JuneJuly 2023

We represent the top vendors and offer the best design resources in the industry.

Interior Design K Taylor Design Group Home Builder Hufton Construction Architecture Bower Leet Design

how summer just wraps its arms around you like

The best part of early summer is we jump right into sunny days and blue skies. We don’t worry about cold snaps or rain because summer showers are short-lived and will be doing us a favor by providing rain to our lawns and gardens. As we welcome the sights and sounds of summer, let’s not forget to stop and smell the roses.

Warm weather has arrived. Get outside, listen to all the birds, smell the aroma of a freshly mowed lawn and bring your tropical plants outside. In the garden, plant some vegetables and herbs, spot a hummingbird, place stepping stones to create a path and hang wind chimes and bird feeders. Accessorize to personalize your outdoor space (page 12). It's finally that time of year!

Designing a luxury home and having all spaces flow seamlessly from room to room extending to the outdoor spaces was a welcome challenge for Darryl Labruyere, owner of the architectural firm DL Design. The homeowners desired to build a cozy, comfortable yet spacious custom home to enjoy with friends and family. Under the direction of Kris Keller, owner of The Design Source Ltd, she and her accomplished team brought the project together seamlessly by making many crucial decisions and selections that far surpassed the homeowners' expectations inside and out (pages 26-35)!

The Lafayette Square neighborhood, home to historic Victorian townhouses and the oldest urban park west of the Mississippi River has much to boast about. Not only is Lafayette Square on the National Register of Historic Places but it has another standout in the neighborhood, the backyard of Dave and Marlon Taubenheim. With a pool to die for and strategically placed gardens, the homeowners and their guests will be inclined to while away the time in lively conversation (Pages 52-55).

Grab your favorite beverage and relax by the pool as you read this issue of St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles. No pool? Relax under the blue skies. It's officially chill time!

Enjoy!

Suzie

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

"I love

a warm blanket."

— Kellie Elmore

I've found a wonderful spot to just chill.

{Pages 52-55}

{Pages 26-35}

PUBLISHER/OWNER: Suzie Osterloh

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Melissa Mauzy

MANAGING EDITOR: Maya Brenningmeyer

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Dillon

COPY EDITOR: Carol Wayne

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lucyanne Boston, Jeanne Delathouder, Kim Hill, Justine Kandra, Catherine Martin, Michelle Mastro, Wendy Noory, Gina Parsons

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Amy Barlam, Steve Frank, Eric Hunt, Miranda Kimberlin, Anne Matheis, Megan Lorenz, Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton, Karen Palmer, Tessa Neustadt, Emily Redfield, Ron Rosenzweig, Randall Pery Photography, Suzanna Scott, Alise O’Brien Photography, Larry Emerson

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Colleen Poelker

DISTRIBUTION MASTER: Barney Osterloh

MARKETING + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: Zoe Miller

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: maya@stlouishomesmag.com

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Email bosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com or visit www.stlouishomesmag.com

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Magazine

255 Lamp + Lantern Village Town & Country, MO 63017 636-230-9700

www.stlouishomesmag.com

©2023 by Distinctive Lifestyles LLC. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only.

PRESIDENT: Suzie Osterloh

VICE PRESIDENT: Barney Osterloh

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles is a publication of Distinctive Lifestyles LLC

ANNE MATHEIS PHOTOGRAPHY

2023/24 CONTESTS:

SUMMER FLING

From lounging by the pool to back yard movie nights, outdoor accessories can level up any summer activity. We’ve gathered a collection of outdoor decor, activities and storage to help prep your outdoor spaces for a summer of fun!

By Maya Brenningmeyer

« Oversized four in a row game available at Pottery Barn.

«

Outdoor bar and barstools by Vanguard Furniture; Bridgehampton

Montecito bar, available at Design & Detail.

barstool,

Indio FSC® eucalyptus modern platform modular set in biscotti with high performance coastal stripe chambray cushion, available at Pottery Barn.

Cielo Jute round rug available at Pottery Barn

Batten teak outdoor armless chair with oat cushions available at Crate & Barrel

Outdoor movie screen, available at Pottery Barn.

Cortona teak rectangular coffee table in weathered teak, available at RH.

Pinet modern teak outdoor towel rack, available at CB2.

Assorted pots, available at Chesterfield Valley Nursery.

Oslo teak chaise in weathered teak, available at RH.

ART IN COLOR

By Michelle Mastro

Miller/Strauss

Great art can do a lot of things. It can help relieve stress or anxiety, move a viewer to feel or see the world differently or even remind others of something from their past. Artist Samantha Clarke creates abstract art that can deliver all these and more. “Though my art never really follows a theme or central idea, sometimes a person will tell me that my art reminds them of something or a past memory,” says Clarke. “I’m glad my art sparked that for them.”

R ather than follow a preconceived theme or topic, Clarke focuses on color and the variances between different shapes, designs or compositions. “I go very deep into these approaches,” she says. “But sometimes I wonder if I am subconsciously trying to relay a message with my art. Maybe I am. I do not know,” she muses.

Either wa y, Clarke is meticulous with her color choices. She customizes all her own hues, mixing paint colors so that nothing is ever just straight from the bottle. “Even the basic colors of white or black are never just that,” she explains, “I make my own shades and every color has a touch of some other hue in it.” Clarke says this impacts the viewer’s experience of the painting too. “There’s nuanced detail to be seen there,” she says.

For Clarke, creating her art is meditative. “I can shut my brain down and create an escape for myself through art.” But slipping into art-making hadn’t always been so easy in the past. In 2020 Clarke had been pregnant with her second child, lost her job due to the pandemic and found herself at a crossroads. Unsure if she could return to making art after a long hiatus (she had studied printmaking at the University of Tennessee), she reached out to other St Louis creatives and nearby artists.

Portrait photography by Colin

A St. Louis artist creates beautiful works of art complete with customized color.

In doing so, she formed Mother Art STL, a website where she shared her journey and interviews with other makers. Her work at Mother Art STL laid the groundwork for her segue back into art. But Clarke doesn’t think being a mom and an artist are mutually exclusive. “Being a mom is a fiber of who I am as an artist, but it isn’t the sole focus,” she says. “Just like how I am a painter, but I don’t limit myself to just that.”

Eager to explore other mediums, Clarke has tried mixed media, collages and print, all the while adding in glitter wherever she can. “I’ve also done some live art events, where guests can watch me make my art,” she says. “My art isn’t for everyone—it’s strong, colorful, impactful—but there are people that appreciate a chaotic use of color. And if that’s you, then I’m your artist,” she laughs. See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and resources.

STRONG ROOTS

ANDRIA GRAELER

gives us a behind-the-scenes look into CHESTERFIELD VALLEY NURSERY’S unique design process and their latest updates.

Green Thumb

Chesterfield Valley Nursery offers almost everything to make your landscaping amazing! Our landscape design and installation services help customers make their outdoor living dreams come true with plantings, hardscaping and outdoor living spaces. Our maintenance department keeps landscapes looking beautiful year-round with seasonal services. Our Garden Center is here to inspire with some of the most unique plant offerings around, complete with your favorite seasonal flowers!

Edited by Maya Brenningmeyer

Portrait photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton Landscape photography courtesy of Chesterfield Valley Nursery

Hand-picked Planting

My favorite part of the job is definitely the plants. I am blessed to be one of our buyers, so I get to go to the Pacific Northwest two to four times a year to help pick out the plants that we bring in and learn about new and exciting varieties. We have one of the largest and most diverse offerings of plants, many of which are hand-chosen by myself and our owner, Jim. We try to create an immersive experience for our customers when they visit us by laying out some of our plants in a garden-type display so they can see what the plants look like together!

Standout Stems

I am a big fan of ornamental plants, particularly unique evergreens and Japanese maples. The sheer number of these types of plants and how many colors and shapes they come in is amazing. I love being able to have a plant that is not really known to the general public. Ornamental evergreens and Japanese maples usually have a different shape/form than other plants, making it a standout feature in any landscape.

Functional Flora

With any project, blank slate or working the existing landscaping, we really like to get a sense of each customer’s design style and goals for the space. A lot really depends on the size of the space and what the sun exposure is like to be able to chose plants that will thrive. We also take into account the architecture of the home and any other structures in the space. We always want the plant sizes, shapes, color and textures to complement the home and co-exist together for a long-lasting design.

Distinctive Design

Unique plants are a big part of our designs. However, a larger proponent is that our designers see the project through, start to finish, from the initial consultation, to the design drawing and even the project management. They are with our customers every step of the way. We also manage almost every aspect of the project, including any subcontracting that is needed, such as working with a pool company or another specialty service.

Landscapes That Excite

I see people light up at certain plants almost every day, and it’s different for every person. If someone is having a hard time deciding what to choose, I always recommend the one they seem most excited about. If you’re excited about something, you’re more than likely going to enjoy it!

Growing Knowledge

This year, our garden center has stepped up its game on our class offering! Classes are offered March through December with topics such as succulents, houseplants, annual planters and winter greens. Private classes are available as well for every topic during the month of each class. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Home Again

After her four-year departure, a St. Louis designer returns home to start a new chapter in an unpolished mid-century gem nestled in the heart of Ladue.

By Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Miranda Kimberlin

Interior Design by Joni Spear

Builder Dahms Contracting Architect Elizabeth Panke Design

In the living room, designer Joni Spear lovingly restored the home’s original oak floors, which transition beautifully to the family room’s oversize honed marble tiling. Inspired by an English pub in the Cotswold countryside, the family room radiates cozy warmth.

The formal living room emits a sleek, modern vibe with a curvy camel-back sofa and contemporary chrome leather chairs. The family room’s British racing-green millwork ties visually to the kitchen island, where reclaimed Spanish Revival pendants illuminate the space.

Some say you can’t go home again, but for this St. Louis designer, it was written in the stars. After uprooting from St. Louis more than four years ago, designer Joni Spear relocated to Smithfield, Virginia. Owner of Joni Spear Interior Design, Joni looked forward to establishing her brand on the East Coast. But after living through the pandemic and losing her father, Joni felt compelled to be closer to family.

“Leaving was bittersweet,” Joni recalls. “I had just lovingly restored a century-old home I believed would be my forever dream place. Yet, I struck out on my chosen mission, excited about returning to my treasured hometown.”

At the time, the real estate market was beyond volatile. But at the height of the frenetic housing crunch, fate smiled on the homeowner, and she found an unpolished gem—a mid-century ranch in Tanglewood’s quaint Ladue neighborhood. “It was a time capsule—in the best and worst sorts of ways," says Joni. “Ostensibly untouched since its origins, the dreary aesthetics and chopped-up claustrophobic interior would have discouraged all but the most intrepid.”

As it stood, the house was too small to entertain her combined family and friends. To stretch the footprint, Joni erected a 150-square-foot addition on the back of the house to circumvent the HOA’s prohibition on altering the historic facade. She eliminated a dining room in exchange for an expansive kitchen, walk-in pantry and additional coat closet. She also enlarged both bathrooms and the master bedroom and added a walk-in closet. “After gleefully removing unforgivable wall-to-wall carpeting, I was able to refinish the original oak flooring in the front of the home and

tie in complementary new flooring in the addition,” Joni adds. “Dark and heavy, dust-filled draperies throughout the home went to the bin to be replaced with crisp white energy-saving plantation shutters.”

As a firm believer in gathering in the kitchen, the designer devoted lots of love to this family space. “Today, the capacious kitchen is miles from its small, dark, depressed beginnings,” she notes. “The crowning jewel and inspiration for the area was a daring investment in Calacatta Vagli marble with rare British-racing-green veining.”

The kitchen’s perimeter features dark soapstone counters that strike a beautiful contrast with the mushroom-colored custom cabinets. A large window flanked by antique brass sconces bathes the room with natural light, and handmade Zellige tiles hung in a running bond pattern “pay sweet homage to the 1950s era of the home,” Joni adds. Reclaimed barn wood surrounds the range hood, lending a cozy textural element, and matte white appliances with brushed bronze and copper hardware tie in the mixed metals throughout the kitchen, helping to meld the overall dramatic design.

“Spanish Revival pendants reclaimed from Schneithorst’s, a former local haunt for German fare and fun, are a pinnacle feature over the island,” says Joni. “Reclaimed wooden drawers juxtaposed with custom glass cupboards add endless storage. Cabinets are painted the same luxe green hue, and the warmth of butcher-block counters creates a hard-working bar area begging for character-worn use.”

The family room presented a different challenge for the designer when she discovered that the room rests on a slab after removing the unsightly carpeting and obtrusive heavy draperies. “Carpet nor vinyl were desirable options,” she notes, “so instead, I selected outsized, honed marble tiling. Situated between the formal living room and kitchen, the family room is now a perfect spot for casual lounging in front of the television. In addition, the space serves double duty for hosting casual meals in front of the fireplace and rowdy game nights.”

Joni’s inspiration for the cozy room came from an English pub in the Cotswold countryside. She installed radiant heat under the marble to achieve year-round warmth and combat the Midwest’s brisk winters. The time-honored, existing millwork was painted the same shade of British

Clockwise from left: The kitchen’s ebony soapstone countertops provide an elegant contrast to the mushroom cabinetry and the handmade Zellige tile backsplash. Butcher-block counters highlight the bar area, lending Old-World appeal. The primary bath features a custom double vanity centered with a seated makeup area. A reglazed vintage claw-foot tub creates a glamorous feel against the oversized porcelain floor tiles. The adjacent spacious walk-in shower emits a spa-like ambiance.

racing green adorning the adjacent kitchen’s judiciously chosen details. Reclaimed—and now dimmable—light fixtures flanking the walls and suspended from the ceiling contribute to the room’s quaint charm. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the space provide plenty of natural light to counterbalance her sumptuous color palette. The designer’s whimsical collection of art, artifacts and textiles bolsters the pub-like ambiance.

Typical of the home’s 1950s era, there were three bedrooms and two small baths with a half bath on the main level. The hall bath included a 5x7 tub-shower combination and the quintessential vintage baby-blue ceramic tile. The primary bath heralded vintage pink tile and a shower the size of a postage stamp. “For my bath, I sourced a vintage clawfoot tub and had it re-glazed. I chose oversized porcelain floor tile in lieu of marble based on practicality and size—large format tile means fewer grout lines to scour.” Joni also included a walk-in shower, a bidet and several other spa-inspired creature comforts. The expanse was large enough to accommodate a custom double vanity that flanks a seated make-up area, and the lighting features a blend of vintage and new.

“I had planned to make this space a guest suite and family room with a gas fireplace,” notes the designer.

“Two days before moving in, disaster struck—the entire basement flooded in the catastrophic June storm that devastated many in our area. Emotionally and financially fatigued, I elected to forgo the family room and concentrate on rebuilding just the guest bedroom and bath.

J oni’s perseverance paid off, and the lower level notwithstanding, construction took about seven months to complete. “I moved in last June,” she adds, “and love hosting family gatherings with long meals around the island where there’s always room for more —and raucous hours of games, stories and laughs in ‘the club.’”

But as any designer will tell you, a personal project is never finished but, rather, a work in progress. As her creative vision continues to inspire her, Joni always looks to the future for her next big endeavor. “Dramatic landscaping and hardscaping are next in the queue,” she says. “Stay tuned!” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Clockwise from left: Dressed in darker hues with polished black stone countertops and subtle green cabinetry, the guest bath emanates a simple elegance. Layered in softness, the primary bedroom features an upholstered headboard, sumptuous bedding and a plush area rug that anchors the space. A guest bedroom with Old-World flair provides a cozy retreat for overnight family visits.

Creative

Vision

By Kim Hill

Photography by Anne Matheis Interior Design The Design Source, LTD Architect D.L. Design, Inc. Builder DeShelter Homes

A home’s artful elegance comes from the masterful minds of a team of local talents.

When an all-star cast of design professionals team up with thoughtful, engaged homeowners to imagine a home, magic happens.

T he homeowners envisioned a large home on an unfinished lot they’d purchased and engaged Glenn Arnold of DeShelter Homes as their builder. “Glenn is the one who put us together,” says architect Darryl Labruyere of his firm’s relationship with the homeowners. Through multiple meetings with the couple about their wants and needs for the home, key points emerged: they wanted two main-level primary suites, an open floor plan which would include a large, airy kitchen, his-and-her offices, and outdoor spaces for entertaining to include room for a pool.

“ We wanted something that was upscale but not stuffy, just a comfortable, beautiful place to entertain our family and friends,” the wife says. Beyond that, the couple trusted the team to push the creative limits beyond a traditionally styled suburban home “that had four square walls and was kind of boring,” says the wife.

Darryl designed the home’s layout to ensure all spaces flowed seamlessly, which was a fundamental wish for the homeowners. “They gave us a wonderful roadmap for the design,” the wife says of Darryl’s

firm, D.L. Design, Inc. The stately home has a grandeur, yet the interior spaces feel inviting and welcoming, thanks to the architectural plan, where spaces relate to each other as they satisfy the homeowners’ wishes for the spaces they wanted and needed.

Early in the process the homeowners called upon their longtime interior designer Kris Keller, who’d worked with the couple in renovating their previous home years ago. Kris says the owners adamantly did not want this home to feel too cavernous or highbrow. “It’s lovely and elegant, but also very approachable,” Kris says of the new home. “It was a great challenge to create intimacy and a casual feel to welcome family and friends.”

Case in point: the massive 2-story great room with soaring ceilings. Large arched windows overlooking the backyard visually expand the room even more. “Scale and balance are so critical,” says Kris, the founder of The Design Source Limited. She visually lowered the ceilings with a family of beams. The center beam at the apex of the cathedral ceiling is itself two feet high. “It’s huge, but it looks proportional once installed,” Kris says. An ebony stain used for the built-in cabinetry to the left of the fireplace was applied to the “ribbons” of white oak placed

Opposite page: Wide casings of light oak with ebony “ribs” are central to the home’s design, says Kris Keller. “They create kind of a loggia effect as you look down the corridor or into the home from the entry.” The wife says the designer’s idea for the millwork “is so unique they are truly a work of art.” This page: The great room features sophisticated design details such as geometric shapes and contrasting materials and finishes. The fireplace is clad in large squares of dolomite divided by “ribbons” of white oak stained in an ebony finish.

Large arched windows visually expand the massive, 2-story great room even more and bring the outdoors in. “Scale and balance are so critical,” Kris Keller says in creating a cozy feel to a large home. The Design Source Limited team played off the geometry of the coffee table to select occasional tables shaped like hexagons.

between the stone slabs cladding the fireplace. “Those little ribbons give more distinction to the fireplace but also allow the slabs to be smaller, making them easier to install,” she explains.

Wide casings of light oak with ribs in the same ebony hue frame the doorways on the main level. “These big, wide casings are central to the design of the home,” says Kris. “The architecture surrounding the openings creates kind of a loggia effect as you look down the corridor or into the home from the entry.” The wife puts it this way: “the casings Kris created are so unique they are truly a work of art.”

The same shade of ebony was used for the built-in cabinets in the wife’s home office. Kris and the homeowners were visiting cabinetmaker Tim Hartman’s workshop, where Tim listened to an idea for a peaked cabinet door and then disappeared for a moment. “He came back with a mockup of the door in a piece of white oak and asked, ‘is this what you had in mind?’ Kris recalls. “We were spellbound because it was exactly what we had in mind.” The peaked design carries “a lot of dimension” and complements a beloved oval desk from the owners’ previous home.

Top: The kitchen’s large island is topped by a granite with an equally large personality, says Kris. “It gave the kitchen the visual weight we needed.” Gleaming subway tiles in two colorways were installed to the ceiling, including over the kitchen window. “The tile adds a nice depth to the kitchen without competing with the granite,” says Kris. Bottom: Architect Darryl Labruyere designed the home’s layout to ensure all spaces flowed seamlessly. An open floor plan in the public spaces for easy entertaining of family and friends was of paramount importance to the homeowners.

The homeowners wanted to incorporate a wet room concept, where shower and freestanding tub occupy the same space in the primary bathroom. A tiled wall with flowing ‘river’ of accent tiles gives the large room a ‘wow factor.’ Designer Kris Keller declares the primary bath “a favorite space of mine.”

Ebony carries into the owners’ bathroom as well, where louvered cabinet doors in a vertical format were crafted by Hartman. The bath features a wet room with freestanding tub and separate shower in the same area. “The owners were familiar with a wet room and wanted to incorporate the concept in this house,” Kris observes.

In the kitchen, granite tops the 8-foot by 8-foot island. “This granite has so much motion and depth of color,” Kris explains. “It has a big personality and gave the kitchen the visual weight we needed.” The perimeter counters are topped in quartzite, “a diaphanous sort of quality that has its own character yet it’s soft enough that it doesn’t take away from the majesty of the island,” Kris says. The wife notes the kitchen is her favorite room from a livability aspect. “It just functions so well,” the wife says. “It’s the perfect space to entertain and I love how it just flows out into the backyard.”

Outdoors, multi-level seating areas invite conversation around a firepit and lounging by the pool. Scott Gamblin and the team at Flora Design and Landscape executed an extensive plan for the outdoor spaces so important to the couple.

Top: A hushed color palette lets the art bring in color. Ceiling detail brings architectural interest to the primary bedroom. Right: Kris Keller had designed horizontal louvered doors for the owners’ previous home and mentioned she’d like to repeat that design in a vertical format during a conversation with cabinetmaker Tim Hartman. “These are all hand-made louvers,” says Kris. “You don’t find people who do that,” she says of his craftsmanship.

The wooded lot afforded privacy and ample room for a pool and outdoor entertaining spaces, important to the homeowners’ lifestyle. The wife says Scott Gamblin of Flora Design and Landscape “went above and beyond to help us enhance our beautiful outdoor space.”

With its completion, the couple is thrilled with their new home. “These clients were satisfied to the fullest with every aspect of the home,” says Darryl. “That’s what it’s all about, the clients and their needs and wants. I really enjoyed working with them.”

From the custom woodwork and cabinetry to the tile and stonework, the wife says she and her husband are delighted with the way these elements, all beautiful on their own, came together in their new home. “We are so pleased with the craftsmanship in this house,” says the wife. From painters to tile installers to landscapers, woodwork to wine cellars, the creators involved in executing the vision for the home “really knocked it out of the park,” says the wife. “Kris really has an amazing knack for pulling your thoughts and then making them even more spectacular than you could ever hope for.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Opposite page: The light fixtures are among the wife’s favorite elements in the home, with the dining room chandelier a particular favorite. This page top: The homeowners commissioned multimedia artist Cindy Sanchez to paint a mural in the wine cellar. “We love it because it’s beautiful, but also because it doesn’t represent one particular place,” says the wife, noting the couple shared a compilation of photos of places they love with the artist, who markets her work as Art by Macakipa. Right: Cabinetmaker Tim Hartman crafted the peaked design for the cabinet doors based on Kris Keller’s vision, which adds dimension to the beauty of the custom built-ins. The oval desk was purchased for the owners’ previous home years ago.

We were spellbound because it was exactly what we had in mind.”

Beauty in Movement

I t all began 15 years ago with a lot of research and a garden hose. Oops, did we forget to mention a shovel? The hose was so Bob Henson could create the shape of the pond he was about to dig in the back yard of his home in Sappington.

He had meticulously researched all the details of creating a water garden: the size of the pump required to keep the water flowing, what was needed to create a biological filter and the myriad of other items that are important, particularly if you hope to have fish in your pond. The earth he dug out of the soon-to-be pond he piled up around the sides of the depression. “You never want a pond where the yard drains into the pond,” he explains.

The next year, on spring break from his job as a chemistry teacher at Rockwood Summit High School, he dug a stream while snow fell. He went on to create a second pond and a waterfall and a third pond, not to mention a bog for carnivorous plants. He also built a bridge.

“I’ve always been interested in ponds and water plants,” he explains. “Having a science background, I investigated the parameters of all

By Lucyann Boston Photography by

that I was dealing with; what type of pond; what size pump. After I built the big pond, I knew what I had to know about the aquatics. I had done all the homework, figuring out the ABCs of it. If you do it right, nature kind of takes over.”

From that first pond, he let his imagination run free. “I would be working in the garden and an idea would strike me and I would think, ‘Next year I am going to try this.’ One thing led to another and another. I was like 'The Little Engine that Could.'

“My problem was the yard was kind of flat and I had to work around that because I wanted a waterfall. I thought of how many tons of rock and ground had to be moved and stacked because I wanted it to look natural. Every time I came to a junction, I could go left or go right, and I thought where is that going to take me? People walk through the garden, and they don’t see the half of it.”

What they do see is koi and goldfish shimmering in the ponds. A myriad of different pathways that take a visitor through fields of hostas in a variety of shapes and sizes including several giant Empress Wu,

Kim Dillon

Experienced home gardener Bob Henson describes his journey to transform his back yard into his dream water garden.

one of the largest of all hostas. Large swaths of ferns sway in the breeze. There are stands of Italian arum and wild ginger. Mounds of evergreen creeping juniper, that have been in the garden since Bob began his creation, frame the ponds in green even in winter. A number of aquatic plants, including waterlilies, decorate the ponds’ edges. The different shades of green blend and glow with a verdant hue worthy of the Wizard of Oz and his Emerald City.

Along the way, he added two greenhouses to his property; one for orchids and the other for tropical plants. He created seating areas for visitors to appreciate the garden from different perspectives. He built an arbor as a base for a lush stand of chartreuse hops vines and a huge white dovecote copied from examples used throughout England and Europe. Water sprays from a fountain Bob devised by lining an old wagon wheel with copper piping and punching holes in the piping.

“ There is nothing you see here that I haven’t built,” Bob says. “I learned by watching my dad. He was very mechanical, and I picked up that gene from him. The more you do, the more you learn.”

For his gardening gene, Bob credits his mother. "I became interested in plants pretty early on in my life,” he recalls. “I remember going over to visit one of our neighbors. She was working in her garden and there was a big spider that intrigued me. My Mom was a gardener, and my sister is a big gardener. After I retired, I kind of cut loose.”

Along the way Bob joined the St. Louis Water Garden Society, where he now serves as president; became a volunteer at the Missouri Botanical Garden; took the course sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension Service, to become a Master Gardener and volunteers in the maintenance of the waterlily ponds at the Jewel Box in Forest Park.

He has become fascinat ed by carnivorous plants, which he grows in a bog especially suited to their needs. Perennials flower to attract the pollinators that pollinate the plant. Carnivorous plants flower and send up a shoot that attracts the insects that they consume, he explains. “I don’t have to do a thing with them. Once I put them into their medium and keep them moist, they feed themselves.”

A participant in the St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-O-Rama tour, “I get more questions about the carnivorous plants than anything else,” he says. This year’s Pond-O-Rama will take place the weekend of June 23-24. Ticket information is available on the St. Louis Water Garden Society website at www.slwgs.org/pond-o-rama. This year Bob will not be a participant as he will be fulfilling a dream by taking his boat down the Mississippi River and into the Bahamas. It is Bob’s boat that led to several dramatic stainless-steel sculptures that grace his garden.

While boating at Kentucky Lake, he learned about a local sculptor John Toras, a welder by training, who creates dramatic pieces out of stainless steel that are perfect for outdoor display. A giant, golf-playing octopus now tees off over the large pond. Delighted with that, Bob commissioned a dragonfly with wings that flutter on a windy day and a school of koi that swim in space.

Bob’s digging days are now over with almost all of the space in his garden occupied with ponds, streams and plants. These days the bulk of the work is in the cleanup from fall and winter that takes place in April and May. “Then, it’s just maintenance,” he says.

I t is the continual movement of the water that makes water gardening so rewarding, he feels. “A garden is static unless you have water in it and that water is moving,” he points out. “You can go out and sit and feed the fish; that’s what I really like about it. There are times you have to get in and clean the pond and I have slipped. But when it’s hot outside, I don’t care.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Don’t Let the Bad Bugs Bite

Whether you’re growing your own fruits and vegetables or creating the perfect landscape, it’s important to know how to protect your outdoor spaces from pests.

By Maya Brenningmeyer

Cracking the Case

When determining whether the bugs in your garden are good or bad—it’s important to know what to look for. The first step in discovering the identity of your outdoor guests is to take a closer look at the insect. Note how it’s interacting with your garden; if it seems to be eating your plants then you might have a bad bug on your hands. Another tip is to take a photo of the bug to look at later! This way you can use the image to search for similar bugs online. If there seems to be a large number of insects gathering in specific spots of your garden, you might have an infestation on your hands.

The Three P’s Good bugs fall into one of the three p’s: predators, parasitoids and pollinators. These “good” bugs are hard workers who pollinate your garden and protect your plants by eating the bad bugs or infecting them. An example of a predator would be ladybugs. Ladybugs attack and eat aphids, small spiders and other mites. If left unchecked, aphids could seriously harm the plants in your garden. The second type of good bug, parasitoids, protects your garden by laying eggs near or on bad bugs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will eat the bad bugs. Finally, pollinators are the hard workers. An example of a pollinator is a bee, they are classified as good bugs because they work to spread pollen and help flowers grow.

Photography by Angele Kamp

Photography by Jamie Street

Bad to the Bone

Bad bugs are categorized as any bug that threatens your garden. Whether they’re eating your plants or taking over native insects—these bugs are bad to the bone. One of the most common examples of a “bad” bug is the Tomato Hornworm. These insects eat and destroy plants in the tomato and potato families. Another example is the Japanese beetle; they can be incredibly destructive and love to feed on anything in their path - including your garden!

Proactive Planting

While managing all the pests in your garden can seem overwhelming, strategic planting can help set you up for success. Polyculture, or planting different species of plants in one area, is commonly used to replicate the plant diversity found in nature. Placing herbs, flowers and vegetables that grow well together can attract good bugs into your garden and weed out the bad ones.

These flowers are notorious for keeping bad bugs out of your vegetable garden!

Petunias: Keep away squash bugs

Zinnias and Cosmos: Great for attracting pollinators

Marigolds: Repels bad bugs such as the tomato hornworm

Lavender: Keeps away deer and common garden pests

Flower Power

Japanese beetle

Photography by Leslie Saunders

Photography by Haley Parsons

Photography by Rebecca Niver

NATIVE ROSES

By Catherine Martin and Justine Kandra

I n 1986, the rose became America’s national flower, succeeding where more than 70 bills had previously failed.

While the rose is an international symbol of beauty and courage, it is an interesting choice for America’s flower, considering most popular roses are cultivars of European and Asian species.

Though not as ubiquitous in our culture as more popular roses, there are roses native to America—and Missouri. These native species have a range of growth forms, can be found in a variety of different habitats, are resistant to the most common rose diseases and support local insect and bird populations.

If you want to add native roses to your garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening recommends the following varieties:

Carolina rose, rosa carolina

Also called pasture rose, this is the most common wild rose in Missouri.

Prairie rose, rosa setigera

Sometimes called climbing prairie rose, this scrambling shrub will typically reach 4 feet tall but can climb 12-15 feet high on a support structure like a trellis.

Swamp rose, rosa palustris

The fragrant, pink flowers of swamp rose bloom from early to mid-summer. Red hips and red fall color offer additional interest.

Photography by Eric Hunt

Photography by Steve Frank

These architectural firms are doing some of the best work in the Greater St. Louis area. We’re proud to call them our architect partners. Look to them first for your next project.

Lauren Strutman Architects P.C. laurenstrutmanarchitects.com

DL Design DLDesign.com

Schaub Projects Architecture + Design schaubprojects.com

Christopher D. Marshall Architect, LLC cdmarchitect.com

William D. Cover, Architect LLC williamdcoverarchitect.com

Brendel Architects, LLC brendelarchitects.com

Jeff Day & Associates

Jim Bulejski Architects

Srote & Co Architects

Dick Busch Architects

FUMAGALLI & LAMPE, inc.

CREATIVE

COURTYARD

Artful design brings plants and color to Lafayette Square home.

By Lucyann Boston

Photography by Kim Dillon

“Plants add to the quality of life,” says Marlon Taubenheim. “They provide that intangible joy that material things can’t give you.” So, when spouses Marlon and Dave Taubenheim purchased their Lafayette Square townhome just three years ago, they knew they would have a garden. But they also realized it would take some artful design work to get the most green space in their small courtyard, which already included a pool and a hot tub.

T he couple was not without talent and determination. Dave is a data scientist with Nvidia and Marlon, human resources director with the National Archives. When Covid provided the ability to work from remote locations, they made the decision to move to St. Louis to be closer to Dave’s family. Coming from the Washington, DC, area, they were charmed by the homes in Lafayette Square, which reminded them of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. They were lucky enough to find a residence that, although it had the façade of an historic row house, was totally contemporary on the interior.

The garden project fell to Marlon, who had grown up in Honduras with a mother who loved plants. He had carried that affection for gardening and added to his plant knowledge after moving to the United States.

Although the Lafayette Square garden is the smallest of the gardens at their previous residences, it required the most artful design work. After talking with five different contractors and receiving plans that Marlon

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SNAPSHOT

describes as “the good, the bad and the ugly,” he decided to take over and create his own vision for the space.

Much of the garden grows in raised-bed stone planters with wide edges. They make it much easier for Marlon, a disabled veteran with a bad back, to tend to the plants. He can even sit on the side of the planters. A series of trellises and brightly colored, tall, double-glazed containers holding shrubs and dwarf trees, including a ginko and red-, yellow- and orange-leaved ‘Flame Thrower’ redbud, provide height to the space. He became a quick study on native plants that do well in the St. Louis climate and those that adapt to the clay soil of Lafayette Square “through a lot of research and trips to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Every plant in this garden is something I picked,” he says.

The plantings around the hot tub he describes as more free-flowing cottage garden in style while the pool space, filled with natives, resembles a prairie garden. The privacy-fenced, secret garden with a gate to the street is shaded in the afternoon. “I take my computer outside and work from the garden,” Marlon says. Anchor plants include coneflowers, Japanese maples, hydrangeas and, Marlon’s favorite, dahlias.

While the design of the garden was complicated, it is “shockingly” easy to maintain, Marlon says, emphasizing he uses no weed killers or pesticides.

“ We front loaded all the work, even installing a drip irrigation system that can be controlled from an app on our phones,” adds Dave, who also helps out with the heavy lifting of things such as ceramic containers. “Marlon makes things pretty, I make things go,” he quips, describing their gardening partnership. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Creating beautiful rooms with cohesive styles is the key to making your home comfortable, fashionable and inviting.

The Great Cover-up

Teddy Karl, Allied ASID

9708 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 314-995-5701 • greatcoverupdesign.com

Your home is a haven and a place for personal expression. We are inspired by this notion and ready to help you create a space that is truly yours. We are a client-focused team, partnering with you to create special spaces for you to enjoy for years to come. Our passion lies in providing thoughtful solutions and remarkable results. We love working in a variety of decorating styles and strive to make each client experience both time-honored and unique. Whether it is a whole house project or putting the finishing touches on a single room, we are here to help make your home everything you expect it to be and more. Call or Visit us today! Beautiful Spaces Designed Just For You.

The Design Source Ltd.

636-391-7640 • thedesignsourceltd.com

Celebrating our 30th Year! At The Design Source LTD., our talented designers not only create award winning interiors, we create personal spaces that support well-being and uplift the spirits of the people who live there. We value creative expression, service to others, listening and honest and trusting communication. You can count on us for creating environments that honor those who live in them.

We thrive on homeowners' input. The more input we get, the happier we will all be at the conclusion of the project. Combining savvy design and functionality are our primary concern. After a thorough interview with the homeowner and learning how they intend to use each room, our team gets to work making the homeowners' dream become a reality.

Gigi Lombrano Interiors

314-707-7291 • stlinteriordesigner@yahoo.com

Gigi Lombrano, ASID is an award-winning, high-end residential designer. She listens to clients so they realize their dreams, whether a custom build, a renovation, or a refresh. Known by some as the color whisperer, Gigi is deft as finding each client’s unique style. Gigi’s projects have been featured in many local magazines and Designer Show House. Gigi is a recipient of the St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Design Hall of Fame.

DESIGNERS IN DEMAND

Savvy Design Group, LLC

Diane Mantovani, Owner/Designer 314-432-7289 • savvyladue.com

Diane Mantovani established savvy design group in 2009 to provide expert design service and unique vision. Over the last 14 years Savvy has created impeccable spaces while making the design process enjoyable. The key to savvy’s continued success is collaboration between the savvy team and our clients. This is paired with expert project management, timely communication, high quality industry partners!

JE Design Group, LLC

Ellen Wortham, ASID 314-984-0003 • jedesigngroupstl.com

At JE Design Group we believe your space should be a reflection of you. We focus on your unique needs to create a space that perfectly melds style and life. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful, timeless spaces with attention to personal style, function and comfort while providing excellent customer service and lasting client relationships. Our extensive knowledge of the build and remodel process as well as our relationships with industry trade partners gives us the tools to provide our clients with expert design advice to successfully navigate any build or design project.

KH Interiors, LLC

Krista Howard, Allied ASID khinteriorsstl.com • 314-517-5502

KH Interiors, is an award winning design-remodel collaborative. We create interiors that are comfortably classic, rich and relaxed. Interiors that reflect your spirit and give you a place to call home. It begins with listening to our clients about their dreams of how they see themselves in their surroundings. We share how design can make their home flow more beautifully and give meaning to their space. Our team then gets to work instinctively to recreate the home they once knew into a haven that reflects their true essence. At KH Interiors, we ensure that every detail, every decision, and every moment is meaningful, intentional and gorgeous!

Delectable Dining

Take advantage of the weather and move meal time outdoors. With a stylish set up, dining alfresco has never tasted so good.

By Melissa Mauzy

By Interior Archaeology.

Located in the interior courtyard, this step down dining area functions as an inviting extension of the home. A generous cast concrete countertop bridges the outdoor sink to the grill with the fireplace as the centerpiece at eye level. Hand-painted tiles by Tabarka Studio surround the fireplace as well as the floor, the dining table and lighting fixture are both custom.

Photography by Tessa Neustadt.

By Tegethoff Homes.

This beautiful outdoor space is a seamless extension of the main house. Located directly off the home’s expansive great room and adjacent to the kitchen, the space is connected by a wall of sliding glass doors that can be fully opened to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.  It offers a convenient and gorgeous spot for outdoor dining and entertaining.

Photography by Anne Matheis.

By M.S. Vicas Interiors.

This outdoor dining area provides seamless indoor/outdoor living thanks to accordion doors that connect this covered porch to the main living area. Retractable screens help keep out mosquitoes so this area can be enjoyed on sultry summer nights. Photography by Stylish Productions.

By Norris Architecture and Post31 Interiors.

This rear loggia, using timbers and local stone, overlooks an expansive property with a large pond.  It has proven to be a favorite space for the family and friends to gather. A recent addition has added a generous pool area and landscaping. Photography by Emily Redfield.

By Joy R. Dabill Interior Design.

The lanai was designed for entertaining. Groups can gather by the outdoor kitchen to watch sports games, sit at the dining table for meals or by the fireplace to relax. Sliders open to the house so the lanai is an extension of the interior. Roll-down screens protect from bugs, sun and bad weather to help maximize the comfort. Photography by Ron Rosenzweig.

By Kukk Architecture & Design, P.A., Gardenbleu and Easterly Building Company.

Outdoor entertaining is a big part of Southwest Florida living, so the homeowners wanted a space with beach glamour. The pergola allows for a little sun protection and was designed in an abstract way to be reminiscent of crab baskets with filtered sunlight and blue sky. The hanging light fixture adds to the long linear space. The designer chose real wood detailing with an aluminum structure. Photography by Randall Pery Photography.

By Regan

Baker Design. The designer was inspired by the towering redwood trees that surrounded this Marin County home. With the exterior of the home clad in a beautiful cedar, the goal was to bring the wood elements to the forefront of this outdoor living space. With the clients' love for surfing, photography and philanthropy the designer wanted to ensure the home felt elevated yet comfortable and kid-friendly for their busy family of four. Photography by Suzanna Scott.

By AE Design. This outdoor space project included the building of a wood deck and addition of a pergola and built-in bbq. The deck flooring was matched to the finish of the interior flooring to create a seamless indoor/outdoor feel. The pergola has a transparent cover between the joists to protect from rain and heat but also provide a great deal of light. Photography by Amy Bartlam.

By Youtopia Designs. An outdoor umbrella helps keep everyone cool and comfortable. Always opt for high quality furniture that is rust proof so it will stand the test of time. To create an eye-catching and timeless look for your outdoor dining table make sure to add items with varying heights and pops of colors to the table such as fresh flowers from your garden and classic striped chair cushions that coordinate with the surrounding furniture and outdoor area.

By Laurie LeBoeuf, Castle Design.

When renovating this historic Kirkwood home, the design was thoughtful to ensure the new addition and renovation felt original to the neighborhood while also reflecting the homeowner’s clean and coastal aesthetic. The formerly green exterior was painted white in keeping with the coastal theme; the trim went from red to black, and a custom metal railing was added to wrap around both the original and new parts of the home. To create an outdoor living space on the porch, the project designer mixed cast stone bistro and side tables with wrought iron furniture from Summer Classics, which pick up the railing’s X-shape pattern.

Photography by Alise O’Brien Photography.

Photography by Megan Lorenz.

Building New

You’ve made the decision that purchasing a new home as opposed to pre-owned is the right choice for you… so, now what?

314-336-0207 • McBrideHomes.com

McBride Homes builds in 40+ communities in the St. Louis area and is the largest home builder in Missouri. With over 75 years of homebuilding experience, McBride’s mission is to provide a wide range of home styles and price points, while offering the best locations and value in St. Louis. McBride also provides unparalleled customer offerings, including their world-class Design Studio where buyers get to personalize their new home with a wide array of premier quality selections. As your hometown home builder, McBride Homes is a name you can trust to build your dream home.

636-628-7627 • McKelveyHomes.com

Why McKelvey Homes?

The oldest and most respected name in Missouri’s homebuilding industry, McKelvey Homes has maintained a tradition of excellence since 1898. Celebrating 125 years, the firm takes great pride in its enduring reputation for integrity, expertise, leadership, financial stability, and superior customer service. Committed to the belief that “only quality endures,” McKelvey offers luxury homes, built to the highest standards of value, design, and craftsmanship, in the metro region’s most desirable locations. For more information, visit McKelveyHomes.com or call 636-628-7627.

636-489-8384 • Consort-homes.com

Design that stands the test of time. When we say "forever home", we mean it. As the most-trusted home builder in the St. Louis area, for more than five years, Consort Homes has been building and perfecting a Universal Design floor plan to fit any homeowners’ lifestyle. Universal Design is a unique process intended to increase a home's accessibility and comfort for any guest—regardless of age, ability or situation—with features like wider hallways, zero-entry garages and low-entry showers. All found in the place you call home.

OUR BEST MAKES YOUR LIFE BETTER.

Fischer & Frichtel Homes is a family-owned company which was founded in St. Louis in 1945. We build stunning homes and villas in master-planned communities, intimate enclaves, and on private lots. Our distinguished reputation is due to our legendary construction quality and outstanding customer service. When you walk into a Fischer & Frichtel home, you can see the difference in quality, thanks to our on-staff team of union carpenters and highlyexperienced, long-time employees. Please visit our new home communities throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties, or call 314-283-6510. Display homes are open daily, from 11:00 am–5:00 pm.

New Beginnings

Edited by Maya Brenningmeyer

The real estate market can be unpredictable, and its constantly changing rates can feel daunting to first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners alike. While some are willing to wait for the perfect pre-owned home, a newly built home is a great solution for those unready to commit to that journey. In St. Louis and surrounding areas, there are many quality home builders ready to help you build your dream home.

One of the largest differences between buying pre-owned homes and building new is that, with newer homes, you are purchasing a lot within a builder community. This first-come, first-serve process takes away the stress of bidding wars or paying over the asking price, just one of the many benefits of buying a new home!

Building a new home can bring homeowners a wide range of amenities and benefits.

Top: Fienup Farms, Wyndham-Heritage photography courtesy of Fischer & Frichtel Homes.

Middle: Pin Oak, photography courtesy of Mcbride Homes.

Bottom left: Photography courtesy of Consort Homes.

Guaranteed Warranty

A benefit of purchasing a home from a builder is the warranties offered by the company. These warranties cover the structure, systems and other parts of your newly built home for a certain period. This guaranteed coverage alleviates some of the worries that accompany moving to a new space.

The Latest and Greatest

Newly built homes come with the newest technology and newest advancements in homebuilding. From smart-technology to high-tech home security systems, these added amenities will instantly level up your new home. New technology means fewer chances of surprise out-of-pocket expenses and new components are more likely to deliver years of service.

Customization

Starting with a newly built home means starting with a blank slate! New home builders let you add your own personal touch to your home. From cabinetry, countertops, tile, paint colors and so much more— new home builders will have plenty of options for you to choose from.

Updated Layouts and Built-in Community

New homes boast many benefits including higher ceilings, eat-in kitchens and more beneficial bedroom/ bathroom placements. With an updated layout, you can design a home that’s better fit to your modern lifestyle. New homes also come with community settings such as pools, paths and playgrounds —making these communities the perfect spot for families.

“We’ve been building more new home communities in St. Charles County and beyond, as buyers continue to show interest in moving further west. Improvements to the highway system have provided easy access to it all—great parks, healthcare, shopping, dining and entertainment, and it’s only a short trip back to the city for ball games and special shows.”

—Pat Sommer, Director of Marketing for Fischer & Frichtel Homes.

Homeowners from all walks of life can find benefits in buying new. From growing families to empty nesters, the master-planned communities offer owners comfort, customization and community. With amenities ranging from lakes, pools, walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds and more—planting new roots has never been easier.

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Westward Expansion

Now more than ever, new home builders are expanding their communities west of St. Louis. St. Charles County, especially, is seeing an increase in the number of new build communities in areas such as Wentzville, Lake St. Louis and Troy.

“Buying a new home gives you the opportunity to purchase exactly what you want. You won’t have to compromise on those must-haves or worry about having unexpected maintenance costs pop up because everything is new!”

— Shelley Reich, Marketing Coordinator for McKelvey Homes

The Preserve by McKelvey Homes

The Preserve by McKelvey Homes

Immersive Viewings

Using Virtual Reality to Preview Designs

By Gina Parsons

Photography by Alise O’Brien

Interior Design by Ellie Redders Interiors

I magine being able to walk through your new-build home or remodel and see exactly what the completed project will look like— before construction has even begun. The clients of Ellie Redders Interiors don’t have to imagine, they can experience it—in virtual reality.

The VR previews are especially helpful for new-build or massive renovation clients who have a hard time visualizing the floorplan with all of the selections working together, says Ellie Redders, CEO and principal designer of the firm. “Our job is to make it as easy for them to visualize as possible,” she says. “There is nothing that compares to the awe that we see on our client’s faces when they first use VR.”

For smaller projects, “we will have clients view it at our design presentation phase of the project when the whole space is designed. This allows them to approve selections at a much faster rate, and move the project along,” she says.

Seeing the design in virtual reality helps clients feel confident that they’ll love the end result. “They aren’t surprised. They’ve already walked through it, so they know what it looks like to walk through their space,” Ellie says. “When it’s done and they’re in, they can say, ‘Yes, this is what I was expecting.’” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Virtual reality

Final design

ALPINE DREAMS

RECREATING A VACATION HAVEN AT HOME.

By Gina Parsons

Photography by Anne Matheis Interior Design JE Design Group LLC Remodeler Politte Renovations

At least once or twice a year, one couple in Des Peres heads to the mountains of Colorado where they love to ski, hike and ride bikes. They recently finished their basement and had it designed to have the ambience of a Colorado ski lodge – bringing their favorite vacation spot into their home. “When we bought the house in 2017, we always knew we wanted an area for entertaining our family and friends,” the homeowner says. “We also were inspired by the stunning sceneries of the Colorado Rockies and the ‘lodge’ feeling of the places we have visited in Colorado.”

They hired Ellen Wortham, ASID, a Principal and Designer at JE Design Group, LLC to help with the space planning and design. The project was finished in fall of 2022, and includes a bar area that seats 14, which leads into a conversation area with four large, comfortable chairs, Ellen says. There is a game room, and a den with a TV area. The space also includes a half-bath powder room, a full bathroom and an exercise room.

One challenge of the project inspired a design element. There was a lot of HVAC venting going through the ceiling, so they created a soffit above the back bar area to hide the venting, without lowering the ceiling Ellen says. Another graceful wood-covered arch outside the conversation area mimics the arch above the bar, and also provides a transition between the wall and ceiling changes.

The flooring is a luxury plank that mimics hickory. They used actual raw hickory on the walls. “That’s the beauty of it. Mixing all of the wood,” Ellen says. The accent wallpaper in the seating area is a wood veneer wallpaper.

“We noticed different features of wood tones and architectural styles in Colorado and tried to incorporate as many as possible,” the homeowner says. “Mike Politte with Politte Renovations showed us many samples of wood designs. His attention to the theme detail was greatly appreciated.”

In addition to doing the carpentry for the project, Mike made the whiskey barrel bourbon shelves, which are creatively positioned above the sink. He collaborated with the electrician on backlighting them.

T he homeowner sourced several of the decorative items, including the unique antler chandelier. “Our contacts in Colorado got us in contact with the antler chandelier that is actually manufactured in Montana, and Julie McFarland with Metro Lighting was very helpful with our theme selections,” the homeowner says.

“Now that the project is finished we are very excited to enjoy this space with others and are very satisfied with the design that Ellen has presented,” the homeowner says. “Being able to share the happiness and joy that the fondness of Colorado gives us with any of our guests has been a rewarding feeling.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

DESIGN 101

Abstract Patterns in Architecture

By Wendy Noory Photography by Larry Emerson

Patterns are found everywhere in design but when they are found in architecture the beauty of the repeated elements, curves and angles can become abstract in form. A winding staircase, beautiful domed ceiling or the repeated windows in a high-rise building, all can be inspiration for abstract patterns. Taking that risk to create something unique and different is trending in architecture with organic, oddly shaped forms and futuristic concepts. Many photographers gravitate to architectural photography to capture these patterns in action by using bold geometric compositions, and abstract aesthetics that many find hypnotic. By focusing on sculptural patterns and repetitions,  abstraction is created. Local St. Louis photographer Larry Emerson has a keen eye for color and pattern. Larry’s photographs depict these concepts of abstract patterns within architecture. Sometimes, taking the time to look deeper allows us to see the world around us a little differently.

But what truly is abstract? Abstract is a word used to describe the art form that uses visual language of shape, form, color and line to create a composition. In fine art, it is a broad movement in American

painting that began in the late 1940s and became a dominant trend in Western painting during the 1950s. The most prominent American Abstract Expressionist painters were Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline and Mark Rothko. The artwork they created depicted forms not found in the natural world. The painters of this time who were exploring Abstract Expressionism set the path for a new way of thinking about art and design. Architecture and interiors began evolving from a standard way of rectilinear high-rise design to creating buildings or interiors that were more of an art form. The Guggenheim Museum in New York is a wonderful example of this evolution to unique, abstract thinking in architecture. A concrete, spiral form among the historic and straight-lined buildings of the downtown area is a direct contradiction to its surroundings. With the evolution of new materials and building trends, architecture abstraction will follow. 3D-printed structures, extraterrestrial-like megastructures and futuristic cyborg shapes may all be in our near future for the evolution of buildings in architecture. So, take the time, and look deeper at the world and see that patterns are everywhere around us.

DESIGN & DETAIL

We represent the top vendors and offer the best design resources in the industry. Universal Furniture partners with Coastal Living for an outdoor collection that has a casual, sophisticated style. 314-781-3336, designanddetailstl.com

CHESTERFIELD VALLEY NURSERY

An outdoor kitchen not only makes a statement but provides a great space for the whole family to enjoy during spring, summer, and fall! From a smaller grill area, to a full package with a custom counter top, outdoor refrigerator, grill, sink and storage space, we can transform your outdoor space into an extension of your home!

636-532-9307, ChesterfieldValleyNursery.com

FORSHAW

Forshaw is your local expert in designing and building outdoor kitchens. Our grill department at our Frontenac store features the most built-in grill displays in St. Louis, so you can explore all the options and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. We offer a huge variety of custom finishes, and we build your kitchen to order, so it’s exactly tailored to your space and layout. Our experienced sales and installation teams will ensure everything is done right so you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen for many years to come. 314-993-5570, forshaws.com

AMINI’S

Enhance your wellness with a new Sauna by Finnleo, now available at Aminis. From entry level portable saunas to deluxe custom saunas, traditional to infrared, Amini’s now offers a variety of saunas to suit every taste and budget.

636-537-9200, AMINIS.com

BAUER FALLS

Imagine an organic luxury koi pond that sits five feet deep with a floating patio and stairway overlooking a waterfall that pumps 14,000 gallons of water per hour. Imagine a sheet waterfall that dives into a 100 foot split stream and stumbles down vertical fall, tumbling under an artisan bridge. Imagine your backyard bursting with natural springs that fall gently and spill beneath oak and dogwood trees. Bauer Falls recreates nature at its finest. 636-357-3495, BauerFalls.com

Countryside Comfort

By Maya Brenningmeyer Photography provided

McW Design/Architecture

Follyfield in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

When a young couple was looking to relocate closer to their extended family, they set their sights on Follyfield, an 18thcentury traditional stone residence located in a conservation area in Cambridgeshire. Coming from London into the countryside, the homeowners were looking for design that combined their city roots and rural surroundings while also being a functional space for their family.

They called upon Studio McW, a London-based architecture firm, to complete the project. Studio McW dedicated the start of the renovation to adding three extensions to the original home. The largest of the three connecting the main house to the kitchen and living space, Studio McW built the extension from clay bricks to provide a seamless transition between the older and newer buildings. Incorporating modern elements, the kitchen contains black cabinetry, a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a large concrete kitchen island. The third extension was a garage, built from reclaimed stone and pale timber, and two utility rooms. Both of which remain concealed behind two full-height matte black timber doors.

For Follyfield's guests, a new guest suite was constructed above the garage and utility rooms. The suite is entirely self-contained and features a kitchen and bathroom. These additions give guests a moment of privacy away from the main house.

The home itself is unique due to the mix of original and modern

A

young couple turned to Studio McW to turn their 18th-century stone residence into a functional family home.

by Studio

by Studio McW

Places to go, things to do and see and people who are leaving their mark on the world of style.

elements, but the flow of the house is what truly sets Follyfield apart. The direction of the construction was purposeful, changing the floor plan into an L-shape. This change was accompanied by a second entrance, allowing visitors coming from the garage or driveway easy entry. The homeowners and their guests can walk right from the entry into the main living spaces; the open concept of these main rooms makes them ideal for entertaining. The kitchen also leads out into Follyfield’s vast gardens. In partnership with Claire Greener Landscapes, Studio McW added a new brick patio and water feature to create an intimate outdoor entertaining space. This area continues below the patio and flows back into the kitchen through sliding glass doors.

Altogether, Follyfield contains five bedrooms, four en suites, a family bathroom, a living room, two utility rooms, a playroom, kitchen, entryway, mudroom and a double garage. The renovations to the home are far from finished, with the second story of the main-home completing later this year. Studio McW also plans to extend the main bedroom suite and formal dining area on the main floor, keeping in mind the goal to maintain as much of the original 18th-century structure as possible. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Natural & Timeless

Limewash can drastically transform the exterior of a home, giving older, more traditional brick a clean and modern finish.

Edited by Maya Brenningmeyer

By Classic Finishes, @classicfinishes. Photography courtesy of Classic Finishes.

CLASSIC

The brick limewash, also known as an “antique limewash,” “whitewash” or a “German schmear”, creates an aged or worn-brick aesthetic that provides a charm like no other. Through an extensive design and sampling process, Classic Finishes carefully develops a customized finish for each home that exhibits an authentic and compelling aesthetic. These finishes can range from a soft semi-solid limewash with minimal distressing to a heavy distressing that resembles an old world aesthetic.

Limewash is a classic finish for brick homes. As at home on mansions as it is on more humble cottages.  Since lime deposits are found all over the world, using a wash of lime and water has been a time-honored way to protect and refresh brick, mortar and other porous materials. Today it is a staple in the historic restoration of homes, and just as effective in updating the older red/orange brick finishes that were popular 20-30 years ago. A true classic in all senses of the word.

Janice Bohn, Anne Marie Design Studio.

Limewash was used thousands of years ago by the Romans and the Egyptians. It is gaining in popularity because it is an easy way to transform the color and appearance of dated brick and it works with many different architectural styles. Limewash is made from crushed limestone and water and applied as a coating on brick exteriors. Limewash creates beautiful depth and an antique effect. Limewash is relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and easy to work with. Limewash is a classic! Barbara Collins AKBD, Allied ASID, Barbara

Collins Interior Design.

Limewash is a great way to update the look of your home’s exterior bricks. This process has been around for centuries and will always remain a classic. It has become more popular in the United States

recently as homeowners are trying to change the look of outdated exterior brick to have a more modern touch, without painting the brick. Because limewashing is modeling an existing design, present for hundreds of years,  it will continue to be a distinguished classic. Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS.

Limewash is a classic “look” and distinctive style that has been around for quite some time. I’m not sure I would call it a more modern look, but it is a more fresh distinctive style that would complement the overall look of a dominantly brick home. Diane Rosen, Diane Rosen Interiors LLC.

Limewashing brick can be a wonderful treatment for brick. It can lighten up a dark color while adding depth and a little texture.  The subtle reds, oranges and black show through in an elegant way. It can be a wise treatment for a home addition, especially on an old home when the original brick is no longer available. `Limewashing works well on old homes but also can be used in a modern way. I believe limewashing will be around for awhile until a technology evolves to emulate it. Julie Allman, ASID, Julie Rooney Interiors LLC.

Design by Christine Paul chrispaul@glenalspaugh.com

Photography: Alise O’Brien Photography

9808 Clayton Road Ladue, MO 63124

314.993.6644

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