Spotlight

from June/July 2022

by St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles

Publisher’s letter

By Moe Godat Design by Arazi Levine Design Photography by Joyelle West

DECO DREAMS

Embrace geometric shapes and early twentieth century glamor with your Art Deco interior.

Titans of Industry

The industrial revolution heavily influenced the Art Deco design era after large quantities of sleek metal became more available. Incorporate metal work into your space in both furniture and accessories, adding a sleek and shiny finish to your decor.

Geometry Class

Cubism and other contemporary artistic movements of the time became an integral part of Art Deco design elements. Now, Art Deco is often synonymous with any decor accent or art piece that is largely geometric. Symmetrical designs and exuberant shapes can add life to a design without making it appear disordered or cluttered.

Streamlined Shapes

When adding furniture to your Art Deco home, think about accentuating or complementing the shapes created by the surrounding accessories and artwork. Long, smooth, sweeping curves in furniture can soften a space’s otherwise straight-edged forms.

(Sun)bursting with Style

Sunburst and sunrise motifs signified the rising of a new, more enlightened era of early twentieth century prosperity. Their obviously geometric forms will blend seamlessly into any Art Deco design while also embracing the zeitgeist of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Go Wild!

You don’t have to be a big game hunter to bring animal prints into your Art Deco home anymore; now you can opt for faux skins and stunning animal print fabrics! If animal prints aren’t to your taste, bringing the outside in with fabrics in leaf, branch or feather patterns can also achieve the desired effect.

Don’t Tone It Down

If Gatsby was anything, he was glamorous! Art Deco isn’t known for holding back when it comes to adding details. Go bold with shiny chrome accents and large light fixtures to really bring the drama.

The Richer, The Better

Leave the lighter, more understated woods for the Scandinavian designers! Art Deco design embraces the deep, rich tones of Violetwood, Amboyna burl, Macassar ebony and mahogany. These opulent woods became a status symbol of wealth. Nowadays, however, you can find beautiful reproductions of these pieces without breaking the bank. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall Make sure to add plenty of mirrors! They not only make a statement in a room, but they also serve the purpose of adding additional light to the often darker tones of Art Deco interior design. If you’d really like to embrace mirror styles from the ‘30s and ‘40s, choose a mirror with beveled edges or crafted into an interesting shape.

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

Building New

Choosing a home builder and builder community to plant your new roots is the first key step in making your dream a reality. When selecting a builder to work with, the available lots, variety of floor plans and community amenities are all important factors to consider before purchasing. The following home builders are among the best in the St. Louis area when it comes to building new. With decades of experience, the highest building standards and proven quality construction, you can trust one of these exceptional builders to build your new home.

314-336-0207 • McBrideHomes.com

McBride Homes builds in 30+ communities in the metro St. Louis area and is the largest home builder in Missouri. With 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 the St. Louis area. McBride also provides unparalleled customer offerings, including their world-class Design Studio where you get to personalize your dream home. As your hometown home builder, McBride Homes has neighborhoods in every part of town and is a name you can trust to build your new home.

314-283-6510 • FandFHomes.com

Fischer & Frichtel is a family-owned, homebuilding company which was founded in St. Louis in 1945. We build stunning homes and villas in masterplanned 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 highly-experienced, 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.

636-395-0313 • LombardoHomes.com

At Lombardo Homes, we specialize in building custom, luxury homes tailored to any lifestyle. We work closely with our customers to understand their needs and design a home that reflects who they are and what they love. With more than 15 communities in the St. Louis and Columbia areas, including Anywhere Lombardo, a build-on-you-lot company, we offer a price, homestyle and community for everyone. In business for more than 60 years, we’ve established a reputation for home building excellence. Lombardo Homes is dedicated to creating an elevated home buying experience where customers can make their dream home a reality.

Benefits to Buying New

New construction homes have perks for any home buyer.

By Melissa Mauzy

Top: Nantucket II, Vista-Pevely, 343 Stonewall Dr., photography courtesy of Fischer & Frichtel. Middle: Fineup Farms, photography courtesy of Fischer & Frichtel. Bottom: Kitchen, photography courtesy of McBride Homes.

In today’s ever-changing real estate market, frustrated homeowners are facing limited inventories and getting into bidding wars, often overpaying for homes. For some buyers, holding out for the perfect pre-owned home is worth the wait, but for those not wanting to embark on that journey, buying a newly built home can be an ideal solution. The St. Louis area is fortunate to have an array of exceptional home builders ready to help you make your dream home a reality.

When building a new home, you are often purchasing a lot within a builder community, so homes are sold on a first come, first served basis. No bidding wars or paying over the asking price. There are many other benefits to buying new whether you are a first-time home buyer, family or empty nester.

Cost Less to Maintain It’s that simple! “New homes cost less to maintain since their key components are all new and likely to deliver many years of service,” says Pat Sommer, Director of Marketing for Fischer & Frichtel Homes. When buying new, there is less to worry about and fewer unexpected out-of-pocket expenses letting you enjoy your new home and community without having to make repairs. More Energy Efficient Newly built homes feature the latest in heating, cooling, insulation, windows and appliances making your home more energy efficient and improving the air quality. New Homes Come with Warranties When purchasing a home from a builder, the company offers warranties on the structure, systems and other aspects of your new home for a certain period of time. Knowing that if something goes wrong you are covered provides an extra level of peace of mind. Latest Technology Today’s technology has made homes much smarter, safer and more convenient. From high-tech appliances to heated floors in the bath, these techy touches will instantly feel luxurious. Customization Start with a blank slate! Working with a new home builder lets you put a personal touch on your new home. Many builders have several options for you to select allowing you to make your own choices when it comes to cabinetry, tile, countertops, paint colors and more. When the building process is complete, you will be walking into a finished home that is your vision and style. No need to renovate! Modern Layouts Builders offer home layouts that fit your current lifestyle needs. While older homes often have a certain charm about them, they may not be conducive to the way families function and live today. New homes have higher ceilings, eat-in kitchens and bedroom/bathroom placements that are beneficial to families.

Community Many times, new homes are built in a community setting that offer a host of amenities to homeowners such as pools, paths and playgrounds.

Wyndgate Oaks walking path, photography courtesy of Fischer & Frichtel. Living room and kitchen, photography courtesy of Lombardo Homes.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, a growing family seeking more space or an empty nester ready for a different lifestyle, master-planned communities have something to offer for any home buyer. These communities are becoming more popular in the St. Louis area. Erin Hardebeck, Director of Marketing for McBride Homes, says in master planned communities you have a variety of home styles mixed in with various perimeter activities for people who love an active lifestyle. “Due to the variety of price points and floor plans, these master planned communities appeal to a wide array of buyers who want the resort-like lifestyle including professionals, retirees and young families,” she explains.

Home builders will partner with other builders to develop new home communities. The builders combine their resources to provide abundant amenities for homeowners that include lakes, pools, walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds and so much more.

If your family is looking to make a move, consider the benefits of buying a new home. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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.