InVita Health and Wellness offers individualized care in St. Louis and its surrounding areas to improve and support your health. We are a multi-specialty functional medicine and wellness medical spa that helps our clients with individualized care plans to boost their body image and overall health. We specialize in alternative medicine modalities that focus on holistic healing and natural wellness Our services are designed to address a wide range of health concerns and promote overall vitality
Home Just four letters, yet it holds a world within it. It’s our foundation, our refuge, our starting point, and our safe return. No matter where life takes us, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home, its warmth, its familiarity, its embrace.
Author Wendy Wunder captured it perfectly: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”
In this edition, we celebrate what makes a house a home, the flavors we savor, the spaces we design, and most importantly, the people who fill them with life and love. Through the stories of local businesses and inspiring individuals, we hope to deepen your connection to the community that surrounds you.
Many of you tell us you keep this magazine long past the month printed on the cover, a cherished part of your home. That means the world to us. We take pride in creating something that resonates with you, month after month, and we’re honored to be a small part of your space.
From our home to yours, we wish you warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Your storytellers and friends,
March 2025
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery
gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm
kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Iris Schmidt christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Sammi LeForce, Kelley Lamm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Henry David, Cole Weber, Jimi Smith, Paul Versluis, Anne Matheis, Nate Sheets
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Our Promise: You will be cared for by attentive, experienced individuals who are committed to your personal well being.
At McKnight Place Extended Care we provide individualized skilled nursing care in an elegant, residential style. Our staff of medically trained professionals is available around the clock to provide you or your loved one with the highest level of service. Our community serves individuals who need long-term skilled nursing care or short-term recovery assistance after hospitalization.
*We accept Medicare Part A for skilled nursing rehab services.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call (314) 993-2221
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
7:00PM
1: Ray Vandiver succeeds Todd Bastean as STL Science Center President/CEO, from Discovery Lab, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 2: The Blind Boys of Alabama, known for gospel music, recently performed for St. Louis-region audiences. 3: Clayton Fire Department achieved ISO Class 1 rating, among top fire departments in the nation. 4: National Museum of Transportation nominated as Best Open Air Museum: “USA Today” 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2025. 5: Did you know there’s a seed bank behind Ladue City Hall/part of Ladue Native Garden? 6: Café la Vie/Le Meridien Clayton supported Los Angeles after devastating wildfires with special cocktail proceeds. 7: Engineer Erin Juenger has dedicated service for 25 years to the Clayton Fire Department.
By: Dr. Beth Templin
Have you been told by your physician that your arthritis is due to years of "wear and tear"? Are you worried it’s not safe to exercise because it may make your arthritis pain worse? Do you think the only way to manage your arthritis is by taking pain pills and getting painful injections? Are you trying to delay joint replacement surgery as long as possible? If yes, y ou're not alone. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and debility in older adults. Unfortunately, it is very common for people to feel hopeless and helpless when it comes to arthritis. Often, it stems from a belief that your arthritis pain will only get worse over time. Luckily, those beliefs tend to come from information that is outdated and incorrect! Most people realize their arthritis won 't magically go away on its own, but they still don't take action. It might be because they don't know what steps to take to improve their arthritis pain OR they don't truly believe they can improve arthritis "at their age". Fortunately, there are several options to help manage your arthritis pain and to keep you active as you age.
I've put together a FREE guide explaining that even though you're living with a rthritis, it does not mean that you should expect to lose your independence or live with pain for the rest of your life.
Inside this guide you'll find: T he top 6 myths of arthritis! Why we lose cartilage and what you can do to prevent it Tips on how to reduce your arthritis pain. The positive impact of exercise. AND much more!
I want to make this guide available to you absolutely free of charge! To claim your copy, simply call (314) 9391377 or visit our website housefitstl.com/arthritispain to download the report. If you’re ready to manage your arthritis pain and lead an active lifestyle, this guide can help you get started with confidence!
goGLOW is now open in Rockhill. Their singular focus is clients’ skin, with or without a goGLOW. A customized goGLOW application by one of their professionals will give an instant boost of confidence and the education needed to care for skin long term.
New Jewish Theatre members start the group's 27th season beginning this month. The new season of producing professional plays and musicals at the J brings beloved shows by celebrated Jewish authors, as well as new work that presents unique perspectives on the Jewish experience.
Opening March 20 from musical theatre duo, John Kander and Fred Ebb, is "Cabaret," exploring the dark, heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.
• To protect beneficial insects, wait until temperatures are consistently above 50℉ to remove leaves and plant debris.
• Add mulch sparingly and top dress beds with compost.
• Clean and sharpen tools and shovels to ensure they are in good shape for the season.
• Inspect trees and shrubs for frost damage, disease, and broken branches before new growth starts. Then, prune accordingly.
• Trim dead growth from summer-blooming flowers and ornamental grasses. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs until after they flower.
• Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center offers Maintenance Packages for Spring, Summer and Fall. Spring cleanup includes product install, fertilization, pre-emergent for weed control and mulch.
YLANG YLANG second-generation owner Julie Ettinger recalled the team set out in 1985 to provide St. Louis' high-end, one-of-a-kind, must-have jewelry store. She adds, "We’ve celebrated life’s most magical moments with clients. We're designer jewelry, and all our jewelry is guaranteed authentic. The joy we find in connecting customers’ stories to jewelry is incredible, because every jewelry piece tells a story and celebrates life’s most magical moments." The store is located at 8845 Ladue Road.
by Henry David
Original, yet timeless.
Edgy, yet sophisticated. Modern, yet classic.
ARTICLE BY STACEY COLLINS BIBB
Don’t let the fashionable, free-spirited, relaxed attitude of Nicole Newkirk fool you. Beneath that fun-loving, dreamer exterior, Nicole is a shrewd creator and businesswoman. Many people have undoubtedly seen, and fawned over, her designs.
Nicole is co-owner of Oasis Pools. Being a leader in a male-dominated industry of pool design and construction, Nicole says she finds that one of the most formidable challenges she has overcome is learning to stand up for herself and be heard, while walking the fine line of not burning bridges and maintaining interpersonal connections that help her business thrive. For her, she adds that maintaining her reputation as a talented creative professional is best achieved by nurturing personal connections with clients, designers and construction professionals.
To some degree, Nicole’s story began with when she attended Webster University. Her sights were set on being an attorney; she even worked as a legal assistant for some years. As much as she appreciates the business and legal savvy she gained from her planned career path, Nicole says she found it didn't fulfill her in the ways she hoped. "I didn't want to work in an office; I wanted to use my creative side in how I worked, dressed and lived."
Why pools? Nicole says she found inspiration in the landscape architecture business. Once she learned that, her focus widened to outdoor living, and then swimming pools.
“Thinking about the best times of my life,” she recalls, “most of them involve being outdoors having fun. Whether it’s at home or on vacation, there’s always a pool there. It’s hard to have a bad memory about a pool!”
Pools often are the focal points of parties and events; even if the pool isn't the purposeful feature of a get-together, it’s one of the first details people notice.
Soon, Nicole became certified in AutoCAD, began in the pool business on a part-time basis, then finally went all-in.
She says she ran her own business before a kismetic professional collaboration led to a partnership in business and life; enter Chip Unnerstall. The two combined forces, and from that fusion of creative energy, Oasis Pools was born. Nicole began as the sole designer, but as Oasis Pools grew, it became necessary to hire more designers, however, Nicole still oversees the overall process. “You can spend $1 million, and depending on the precision and execution of design, it can look like you spent $5 million, or it can look cheap. You want your money to be well-invested,” she asserts.
Nicole and Chip say they continuously learn new things and stay on the cutting edge of the design space. Nicole states so many corners can be cut, resulting in clients spending considerably more money on the back-end of a pool project, which is why it's vital that Oasis Pools' teams stay ahead of the curve in pool design.
Swimming pools can be a work of art unto themselves; one pool designed and installed by Oasis is a full glass mosaic, handset piece by piece. Nicole says Oasis Pools are designed to maintain their beauty for a lifetime, never looking dated. Elements change quickly in the pool design and construction area; maintaining relevance and a social media presence is important for Oasis Pools, and it's why they operate at the top of their industry.
“We want Oasis to be a luxury brand, like the Chanel of pools,” Nicole says. True to that goal, she says luxury craftsmanship and design are at the heart of their Oasis mission.
In fact, Oasis Pools received the Pinnacle Award from Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living magazine. They also were named a top pool builder by Pool Nation.
Nicole says she's enthused about what the future holds for her business. She wants to tour the world and gain design inspiration from various cultures, using those designs to inform her own portfolio of luxury outdoor creations. “I would love to bring global influence into the St. Louis area,” she adds.
It seems that Nicole’s creativity isn't restricted to only her pool business. She also founded NotYourAverage.Life, a lifestyle space “where luxury living meets unparalleled elegance.” Nicole appears to be a force, and a brand, of her own making. She believes wholeheartedly that anyone can live a luxurious life, defining “luxury” in their own ways. "I love life and am continually inspired by all things beautiful," Nicole says of her fusion of art, design, fashion and luxury.
314.522.3394
GetOasis.com
March31st
At The Kaiser Law Firm, P.C., the father and son team of Phil and Andy Kaiser, with over 60 years of combined experience in the estate planning, asset protection, elder law and business law fields, along with their dedicated support staff, are here in Chesterfield to meet the needs of your family and those of your business. As a family owned firm, we understand what matters to your family and your business.
Anne Marie Designs’ Exclusive Take On This Year’s Most Coveted Hue
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
“Mocha Mousse is a luscious, earthy tone that brings natural comfort.”
-Anne Marie of Anne Marie
Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2025: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown that exudes both sophistication and comfort. This decadent hue is reminiscent of lavish desserts, espresso martinis and the inviting embrace of a winter cabin.
"Mocha Mousse is a luscious, earthy tone that brings natural comfort," says Anne Marie of Anne Marie Design Studio. "It’s a perfect accent in any room, complementing a range of colors and textures. Homeowners can incorporate it through buttery leathers, satin fabrics, area rugs or even as a striking paint choice for cabinetry and walls."
Mocha Mousse’s versatility extends beyond interiors. It’s a staple in fashion and beauty, seen in clothing, nail polish, makeup palettes and jewelry, while seamlessly integrating into home design through dishware, golden bronze lighting and elegant cabinet hardware. The trend of “quiet luxury” has dominated fashion and interiors over the past year, favoring soft, neutral tones that evoke understated elegance.
For homeowners, Mocha Mousse offers a modern yet timeless update. Try layering it in wallpapers, bedding or accent walls to create a cozy, grounded space. For a bold touch, consider wide vertical stripes in alternating sheens above alabaster wainscoting, adding depth and dimension to a dining area.
This color’s natural, adaptable beauty makes it an effortless statement in any home. Whether through subtle accents or dramatic applications, Mocha Mousse is a great way to bring warmth and quiet luxury into any space this year.
Homes are where people's distinctive stories begin, and solid beginnings are vital for homeowners. "Promise only what you can deliver, and deliver what you promise," were the wise words of Henry Fischer, co-founder of Fischer Homes, along with his wife, Elaine, during 1980. While they launched the company in Kentucky, they expanded the business into other states and regions, including St. Louis during 2021. Family leadership still guides the privately held company through second-generation Greg Fischer as its chairman.
This homebuilder business also operates in Ohio, Indiana, Georgia and Florida. Its team was recognized as No. 32 on the 2024 Builder magazine 100 list of top US homebuilding companies. Among the company's premier standout achievements are communities in St. Louis, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Louisville and Northwest Florida.
Jorge Espinosa, Fischer Homes division manager for St. Louis, says Fischer Homes offers exceptional locations and quality homes tailored to homebuyers' preferences. "However, our communities aren't just about great locations. We also provide beautiful, welcoming environments where residents feel right at home, often in their forever homes. With amenities like pools, walking trails, biking areas, our new
home builds in St. Louis cater to important lifestyle needs," he adds.
As a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Jorge began his career with Fischer Homes during 2010. He says he values the company's steadfast mission of creating high-quality developments in high-demand neighborhoods.
"Many of our sales end up coming from customers referring to their friends and family. Our customer satisfaction of over 98% means we're a builder you can depend on," he states.
He says he's experienced a strong sense of family and a culture that emphasizes high performance and enjoyment at Fischer Homes. "It's a place where consistent values and honorable goals guide us in doing the right things, building quality homes and delivering exceptional experiences for our homebuyers. We deeply value our diverse team members, supporting their careers by providing opportunities for learning and growth, and always rewarding exceptional performance."
Every customer who builds a Fischer Home can personalize that house at the company's Lifestyle Design Center. Jorge says from choosing cabinet styles to picking out paint colors, expert designers can help homeowners make important design decisions, every step of the way.
To date, there are 573 Fischer Homes in St. Charles County and 804 across all of St. Louis.
Additionally, Jorge says they're proud to partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the first builder to complete three St. Jude Dream Homes in a single year, raising more than $4 million for the children served by St. Jude. "We just broke ground on the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home in Dardenne Prairie, located in the Inverness community. Fischer Homes was honored this past year with a Lifetime Achievement Award from St. Jude, an award that only one other Dream Home builder has received."
Team members at Fischer Homes are enthused about the company's future growth in St. Louis, he shares. “Customers are responding positively to the communities we're developing and the diverse home designs we offer across multiple price points, helping to address the critical need for housing in the St. Louis market. I look forward to continuing to deliver a worldclass experience for our homebuyers throughout the sales and construction processes ensuring every family finds the perfect home to meet their needs and lifestyle.”
314.310.2188
FischerHomes.com
Note: Fischer Homes is not affiliated with Fischer & Frichtel Homes of Chesterfield, Missouri.
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Third-Generation Slyman Bros. Still ‘Tops In Town’ For Luxury Appliances
Three generations of Slymans now man the brick and mortars of Slyman Bros. Appliances Centers, as the company that started in 1965 with a black and white television commercial of Harry and Bob Slyman dangling their legs from the just completed St. Louis Arch and yelling “Thank you, St. Louis, for making us tops in town” continues to be a team, and a family, effort.
At that time, a loaf of bread cost 21 cents, a new home, around $13,000. Running a business didn’t include an online presence, and the term social media wasn’t even a blip on the radar. It was just two brothers, a quirky commercial and a penchant for selling quality appliances at affordable prices in a no-nonsense way.
“If you’re a St. Louis native, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen the classic Slyman Bros. commercials,” says company president and third-generation Slyman, Chris Slyman. “Maybe you remember them from your childhood. Or maybe you discovered them while down a YouTube rabbit
hole of funny local commercial compilations. However it may be, these commercials are how Bob and Harry made a name for themselves. They swung their legs while sitting atop The St. Louis Arch. They even got inside a microwave oven. They used the only thing that came more naturally to them than selling appliances: their humor, wit and creativity, to bring their local business into the homes of their customers.”
“Today we’ve managed to get to a place that Bob and Harry never could have predicted,” Chris says. “But the legacy they laid
out for us lives on: keep family at the forefront and deliver savings and quality service to our customers.”
Also, today, from its new, larger location in South County, that includes a 2,000-square-foot Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove luxury brand showroom. Its newly expanded Ballwin location contains one as well. Slyman Bros. has evolved from the two brothers in the seventies telling mom to “Take her away,” to one of the top purveyors of high-end and luxury appliances in St. Louis. Other locations include West St. Louis County, St. Louis City and O’Fallon,
Missouri, along with the fifth showroom at their distribution center in Manchester for the highly anticipated outlet sale of unboxed appliances that happens only a few times a year. From "Try Us, You'll Like Us" to its new tag line "The Most Trusted Name in Major Home Appliances," Chris and his five third-generation cousins are leading the charge to keep Slyman Bros. the “Tops in Town.”
BY JULIE
With a focus on automation, entertainment, lighting control, energy management, security, networking and wellness, Doug South, owner/operator of South Sounds, says the company's home integration experts take innovation directly to clients.
"We think of it as pioneering custom solutions that redefine modern living," Doug adds.
He says the team is composed of system designers, project managers and skilled technicians committed to excellence. From inception to execution, he says they employ proven, optimized processes to meticulously manage project details.
"What sets us apart is our profound understanding of the marriage between technology and design. We recognize a client's style is paramount, whether in residential or commercial spaces. So, we craft tailor-made systems that enhance both functionality and aesthetics," Doug states.
Doug has worked with homeowners and business staffs to improve integration and automation systems since 1998.
"At the core of my philosophy is the belief everyone deserves to experience the transformative power of good sound and the convenience of a home that makes life easier," Doug shares. SouthSoundsLLC.com
WHAT EXACTLY DOES SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY CONSIST OF IN TODAY'S DEVICE-DRIVEN LIFESTYLES? WHAT ARE YOUR SERVICES?
"We provide integrated smart home services so everything in homes works together in harmony, including lights, audio, shades, security, thermostats, TVs. We work to provide homeowners customized solutions for all their devices through one app and simple commands, providing them efficiency and peace of mind. Our services include whole home audio, whole home lighting, pool lighting, audio systems, home theaters, motorized shading, security, surveillance and networking."
IN WHAT WAYS ARE SMART LIVING SOLUTIONS BENEFICIAL TO USERS?
"Smart home technologies help homes be more efficient including energy efficiency.
Our solutions offer homeowners the confidence in knowing they can control their home from any place anywhere, keeping it safe, and also making it a sanctuary. We provide lighting that changes depending on time of day, outdoor lighting that can be tuned to fit the gathering and set the mood for the evening. Our seamless audio enables everyone to listen to their favorite music with amazing sound."
FOR WHAT REASONS ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS SECURING YOUR INTEGRATED SYSTEMS?
"Our clients secure our services to make all of today's technology simple to use in the home, and work seamlessly together. They call us because we know how to make the systems work for clients. All clients have to do is rely on us and the app. We use some of the best products available, which can elevate aesthetics and add a level of luxury."
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DO YOU WORK WITH A VARIETY OF VENDORS TO BE ABLE TO DESIGN CUSTOM CLIENT RESULTS?
"We pride ourselves on partnering with the best product vendors in the business, which helps us to design luxury speaker solutions and customized lighting provides
“AT SOUTH SOUNDS, WE DON’T JUST DELIVER SOLUTIONS; WE DELIVER EXPERIENCES. TRUST US TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE INTO A HARMONIOUS FUSION OF INNOVATION AND ELEGANCE, ALL THROUGH ONE APP AND SIMPLE COMMANDS.” -DOUG SOUTH, OWNER.
ambiance and can really add to a home's aesthetics. Our products span speakers that are handcrafted to look like part of a home to light fixtures that raise elegance and luxury throughout. What this means for our clients is we have vendors we work with from those that can support a basic home theater install to those that can support extremely high end design centric installs. One specific example is installing speakers that can made to become invisible and blend into the home because they're hand-designed. We provide some of the best sound equipment available."
HOW DO YOU 'TEACH' CLIENTS TO USE THE SYSTEMS THAT YOU SET UP?
"We work with clients after installs to program the system to meet their needs. We then educate them on the app and controls, and make sure that they have access. We can then help them use all the app's features and show them how to make the most of their system."
ARTICLE BY SAMMI LEFORCE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS
From the fresh flower arrangements to the locally sourced produce and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wild flowers which includes a medley of queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, fever few, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms.
Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken paired nicely with locally sourced Roasted Heirloom Carrots drizzled with Hot Honey. Peach Bread Pudding with Salted Vanilla Caramel Cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat.
DRIED SPICE MIX
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
TO COOK:
4 cups shortening
BUTTERMILK BRINE
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
DREDGE
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
Whole cut-up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large sealed bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken.
Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well.
Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken.
Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes.
Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
El Ahumado by Cordial Craft “Spanish for Smoky”
1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
1/2 ounce aperol
3/4 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce agave nectar
1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup 1 spritz of Mezcal
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds a hint of smoke to make a balanced, interesting cocktail.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature and cut into 6 pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn. Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes. If you notice the butter separating, remove from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again. Very slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Caramel thickens as it cools. Cover tightly and store for up to one month in the refrigerator.
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to
suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your
phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
MARCH 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 7TH-8TH
Schlafly Bottleworks | 5:00 PM
Beer, shuckers and 80,000-plus oysters converge at this festival, considered to be the largest festival of its kind in the Midwest. Twenty professional shuckers promise to put on a show. There'll be 10 stouts on tap to pair with oysters and live music in the background. This is a credit card-only event. For confirmation or information, call 314.241.2337, extension 2.
MARCH 13TH
Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum | 6:00 PM
This concert spans generations of tradition and innovation. In the first half, they will honor two, late composers and explore a new work from a young composer processing recent events inextricably linked to the past. Following intermission, they'll explore the museum’s special exhibit, “The Artist Who Captured Eichmann” through the music of Argentinian-born composer Osvaldo Golijov.
MARCH 15TH-16TH
Shen Yun--Live
Stifel Theatre | 2:00 PM
Shen Yun takes guests on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of culture. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends, and ethnic traditions spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes and patented interactive backdrops. This show is for ages 4 and older. Groups of 10-plus, call 314-622-2583 for tickets.
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Schedule your Free Consultation Today and mention City Lifestyle Magazine for $1000 off treatment
CONTINUED
MARCH 20TH
1st Annual Karaoke For Wishes
The Marquee At New Town | 7:00 PM
This exciting evening benefits MakeA-Wish Foundation of Missouri & Kansas, with 100% of proceeds directly making wishes come true for children in need. Grab the mic to belt out favorite hits or join fun in wine bottle pull, gift card pull, 50/50 raffle. First 200 ticket holders receive exclusive swag bag. Snacks, nonalcoholic beverages and cocktails available for purchase: KaraokeForWishes. ticketspice.com/karaoke-for-wishes.
MARCH 27TH
Clayton City Hall | 11:30 AM
Help celebrate the beginning of baseball season in St. Louis by enjoying free lunch, music, special appearances, photo booth, giveaways and more this day until 1:30 p.m. Be sure to wear your favorite Cardinals gear. Phone 314.727.8100 with questions. The 2025 St. Louis Cardinals season will be the 144th season for the baseball franchise.
MARCH 28TH
Community Music School Concert Hall | 4:00 PM
This competition recognizes and encourages the efforts of young composers between the ages of 12-21. Chamber Project will be joined by guest composer, Dr. Daniel Pesca, from the Eastman School of Music, to work with these young talents to bring these new works to life. Hear hourlong program featuring the winners of a nationwide composition contest.
