November/December 2022

Reinspire

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 – THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

A Soft Touch

A Clayton home radiates a refined holiday aesthetic befitting its traditional architecture and the owners’ clean, pared-down style.

Comfort & Joy Family’s love for Christmas shines in a well-appointed Colonial brimming with seasonal and personal touches.

Cheerful Abundance

Holiday decorating with a creative twist.

On the cover page 42.

The main entry features blues and creams from a very recent remodel.

by Megan Lorenz.

BRING YOUR VISION TO US

The experts at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are here to help create a home that’s as extraordinary as you are. Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

"At Christmas, all roads lead home.”

— Marjorie Holmes

I' ve pretty much gone through life not thinking too much about making memories. Luckily they seemed to just materialize along the way. But what about traditions? Not so easy. We've got to put in the time and effort to keep some traditions alive that have been handed down for generations!

To keep pace with our busy lives, especially when children are involved, sometimes family traditions evolve. When our kids were young, a new Osterloh Thanksgiving tradition was born. As the family took their seats at the table, every member was asked to grab a provided small feather headdress or a pilgrim hat before sharing imagined tales of the day.

Star ting a new tradition during the holidays can be daunting, and even more daunting if started during the COVID pandemic. But we did it along with partners Ginny Hartman and Brigette McMillin, board members of the Cardinal Glennon Guild. Now three years later, SLHL is once again co-hosting the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes event. As a teaser guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit, this issue of SLHL features several homes that were on the 2021 Deck the Halls tour (pages 20-47).

We’re happy to share that our annual Holiday Table Top Tour is back in full force again giving you the perfect opportunity to start your own tradition! Grab your loved ones and invite them for a day of festive holiday shopping. Not only will you be supporting locally owned businesses, but this year you can purchase pre-paid raffle tickets by going to our website to enter to win some pretty fantastic door prizes (page 48-49). Gene Slay's Boys & Girls Club are the recipients of all raffle sales.

I hope to see you in person this holiday season at one of our upcoming events to tell you personally how much we appreciate you and your continued support this past year.

Merry Merry! Enjoy,

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

PUBLISHER/OWNER: Suzie Osterloh

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Melissa Mauzy

MANAGING EDITOR: Molly (Moe) Godat CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Dillon COPY EDITOR: Carol Wayne

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Gina Christman, Jeanne Delathouder, Kristina DeYong, Kim Hill, Michelle Mastro, Gina Parsons

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Brett Boardman, Ron Contarsy, Grey Crawford, Christina Dahl, Christopher Dibble, Scott Hargis, Megan Lorenz, Anne Matheis, Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton, Neha Maheen-Amahfin, Janet Mesic-Mackie, Greg Premru, Douglas Young

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Colleen Poelker

DISTRIBUTION MASTER: Barney Osterloh

MARKETING + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: Maya Brenningmeyer

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: molly@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

©2022 by Distinctive Lifestyles

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CH E E R S

Toast the holiday season with festive glassware for your tablescape.

By Melissa Mauzy

Optical gold stem wine glass, by Vietri, available at B. Davis Design, Christopher's, J.A. Whitney, Mary Tuttle's and Story Seven.

1. Irish lace red wine glass, set of 2, by Waterford, available at Bloomingdale's and Macy's. 2. Giorgio wine decanter, by Arte Italica, available at B. Davis Design, Sasha Nicholas and The Women’s Exchange. 3. Rock wine glass, by Michael Aram, available at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. 4. Mille nuits glass, by Baccarat, available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. 5. Vista alegre gazelle case with engraved crystal decanter, available at Williams-Sonoma. 6. Vetro gold wine glass, by Arte Italica, available at B. Davis Design, Sasha Nicholas and The Woman's Exchange. 7. Puro wine glass in tortoiseshell, by Juliska, available at B. Davis Design, Mary Tuttles and Neiman Marcus. 8. Elegance accent decanter, by Waterford, available at Bloomingdale's and Macy's. 9. Vintage etched collection, available at Williams-Sonoma. 10. 100 points wine decanter, by Lalique, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 11. Massena glass, by Baccarat, available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

Polished Entertainment

'Tis the season to bring out the fancy flatware.

By Moe Godat Berry & Thread bright satin flatware with gold accents, by Juliska, available at Mary Tuttle’s Floral and Gifts.

Fortessa Arezzo flatware set, available at Williams Sonoma.

Royal Pacific flatware set, available at West Elm.

Gracelynn stainless steel 20-piece flatware set, available at Pottery Barn.

This celebration

started here.

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom will help you go from delicious inspiration to memorable meals in a space that truly reflects the way you want to cook, live, and entertain. You’re invited to tour, taste, and test-drive with our team of dedicated product specialists and on-site chefs.

TRENDS slhl

Hampstead flatware set, available at Williams Sonoma.

Amalfi 5 piece Hostess place setting, available at The Great Cover-Up.

Mepra red 3-piece flatware place setting, available at Crate & Barrel.

Movida round stainless steel flatware place settings, available at West Elm.

Holiday

Infusion

Angela Mangan, owner of Blue Dahlia Designs, sheds light on her years of prepping and perfecting your home for the holiday season while keeping your family’s needs at the forefront.

Edited by Moe Godat Portrait Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton Interior photography courtesy of Blue Dahlia Designs

Creating Spaces

Ever since receiving a degree in interior design, I have been helping people enjoy their homes by designing spaces they love that works for their family. Though I have always loved working with clients and helping them create their vision of home, my dream has always been to own my own home décor store. I love interacting with my customers and helping them create a home that they love.

Pockets of Joy

Holidays are a great chance to switch up your home décor to help celebrate the season. Whether it's creating little pockets of joy throughout your home with your seasonal décor or it’s creating a cozier atmosphere in the rooms where you will spend quality time with your family and friends, decorating for the holidays can be a great way to celebrate. As the seasons change, I love to bring that feeling into my home, even if it is just changing a few things.

Just a Touch

During the holidays, I like to add a touch of the season in most of my rooms, but it can seem daunting to decorate your entire home. Focus on the rooms where you will be spending time with family or entertaining guests. That can be your foyer, which will bring joy when they first walk in, your living room where you can create a cozy atmosphere or even your dining room if you are planning on hosting dinner parties.

Keep it Simple

One of the easiest ways to redecorate your home for the holidays is by finding pieces that will blend with your everyday décor. Swap out the florals in your vase for ones that reflect the season or add evergreen swags to the top of your bookcases. Add garland to your dining table or your mantel to dress it up while keeping your décor pieces the same. Switching candles out to holiday scents and colors can easily change the feel of your home as well.

Decorate to Entertain

When decorating entertaining spaces, always keep in mind what type of entertaining will occur in that space. Make sure you consider the natural flow of the room so that you don’t fill a space or a natural aisle way with décor that would stop that flow. If you’re hosting a dinner party, create a table centerpiece that is slightly shorter so guests can easily look over it or make the centerpiece easily removeable when the meal is to be served. Make sure the spaces where your guest will be using are decorated and functional. Some spaces that can often be overlooked are the foyer and the powder room.

Holiday Essentials

Some of my favorite essential entertaining items are scented candles, garlands or florals, which can easily be placed around the room. I also believe in the functionality of the items I use for entertaining such as marble or granite cheese boards that will retain a cooler temperature throughout the event, trays with handles that can easily be moved and even using decorative decanters on the bar can create a luxe feel.

Love Your Decor

While traditional Christmas colors are often the color palette many people choose to stick to, we always advise decorating your home with items you love. If that means decorating for the holidays with bright pastels, warm metallics or cooler winter colors, that is absolutely fine! To keep your decorations from feeling too busy, make sure to feature one to three main colors and bring in other textures and finishes to accent it.

Moving Moody

We’re seeing a more moody/romantic palette this season filled with warmer colors such as chocolate, berry, caramel, mushroom and oatmeal. Darker woods are being paired with these along with nature inspired patterns. Earthenware jugs and smokey glassware have also been trending right now and fit well with this look. Finish it off with deep metallics to add some contrast.

Nailing the Transition

When decorating for the holidays, most people think of decorating the rooms they spend the most time in, but oftentimes transition spaces are overlooked. If you have a large stair landing, especially if it is in the front entry of your house, you can easily decorate your staircase and create a small vignette on your landing. Think about adding LED flameless candles to the edge of your stairs to bring ambience to this space. Another way you can add a touch of décor is by decorating your furniture pieces. Add a small accent wreath or bow to the backs of your upholstered dining chairs, put a frosted evergreen swag on the top of your bookcase and add garland, florals and fairy lights to your floor mirror for a spectacular display. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

St. Louis Gift Guide

The Great Cover-Up

Oriental trees and decorative boxed candle. greatcoverupdesign.com

Scandinavian Designs

Modern furniture and home decor. scandinaviandesigns.com

Spread Holiday cheer this year by shopping locally!

The Dollhouse

Merry and bright collectable houses. thedollhouse.megantempledesign.com

The White Hare 25” glitter angel with printed metal wings. thewhitehare.com

Forshaw Gas fireplace conversions. forshaws.com

Twig and Tarnish Succulent

The

Eye-catching EARRINGS

Lauren Hill, creator and owner of Made With Love, Lauren, makes beautiful polymer clay earrings. Swirling colors and dazzling shapes dangle on petite hoops or studs, or they go big as stunning statement pieces. Made from polymer clay, the earrings are lightweight and on trend. “I think polymer clay has been a popular medium because it's extremely lightweight and flexible, which makes it durable, and the possibilities are endless in terms of creativity!” she says.

By Michelle Mastro Photography courtesy of Lauren Hill

H ill, for her own part, loves the creativity aspect of her work. Perhaps her favorite piece is her "willow" earring, which she designed to have three tiers. “It's super flowy and the color combinations are endless.” Meanwhile she is also working on a new technique using water-dissolving paper to transfer color and prints onto the clay. “I bake it then resin it to get the most beautiful finished piece! My best seller, however, is called the "spotted stunner," she says. “It's a white circle with black dots, and a burnt orange stud! It's the perfect neutral-yet-fun staple piece.”

H ill first discovered polymer clay jewelry on Pinterest. “The same day I saw polymer clay on Pinterest, I went straight to the craft store and bought what I thought I needed!” she says. She reveals that she needed to do a bit more research about the clay since there are so many different types available used for a myriad of purposes.

“I learned through trial and error, and countless hours of research and finally perfected my craft! It's amazing to look back and see pieces I made in the beginning versus now.” It turns out, polymer clay is really a type of modeling clay, and it’s created from manmade materials, though it resembles natural clay and is just as flexible. Attracting the attention of artists for its distinctive properties, the clay doesn’t fully harden until it is baked in an oven to become the wonderous pieces artists like Hill make.

But polymer clay’s unique abilities aren’t the only reason Hill ultimately chose to create her own business. Like many during 2020, Hill was looking for a creative outlet and a means to support her family. “I was in grad school getting my masters in speech language pathology. I was doing my clinical work during the days and needed a way to make an income but didn't want to spend any more time away from my home and family,” she says. She also wanted to do something that could be done simply at home. The clay can be baked in home ovens and doesn’t require any specialized equipment.

A St. Louis artist makes stunning earrings from polymer clay.

“Thus, I created Made With Love, Lauren,” she says. H ill has been surprised by the results. “I didn't go into [the business] having any expectations— I thought I may sell some pieces to my friends and family, but I never intended it to overtake my original career!” Two years later, and she is working full-time as a speech language pathologist, which she balances with the thriving business she has built. “I think in the past couple of years there has been a bigger push of supporting small and local businesses opposed to big box retailers,” she says. At the same time, people are rethinking work and where it can be performed. “I think there has been a shift in thinking that we all have to work outside the home. The pandemic proved we can do productive things from inside our homes!”  See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and resources.

By Jeanne Delathouder Photography by Anne Matheis

A Clayton home radiates a refined holiday aesthetic befitting its traditional architecture and the owners’ clean, pared-down style.

Paul Doerner

Michael Lauren

Diane Breckenridge

Abbey

pared-down design aesthetic. Here, simplicity reigns supreme with a textured table runner anchoring candlesticks and an unobtrusive centerpiece of green orbs, pine branches and red berries.

Above: Holiday accents in the kitchen are spare but impactful and complement the room’s white monochromatic palette. Fresh wreaths and Christmas tree figurines create a soft and subtle touch befitting the high-functioning space.

When it comes to holiday decorating, few of us can resist going all out and dressing our homes in grand style. We unabashedly pull out all the stops—no corner is left untouched, and every square inch is decked with meaningful heirloom trinkets, dazzling ornaments, fresh garlands and glamorous sparkle. But this Clayton homeowner, a self-proclaimed minimalist of sorts, takes a different approach and has even come up with her own holiday look she jokingly refers to as “Christmas Lite.” Indeed, it is a delightfully refreshing concept for those who aspire to create a festive holiday feel without going too far over the top.

“My personal taste is more traditional and lends itself to less clutter and simpler holiday décor,” says the homeowner, who lives in a newly constructed home that was completed in July 2020. The architecture of the couple’s home is highly traditional, but the layout of the interior is surprisingly nontraditional due to the lot’s unique shape. Nevertheless, every space emits a refined elegance that complements the dwelling’s classic architectural features.

“My husband and I both have large, extended families in St. Louis, and we designed our home with them in mind,” explains the homeowner. “We also love the walkability of Clayton and the mature oak trees surrounding our house. The way our architect designed the home, the garage blocks off the back alley and frames in a private courtyard with wonderful outdoor living areas. We love the versatility of the spaces in our home for hosting large groups, and being on a corner lot, we have many windows that supply an abundance of natural light. There is also a ‘bonus room’ that we finished over the garage with a deck overlooking Clayton.”

The couple’s open-concept floor plan highlights a central kitchen that flows seamlessly into a large family room and dining area. Above all, their priority was creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for hosting large family gatherings, so they ensured the interior design felt casual, informal and relaxed. Yet just as their home construction was nearing completion, the pandemic broke out, and the couple entered what the wife describes as “uncharted territory.”

Opposite page: The understated elegance of the dining room’s holiday tablescape embodies the owners’

Guided by Laura Wilson and her team at The Abbey, the Christmas décor was designed to showcase the traditional architectural style of the home. At the kitchen island, a de lightfully simple fresh greenery arrangement and a collection of frosted silver ornaments lend a tasteful touch.

This page: Magnified in a full-length mirror, the foyer tree steals the show with its brilliant white lights, shimmering ornaments, and a magnificent ribbon topper. Opposite page bottom: The entrance foyer perhaps packs the most holiday punch to welcome visitors and set a festive tone.

Without breaking stride, their builder, architect and interior designer moved forward and worked incredibly despite the situation. Still, they had delays and could no longer meet in person as often. When the couple finally moved into their new home, acquiring accessories and putting the finishing touches on the interior was a challenge—to say the least—due to all the restrictions in place at the time.

“For our first Christmas, we had a tree—but that was about it,” laughs the homeowner. “So, we needed some major help as our new home was going to be included in the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon holiday house tour. I am passionate about supporting Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and was determined to get our home holiday-ready. But I never could have done so without the expertise of the ladies at the The Abbey.”

Having worked with Laura Wilson and her team in the past, the couple was excited to have them back to deck the halls. Laura and her talented group at The Abbey specialize in home furnishings, florals, housewares and custom furniture in a lifestyle-boutique setting that offers a one-ofa-kind shopping experience. Their meticulous attention to detail enabled them to fashion just enough holiday décor throughout to allow the architectural details of the home to shine through.

“ The homeowner is a minimalist with exquisite taste,” says Laura. “She is also very traditional and wanted her home to reflect a clean, simple style. She didn’t want anyone to walk in and feel like they were being hit with Christmas. Instead, she wanted guests to experience the spirit of Christmas with holiday touches sprinkled throughout that would not overwhelm but create a calm, warm feeling.”

With the owner’s “Christmas Lite” aesthetic in mind, The Abbey team composed a series of holiday vignettes from room to room that did not overpower yet still emanate a visual wow factor. The entrance foyer

immediately welcomes guests with a gleaming console table display and a magnificent Christmas tree dressed from top to bottom with twinkling lights, shimmering ornaments and festive ribbons and bows. In the family room, spare and simple holiday accents allow the grand architectural elements—rustic arched ceiling beams and a massive focal-point chandelier—to take the spotlight. The space exudes a soft, cozy vibe with a light dose of fresh greenery, holiday pillows and a few pops of red. Another Christmas tree gets a decidedly more colorful treatment in the lower-level rec room with vibrant red berries and whimsical ornaments.

“ We used a lot of pillows, throws and magnolia to create that magical feeling of Christmas,” adds Laura. “Each room was already so gorgeous and tasteful that it made our job easy by just adding décor to this already stunning space.”

The kitchen takes a softer approach with wreaths, greenery and a trio of silver trees adorning the countertop. The dining room follows the same light-handed touch with fresh greenery embellishments on both the table and chandelier that complement a stylish table dressed in a woven runner, holiday napkins and taper candles. Secondary spaces, including the grandchildren’s nursery and the loft space over the garage, are not forgotten in the holiday scheme and are outfitted with miniature trees and playful figurines.

“

The homeowner is a gem to work with—very laid back, sweet, open to ideas—but also definitive in remaining true to her style,” notes Laura. “This couple is very family-oriented with many grandchildren running around, so their minimalist approach is ideal and truly reflects their lifestyle.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Top: Sweet touches of Christmas adorn the nursery, including a miniature frosted tree in a bright red planter, holiday pillows, and adorable stuffed animals. The loft space over the garage is sprinkled with holiday flare that includes fresh greenery, red accents, and reindeer figurines.

The family room fireplace gets a small dose of holiday warmth with a delicate mantel display of fresh greenery and frosted pinecones flanked by slender, twinkling Christmas trees. Red accents interspersed throughout catch the eye without overwhelming the room.

Comfort

& Joy

Family’s love for Christmas shines in a well-appointed Colonial brimming with seasonal and personal touches.

By Kim Hill Photography Anne Matheis Interior Decorator Designs by Melinda

Left: In the front entry, bold Scalamandré hand-printed wallpaper in the ‘Shanghai’ pattern mixes with black and white ribbon accented with Christmas red and traditional plaid. Natural-looking greenery wraps the railing and chandelier. “Invest in the good stuff like good greenery and take care of it, and it will last a long time,” the homeowner advises.

Right: The iconic black-andwhite check and harlequin patterns of MacKenzie-Childs take center stage for holiday décor in the great room.

Ladue homeowner Judy Dude had only six weeks to prepare for the 2021 Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes holiday tour. But she didn’t stress. “I just accelerated what I do every year,” she explains. “It really was just a matter of welcoming everyone into our home since we already decorate lots every Christmas.”

Judy shares her traditional Colonial with her husband Ken and four grown children, with two kids still residing at home. Judy has done the interior design herself with some help from fellow Glennon Guild member Melinda Hagedorn, an interior designer. Patti Porter, owner of Rusted Chandelier, added some extra touches for the 2021 Glennon Homes holiday tour.

Judy ’s love for everything Christmas began in her childhood. “My father devoted a lot of his time decorating for Christmas,” Judy recalls. “It was joyous for him, and he made it joyful for everyone else. It was so much work for him, but he loved it. Now I love it, even though it is a lot of work but it’s fun.” Judy’s father has passed away, but her mother still lives in Judy’s childhood home in Clayton. “My brother decorates the house for my mom, bless him, so there is still that tradition from my dad there.”

At the Dude home, the family decorates five trees, including a live Fraser fir Ken obtains from the same vendor every year. This tree is placed in the living room and covered with

The ‘kids’ tree’ brings a sweet and homey touch to the elegance of the formal dining room. Homeowner Judy Dude decorates this tree with her now-grown children’s handmade ornaments and treasures from family trips. “It’s just our family’s life, all smooshed together on this tree,” says Judy, noting the tree was a fan-favorite on the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes holiday tour.

handblown glass ornaments Judy has collected over the years. “I worked at May Company many years ago and they allowed us to shop the sample sale,” Judy explains. “That started my glass ornament collection.”

I n the living room, Judy has indulged her self-proclaimed obsession with chinoiserie. “This is influenced by a family trip we were fortunate to take to Asia years back,” she recalls. Their first purchase, a pair of foo dogs, is paired an antique wood desk and tallboy, along with portraits of Asian elders and a collection of ginger jars and pagodas. Family treasures take center stage in the living room: a large portrait of her kids as young children hangs above the fireplace, where treasured

needlepoint stockings made by Judy’s mom hang. The Christmas tree in this room features a needlepoint tree topper, also crafted by Judy’s mom. Judy carries the chinoiserie theme into the primary bedroom, where she decorates a small tree in the Asian aesthetic for the holidays.

I n the dining room’s bay window, Judy has placed what she calls “the kids’ tree” which holds ornaments from the family’s trips and those made at school by her children when they were young. “It’s not fancy,” says Judy. “There’s no theme. There are ornaments on there that are pieces of paper or made of plaster. But it was everyone’s favorite tree on the Glennon Home Tour, and I was really touched by that, because it’s just our family’s life, all smooshed together on this tree.”

Judy does incorporate a theme in the morning room, where she’s placed a colorful Lilly Pulitzer-themed tree in one corner. Ken surprised Judy with the winning bid for a Lilly Pulitzer-themed tree from a charity event years ago. “The tree has doubled in size since then,” says Judy, who says the ornaments include small frames, ornaments of the brand’s iconic shift dresses and other Lilly Pulitzer merchandise in pinks and greens. For Yuletide feasting, Judy sets the round dining table using Spode’s Christmas Tree pattern, part

Top: In the living room, a live Fraser fir is adorned with glass ornaments and a needlepoint tree topper crafted by homeowner Judy Dude’s mother. Bottom: Patti Porter of Rusted Chandelier lent a hand readying the home for the Glennon tour by arranging the ginger jars on the living room’s fireplace mantel and adding arrangements of tulips in Christmas red for a Yuletide vignette with unexpected touches. The needlepoint stockings were crafted by homeowner Judy Dude’s mother.

of her mother’s vast collection, and adds texture with woven black-andwhite striped placemats and bamboo-handled flatware. Black-and-white bows adorn topiaries and wreaths and draw inspiration from a MacKenzie-Childs console table hand-painted in black and white.

“I t’s not the most traditional colorway to use at Christmas,” Judy says of the black and white, “but the classic check combination makes a statement, never goes out of style and blends beautifully at Christmas with our holiday décor.” She notes her mother gave her a MacKenzie-Childs pillow years ago which started her now-extensive collection of black and white décor. She devotes an entire tree in the great room to MacKenzie-Childs. The tree’s highlight is red ribbon edged with black-and-white stripes twisted into a diamond pattern. “During the pandemic, I looked online for tutorials on how to twist that wired ribbon, and I played with it for a day,” Judy explains. “I hope it stays like it is another year because it was a lot of work.”

Black and white is already prominent in the entryway, with white wood trim in the entry and curved stairwell, a patterned black and white runner on the stairs, and boldly stunning Scalamandré handprinted wallpaper in the ‘Shanghai’ pattern. Greenery drips from the chandelier and stair railings;

Top: Supple, sleek leather seating and an animal-print rug anchor the great room. Homeowner Judy Dude watched tutorials online to perfectly twist the Christmas red ribbon edged with black-and-white stripes into the diamond pattern for the Christmas tree. “I hope it stays like it is another year because it was a lot of work.”

Bottom: Holiday decorating is a family affair at the Dudes’ traditional Colonial home. Ken hangs the garland while Judy directs the placement of wreaths, potted trees and other décor.

black and white striped ribbon plays well with Christmas plaid and red tied in bows fashioned by Patti Porter of Rusted Chandelier. “I’ve been reusing these bows for years,” says Judy. “I think putting a beautiful bow on something just adds so much to it.”

Judy also loves mixing high and low. A tree skirt from Hobby Lobby anchors a tree with vintage glass ornaments. Holiday clearance-sale ribbon might dress a tree hung with designer ornaments. And monogrammed napkins obtained from Etsy pair beautifully with fine French porcelain.

Shar ing her home as a featured house on the Deck the Halls tour combined two of Judy’s loves. She’s been involved with the Glennon Guild for years and currently serves as a board member. And she is a self-proclaimed “Christmas person.” “We love to entertain, especially during the holidays when our home is decorated, and it’s so warm and welcoming,” she says. “Christmas makes me so happy,” she adds. “Our family loves it, too.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Above: Red pagoda lanterns bring a holiday vibe to everyday tasks in the predominantly white kitchen. Top right: Black ladderback chairs and a wood table add neutral elements to the bold grasscloth wallpaper. For Christmas feasting, Judy Dude sets the round dining table using Spode’s Christmas Tree pattern, part of her mother’s vast collection, and adds texture with woven black-and-white striped placemats and bamboo-handled flatware. Bottom: Homeowner Judy Dude says her Lilly Pulitzer tree, full of ornaments symbolizing the brand’s fun and vibrant designs, began when her husband Ken secretly won the bidding of a Lilly Pulitzer-branded tree at a charity event years ago.

Deck the Halls of GLENNON HOMES

TOUR

Online Pre-pay

for

of

beautifully decorated homes for the holidays by some of the top STL design teams and talented homeowners while raising money for the children cared for by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.

ticket proceeds to benefit SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

HOSTED BY:

Cheerful Abundance

Holiday decorating with a creative twist

By Gina Parsons Photography by Anne Matheis

Each year when they visit for Thanksgiving, Liz Mantych’s four adult kids go into the attic of her Town and Country home to help her set up Christmas trees. “The attic ladder comes down, and it’s kind of a three-person job,” she says. “There’s a person on the top of the ladder, on the ladder and on the floor. It’s craziness. Every year I think, ‘Maybe I won’t do this next year,’ but then next year comes around.”

Once the trees—last year there were 12, this year there will likely be 11—are set up and “fluffed,” Liz spends the next week decorating, sometimes late into the night. “I get such joy in that,” she says. “My adrenaline kicks in. I love it. I just put the music on and start.”

Liz descr ibes her holiday decorating style as cheerful, warm and plentiful. “I want someone to look at the tree and have lots of things to look at,” she says. “I always overdo everything. I can’t be a minimalist.”

Liz gets creative, coming up with themes for each tree. She lets each room’s purpose and décor determine how it should look during the holidays. Last year when her home was on the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Christmas Tour, she created a charming tree in her enclosed sun porch by adorning the tree with real blue and white china plates and tea cups taken directly from her cabinet.

She attached plate hooks to the plates, then used wire to put them on the tree and interspersed the real dishes with ornaments. After the holidays, she put the dishes back in the cabinet. “Anybody can decorate a tree that makes them happy or expresses their interests,” she says. “Just tell me what you’re interested in; you could do a twist on that.”

Built in the 1970s, Liz has lived in her house for 26 years. Her kids are in their 30s and now live out of the area, and she decorates a tree for each of them. For her son, she decorated a tree in a music theme and sports. She bought multiple 45 RPM records and used ribbon to hang them on the tree. She also adorned the tree with rolled up sheet music, plus music and Cardinals baseball ornaments.

“I t was so full! I could have just put a couple of re cords on there, but I just can’t. I’ve got to keep going,” she laughs.

Liz loves adding ribbon to her creations. Last year Katie Warren, visual merchandiser and manager of Rusted Chandelier in Kirkwood helped Liz make bows for a few of her trees. “I think ribbon makes such a difference on the tree,” Liz says. “How you weave it or

how you do your topper. I do like to put different things on top of the tree that dictate how the tree is.”

Her favorite holiday decoration stays out all year. Filled with bittersweet memories, it’s a Santa figurine kept under a glass dome on top of the piano in the living room. Liz’s late husband, neonatologist Greg Mantych, had the Santa on his cart as he made his rounds at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital at Christmas 15 years ago, where he was giving out candy canes and spreading holiday cheer. “It reminds us that we have to have Christmas spirit all year,” she says. “Goodwill and cheer. That’s how he always was. He was always so cheerful and humble. We use it as an example.”

To match the special Santa and the room’s red, white and blue décor, Liz decorates the tree in the living room with various Santa decor that she’s collected through the years.

However, her favorite tree is the family tree in the family room because it has all the ornaments that hold heartfelt memories— ornaments made by her children or given to her as keepsakes. “It’s sentimental,” she says. “There’s no decorating pressure.”

When her four children were growing up, they each had a tree in their room with decorations that reflected their interests. She wonders if they’ll carry on the tradition and is hopeful that they will.

Liz is getting married around Thanksgiving this year, and she plans to decorate a tree in a theme of her fiancé’s interests or perhaps her own. She believes that when decorating for the holidays, everyone should do what works for them. “That’s what’s so fun about the holidays, you don’t have to be a maximalist decorator,” she says. “It could be a simple wreath with a pretty satin bow and it’s beautiful.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

“It reminds us that we have to have Christmas spirit all year,” she says.

Something Special

A homeowner finds a helping hand to create a true experience for the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes tour.

By Moe Godat Photography by Megan Lorenz Interior Decor by J Miller Designs Architecture by Lauren Strutman Building by Heritage Building Arts

With both adult daughters out of the house, Susan and Scott Hunt look forward to the holiday season as a way to get some much-needed family time. The big yearly event, Susan notes, is daughter Holly’s annual “Day Before the Night Before Christmas” party, where the girls and their friends all gather at the Hunt household like they did when they were teenagers. “It’s so nice to have the girls home and to see all their old friends,” Susan says. “A good time is had by all! That’s the holiday tradition we look forward to most every year.”

The family moved to the home (built in 1928) in 2007, and over the years they’ve done renovations and additions to make it more their own. Most importantly, according to Susan, was making the house more open and inviting for parties and gatherings. They added a new kitchen and much needed square footage while making all the rooms in their home functional both for entertaining and everyday life.

“Our style is timeless, traditional and comfortable,” Susan explains, noting how they blended the home’s original traditional style with a more transitional remodel to better accommodate their lifestyle. As for the holidays, “I really like enhancing my year-round

decor with my holiday decorations, and I want each room to have a unique flair.”

With help from Joey Miller of J Miller Designs, Susan enhanced and elevated her home’s Christmas decorations to a whole new level for the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes, held to support Cardinal Glennon’s Children’s Hospital.

The main entry features blues and creams from a VERY recent remodel. “I’d just finished painting when we started decorating!” Susan laughs. A unique tree topper in the corner pays homage to Susan’s love for fashion and a recent trip to Paris while silver, gold and greenery accent the family’s collection of both antique and newly bought furniture. She buys most of her furniture from local, women-owned small businesses, as she is a small business owner herself. “Anne Tipton from Expressions and Barb Davis from B Davis Designs are personal favorites!” she notes.

They consider their living room “the most formal room in the house,” and Susan and Joey Miller chose grand and shiny decorations to reflect this. “We tried to make it over-the-top and special since we use this room for entertaining and unwrapping gifts,” Susan notes, “Especially the fireplace mantel.” The biggest and most viewed of the home’s seven mantels, the team strove to make it pop with plenty of greenery woven with lights and a Chanel brooch.

T he navy dining room functions both as a buffet station for parties and an intimate gathering place for

family dinners. Above the table hangs a John Richards chandelier to cast a warm ambience around the space, set on dimmers to help change the room’s mood depending on its function.

The bright white kitchen mimics a winter wonderland with white, silver and gold decorations. To keep the room from feeling cold, the Hunts opted for a warm walnut island and bar, dark hardwood floors and sumptuous leather furniture in the connected family room, a favorite hangout spot for their beloved Newfoundland, Lucy Lu. “This room is used for our day-to-day life, and we really wanted to keep it more comfortable and casual while still highlighting timeless and important pieces,” Susan says. “The cabinets were custom-made and have glass doors so I can showcase special dining pieces.

I n the winter, the family den becomes “Santa’s room” according to Susan. “I have a bit of a Santa obsession,” she laughs. “So this is his room. It’s just a fun and cozy place to work from home, read a book or just enjoy the view.” The antler chandelier and fluffy Tibetan ottoman keep the room warm and relaxed.

“I was really appreciative of the opportunity to help the hospital and honored to be on the tour,” Susan says. “With help from Joey Miller, I think we created a real experience for everyone who visited. This year, I’m so excited to have my family together for the holidays.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Holiday Table Top Tour

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Gene Slay's Girls and Boys Club provides exciting afterschool and summer programs that give kids ages 6-16 the opportunity to grow and explore their interests. We aim to improve the lives of underresourced and underserved youth by equipping them with the skills they need to make good choices and achieve long-term stability and success. We offer high-quality and holistic programs that identify and meet the needs of under-resourced youth through academics, leadership building, health, athletics, and the arts. All of GSGBC’s Programs are designed around instilling our members with the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring + Citizenship.

Thanksgiving Greens

Noted for its cold weather hardiness, there is a variety of kale perfect for every cooking method and every person.

By Moe Godat

What About It?

Kale is often a controversial topic for avid green eaters and recent health-kickers alike; but, if you learn about the different varieties, taste profiles and preparation tactics, there is a perfect kale for everyone interested in adding it to their diet!

A cool-weather leafy green, kale isn’t just the latest trend—and it isn’t always green! In fact, it’s been cultivated for over 2,000 years for its high-nutritional content and hardiness through winter months that could keep a body running smoothly during the coldest months of the year. The past 2,000 years have bred new, tastier and more beautiful varieties of the healthful staple.

Four Main Types

When you think of kale, curly kale is probably what comes to mind. Known for their crinkled leaves and mild flavor, curly kale is simple to cook with and comes in a wide variety of colors from green to blue and even purple.

Lacinato Kale, or “Dinosaur” kale, has a completely different texture, often described as scaly. A Foodie favorite, the leaves are typically blue-green, and they tend to be vigorous and easily harvestable from spring through fall.

Flat leaf kales are the hardiest of breeds, usually grown as a fall crop or overwintering vegetable.

Also known as Russian kale, the main flavor profiles in these types are much sweeter due to accumulation of sugar in their leaves after a frost.

Known as a beautiful addition to any autumn landscape, ornamental kale is popular for decoration, but not for consumption. If you’re just looking for some added fall color or an accent in a bouquet, ornamental kale is the way to go.

Photography by Deryn Macey

Photography by Peyman Farmani

Choose Your Fighter

Black Magic Kale: The signature Lacinato-type, "Black Magic" has been a farmer staple for decades. It is a selection of the well-maintained Toscano kale line. This variety is known for its uniformity, dark bluish-green leaves and beautiful savoyed texture. The tall plants yield elongated, attractive leaves that bunch beautifully together. This variety is open-pollinated and available as a certified organic seed. It takes about 65 days to mature and can be harvested spring through winter. In zones 6 and warmer, this frost-tolerant cultivar can grow almost year-round. It has an earthy flavor that sweetens with frost.

Dazzling Blue: The bold purple midribs and blue-green flattened leaves of this Lacinato type stand out stupendously against the rest. "Dazzling Blue" is, well, dazzling! The plants grow very tall and fast, producing a nice variability in leaf shape and coloration. Bred in Oregon by Wild Garden Seed, this cultivar tastes as beautiful as it looks. It’s open-pollinated and takes around 60 days to reach full-sized leaf harvest.

Winterbor: A classic curly type, "Winterbor" is one of the most common commercially grown kales that you find in grocery stores. It has thick blue-green leaves that curl downward and deeply ruffle at the edges, creating ample volume and texture for delicious meals. With its winter hardiness and great early spring productivity, "Winterbor" is the standard curly kale for a reason. It yields excellently and tastes great. It is a vigorous plant, often growing 2-3 feet tall with continuous production of curled ruffly leaves. This cultivar takes about 60 days to mature.

Redbor: With vibrant purple-to-burgundy colored leaves, "Redbor" is an exciting and radiant addition to your garden. This red version of Winterbor has all the frost tolerance and frilly texture you love, plus deep anthocyanin-rich coloration. The flavor and color will intensify even more in colder weather, making this the perfect option for a color pop in fall and winter gardens. "Redbor" is delicious cooked or raw massaged with oil. This hybrid takes 55 days to harvest.

Red Russian: One of the hardiest varieties, the gorgeous purple stems and mineral-rich wide leaves of "Red Russian" make for a show-stopping winter garden display. This variety provides continuous harvests of flattened, oak-leaf-shaped leaves that keep growing back all season long. As one of the most mineral-rich and dense-textured cultivars, "Red Russian" is a classic heirloom veggie that is specially adapted to the extreme cold. It originated in Siberia and Russian traders first brought it to Canadian and American growers in the late 1800s. It matures to full size leaves in just 50 days.

Scarlet: Ultra-curly leaves add beauty and interest to the garden as well as the plate. This variety holds its reddish tint on top of a blue-green background color, whereas its cousin "Redbor" has a red coloration sprinkled atop a bright green leaf. Either way, the scarlet color intensifies with frosts. The plants aren’t as uniform as other types, but they are certainly vigorous and resilient. Averaging 2-3 feet tall with an upright growth habit, this curly red kale takes just 55 days to mature to its full leaf size. It’s also a great option for baby leaf production.

Curly kale. Photography by Peyman Farmani

Photography by Laura Johnston

Dazzling Blue. Photography by Johnny's Selected Seeds

To the Point

Noted for their colorful leaves in winter, poinsettias don’t have to stay a cold-weather plant! Keep them year-round for a pop of green and avoid the yearly buy.

By Moe Godat

More about the Bracts

The brilliant poinsettia flowers that we know and love aren’t actually flowers! They’re made up of colorful bracts, or leaves, that change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettias do have small yellow flowers in the center called cyathia, but the bright bract hues are what actually attract pollinators.

A Bad Rap

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not actually harmful to human or animal health unless ingested in large quantities; that being said, they really shouldn’t be eaten. To play it safe, keep out of immediate reach of children or pets.

More prevalent are mild reactions to the white sap, which can cause a skin rash. Gloves are recommended when working with plants. If sap does get on your hands, wash off immediately and avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.

General Maintenance

Though poinsettias do prefer the shorter days after the fall equinox, that doesn’t mean to keep them out of the light. Make sure to place them in a eastern or western facing window for bright daylight. It’s ideal to keep them between 65 and 75 degrees fahrenheit, but they won’t be damaged unless they are exposed to temperatures less than 50 degrees.

Photography by Neha Maheenmahfin

Photography by Christina Dahl

It’s important to keep the soil moist without drowning the poinsettia. First, remove the decorative foil before watering, as this could hold in moisture and expedite root rot. If the soil surface feels dry to the touch or the pot feels light, set it in a sink and water thoroughly until completely drained.

Steps to Rebloom

It really can be done! Excluding the poinsettia from light for a certain period of time while keeping the plant healthy keeps it from producing chlorophyll, which will make it green.

New Year’s Day

If you begin to see new growth on or after New Year’s Day, fertilize the plant at half strength. Adequate light and water will extend holiday color and blooms. If your plant is still going strong by Valentine’s Day, consider cutting back “leggy” bits to make it grow more compactly.

Spring

When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, prune off any faded or dead leaves and stalks, making sure to keep the soil surface free of debris. On

or after Memorial Day, trim off several inches of the plant to promote side branching. If you plan on growing the poinsettia as a potted plant, move into a larger pot 2-3 inches larger than the first.

Summer

You can move the plant outside for the summer and place it in indirect sunlight.

If you’d like, you can even plant it directly into your garden. By the Fourth of July, the poinsettia can be moved into full sun and the fertilizer increased to help accelerate growth.

Labor Day

If nights start reaching less than 65 degrees, move the plant back inside with a properly sized pot to accommodate its summer growth. As new growth begins, reduce the amount of fertilizer to one fourth of the recommended amount.

Autumn

Now the real work begins! Around September 21, place the plant in a closet, basement or box for 16 hours of uninterrupted darkness, and bring it out for 8 hours of sunlight a day. Maintain night temperature to as close to 60 degrees as possible, and in daylight hours

make sure to turn the plant daily so it receives even amounts of light on all sides.

By Thanksgiving, you can discontinue the day/long night treatment and opt for a location that provides at least six hours of direct sunlight. Reduce water and fertilizer as it won’t require it during the holiday season.

Winter

Welcome in the holiday spirit with your “new” poinsettia!

Holiday

Glow

A winter favorite appears in full glory at the Botanical Garden.

Kristina DeYong Photography by Pat Scace

Where to find them:

Emerson Conservatory, part of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center.

A s the weather grows cold and home gardens are put to bed for the season, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Holiday Floral Show is just warming up with thousands of varieties of brightly blooming poinsettias on rotating display.

I n the Garden’s greenhouses where the poinsettias are grown, the horticulture team has been preparing for the Holiday Floral Show for months, using special coverings to shroud the poinsettias in darkness for hours at a time. This mimics the conditions in the wild that cause a poinsettia to produce its red “flowers,” which are actually specialized leaves called bracts.

Among the poinsettias featured in this year’s show are two new introductions: The “Christmas Mouse Red” and “Ranch Red” varieties. The “Christmas Mouse Red” poinsettia’s bracts are uniquely rounded, giving them the appearance of mouse ears, and the “Ranch Red” poinsettia stands out with unusually prominent clusters of yellow cyathia.

The Garden has been hosting annual flower shows since the early 1900s. This year, the tradition continues in a spectacular new space: the Garden’s brand-new Emerson Conservatory, part of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, will house this year’s Holiday Floral Show.

T he Holiday Floral Show opens to the public on November 19 and will be open during both regular daytime hours and the Garden Glow holiday light show.

BE OUR GUEST

This holiday season, treat your overnight guests to a warm welcome in a comfortable, inviting guest room.

By Melissa Mauzy

1. By Woodmeister Master Builders. Designed by Seldom Scene Interiors, this home is a small but very thoughtfully designed cottage used in summer months. Highly-specialized, selective custom millwork, which is featured throughout home was the very first “Certified Green Home” (as per NAHB/ National Green Building Standard) on the island of Nantucket.

2. By SAGA Realty and Construction. The light and airy bunk room of Coastal LunaSEA is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the beach. The custom, built-in bunk beds with fluted columns provide functional, coastal flair.

3. By Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors, bettywasserman. com. A charming guest cottage surrounded by a beautiful garden. The inside showcases a contemporary open-concept design with a sleeping area and living room.

Photography by Greg Premru.

Photography courtesy of SAGA Realty and Construction.

Photography by Douglas Young.

4. By Michael Del Piero. The guest room in this urban home serves as both a sleeping quarters as well as a respite from the busy city lights and sounds. The space is filled with texture and interest, so guests never want to leave!

5. By Dadapt. The guest room was inspired with two functions in mind: to provide comfort and rest combined with social accommodations to host small gatherings. The mix of high-low budget ties the entire composition together and provides the necessary storage associated for a typical bedroom as well as a bar cart required to get any small event lit.

6. By Holly Bender Interiors. The designer likes to mix vintage items in with new furniture to give the room some warmth and history. The dresser is a vintage Dorothy Draper style and the chandelier is vintage from the 1960’s.

7. By Amy Troute Interior Design. A newly finished basement apartment in one of Portland’s gorgeous historic homes was a beautiful canvas for Amy Troute to create a warm, welcoming guest house the homeowners dubbed the “HUG” - home under ground. Area rugs provided rich texture and color inspiration for each room. Comfortable furnishings, cozy, layered beds and thoughtful touches welcome guests for any length of stay.

Photography by Ryan Garvin.

Photography by Janet Mesic-Mackie.

Photography by Ron Contarsy.

Photography by Scott Hargis.

Photography by Christopher Dibble.

A Sense

of History

Influenced by 18th and 19th century European homes, traditional interior design creates sophisticated spaces through ornate details and classic charm.

By Moe Godat Interior Design by Harte Brownlee & Associates Photography by Grey Crawford

Creating Structure

Traditional interior design begins in the room’s structural elements. Introducing structure into your space comes with details such as moldings, trims and railings that are commonly found in period homes, going back to the roots of the design style. These are easy to find if you’re updating or living in a historic home, but if you’re trying to emulate this look in a more modern setting, these details are simple enough to add through wood profiles on drywall or trompe l’oeil wallpaper.

The Beauty of Symmetry

Symmetry in any space is naturally soothing to the eye and helps a room feel more balanced and calm; as traditional interiors are meant to be functional,

comfortable and family-friendly, symmetry is one of the simplest ways to achieve those feelings. If you ever question furniture placement or accessorizing, opt for buying doubles: two armchairs on either side of the fireplace, matching artwork or buying a pair of table lamps allow a room to feel harmonious rather than contrasting.

The Royal Treatment

Heavy, lined draperies are a staple in traditional interiors. However, just because the drapes are described as “heavy” doesn’t mean the room has to be! In fact, full-length or floor-to-ceiling window treatments create the illusion of a taller, more airy room. Layer the drapes with a sheer fabric underneath to pull across your windows during the day for adding light softening and privacy.

Pro-Tip:

Keep your home’s wood-tones warm and rich to help carved elements and plethora of patterns stand out.

Classic Curves

While modern furniture and design leans toward clean and unfussy lines, traditional interiors embrace their curves! Think Cabriole legs, interesting upholstery and a delicate swirl. Adding curves into your furniture choices and patterns brings life to a traditional design without making it overwhelming.

Holding Pattern

The use of pattern is always important, but perhaps nowhere more than in traditional interiors. Walls are often painted in neutral tones, but can include subtly patterned wallpaper such as florals, stripes or damask. A rule-of-thumb for traditional interiors is to use patterns in textiles, especially in window treatments or upholstery. Don’t want to reupholster? Choose a vintage rug instead!

More is More

Traditional design isn’t the place to strive for minimalism; instead, undertake layering textures and patterns in a highly-curated and uncluttered way. With neutral walls or subtle patterns as your base, your decorations and accessories can shine. One way to add this element of grandeur is through light fixtures like crystal chandeliers or artistic sconces.

Pro-Tip:

Choose moldings, furniture and accessories with carved details to add an additional decorative layer.

Jeff Day & Associates jeffdayllc.com

Lauren Strutman Architects P.C. laurenstrutmanarchitects.com

Srote

Dick Busch Architects dickbuscharchitects.com

Donna F. Boxx, Architect, P.C. boxxarchitect.com

FORNEY

Christopher

William

By Melissa Mauzy Photography by Kim Dillon

PASSION PROJECT

K nown worldwide for his memorable sculptures of renowned historical figures, Don Wiegand has built a life and career around art. He’s created casts of all sizes and various subjects including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Mark Twain and the Pope. But perhaps his biggest sculpture yet has been the transformation of a 1920s era building that is now headquarters to the Wiegand Foundation and his studio. Calling it a “functional” sculpture, Wiegand has spent decades transforming the rundown slaughterhouse into an amazing display of his award-winning work and treasured collection.

Creating art has been in Wiegand’s blood since he was born. Starting all the way back at the age of 3, he would craft creations using cardboard, paper and other random materials from around the house. In 1952, when Don was five years old, his family moved to Chesterfield and his parents purchased the Smokehouse Market and slaughterhouse properties. As his interest in art grew, he realized that a space to create his art was important, so he set up a studio on the third floor of the Smokehouse where he would sketch portraits and make wax models.

I n 1965, when he was a junior in high school, Wiegand and two friends were tasked with boarding up the unused slaughterhouse. His friend suggested he fix up the space and turn it into a studio for his art. “I thought he was crazy!” Wiegand laughs. “The place was a mess,” but as time went on, Don quickly realized he needed to make this space his own.

Below: Slaughterhouse renovations, 1966. Wiegand had hung chandeliers made out of wagon wheels and was preparing to pour the concrete floor 12 months into the project.

Don Wiegand’s functional sculpture studio is a cultural treasure in Chesterfield.

Don Wiegand, 1990. Photography by Dave Ulmer.

The job was not an easy one as the roof was caved in and the building was close to being condemned, but Wiegand persisted. “This was going to be a space for working, living, showing and gathering,” he says of his vision for the studio. “I was going to build a place no one could put a price on.”

Wiegand spent much of the next several years restoring and expanding the slaughterhouse. The roof was raised, a fireplace added and a floor was poured. He also installed and wired a stereo system, which he built into a hidden bookcase. As a teenager with little money to work with, he had to be creative with the materials for the renovation using mostly scrap or recycled items like glass, brick and windows. “I was doing ‘green’ before it was a thing,” he says.

In 1967, he knew he needed to expand and design the building all the way around the property adding an atrium/ greenhouse, bathroom, kitchen and studio for his sculpture work. It was important for the building to be interesting from all angles—a philosophy that is also important in the sculptural process. “I decided to treat the building as a sculpture,” he explains. “Interesting from all angles but also functional.” Wiegand has furnished and adorned the studio with treasures and objects he has collected through the years from family, friends and colleagues. Every item reflects a special memory, and Wiegand can tell you the history and significance of almost 90 percent of the treasures in his studio.

Despite pouring his blood, sweat and tears into his studio space, Wiegand has faced countless heartbreaking challenges along his journey. On Christmas Eve in 1971 the place caught fire after his brother and cousin were making candles in the kitchen. The building suffered significant smoke and fire damage, but Don persevered and vowed to rebuild. “The restoration process taught me to antique wood, which is a technique I now use in my sculptures,” he explains. The space took years to get it back to what it had been.

A pump organ Wiegand purchased in the mid 1960s on Cherokee Street is tucked into an archway. The organ is adorned with a family candelabra and a glass wine carafe gifted to Wiegand by Children’s Hospital for his work honoring Hale Erwin.

Left: The 12-foot dining table is made of English oak and was acquired from Washington University. The table is topped with a water pitcher and bowl that belonged to the great grandmother of Mary Faust, of Faust Park, as well as silver candelabras and a pair of candelabras made of piano legs created by Wiegand’s friend Evan Dodd. Beyond the table, Wiegand built the brick archways in 1967, which were previously windows.

Then the great flood of 1993 threatened to take the building with water all the way to the chandelier level. Yet again, Don persevered and made the studio more flood resistant and stable. “In my gut, I knew I was supposed to continue on with this building and that kept driving me through all of the tribulations,” Wiegand says.

Sur viving both fire and flood, his challenges were not done yet. In 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attempted to condemn the property as part of their effort to build a levee wall along the creek adjacent to the studio. After a long battle, Wiegand and the Corps reached an agreement to allow the property to remain. Financial struggles plagued the property in 2014, and the building was seized by the bank for five years before the Wiegand Foundation, which was established in 2004 to preserve the art and legacy of Don F. Wiegand, was able to raise enough money to buy back the property.

Through every misfortune, Wiegand has always persevered. “Sometimes trials in life are blessings you don’t see,” he says. “Roses grow in manure.” Instead of giving up in the face of adversity, Wiegand chose to see the positive in each situation saying if he hadn’t gone through each trial he wouldn’t have been able to make it through the next harder one.

Today, Wiegand continues to bring his life-size portraits to life in his studio. He recently returned from the Vatican where his bas-relief sculpture of Pope Francis was chosen by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in special recognition of its efforts to help build a sustainable world. Wiegand presented the sculpture to Pope Francis in September and the sculpture is exhibited in the historic 16th century Casina Pio IV, home of the Academy.

H is studio has evolved into more than a place for him to hone his craft. Wiegand calls his functional sculpture his biggest passion and greatest accomplishment in life. “This building has not only allowed me to create sculptural pieces, but also to share those with everyone,” he says. “To see people’s awe at what I have created is the reason I have kept doing this all these years.”

To date, the Wiegand Foundation has hosted over 300 organizations on location to raise funds and recognize important donors. “My legacy is to honor those who are working hard to preserve life. I use this property and my art to honor those making a difference,” he says, humbly. “We are all custodians of the moment, and I have never felt like I owned any of this. I am simply the caretaker.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Bas-relief sculpture of Pope Francis.

Photography by Dave Ulmer.

paradiseunspoiled

Mukan Resort feels like a world unto itself—because it is.

By Gina Christman Photography courtesy of Mukan Resort

IN A WORLD WHERE IT CAN FEEL INCREASINGLY hard to escape and go off the grid, Mukan Resort, south of Tulum, is where the search ends. Tucked securely into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mukan is a small, luxurious-but-natural resort on a narrow strip of land surrounded by untouched forests to the north and south and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the San Felipe Lagoon to the west. The Sian Ka’an property, covering 1.6 million acres, supports terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems but also provides a dazzling display of rich flora and fauna for Mukan guests to observe and relish whether they’re settled into a beach chair or on a guided excursion.

Perhaps the hallmark of a true vacation destination is its capacity to transport you—body and mind—to somewhere totally different. At Mukan, stow your shoes in the closet and put the watch away. It’s an eat-when-you’re-hungry, sleep-when-you’re-sleepy kind of place. Laid-back living is an understatement here—there’s no one to rush you—ever.

The resort is private, personal and exclusive—there are only five rooms in the main villa, three beachfront bungalows, and one premium

bungalow with a private garden. Despite the small number of guests present at any given time, there are a whopping 24 people on staff, which suggests the high level of pampering you can expect.

Each room in the main villa is slightly different, but all have high ceilings, island-style décor with rich woods and natural stone. The beach bungalows are spacious and dreamy—think super-plush king-size beds, draped with enchanting sheer fabric canopies. Bathrooms have both deep tile bathtubs and spacious showers with luxurious Molton Brown bath products, soft robes and flip flops.

Although M ukan is THE place to unplug, the resort still offers complimentary wi-fi, air conditioning and large flat screen Smart TV in every room. A mini-refrigerator is stocked everyday with snacks and sodas.

Star ting a day at Mukan is like nowhere else. Rise at your leisure to the gentle sound of the waves, perhaps take a swim, snorkel or walk on the beach, or engage in beach yoga or meditation. When you return to your room or bungalow, a tray with hot coffee awaits, along with a young coconut, fresh off a tree, with a straw for sipping the refreshing nectar inside.

After a nutritious breakfast featuring a menu of fresh fruits and Mexican specialties such as Chilaquiles and Eggs al Gusto, hop in a kayak or on a paddleboard, grab a bike, snorkel or dive the coral reef, or take a dip in the plunge pool off the open-air lobby. Then perhaps a “panga” boat tour out to sea to scout for sea turtles, dolphins and rays. Pangas also navigate the meandering mangrove channels on the lagoon side, where the bird-watching is spectacular. Fly fishing is also a major sport in the Sian Ka’an, if that’s your pleasure.

Lunch can be enjoyed by the pool by the beach, under a palm tree or in your room. Fresh ceviches, along with other local dishes, are always accompanied by a basket of tortilla chips, several styles of pico de gallo from mild to hot to “uh oh,” and the best guacamole you’ll ever have. Try the “green drink”—a non-alcoholic combination of fresh fruits and herbs—or opt for an ice cold beer or a refreshing glass of Monte Xanic Sauvignon Blanc from the Guadalupe Valley in Baja.

The beach at Mukan is expansive. Beach cabanas, perfect for reading or napping, and comfy beach chaises are spaced far apart to provide ample privacy for the small number of guests. Background noise is a combination of lapping waves and sea birds (there are more than 300 bird species in the Biosphere) instead of someone else’s annoying playlist. Nowhere else in the world, unless you are Richard Branson living on a private island, can you find such peaceful, quiet solitude.

Continue your Zen with afternoon yoga, or one of several massages offered by spiritually guided therapists. Choose from Deep Tissue, Thai, Janzu, Myofascial Release or a Relaxing Massage. Finish off with

a soak in The Rooftop spa tub. From here, you can see the crystal blue Caribbean to the east and watch the sun setting over the Lagoon to the west...both at the same time.

Dinner, most often set up on the beach or under the palm trees, includes a delicious soup, a choice of fresh fish, seafood or meat entree, and light dessert. The chef and his team match meals to the tastes of their guests, but with a nod to Mayan culture and culinary traditions. The portions are generous, but manageable.

By all means, enjoy the (very non-american) practice of lingering over your evening meal, under the stars, before heading back to what might be the highlight of the day—sea breezes and soft waves lulling you to sleep.

From the Cancun airport (car and boat), transfers to Tulum are available. Boat transfers from El Ultimo Maya dock in Tulum are $200 one-way for two. hamakhotels.com/mukan

Retreat to Castle Cove

Modeled after the striking tributaries and bushland of the landscape near Sydney, Australia, a home built in Castle Cove embraces the dramatic.

O ver the last century, single-family homes in Sydney, Australia, have been designed to harmonize with the area’s landscape, leading to innovation and experimentation in residential design. TERRIOR, an Australian architecture firm, is dedicated to integrating local society, culture and place into all of their designs, tapping into the spectacular natural sights and formations around proposed jobs to create a dialogue between a structure and its surroundings.

Their work in Castle Cove is no exception. Castle Cove is a suburb of Sydney noted for its steep ravines containing tributaries that bubble through angophora bushland; TERRIOR used these natural attributes to their advantage, especially when it came to geological formations made of sandstone. Sandstone in the area can take many forms such as steep cliffs or escarpments and lovely, rippling bedrock.

For what is now known as the Castle Cove House, the designers wanted this contrast to be front and center. They began with an

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

By Moe Godat / Photography by Brett Boardman, courtesy of TERRIOR

irregular, geometric concrete shell with outcrops and contours to create a building that is not only completely new but also “could equally be a strange object unearthed in excavation,” according to TERRIOR.

As dramatic as the exterior may be, the spectacle doesn’t end outside. The interior’s embellishments include steel, brass and mirror inserts as well as crafted timber linings. These additions alongside the concrete facade connect its inhabitants to the spirit and glamor of mid-century designs in California, (especially those seen in homes by John Lautner and others). Beyond the grandeur of old Hollywood, however, the end result connects those within to the signature monumental natural formations of Castle Cove.

Though the home is dramatic, it’s still highly livable through small, intimate spaces designed for comfort in everyday life. To emphasize the connection to “place,” they used the basement as a “cold sink,” which allows cool air to flow through floor vents. Operable skylights are purposefully tilted north to draw in heat. Details like these make living in Castle Cove House comfortable and conducive to the local climate, all while using little active power or electricity.

Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1066.. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 929. 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation (Sum of 15b(1), (2), (3), and (4)): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 15,100. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 15,104. D. Nonrequested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-county Nonrequested Copies on PS Form 3541 (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,995,. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,650.. 2. In-county Nonrequested Copies on PS Form 3541 (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. 3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, Nonrequested Copies mailed in excess of 10% Limit mailed at Standard Mail or Package Services Rates): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms and Other Sources): ): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,732. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 1,290.. E. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 4,727. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 43,940.     F. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 17,642.  Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 17,731.  G. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,653. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,263.     H. Total (Sum of 15f and g): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 20,000. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 20,700. I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15C divided by f times 100): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 76%. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 78%. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the Nov/Dec 2019 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

Changing

CLASSIC OR CRAZE

COLDor

We’re always looking for an extra blast of warmth during the chilly St. Louis winter, and stand-alone heating stoves are getting hotter and hotter in design. Is this trend here to stay, or will it chill over time?

BOTH

The overall style and aesthetic would dictate whether a stand alone heater is fitting. In a contemporary or modern home, there are many styles that look like art and could definitely be a conversation piece. I personally like a more built-in look, but the homeowner’s requested vibe is what drives all of my designs. Julie Reinecke, Julie Reinecke Designs.

We’ve sold freestanding wood and gas stoves for a long time. Even though they can be a great option for extra heat in more casual spaces, they’ve always been a relatively small segment. In the past, only traditional styles were available, so it was hard to make them fit into more modern spaces, particularly more minimalist ones. However, over the last few years as more transitional options have been developed and design has shifted more towards maximalist trends, even traditional stoves can fit into room plans where they might not have before. Rick Forshaw Jr., Forshaw of St. Louis.

My first opinion is that they are trendy and not right for the majority of spaces. But when done in the right space and done well (meaning with a little forethought and creativity), they can be classy and invoke a feeling of warmth and nostalgia. Ellen Wortham, JE Design Group, LLC.

I’m personally not a fan of freestanding stoves. With that said, I would use them where space warrants it to create a look like the 70s when we used colorful contemporary stand-alone fireplaces to add drama. When decorating your home, consider how long you will live there and if you care about resale value. If you are concerned with the resale value of your home, then keep permanent modifications as mainstream as possible while still expressing yourself.

CJ Knapp, Yours by Design.

CLASSIC

These stoves connect us to our past, our ancestors and possibly bring us back to a simpler time when people sat around a stove to talk, eat and laugh. These stoves will always continue to warm not only our bodies, but our souls. Gayla Jenkins, Gayla Jenkins Interiors.

They are not as common as a fireplace; however, they add warmth and character, and they are energy saving sources of heat. Styles range from rustic to refined with areas for cooking or wood storage. They are also durable and eco-friendly. They are efficiently utilized in large spaces, porches, vacation homes or workshops. Some things to consider before installing a stand-alone stove are room size, ventilation, ceiling height and room placement. To be warm and cozy is always in fashion!

Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

They can be seen from the early beginnings of architecture and design history, and it has evolved based on the architecture, material innovations and more elaborate materials like iron. Today, they are modernized and allow the feeling of warmth and coziness in even the smallest spaces.I think that the stand alone heating stove will continue to evolve and become a needed element in design for mood and relaxation. Wendy Noory, Chromatix Hue.

I think as with any component you add, you have to take the space into consideration before choosing in order to make sure it makes the most functional and visual sense. As for the stand alone stove—they've been doing their thing throughout the ages and keeping us warm! They're a great alternative when a fireplace is too overwhelming, visually or footprint wise.

Jen Suydam, Ladd Suydam Contracting, LLC.

F 370, by Jøtul, available at St. Louis Home Fires.

Edited by Moe Godat