKEYOUROUTDOOR AREAENJOYABLEYEAR-ROUND

BradHaganofMosbyBuilding

Artsoffers suggestions on how to make themostofyouropen-airescape:

Addbuilt-inkitchenelements suchasagrill,smokerorpizzaoven. Consider aconvenient location that isalsoprotectedfromwindand sunexposure.Makesureto“install proper ventilationto removesmoke, greaseandodors,”hesays,adding thatit’simportanttoplanyour layoutbasedonaccesstoutilities.

Integrateshading elements suchassunshades,umbrellasora motorizedpergola.Ceilingfansare especiallyusefulonhotdaysandcan increaseyouroutdoorspace’susage.

“Installapatioheater,firepitor outdoorfireplacetoprovide warmth duringcoldermonths,”Hagansays.

“Thisallowsyou touse your outdoor spaceeven when temperaturesdrop.”

Mostofusspendwintercountingdownthedaysuntil it’stime forbalmyspringbrunches andlazysummer barbecuesagain–andwithathoughtfullydesigned outdoorentertainingspace, you cantrulymakethe mostofthelong-awaitedsunshine. Wespokewithexpertsinthe metrotodeterminehowtomakeyour outdoorlivingareayour favoritespotforenjoyingtimewiththepeopleyou love.

Whattoconsiderwhenplanningyouroutdoorarea

First,thinkabouthowyouplantousethespaceandhow muchcareyoucandevotetoitsupkeep.Forminimalists,Mosby BuildingArts’senior homeconsultant BradHaganrecommends apatio,whichonlyrequiresoccasionalsweepingandpressure washing.Decksrequiremoreeffort(thinkstainingandapplying protectivesealant).Screened-inporchescanprotectfromthe elementsandinsectsbutsometimesrequirescreenandframerepairsor periodicinspection.

St.Louisweathercanbeunpredictable,bringinghail,flashfloodingand hot,humiddays.That’swhyit’simportanttomakesureyouroutdoorspace cancopewithmostextremes.“Inareaswithcoldwintersandwetsprings, decksmadeofdurablemateriallikecompositedeckingaremoresuitable,” Hagansays.

Interior designer JulieAbner advisesmakingadaptabilityaprioritywhen designingyourspacetomeet yourfamily’sneeds. “Outdoorspacesareallthe crazeright now,”shesays.“Theyoffer homeowners aversatilespace toentertainfamilyandfriendsorsimplycozyupunderablanket and watch [your] favoritemovieorsportingeventonan outdoorTV.”

Readytoentertain?Here’showtoplanyourbackyardlayout

Considerhowmanypeopleyouaimtoentertain,andhowoftenyouplan tohost.Areyouhopingtoplanbarbecues,pooldays,alfrescodinnerparties, holidayweekendsoralloftheabove?Howwillyourguestsintermingle? Alongsideanoutdoordiningarea,addingaconversationareaorbartopcan maximizesocializing.Comfortableseatingwillencouragepeopletolinger long after thestringlightskickon

“Often overlookedbut equallyimportant,consider what theoutdoor spaceisadjacentto–whetheritconnectstothekitchen,livingroomoris nearapool,”Abnersays,notingthatthiscanbecriticaltoasuccessfullayout that optimizeskeyfeaturesforentertaining.

DETAILSTOENHANCEYOUR OUTDOORENTERTAINMENTAREA

ThenamesakeofJulieAbnerInteriors offers experttips onelevating theaestheticofyourgreengetaway: “Colorful,patterned tosspillowsandcushionsofferaquickand easy waytoaddcolorandcomfort,” shesays. “Detailssuchascontrast pipingonoutdoor umbrellas can addapopofinterestandtextureto thespace.”

AccordingtoHagan,“tropicalhardwoods areprizedfortheir natural beauty,richcolorvariationsandexceptionalstrength.”Notethatthesematerialsrequireperiodicmaintenancebutareapopularchoiceforaesthetic valueandlongevity.

“Compositedeckingstandsoutforitsresilienceagainstweathering,rot andinsects,”hesays.“Compositedeckingrequiresminimalupkeep,typically needingonlyoccasionalcleaningtomaintainitsappearance.”

“Selectingweather-resistantfurnitureisessential,”Abneradds. She recommendsresinwickerorchairs madeofmetalssuch as aluminum, stainlesssteelor wrought iron.Reconstitutedstonefor outdoor tablesis especiallyresilient.

Forpatios, Haganbreaksdownthebenefitsofconcretepoursversuspavers: Concrete,hesays,ismorecost-effectiveandabletowithstandheavyfoot trafficandweather conditions.Maintenanceneedsare minimal.Some designoptionsareavailabledependingonhowyouchoosetostamp,stainor texturizeyourconcretepour.

Pavers,notesHagan,allowmorecreativechoiceswitharangeofshapes, colorsandpatterns.Paverscanbeinstalledmorequicklyand,ifonepiece isdamaged,itcanbereplacedindividually.Aspaversadapttothenatural movementoftheearth,thereisalowerriskofcrackingovertime. Durablematerialstoconsiderforoutdoorfurniture

Wheretoshop

“RestorationHardwareandForshawstandoutasexcellentlocalretail choices,”Abnersays,addingthatbycollaboratingwithaninteriordesigner, youcangainaccesstoanetworkofqualityoutdoorfurnituremanufacturers. Whenitcomestoabeautifulresultthatstandsthetestoftime,partnering withanexpertcanmakeallthedifference.

JulieAbnerInteriors,5149DaggetAve.,St.Louis,314-606-8698, julieabnerinteriors.com

MosbyBuildingArts,115W.ArgonneDrive,Kirkwood,314-909-1800, mosbybuildingarts.com

Abnersuggestslayeredplanting tosoftenthecornersofyourlayout. (Ifyou throwinsome citronellaor lavender,you’vealsogotyourselfa natural bugrepellent.)

“Outdoorrugscandefinespaces …andmakeseatingareasfeelmore cohesiveandcomfortable,”shesays.

Abneroffersthisfinalthought: “LEDlampsonaccentanddiningtablesforambientlightingareamust.”

DesignbyJulieAbnerInteriors;photobyAliseO’Brien

PhotocourtesyofMosbyBuildingArts

ByEmilyStandlee

THREELOCALEXPERTSSUGGESTA FEWCLINGING,CREEPINGPLANTSTO GIVEYOURGARDEN HEIGHT, BEAUTY ANDVARIETY.

Thinkingabout expandingonyour usualplantingroutine thisseason?Consideradding a climbing,creeping,colorfulvineto thegarden – they’regreatforshade andprivacy, andtheycanbegrownin containersorintheground.Having a planbeforeyouactisadvantageous: Somevinesonlylast a season,and otherscaneventuallycausedamage towoodandevenbrick.Readontohear fromthreeSt.Louisexpertswhocarry thesevinesintheirstoresandcan helpgetyourgardenintip-top shapethisyear.

Canyoushareafewtipsforhomeowners growingvinesintheiroutdoorspaces?

AnneDeutch,perennialbuyerandsalesmanager atGardenHeightsNursery: Vinesareagreat additiontoahomegardenorlandscape–they areusefulforprovidingaverticalelementtothe gardenoraccentingapostorwall.Theyarealso beautifulwheninflower,andtheylookgood climbingonatrellis,arbororpergola,arounda pool,oronapatio.Thereareannualortropical vinesandperennialvines–annualortropical vinesaregreatifyouneedsomethingtogrow quicklyin oneseason;theydowellincontainers andbloomthroughoutthegrowingseason.The disadvantageisthattheywillnotoverwinter withoutbeingbroughtindoorsforthewinteror storedinthegreenhouse.Perennialvineswill returneachyearandareagreatinvestment.Most perennialvinesarebestgrownintheground,but clematiscansuccessfullybegrownincontainers withlittlemaintenance.Beforeplantingaperennial vine,paycloseattentiontowhattheeventualsize willbewhenitreachesmaturity.Itwilltakeafew yearsformostperennialvinestoreachtheirfull size,butthewaitisworthit!

Whatshouldyoubecautiousaboutwhen choosingtherightvine?

ChrisWagner,nurserymanageratRollingRidge Nursery: Manyhardyvinescanbeutilizedinthe St.Louisarea.Mostofthemrequiresome maintenance to keepunder control,because onceestablished,alotofthemcantakeover. Takewisteria,forexample:Whenwesellit,Itell people,‘Don’tstandtooclosetoitbecauseit’ll wrapitselfaroundyourleg.’It’sabeautifulvine, butitneedstobekeptundercontroltostopit fromrunningrampant.Youcancertainlytrim itbackeveryseason[or]evenseveraltimes throughoutthegrowingseason.Anotheronethat peoplelikeisthenativetrumpetvine.Itspreads throughundergroundrhizomes–itcanbeinone spotandthenpopupinanotherspot20feetaway. Andagain,it’saprettyvine;it’sgreatforattracting hummingbirds.Butit’savigorousgrowingvine onceestablished.Thereareseveral honeysuckles thatI’dputinthiscategoryaswell.Allofthese requiresomedecentstructuralsupport,whether itbeafenceoralargetrellis.

Photoby Anne Deutch

Favoritevinesfromourplantpros “Malabarspinachissoldinourherb area,” AnneDeutchsays. “Itloves theheat,isedibleandisabeautiful annualvine.Welovetropicalvineslike mandevilla,jasmine,bougainvilleaand passionflowerandannualvineslike morningglory,hyacinthbean,cypress vineandmoonflower.”

“What’sniceaboutclematisisthat itcomesinanumberofcolorsand varieties,” ChrisWagnersays. “They’re mucheasiertokeepconfinedtoasmall areaoreveninacontainer – there’s awholecategoryofclematisthatwill bloominthespringandthenthrowup someflowersinthefalltoo.”

“Wedoloveourclematis,” AbbyLapides says. “Youcouldplantoneofeverykind andhavethemostbeautifulgarden intheworld.Oneofmyfavoritesis calledRoguchiclematis – insteadof [producing]abigflower,itbloomsin adarkpurplebellshape.Thesewill bloomfromlateMayuntilOctober,just nonstop.Yougetthousandsofpurple bellshangingdownthatareprettywith pinkroses.”

Howdonon-invasivevinesimpactthe widerecosysteminMissouri?

AbbyLapides,ownerofSugarCreekGardens: Wecarryaround100differentvarietiesofvines, includingagreat plant calledLonicera, or coral honeysuckle.It’snotlikethe[invasive]honeysuckle; it’sanative,orcultivarofournative.Itgrowstobe 10to20feettallandhasthesecoral-coloredtubular flowersthathummingbirdsgonutsfor.It’salsothe hostplanttoachunkofournativebutterfliesand moths.Thesenativevinesallhavedifferentlittle nichesinourpollinator-insectworld.Thebutterflies don’tnecessarilyneedabigshowyflower.They’re justlookingforthetastiestonethathasthemost food.There’sanothervinewecarrycalledpipevine,

andtheflowersonitaresmallanddarkgreenor brown.It’sahostplantforthepipevineswallowtail butterfly!Gardeningissorestorative–justlooking atflowersandseeingyourgardencomealivewithall thepollinatorsandbirdsflyingaround.Seeingallthat lifeinyouryardisfascinating.Youcangetlostinyour ownlittlegardenworldofinsects.

GardenHeightsNursery,1605S.BigBendBlvd., St.Louis,314-645-7333,gardenheights.com

RollingRidgeNursery,60N.GoreAve.,Webster Groves,314-962-3311,rollingridgenursery.com

SugarCreekGardens,1011N.WoodlawnAve., Kirkwood,314-965-3070,sugarcreekgardens.com

ByDrewGieseke

IntheShade Learnexpertadvice fromlocal businesses beforeyoutakeonyour nextwindowproject.

Whetheryou’removingintoanewhouseorsimplylookingto refreshyourspace,thereareplentyofoptionsforwindow treatmentsthatcanblendstylewithfunctionality.Between drapery,curtains,valences,blinds,shadesandshutters,we spokewithlocalexpertsaboutsomeofthemostcommontreatments–and thebenefitstheyprovide,bothstylisticallyandpractically.

Gettingstarted

Beforeanyworkcanbedone,homeownersmustconsiderwhatthey wishtoachieveaesthetically.ProctorDraperyandBlindsownerandwindow fashiondesignerMichaelProctorsaysclientsneedtoconsidertheproduct, style,pattern,colorandtextureandhowthesechoicescomplementthe uniquedécorandarchitecturalqualitiesoftheirhome.

“Considerationmustbegiventofunctionalityaswell,”hesays.“Sunlight, heatcontrol,privacyandeaseofoperationareveryimportantchoices.They canfusewiththeaestheticchoicesandensureoverallsatisfaction.”

BasedinFenton,Mo.,CardinalBlinds&Shuttersspecializesinawide varietyoftreatmentsthatprovideaestheticandfunctionalbenefitsforcustomers.TheCardinalteam’sapproachbeginswithasimplequestion:“Why?”

“Usually,theanswerwillbeforoneoffivereasons:privacy,UV(or ultravioletrays)protection,lightcontrol,energyefficiencyoraesthetics,” CardinalBlinds&ShuttersownerAmyMuellersays.

PhotocourtesyofCardinalBlinds&Shutters

Theselectionandinstallationprocess

Tohelpclientsget theexact lookthey want, Proctortakesahands-on approach from start to finish.Hemeetscustomersonsite toensureheunderstandstheirprecise needsandhowdifferentsolutionswillfittheirhomes.

“I’mpreparedwithanabsolutelylargeselectionofsamplesforcustom drapery,blinds,shades,shuttersanddecorativehardware,plusaccessory pillowsandcushions,”hesays.

Mueller echoesthissentiment.

“Itisimportanttobeinthecustomer’shometoassesscertainthings thatcanhelpinourrecommendations,”shesays.“Thisincludesthedirection thehouse[faces]regardingthesunlight;iftherearestreetlightsoroutdoor lightingthat needs to betaken into consideration;andthecolor schemeand design elementsofthehome.”

Oncethehomeownerchoosestheirpreferredwindowtreatments, the Cardinalteamworkswiththemto select on-trendcolorsandfabrics. Usually,the entireprocess–fromorderingtoinstallation–takesaboutfourtofiveweeks.

PhotocourtesyofProctorDraperyandBlinds

PhotocourtesyofProctorDraperyandBlinds

PhotoscourtesyofCardinalBlinds&Shutters

Availableandtrendingoptions

Mueller isquickto mention that motorizedshadesare thehotitemrightnow.Theygivehomeownersthebestof everything,includinglightcontrolandunobstructedviews whenretracted,andtheyareavailableinbeautiful,woven, texturedfabricsthat“elevateeveryspace.”

“Withmotorization,youcansetyourshadeson schedulestoopenandcloseatselectedtimesoftheday toenhancetheUVprotectionofyourfloors,fabricsand artwork,”shesays.

AnothercommontreatmentthatProctor’steamseesis customdraperies,which“addbeautifultextureandfoldsto agivenroom,”andsheerdraperyandcurtainscansoften lightandglare.Likewise,valancesframewindowsandcan presentanartfulpopdependingonthefabric,designand colorused.

“Whenexcellentchoicesaremadeconsideringaesthetics andfunction,which complement homedécor andarchitecture, alltreatmentscanbestylishlyandoperationally appealingforthewell-appointedSt. Louishome,”Proctorsays.

Therearealsoblinds, shadesandshutters, whichpresent varyingrangesoflightandheatcontrol.Theycanevenopen viewswithuniquelystylishdesignsandoperationalchoices likemotorization.Cardinal stocksvinyl,compositeand hardwoodplantation shutters that popfrom roomto room (whilestillhelpingownerscontrollightingduringtheday).

Energyefficiency

Energyefficiencyisanother possibleconsideration for peoplewhenshoppingforwindowtreatments.Proctorsays someofthemostpopularchoicesincludedraperylinings, thermallinings,interliningandblackoutanddim-out liningsforcustomdraperiesandRomanshadestohelp controlinteriorclimate.

Muelleraddsthatpartofthepopularityofmotorized shadescomesfromenergysavings.

“About40percentofourenergyexchangehappens throughourglasswindowsanddoors,”shesays.“Whileyou areaway,yourloweredshadesaremakingabarriertohelp preventtheexchangeofenergy,keepingyourhousecooler inthesummerandwarmerinthewinter.”

ProctorDraperyandBlinds,proctordrapery.com

CardinalBlinds&Shutters,1609ManufacturersDrive, Fenton,Mo.,636-220-2269,cardinalblinds.com