September 2023 - Garden of the Year

Built to Remember

glenalspaughkitchens.com

Kitchen Design by Ken Henry kenhenry@glenalspaugh.com

Photography by Megan Lorenz

A SENSE OF BELONGING

Homeowners draw from history and heritage in building a new Kirkwood home that honors its surroundings.

CREATIVE CHEMISTRY

With a team of friends, a newly married St. Louis couple crafts the home of their dreams from a 1919 bungalow in the heart of Kirkwood’s historic district.

GARDEN OF THE YEAR—WOODED WHIMSY

Wildwood homeowners enlist Bauer Falls to turn their backyard into the perfect at-home campsite.

painted

exterior.

Let's just call them all ottomans!

One of my favorite things to do at my grandmother's house as a child was to play with her round hassock. I'd start off sitting on it but before you knew it, I'd have it turned on its side and would start rolling it around. I stood on it, danced on it, even rolled with it as I sprawled on top of it, doing everything I wasn't allowed to do at home.

Of course at the time, I was unaware that the hassock had an important role as a piece of furniture in the home. As a matter of fact, there are three similar pieces of furniture homeowners could choose from to fit their needs. Ottomans, hassocks and footstools...OH MY (page 12)! Ottomans are larger in size compared to the footstool and have many functions including providing super storage space. Footstools or footrests are space savvy, the easiest to move around and designed to rest the feet. While hassocks are low and wide and just the right height for kneeling! I'm pretty sure the hassock I played with as a child was in fact probably a large footstool!

I t's tour time again, and we hope to see you at our upcoming Island Hopping Tour on Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. It's your chance to step into award-winning kitchens and actually meet the design teams and some of the homeowners! If you'd love to see how the latest products and innovative kitchen design ideas come together, this is the tour for you! 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to the local and international charity Wings of Hope (pages 53-59).

Remember my daughter, Sadye, that I mentioned in my last publisher letter? She grew up and joined the circus! After years of honing her skills, she became a co-owner of a big top circus called The Shoe String Circus operating out of the Northwest. This month, however, she is performing with Flotsam River Circus that is traveling down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri performing in 28 river cities along the way. If you're up for an evening of hilarity and a truly unique experience, grab a lawn chair, the kids and spend a little time under the stars while supporting amazing aerialists, jugglers, clowns and so much more. Barney and I will also be traveling to Hannibal, Missouri to catch the show there. All shows start at 6 p.m. The boat is the stage! Find out more at rivercircus.com

Enjoy this beautiful issue!

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

Sitting pretty at Design & Detail with my favorite little ottoman, or is it a footstool?

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

Join us as we celebrate our 20th ANNIVERSARY!

Three French Hens is approaching our 20th Anniversary! We are so grateful for our loyal customers and the continued opportunities to help you make your house a home after all these years.

Three French Hens was founded by Jeanie Hood in 2003 after she couldn’t find unique and high-quality home furnishings for her new home. With the help of her husband, Alan, and their children, grandchildren, family and friends, they transformed the old Hill Behan Lumber Yard into a beautiful furniture store.

Our philosophy? We want you to love your home for years to come.

Continuing with Jeanie’s vision, grandaughter, Rae Sutton and the rest of the Three French Hens team have adopted a business model that puts

our clients first. At our showroom, you won’t find low quality furniture or trendy decor that will go out of style quickly. Instead, you’ll find premium pieces for your home that will stand the test of time.

With its third generation of ownership, the 10,000 sq. ft. showroom is always changing and evolving! You’ll rarely find the same thing twice so buy it when you see it! Rugs, lighting, decor, fabrics, art, custom furniture and more can be found at Three French Hens with our fun and brilliant designers with years of experience ready to pull it all together—in-store or at-home with our in-home design services. Join the Three French Hens family and discover why so many St. Louisans call this store their “happy place.”

A LASTING

First Impression

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, Michelle Mastro, Wendy Noory, Gina Parsons, Catherine Martin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Adam Letch, Alise O’Brien Photography, Andres Gimenezh, Anne Matheis, Ben Vens, Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton, Eric Roth, FlipGreat, Julian Hochgesang, Karen Palmer, Ktryna, Megan Lorenz, Mikiko Kikuyama, Reagan Taylor, Tom Incrocci, The Salty Shutters, Urban Oak Photography

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

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

PRESIDENT: Suzie Osterloh

VICE PRESIDENT: Barney Osterloh

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

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Kitchens + Baths Historic Renovations + Remodeling Additions + Exterior

See our project on pages 64-65.

Slipping into

Style

Low in profile, armless and often upholstered, slipper chairs are a timeless accent in your living space. Once used as a place for women to sit and slip off shoes to slippers, slipper chairs are now a versatile seating option for any home.

By Melissa Mauzy

Ribbon chair, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

Mark Sikes slipper chair, available at Anthropologie.

Zara chair, by Century Furniture, available at Three French Hens.

Shay woven leather accent chair, available at Pottery Barn.

Arcadia accent chair, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

Meda ivory wool armless lounge chair, available at CB2.

Thaddeus X-base slipper chair, available at RH.

Sonoma woven armless chair, available at Anthropologie.

Merrill chair, by Century Furniture, available at Three French Hens.

Mark D. Sikes Primrose slipper chair, by Chaddock, available at Design & Detail.

Nidus armchair, by Maxalto, available at Centro.

Saasha curved-back chair, available at Ethan Allen.

Kick Your Feet Up

Sit

By Maya Brenningmeyer

Expedition ottoman from Uttermost, available at The Abbey.

Martini small upholstered ottoman by Leanne Ford, available at Crate & Barrel.

Cowhide gumdrop pouf, available at Blue Dahlia Designs

Miller pouf, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

Thaddeus fabric square coffee ottoman in forged brass, available at RH.

Lounge storage ottoman, available at Crate & Barrel.

Leather tufted ottoman, available at The White Hare.

Transformative Talent

Designer and remodeler

Dana King takes us through her renovation process and how she ensures every client is satisfied with their home upgrades.

Edited

Taking the First Step

What can be achieved and what it will cost are the first two questions to answer when considering a remodel. Consulting the right professionals will help give you the most informed answers. A good place to find reputable providers is the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) that lists firms certified in best practices. Examine their portfolios, read through their warranties and consider if they’ll be open to considering your tastes. It also is key to answer the question: do you feel they get you? Remodeling is a team sport, the stakes are high, and therefore, it is imperative that you work well together. Concurrently and collaboratively work with a provider to understand the investment needed to achieve your remodeling goals.

by Maya Brenningmeyer

Portrait photography by Colin Miller/ Strauss Peyton

Interior photography by Jerry Voloski

The Benefit of Universal Design

Universal design makes spaces habitable and functional for all people no matter the stage of life or life’s mishaps. I hope we see universal design considered in every space now and forever. We not only design for life now, but also anticipate changes for the future. For instance, we offer to put an outlet behind the toilet to anticipate the need for a bidet when rehabilitating from surgery.

When Old Meets New

If we only remodel one space in a home, to maintain consistency we look primarily at architectural elements such as the millwork, windows and openings or doors. For instance, if we are considering new windows, we would make sure the windows are keeping with other areas of the home.

New Horizons

One major change in recent years is our ability to work virtually. With our 3-D modeling, we can create a virtual tour of the home’s existing conditions. We can essentially be virtually in the home while sitting in our office. The ability to check our assumptions by revisiting the space with a click on the keyboard also improves our accuracy and uses our time efficiently.

From Start to Finish

The length of the remodeling process largely depends on the size of the job. We do small and large projects, from window treatments to home additions, with varying timeframes. After we have designed the job, we provide a schedule and regular updates so clients can plan for their life around the renovation. Initially, we can certainly estimate the time so a client can anticipate what to expect going into the process.

Staying Focused

At the beginning of the design process, we start with a focus on the outcomes, what we want to achieve. We ask the question, what do we need the space to do for the homeowners now and in the future? Answering that question helps narrow the focus for the solutions we’d propose. We welcome all the ideas and layer them into possibilities the clients might not have considered. It is hard to see the picture when you are inside the frame. We bring another perspective and the ability to sharpen the focus. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Facing the

Combining mediums in art takes creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Artist Cadence Hodes specializes in many art forms, like watercolor paintings and hand-painted stationery, but she might be best known for her incomparable vinyl records she paints freehand and individualizes for her clients.

When creating these art pieces, she takes vinyls and thinks through the person’s connection to the music before adding any designs. In other words, each piece is completely personalized. “The finished product celebrates the meaningful relationship we have with music,” Cadence notes.

A couple, for example, might approach Hodes with an idea of a record containing the song that played during their first dance. “I use the couple’s first dance song as the vinyl and their personal style, or even themes from their wedding decor, as inspiration for colors,” she explains. When finished, the final artwork invites the couple to remember their special day. “I love these commissions because I get to collaborate with the client and curate something specifically meaningful for them.”

But for Hodes, painting the vinyls is significant to her in regards to the process as well. “While the ultimate goal is to create something beautiful, the process itself has always been about honoring my own need for a creative outlet,” she says. “The repetitive nature and radial

By Michelle Mastro

Portrait photography by Colin Miller/Strauss-Peyton

Artist Cadence Hodes makes one-of-a-kind vinyl record art.

symmetry is meditative and therapeutic—everything else fades to the background and the only thing I’m focused on is moving my paintbrush.”

Years ago when Hodes first started experimenting with records, she realized the therapeutic quality of the work. “It was my college summer break and I was looking for something to occupy my time while avoiding the New Orleans heat,” she says. “I would post up at my kitchen table and get lost in time experimenting with different color combinations and patterns.”

The experience sent her back to her high school years where she spent time creating doodles in her notebooks, “I found myself entering a sort of meditative zone as I got into the groove, eager to start a new pattern as soon as I’d finished the previous one.”

Enjoying the nostalgic feeling the work gave her, Hodes was determined to make her current logo reflective of the old doodles she used to draw, a flower she repeated over and over again. It was “one my mom dubbed ‘the Cadence flower,’” she reveals. “I never imagined those mindless doodles would have any impact on my career as an artist; however, in retrospect my drawings were variations of mandalas, and those ‘Cadence flower’ petals are present in most of my vinyl designs.”

While beautiful, they might not be perfect, and for Hodes that’s kind of the point. “I paint completely freehand, so of course there can be inconsistencies,” she says. “Any ‘mistakes’ are simply proof that a human made this unique and one-of-a-kind piece, and not a machine.” The lesson, she says, is that “we are our own harshest critics, and something doesn’t need to be ‘perfect’ to be beautiful.” See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and 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.

Jeff Day & Associates jeffdayllc.com

Jim Bulejski Architects jbarchitect.com

Srote & Co Architects sroteco.com

Dick Busch Architects dickbuscharchitects.com

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

FUMAGALLI & LAMPE, inc. Lorif@flistudio.com

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

A SENSE OF BELONGING

Homeowners draw from history and heritage in building a new Kirkwood home that honors its surroundings.

Taking inspiration from southern European stone cottages of yesteryear, the new build’s architecture blends seamlessly with its Kirkwood neighborhood.

By Kim Hill

Photography by Anne Matheis

Interior Design by Kelly Scrima

Builder Herring Design & Development

Architect Michael Abraham

INone of K irkwood’s designated historic districts stands a new home with an old lineage. Constructed of stone, the home embodies the spirit of a much older structure, honoring both its surroundings and the heritage of its owners. That homage to the past is deliberate, says John Vella, who owns the home with his wife Theresa.

The site where the Vella home stands was once occupied by a century-old Craftsman-style home. “The Landmark Commission really wanted us to save that home, but it was not salvageable by any stretch,” John explains. “We committed to the city that we would build a home that would do justice to the concept of a landmark district. That was very important to us. We didn’t just want to be here, we wanted to belong here, in the community.”

Builder M onte Herring agrees. “We worked hard with the Landmark Commission to develop a plan for the home that fit the neighborhood,” says Monte, the founder and owner of Herring Design & Development. That desire to belong led the Vellas and Monte to consider designs inspired by architectural styles dating back at least 100 years. The couple also wanted a home with an aura of peace and tranquility—a reflection, perhaps, of bygone eras when time seemed to move at a slower pace.

Above: “The outdoor spaces are like a 4,000-square-foot outdoor living room in summer,” says homeowner John Vella. The living room’s imposing wood-burning fireplace, visible through the open door, was built with stone quarried in Ste. Genevieve. Thickly applied mortar, a process builder Monte Herring calls “brushing,” results in a rough, aged look.

At the same time, the Vellas wanted to build a home where they could age in place and that would serve as the gathering spot for their adult children and grandchildren. “It was the idea that this would be the last house they’d build, and they’d do it the way they wanted, put in the quality they wanted, and where the family could all join them,” Monte says.

Working with Monte, Chicago-based architect Michael Abraham and Chicago-based interior designer Kelly Scrima, a longtime acquaintance, the couple ultimately took inspiration from John’s European heritage. “I’m a first-generation American,” he explains. “My parents were born and raised on the island of Malta, where my father lived in a stone house. We chose a Southern European stone cottage as inspiration, and we did our best to design and build this house in a period-authentic way.”

One example of that is the home’s stone masonry. “Hundreds of years ago people went to the nearest quarry and just got what was available,” John notes. “Monte and I went to the nearest quarry, which is in Ste. Genevieve. We did not concern ourselves with what it was going to be because all stone is natural and natural is beautiful.”

This page top: The open concept first floor is devoted entirely to living and dining spaces with the exception of the study, visible through the glass and metal door at left. Architect Michael Abraham designed the pergola-type structure, built of stained white oak beams and supports, to define the formal dining area. Right: The artwork and artifacts collected and displayed in Vella’s study reflect cultural and personal heritage. The antique cowbells resting atop the mantel were obtained when John and Theresa lived in Switzerland. The large artwork above the fireplace appears three-dimensional. It is the work of wildlife artist Jim Foote, who was once a neighbor of the Vella family when they lived on Lake Erie.

Above: A high-gloss, lacquered entertaining island topped with Brazilian quartzite provides a transition from the kitchen workspaces to the formal dining area. “We wanted this island to look more like furniture,” says builder Monte Herring. “The way this area flows and just lines up perfectly is one of my favorite things about the house.” On the custom hutch, the painting of the woman is by Spanish artist José Moya del Pino. Below: Light streams into the living room, where low-profile blue sofas ensure a clear view of the richly stained white oak cabinetry, which also hides speakers for the TV and audio equipment behind panels.

The choice of stainless steel for the countertop and the imposing maple butcher block at the end of the island pay tribute to John’s father, who was a butcher. Over the range, a vent hood of black stainless steel is edged with silvery gray stainless and appears like cabinetry. At far right, the eating area’s table is crafted from a solid slab of maple.

For the mortar “we brush it instead of striking the mortar,” says Monte, explaining that ‘striking’ the mortar results in a smooth, sleek look, the opposite of what the Vellas desired. “If you stand back and look at the mortar of our house, it looks rough, which makes it look very, very old,” says John. “That’s what we wanted.”

Coming in the front door, a visitor is struck by the free-floating curving staircase and the open flow of the formal dining area, kitchen and living room. The formal dining area is defined by what could be labeled a pergola, an ideation of architect Michael Abraham. John relates that his father’s family had a barn-like structure next to the house in Malta. “It had a flat roof with a bunch of straw up there,” John says of the building. “That’s where my father slept at night with his two brothers. To me, this is a reflection of that.”

A furniture-like entertaining island topped with Brazilian quartzite serves as a transition from the formal dining area into the kitchen workspaces. A large island near the range is topped with stainless steel and features a massive, freestanding butcher block at one end. “My father was a butcher,” John explains. “I grew up in a world of stainless steel counters and maple butcher blocks.” Along the perimeter, the bottom sills of three large windows drop below the countertop. This, too, nods to bygone eras. “Hundreds of years ago, they didn’t have built-in cabinets the way we do today,” John says. “They brought furniture in and pushed it up against the wall.”

The fireplaces in the living room and in John’s first-floor study are woodburning. As John notes, “there were no prefab fireplaces hundreds of years ago.” Flooring throughout the main floor is 2-inch-wide white oak, a species used for centuries in building homes and making furniture. Trim boards obtained from Burkart’s Woodworks were used for baseboard in the Vella home, Monte says. “They do a lot of restoration and had some trim boards that were period correct because they work with so many old homes in the city,” he explains.

T he design in John’s study pays tribute to nature in addition to his personal heritage. A metal sunburst chandelier features a butterfly motif. The artwork, duck decoys and other artifacts depicting wildlife were obtained decades ago from artists Jim Foote and Tom Shumate, both former neighbors in Michigan. John’s desktop features a slice of chestnut tree that appears to float atop a bed of Lake Michigan pebbles. It was also created by a Michigan artist.

The narrow lot necessitated the placement of the primary bedroom on the second floor. “Putting the primary upstairs and installing an elevator gave us the entire first floor for living space,” Theresa mentions. Instead of building out a third bedroom on the second floor, the couple opted to turn the space into a library/television area for just the two of them. This room also features a mini kitchen, with a coffee station, microwave, refrigerator and freezer drawers, so that if either of them is ill, they can function entirely on the second floor. “This was all part of our thought of aging in place,” she notes. In addition, the home is equipped with the latest technology including energy efficiency, audiovisual security and surveillance.

“ They spent a lot of time searching for ideas and thinking about how they wanted things,” Monte adds. Those reflections of both history and heritage resulted in a quality-crafted, bespoke home that fits the community. Where it belongs. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Opposite page: A quiet color palette in the primary bedroom invites peace and tranquility. This page top: "We wanted to make the entrance to the bedroom feel special,” builder Monte Herring says of the decision to ‘frame’ the vaulted ceiling of the primary in cedar beadboard. “It kind of makes a little foyer as you come into the room.”

Bottom: A mirror with an antiqued frame pairs with contemporary sconces in the primary bath. Mixing metals also gives the room a more modern flair, while the Italian marble utilized for the flooring has been used as a building material for centuries.

Chemistry Creative

With a team of friends, a newly married St. Louis couple crafts the home of their dreams from a 1919 bungalow in the heart of Kirkwood’s historic district.

By Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Megan Lorenz Interior Designer Design House STL Builder Herring Design & Development Architect DL Design

To update their living room fireplace while maintaining their Kirkwood bungalow’s original 1920s charm, the owners mixed traditional brick with a modern custom concrete mantel and bench. Backed with a wildly floral wallpaper, the entire feature wall is like a beautiful work of art.

This cozy living room seating vignette features new built-in bookcases with shelving cubicles painted in the same blue hue as the home’s exterior.

hen creative friends collaborate, their combined energy often produces something quite magical. A unique momentum evolves almost naturally—a dynamic nearly impossible to duplicate. Such was the case when a St. Louis builder and an interior designer joined forces with photographer Heidi Drexler and Troy Stehr, a dynamic, soon-tobe-married couple who were looking to construct their own little happy place. It all began one evening back in 2020 when Monte Herring, a custom home builder at Herring Design & Development, was out with the couple, who happened to be long-time friends.

“ They expressed how hard it was to find their dream home in Kirkwood and asked if I knew of anything,” Monte recalls. “Before answering, I thought to myself, yes, I have the perfect house, but we are too busy right now to take this on. Then immediately, I knew it was perfect for them, and as soon I said Central Place, Heidi and Troy erupted. It was their favorite street, and they purposely had it on their running route because they love the atmosphere and history.”

Soon after, they were all working on space requirements and exploring lifestyle goals before switching the focus to interior design. “Monte has been a friend of mine for 15 years,” says Heidi, owner of Heidi Drexler Photography. “I have photographed his homes, so I saw first-hand his attention to detail and the passion he has for his projects. I truly believe I manifested this home—I knew one day I would live in a Monte House.”

Shades of blue carried throughout the home, inside and out, create a visual continuity and a graceful flow. Turquoise ceilings give the breezy front porch a cool tranquility that blends with the bungalow’s pale blue exterior that shifts with the changing sunlight.

Next, enter interior designer Lisa Knight of Design House STL, who Heidi met as a client when she photographed one of her projects. “I loved her energy and vibe,” Heidi adds, “and when we got the house, I knew I wanted to work with Lisa.”

At their initial meeting, Heidi and Troy said they wanted to craft a happy house, so many of the design decisions were driven by this request, starting with the exterior. The homeowners wanted to respect the history but create an exterior color scheme that was unique and upbeat. So, the team came up with the perfect shade of blue—one that is ever-changing, depending on the light and time of day. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a home that still feels historic in its roots but is also modern and very livable.

“From the beginning of the project, it was as if we had known each other for years,” says Lisa. “With some clients, you just click, and Heidi was one of those. She has a great eye and knew what she wanted in a broad sense, and I helped her refine her ideas and pull the look together.”

After discovering that many of the dwelling’s original architectural features could not be salvaged, the team added vintage-style embellishes, such as the dining room niches and the powder room’s wainscoting, to enhance the home’s 1920s appeal. Huge fans of using color, the owners wanted their home to be vibrant but not overwhelming.

Opposite page: The powder room’s white wainscoting pops against pink accents, a botanical-inspired wallpaper and a turquoise vessel sink. Pink paneled walls and brick tile flooring create a charming and fun atmosphere in the home office. A view into the kitchen continues the playful pink and green palette. This page: A playful balance of color and texture breathes life into this dining room that connects to the outdoors via sliding glass doors. Pink draperies and splashes of blue, green and turquoise ensure the home’s color story continues in this light-filled space.

Bathed in a subtle blush hue, the kitchen truly feels like the heart of the home. Gorgeous blue-green tile clads the island base, echoing the same shades used in the adjoining dining room. A brick backsplash behind the stove nods to the brick fireplace in the living room.

“It’s a sensory explosion in the best way,” notes Lisa. “Also, each space speaks to one another by repeating colors to create cohesiveness.” For instance, the turquoise ceilings of the exterior spaces are echoed in the kitchen island’s teal tile base. And the kitchen’s blush wall hue transitions to an adjoining room bathed in pink—Heidi’s favorite color. The hallway wallpaper includes tones of terracotta, so the primary bedroom accent wall, which can be seen from the hallway, is also terra cotta.

“I love standing in the front of the house and looking back to the primary bedroom,” says Heidi. “All the colors complement each other, and throughout, I used a lot of personal items to decorate. I started collecting coffee table books a few years ago and love to create vignettes and moments. During the renovation, we discovered the old sleeping porch was lined with newspapers from the 1940s used as insulation, which inspired us to put a time capsule in the walls for someone to find in another hundred years.”

To balance their vivacious aesthetic, white paint was applied to most of the other walls, and pops of color and pattern were sprinkled in via fabrics, wallcoverings and accent pieces. For the front porch, the homeowners wanted to create a space that felt like an extension of the interior. So, they added sliding doors to both the living and dining rooms that open to the porch and painted the ceiling a playful shade of turquoise.

I n the living room, they could not reuse the existing fireplace, so they created one that bridges the gap between modern and traditional. Here, traditional brick pairs with a beautiful custom concrete mantel and bench backdropped with floral wallpaper to create an artful focal point. They also added built-in bookcases and painted them the same blue hue as the exterior. To tie the living room and kitchen together visually, they designed a brick backsplash behind the stove.

“Heidi and Troy made a choice to only add on the space they needed,” says Lisa. “The house actually lives very large for its 2,400-square-foot design, and the couple spend time in every room.” Completed in November 2022, the original three-bedroom, 1.5 bath is now a four-bedroom with 2.5 baths.

“ Working with Lisa was like designing my house with a friend who has great taste,” says Heidi. “She knew how Troy and I liked to live and created a home built around us. Lisa saw my vision, and together, we created something pretty magical. I knew I could trust Monte with the overall architecture and design of the home, and I knew I could style it and make it homey. Lisa was the icing on top, helping it all come together.”

Married just last June, Heidi and Troy are happy to be living in their very first home together. Between the two of them, they have four boys, two of them adults, and two soon to graduate. They love entertaining and being at home, so they wanted to create a cozy retreat and a space where their kids and friends could hang out. They even started an Instagram account, @thebungalowrevival, where they document the renovation process and give a behind the scenes look at their life in the house.

“My design style has always been colorful, eclectic and layered,” says Heidi. “I want it to feel warm and happy, and being a photographer, I am extremely visual, so aesthetics are super important to me. I read somewhere your home should tell the story of who you are, where you’ve been and what you love—I think we accomplished that.”

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

This page: The small but mighty primary bathroom emanates a spa-like vibe with a luxurious soaking tub and a backlit vanity mirror. Hand-painted tile on the shower walls and floor create graphic allure, and a simple walnut vanity helps ground the pattern. Opposite page: The primary bedroom exudes a peaceful feel while displaying an array of colors. A terra-cotta accent wall highlights the platform bed and provides an amazing backdrop for the vibrant green bedding. A circular tiered lighting fixture mirrors the materials of the upholstered rounded headboard.

WOODED

WHIMSY

Wildwood homeowners enlist Bauer Falls to turn their back yard into the perfect at-home campsite.

By Lucyann Boston

// Photography by Kim Dillon

The homeowners had an idea. Caleb Bauer of Bauer Falls had a vision. And Bill Spradley of Trees, Forests and Landscapes painted it with living color and texture. Along the way, Mother Nature weighed in to put her own stamp on the design.

While we are giving credit, we should also give a shout out to Sheila and Boo, the homeowners’ heelers/Australian cattle dogs. They are the reason that a 106-foot rippling stream with rapids-filled waterfalls and five-foot-deep swimming hole, complete with koi, came into being on a property in Wildwood.

Prior to 2021, the homeowners lived in a five-bedroom house in Creve Coeur, complete with a separate suite that had been used by a grandfather, a retired physician, who helped with their two children. The couple has always loved the outdoors, spending the first five days of their honeymoon camping in Dark Canyon, Arizona, and “the next three days in the best hotel we could find in Santa Fe,” they recalled. In St. Louis they indulged their love of the outdoors with a lake house at the Innsbrook Resort complex, just 45 minutes west of

St. Louis. With the children grown, “we were rattling around in a big house” and they found themselves using the Innsbrook location less and less. “We decided it was time to start looking around for property to build a new home” that could combine a primary residence and a few acres of outdoor space.

They had been looking for over a year and were driving to Boston to see their son when they noticed a listing for a wooded, 5-acre horse property complete with a 20-year-old house and large barn for sale in Wildwood. As soon as they returned to St. Louis they toured the property. High atop a ridge, it offered long-distance views over the treetops to the ski slopes at Hidden Valley, giving the location a Rocky Mountain vibe. While there were changes they wanted to make to the house, all the basics were there already, and it was in commuting distance to work in St. Louis. With a new plan in mind, the couple sold their Creve Coeur house and the property at Innsbrook and moved to the rolling hills of west St. Louis County.

They had previously been working with Bill Spradley at their Creve

Coeur home to add native trees and shrubs to that landscape. They contacted him immediately to walk their new property and provide some overall advice.

In the couple’s mind there was one obvious thing missing at their new location: water. The two four-legged members of the family loved the pool at the Creve Coeur home and swam in the lake at Innsbrook. The homeowners asked Bill’s advice about how to add a little pond and stream at their new house that the dogs could play in. Bill had read about the water features created by the Bauer brothers of Bauer Falls in St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles magazine and suggested they contact Caleb Bauer.

Growing up on a property that backed up to a 7,000-acre state park and hiking all his life, Caleb was used to looking at the contours of a piece of undeveloped property and seeing how it could be transformed into a natural wonder. After talking with the homeowners and learning bit more about their lifestyle, he saw more than a simple splash pool for Sheila and Boo. Learning that they were outdoor people who liked to go backpacking and float rivers and streams, he suggested a pond big enough for the whole family to sit around. The natural cedar trees abundant on the property created, in Caleb’s mind, a vision of a “camp site with a waterfall and swimming hole with a gravel bar where you could pitch a tent. The cedars added a rustic feel like you

The natural cedar trees abundant on the property created, in Caleb’s mind, a vision of a “camp site with a waterfall and swimming hole with a gravel bar where you could pitch a tent.

—Caleb Bauer

were out in a national park,” he explains. His goal was to design a water feature that “looked like something that had been there before they came and would be there long after they left.”

After we met and forged a relationship, Caleb says, “they let me make the project about four times bigger than they were talking about originally.”

When the digging began, Caleb needed all his creativity. Layers of bedrock lurked under the surface of the soil. Those layers dictated how the project evolved and the stream took shape. To create a 4-to-5-foot-deep pool at the bottom of the stream, he first had to build up a hillside-like wall of earth. The result was an almost infinity-like pool edge looking out toward the woods. Strategically placed rocks allow the homeowners to walk up and through the stream. What appears to be a stone bench at the far end of the pool actually covers the system’s water recycling equipment. Annuals and water plants in the stream absorb nutrients and keep down algae.

“ The original idea was to make it appear that we came upon a site that had a creek and we dammed it up.” the homeowner explains. As time went on “Caleb and his digger took on a life of their own. I enjoyed watching him deal with what

he encountered and work around that. He just went to town. It was amazing.”

To soften the hard edges of the newly created stream and blend it into the land with plant material, the homeowners called on Bill’s skills with trees, shrubs and landscaping. He has tried as much as possible to rely on plants that are native and nativars (cultivars created directly from natives) that would thrive in the rocky soil. A grove of pawpaws and plantings of black haw virburnum, shortleaf pine, aromatic sumac and arborescence hydrangea accent the stream. A screen of dwarf conifers hides the parking area.

I n shady spots the focus is on deer resistant perennials such as ferns, pulmonaria and hellebores. Plantings of iris, prairie drop seed, yarrow and coreopsis accent sunny spaces. Perennials with strong odors that deer leave alone such as cat mint and allium are mingled with less pungent flowering plants in hopes that the deer will take a whiff of a whole bed and stay away.

Shor tly after the couple moved in and prior to the creation of the stream, Bill had rescued a line of struggling black gum trees with exposed roots in the front yard. In addition to feeding the trees, he added organic matter and created a massive, nicely

mulched perennial bed to shield the tree roots. So far, the deer have left the bed alone.

The landscape is a continual work in progress with new pathways and plantings being added and the recent creation by Caleb of a free form fence around the seating area using dead branches of the surrounding cedar trees.

The stream and pond are now two years old and the joy of having the equivalent of a park site in their backyard has exceeded anything the homeowners expected. Wildlife abounds with appearances by mink, racoons and bald eagles. Hummingbirds are everywhere and “there are more species of butterflies than you can shake a stick at. You can’t believe the sound of the frogs at night. We started out with 13 fish in the pond. We now probably have 50.”

From the deck at the back of the house, the couple can look out over the stream and pond to groves of evergreen cedar trees and see in the distance the ski slopes of Hidden Valley. “It feels just like the Rockies,” the homeowner says. “We feel so blessed to be out here. We’re still trying to figure out how we got away with it.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

It feels just like the Rockies,” the homeowner says. “We feel so blessed to be out here.

Savoring Simplicity

Growing your own herbs can add homegrown flavor to any meal.

By Maya Brenningmeyer

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking a quick lunch, utilizing fresh herbs can add flavor to your meal while also providing additional health benefits. We’ve gathered four common herbs for beginners that will get you into the garden and cooking fresh, homemade meals.

Basil

One of the most well-known herbs, basil is an easy-to-grow plant that’s great for beginners. Used in both cooking and as a garnish, basil is best grown in sheltered and sunny outdoor areas. A helpful tip is to not let the herb grow too long—trim and prune your basil to help it grow. Harvest your basil first thing in the morning before the heat sets in and don’t be afraid to harvest large amounts of basil. The more you harvest, the more it produces! With more than 60 varieties, this member of the mint family could become one of the most bountiful producers in your garden.

Spice it up!:

Blend together some basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic and parmesan cheese for an easy and fresh homemade pesto!

Photography by Ktryna

Rosemary

This herb comes from the Mediterranean and thrives when planted with other Mediterranean herbs like sage. Rosemary can be planted in the ground or in a pot, if you want to plant your herb outside, rosemary grows little blue flowers that attract pollinators. Best harvested in the spring and summer months, rosemary may need some winter protection depending on the level of cold. The plant will regrow each year but will need to be pruned annually to stay healthy.

Spice it up!: Add to soups, chicken or roasted potatoes for extra flavor! Mix rosemary with butter to upgrade your toast or mix the herb with olive oil to create a flavorful finishing oil.

Cilantro

Another well-known herb, cilantro thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Cilantro is best planted in cooler temperatures, think early spring or late fall, and can be harvested once they grow to about 6 inches tall. While having a controversial taste, some individuals have a gene that makes cilantro taste like soap, the herb carries a multitude of benefits.

Spice it up!: Add fresh, chopped cilantro to salsas, dips, pestos and marinades for an extra kick of citrus!

Dill

Grown best in full sunlight and a spot well-protected from strong winds, dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. Once planted, make sure to water the herb often to prevent excessive drying. When the plant has 4-5 leaves, it is ready to harvest! Dill is also a great addition to gardens that struggle with pests, it’s famous for attracting beneficial, predatory insects.

Spice it up!: Combine fresh dill with cucumbers to make homemade dill pickles!

Photography by Julian Hochgesang

Photography by Andres Gimenezh

Beauty In Bloom

With September comes optimal conditions for the "perfect" rose bloom.

By Catherine Martin Photography by Tom Incrocci

Much like the cooler temperatures in May here in St. Louis, September is another great time of year to witness roses in bloom. The intensity and profuseness at which the roses bloom in September is akin to the floriferousness of the spring flush. Like most plants, there is a sweet moment in time when roses look and perform their best. The cooler temperatures that hint of a cold winter ahead and shortening of daylight initiates a response in roses similar to the warming and longer days in spring. These optimal conditions make for a stunning display of blooms after a usually very hot, humid St. Louis summer.

Garden Rosarian Matthew Norman considers fragrance in conjunction with disease resistance as his top characteristics when searching for his "perfect" rose.

A few of his favorites blooming in the rose garden in September:

Hybrid rugosa rose, Rosa 'Therese Bugnet'

Hybrid rugosa rose, Rosa 'Purple Pavement' Grandiflora rose, Rosa 'WEKebtidere' Shrub rose, Rosa 'Rosa Zwerg'

Shrub rose, Rosa 'Meitroni' Francis Meilland

Hybrid tea rose, Rosa 'KORpauvio' BEVERLY

Saturday, September 9, 2023 10am - 2pm

SELF-GUIDED TOUR with access to beautiful kitchens large and small designed and built by some of the best designers, contractors and architects in the St. Louis area.

*Island Hopping Kitchen Tour program and map will be available at each home.

DOOR PRIZES! Get your progam stamped at each location to be eligible for door prizes!

All ticket proceeds donated to Wings of Hope.

WINGS OF HOPE changes and saves lives through the power of aviation. In the U.S., the nonprofit provides medical air transport services— free of charge—to individuals who need access to specialized medical care. The organization also works in nine countries outside of the U.S., working with in-country partners to fly people in remote areas to emergency medical care and fly doctors into communities with no local health care. Wings of Hope has been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2018, Wings of Hope directly served more than 67,000 people around the world.

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10 Lenox Place

St. Louis, MO 63108

Step into a culinary wonderland, a homeowner’s dream brought to life by Renna Barnes with Dana King Design Build. Experience the charm of quirky and whimsical elements, like the custom-made Vitro retro diner booth nestled by the beverage center. Gaze at stunning materials like the striking Danby Marble countertops. Study the intriguing mix of metal finishes of matte black, copper, stainless, and brass. Step onto the traditional black and white tiled floor and embrace highly functional appliances, including side-hinged wall ovens. No standard white ceilings here! This imaginative fusion of classic, eclectic, whimsical, and city-museum fun brings joy to serious cooking and entertaining!

27540 Maryland Ave

Clayton, MO 63105

Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, this 1928 Tudor Revival home was renovated to create a modern transitional space that reflected the home’s original architecture. Extensive renovations were made to open up and update the kitchen. Matte black and navy blue accents play off the natural wood oak floors and a walnut island that adds a layer of elegance. Historical items like the home’s black framed windows were able to be restored and contribute to the space’s refined flair. With a refinished open floor plan, the kitchen has become a show-stopping space for friends and family to gather.

SPONSORS SPONSORS

Joni Spear Interior Design transformed this older home’s mid-century kitchen. By removing the dining room, the old kitchen was transformed into a spacious gathering place for friends and family. The expansion includes soapstone counters and mushroom-colored custom cabinets accompanied by matte white appliances and copper hardware. A range hood made with reclaimed barn wood adds texture to the space and Spanish Revival pendants finishes the remodeled kitchen.

SPONSORS

With the help of Pinterest, local architects and natural talent, Anna Bukhshtaber created her dream home kitchen. Sticking to neutral hues for the new build, a 48-inch Nostalgie Italian range and 60-inch Kenrose custom hood are a show-stopping focal point. A large island, stunning light fixtures, custom cabinetry and a soothing backsplash complete the space.

SPONSORS

728 Louwen Drive Ladue, MO 63124

6 Tall Timbers Drive Ladue, MO 63124

1513 Ann Avenue Kirkwood, MO 63122

The goal for our open concept kitchen was to create a timeless look with black and white cabinets, but to warm up the space with the use of brass hardware and wood accents. This allows for the focus to be on the natural beauty of the Dolomite backsplash, as well as the view to the woods out the window.

SPONSORS

629 N. Graeser Rd St. Louis, 63141

When close friends asked Kevin Grace, multiple Emmy winner, owner of Kevin Grace Design, HGTV Design Star Season 6 contestant and Creative Director for The Kelly Clarkson Show and STEVE on NBC, to turn their dream kitchen into a reality, he was more than ready to take on the challenge. Combining a piece of all the places dear to the family’s heart (Chicago, their Wisconsin cabin and the California coast), they created their own version of modern design. Featuring open shelving atop a wall of whitewashed stone, warmed tone furniture and even a secret pantry, this kitchen has everything you need and more.

SPONSORS

564 Upper Conway Circle Chesterfield, MO 63017

This amazing kitchen was opened to the rest of the house when we took the wall out and added a stunning seating and work island with a gorgeous quartzite countertop. We created a warm and neutral color palette that added to the sense of coziness and sophistication our client already possessed. We extended the kitchen to the left of the refrigerator with a custom bar and made the ceiling a focal point with a subtle box beam detail.

SPONSORS

17012 Prestige Landing Chesterfield, MO 63005

For this homeowner, whose primary property is a lakeside residence in the country, a home closer to the city meant dialing back her love of all things rustic in favor of a more refined and transitional aesthetic – while still keeping the look true to her personal style. The result is a kitchen that feels notably different from her main one, where she’s indulged in more casual, dark and heavy elements that are perfect for country life. Soft brass finishes, multi-toned flooring and a large kitchen island complete the ADA-friendly space. Here in the city, their kitchen feels bright and open thanks not only to the color choices but also to the emphasis on more elegant fixtures and clean lines.

SPONSORS

Luxury meets playtime

Remodel of Fenton family’s lower level satisfies everyone’s needs.

By Gina Parsons

Photography by Anne Matheis Interior Design by Anne Marie Design Studio

A Fenton couple wanted to give their four active kids a place to gather and play with friends, while also providing a lavish yet comfortable area to host their own adult friends and family. “They wanted more places for people to go and hang out. That prompted them to renovate the lower level,” says Anne Marie Boedges, designer and president of Anne Marie Design Studio, LLC. The homeowners hired her firm to design and manage the remodel project. “They wanted it to look more luxurious, but still be durable for the kids’ activities”

The lower level previously had a small bar and a living area, but hadn’t been remodeled in decades and the overall layout and design wasn’t in the style of the homeowners. After the remodel, which was completed in May of 2022, the main area of the lower level is an open-seating bar space. “Within that space they wanted it to feel like you’d go to a tavern or a bar and serve yourself,” Anne Marie says. “They have the functioning side, and then the seating side.” The beverage area has a huge built-in refrigerator and freezer, and a wine column. There’s refrigeration and locked cabinetry that holds liquor.

All of the k ids are involved in sports, and it’s not uncommon for them to invite their team members over, so having space for the kids was essential. Plus, the lower level offers access to the gorgeous pool in the backyard. For this, the redesign includes a separate beverage area for the kids, complete with sink, microwave, dishwasher, storage and a washer and dryer. “The kids can get their own drinks. They can make their own snacks and bring them outside,” Anne Marie says.

During the remodel, they removed a beyond-its-time built-in cubby unit. “The cubby was kind of a ‘90s thing. A huge, deep rectangle dry wall cubby that a kid could fit in, or maybe an old-school TV,” Anne Marie laughs. After removing the cubby, they gained the space needed to create a closet for storage, and recess two televisions. Wall sconces surrounding the TVs add a luxurious feel.

The flooring in the main area is a showstopper—real wood in a triple herringbone pattern replaced tile. Installing the real wood correctly in the basement took some extra effort but was worth it. “The triple herringbone catches your eye, it’s how the light hits the wood when it turns in different directions,” Anne Marie says.

They also created a theater room with big comfortable furniture. The dropped ceiling and fun, vibrant blue carpet help with acoustics, Anne Marie says. The theater room has another bar, a beverage refrigerator and a microwave for popcorn. Wall art photos of famously funny movie scenes alternate with wall sconces on the walls.

“ They were so fun to work with, they were open to pretty much every idea we had,” Anne Marie says, adding that the remodel worked perfectly. “It’s luxury meets playtime, meets bar, meets theater. It’s fantastic. It’s exactly them.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

LUXURY STARTS WITH COMFORT

Air that is heated and cooled to the proper temperature, maintained at the proper humidity and kept clean from contaminants is an essential element of living well in your home.

Whether you are enjoying your present home or renovating or building, trust the experts at SmartHouse for:

– Maintenance and repair including emergency service.

– Furnace & Air Conditioner Replacement.

– Geothermal, boiler, heat pump and mini-split systems.

– Solving comfort problems like rooms that don’t heat or cool properly.

A Modern Mystery

Compton Hill Reservoir Square homeowners enlist Ladd Suydam Contracting to retain the history of their home’s kitchen with an added modern twist.

By Maya Brenningmeyer

Contractor/Designer: Ladd Suydam Contracting

Architect: Art & Architecture Inc

Photography by Megan Lorenz

When homeowners Geri Dreiling and Enrique Serrano Valle decided to remodel their historic home’s kitchen, they entrusted Ladd Suydam Contracting to bring their ideas to life. Dreaming of an open kitchen where Enrique’s “mis en place” cooking style could shine, the homeowners drew inspiration from their personal lifestyle, family history and even movies. “I watched a movie that included a home in Paris,” says Geri. Impressed by the kitchen’s historic character and open space in the movie, they knew they wanted the perfect mix of modern, organic and traditional design.

Taking on the challenge of melding together Sherlock Holmes and modern design elements, Ladd Suydam Contracting began by reimagining the previously cramped space. Opening up the kitchen to the dining room, completely gutting both the kitchen and butler’s pantry and leveling out both the ceiling and floors gave them a good starting point. “The only thing that remained were the walls and windows,” says Jen Suydam.

Traditional details in the light fixtures, dark oak cabinets and a quartzite stone island highlight the traditional aspects of the remodel. To bring in a modern-feel, elements like simple, functional lines and white walls modernize

the space. Along with this, bright Centorbi cabinets allow the homeowners more storage without having to design around bulky cabinetry. “The design of the cabinets was shaker and slab, and the oak was a rift-cut white oak for a tighter grain,” says Jen. Every little detail, down to the wooden handle on the kitchen sink’s faucet, is a reflection of the kitchen’s mix of styles. Brass-detailed ends on the island match the hardware found on the cabinets and drawers, and the range-hood is a reflection of the dining room’s fireplace.

Tailored to Geri and Enrique’s lifestyle, floating shelves sit on either side of the range to provide easy access to bowls and oils while cooking. The black, solid granite backsplash adds the dramatic flair they were looking for while also being a surface that doesn’t stain and always looks clean. The butler’s pantry is described as the ‘workhorse’ of the kitchen. Black-and-white penny tile on the floor, a beveled marble tile backsplash and dark cabinetry create a space for appliances, storage and dried goods. The couple’s favorite window was also able to be preserved and allows a look into their screened-in porch and backyard. “I’ve spent countless mornings sipping my coffee looking out that window,” says Geri.

Working as a team, Ladd Suydam Contracting and the homeowners created a kitchen that reached all of their goals. “One of the things I liked about working with Ladd is that during our first meeting, he wanted to know how we used our kitchen,” says Geri. “I told my husband that if we ever had to move, I don’t think I’ll ever have a kitchen that is so perfect for us.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

Tranquil Retreat

By Melissa Mauzy Interior Designer Ellie Redders Interiors

Photography by Alise O’Brien Photography.

Requesting their primary bathroom be beautifully updated into a functional space with lots of natural light, these homeowners turned to interior designer Ellie Redders to make their dream a reality. “We were aiming to achieve a feeling of peacefulness with a clean, airy backdrop to allow the elements in the space to become the focal point,” Redders explains.

Redders created a design that centered around a luxurious, freestanding heated bubble-massage tub. The tub is flanked by mullion-accented mirrored custom cabinetry in a rich wood tone. “By adding the mirrors to the linen towers, it created the feeling of a larger space,” she says. Another design element that accentuated the height of the bath is the tear-dropped, seeded glass chandelier that reflects a textured wallcovering on the ceiling.

The homeowners gained storage space in the light gray vanity cabinetry. To give the clients both ample mirror viewing and natural light in the vanity area, Redders had to work with the existing window, which she says was the most challenging part of the bathroom design. With the placement of the existing window and sinks, the space was limited to an individual mirror over each sink. To maximize vanity viewing,

Redders designed a custom-framed mirror that spans from the countertop to the bottom of the arched window with inset wall sconces within the mirror on each side of the vanity.

O ther thoughtful design elements include the chevron tile flooring chosen for its fun texture, durability and stain resistance. The curbless shower is entered through a frameless door and includes a mix of coordinating tiles in various shapes and sizes. Large porcelain wall tiles created the look of marble while allowing for an easy-to-clean solid surface. “The curbless shower is a feature I can’t wait to incorporate into more designs in the future,” Redders says. “Not only is it visually pleasing, but it is also extremely functional and easy to clean.”

Luxe gold fixtures accent the soothing color palette of the bath. By incorporating materials that are durable and beautiful this bathroom oasis will be a restful retreat for the homeowners for years to come. “I love how we took this dated design that was filled with Roman columns, faux wall paintings and odd angles into the present with clean lines and functional storage. It’s a neutral design that will stand the test of time,” Redders says. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

A primary bathroom goes from dated to a dazzling, spa-like retreat.

See our work on pages 60-62.

SUNKEN SPACES

Sunken living spaces in today’s contemporary homes are a blast from the past! The '70s phenomenon features a recessed living area that is intimate. The design separates the living space from the main level while still keeping it a part of the overall design. Check out these fresh takes on this unexpected, high-end design.

By Melissa Mauzy

By Heather Weiss, Studiohw.

The cozy living room is four steps down from the open kitchen/dining room, creating a distinct space with a higher ceiling within the open first -floor plan, as well as providing direct access to the deck and garden. Custom built-in storage and shelves around the fireplace help keep the small space tidy. More custom cabinets form the guardrail between the dining area and sunken living room, serving double-duty as a buffet counter from the dining room.

Photography by Eric Roth.

By

FlipGreat. This sunken living room is in a restored 1964 Young & Remington mid-century modern home in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. The floors are the original polished terrazzo floor and the fireplace is original to the space, too.

Photography courtesy of FlipGreat.

By Moones

Homes,

Inc. The sunken living room brings a retro, modern style to the upscale property in California and showcases the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area. The main color in the living areas is Simply White by Benjamin Moore. The curated artwork and furnishings are by Four Hands, an Austin, TX, high-end furniture and accessories manufacturer.

Photography by COMPASS Real Estate.

By GREER Interior Design. This historic home, built in the 1930s, was in need of a fresh update for its new owners, a young Austin TX family. The sunken grand living room’s red oak paneling had been preserved beautifully; and wallpaper on the ceiling, beautiful lighting and classic furnishings brought the room to life. Photography by Reagan Taylor.

By Wander Designs.

By Numi Home. Step inside this immaculate home to discover a breathtakingly blissful interior featuring stunning European wide-plank oak floors, an organically flowing floorplan, luminous skylights, extra-wide doorways, a designer color scheme, high vaulted ceilings and trendy light fixtures. Entertain guests in the adjoining living room or sip a few drinks with loved ones in the large family room. Bifold doors lead to a fully enclosed and private back yard, enticing with magnificent decks, a sprawling green space, tidy hardscaping, and mature trees. Photography by The Salty Shutters.

By Bromley

Caldari Architects PC. For this guest house, the designer was charged with designing an easy to maintain, open plan house for entertaining overnight guests. The plan blurs indoor and outdoor spaces and is rendered in cool porcelain and warm cedar wrapped with moveable metal-framed, glass panels. The sunken living room is surrounded by kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining spaces and the ocean-facing deck. The 2,160 square-foot house takes advantage of expansive views and ocean-borne breezes and allows for a variety of experiences during the course of a typical day at the beach. Photography by Mikiko Kikuyama.

The designer opened up the previous two separate rooms and added risers across the entire length to account for the elevation change, which creates a sunken-feel living area. Photography by Urban Oak Photography.

Everyone can benefit from tinting the windows in your home. It allows you to keep your beautiful view while protecting your furnishings from the sun’s damaging rays and cuts down on glare for a more comfortable feel when you relax at home.

It's Time to Tint!

The Chaise Lounge Chair:

A Timeless Piece of Comfort and Elegance

By Wendy Noory

The history of the chaise lounge chair is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting the evolution of design and the ever-changing tastes of society. From its ancient origins to today’s modern iterations, the chaise lounge remains a symbol of comfort, luxury and relaxation.

The chaise lounge’s history dates to ancient civilizations, with its roots dating back to the Egyptians around 3000 BC. These early versions were more like daybeds or reclining chairs, adorned with lavish fabrics and used by royalty and aristocrats for leisure and relaxation. The Greek and Roman civilizations also embraced the concept of a reclining seat, known as the “Kline” in ancient Greece and the “Lectus” in Rome, which was often used during banquets and social gatherings.

As time passed, the design of the chaise lounge evolved, adapting to distinct cultural influences and artistic movements. In the 16th century, the chaise lounge became a prominent feature in French furniture design, where it earned its name, as “chaise longue” translates to “long chair” in French. During the Rococo period, the chaise lounge chair was a symbol of opulence and elegance, featuring ornate carvings, rich upholstery, and graceful curves.

The 19th century brought significant changes to the chaise lounge’s design and purpose. With the rise of the industrial revolution, mass production techniques made furniture more accessible to the public which made lounge chairs more affordable and widespread. Additionally, the Victorian era saw a shift in aesthetics, favoring simpler and more functional designs, while still maintaining a touch of luxury.

I n the 20th century, the chaise lounge chair continued to evolve, reflecting the diverse design movements that emerged during this period. The Art Deco era introduced sleek lines, geometric patterns and modern materials, while mid-century modern design embraced minimalism and functionality. Iconic designers like Le Corbusier and Charles and Ray Eames contributed to the chaise lounge’s design history with their innovative creations.

Today’s chaise lounge chairs continue to pay homage to their historical roots while incorporating contemporary elements and materials. The focus is on creating pieces that marry comfort with style, offering ergonomic support without compromising aesthetics. Modern chaise lounges are available in various shapes, sizes and materials, from traditional upholstered versions to sleek leather designs and even outdoor-friendly options for poolside lounging.

The versatility of the chaise lounge chair has also contributed to its enduring popularity. It can effortlessly blend into different interior styles, from classic to modern, acting as a statement piece or a subtle accent in a room. Its presence in spas, luxury resorts and upscale hotels further reinforces its association with relaxation and indulgence.

The chaise lounge chair has come a long way from its ancient origins to the sophisticated and diverse designs we see today. It has transcended time and remains an embodiment of comfort, elegance, and leisure, making it an iconic and cherished piece of furniture that continues to stand the test of time.

Crate & Barrel

The 21st Northern Midwest ZNA Koi Show hosted by Gateway Koi and Pond Club

ST. LOUIS KOI SHOW

& POND EXPO

SEPTEMBER 22, 23 & 24, 2023

Fri. 3-5pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, and Sun. 10am-2pm

TIMBERWINDS NURSERY 54 CLARKSON ROAD

ELLISVILLE, MO 63011

Free event. Rain or shine. For more info visit www.nmzna.net, www.gatewaykoiandpondclub.org or call 314-276-9461

Media Sponsor:

Flotsam is a troupe of musicians, circus artists and puppeteers performing on the riverfront of 28 river towns between Minnesota and St. Louis.

Check

History Preserved

Heritage buildings on Buffelsdrift Farm in South Africa have been renovated to reflect traditional Cape architecture and design.

By Maya Brenningmeyer

Buffelsdrift, Ladismith, South Africa

Nestled in a valley beneath the Swartberg mountain range in South Africa sits a group of heritage buildings restored by SAOTA and Jaco Boons Architect. The clay buildings form a main house, two barns and a wine store. An additional cottage, a contemporary shed and a graveyard sit further up the property.

The property is evidence of a rich history, a license to graze livestock dating back to the 1700s gives insight into the farm's beginnings. The main house, which was stripped of any model refurbishments and completely restored, dates back to 1852. The original owners were a farming family who used the property as farmland. The set of buildings would see plenty of activity in the following years, ranging from fruit trees, ostrich farming and, most recently, olive farming.

As the area around the property evolved, so did the buildings. In their original construction, the buildings were formed using walls of poured mud or clay - a common practice used by Dutch settlers in the area. Clay sourced from the ground would be combined with sand and grit to ensure the mud was stiff enough to hold its shape. During their restoration, the builders chose to use a thin lime plaster on the interior walls to both “express the original texture of the mud wall” and to leave “a little of that construction history visible.” New additions such as a stone swimming pool, recessed lighting and updated landscaping helped add modern elements to the space.

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

Photography by Adam Letch, courtesy of Jaco Boons Architect & SAOTA

The Wine Store + The Pump House

The wine store is a small flat-roofed building given the name in reference to the olive farming that once took place on the farm. The building itself was renovated to create a living space comprised of a living area, kitchen, bedroom and adjacent bathroom. The exterior of the building was painted pink in an exploration of the architect's trips to Mexico. On his travels, he noticed the historical connections between Cape and Mexican architecture and was interested in how he could showcase the similarities between the two. Due to the similar climates between the two locations, bright colors were common in both styles of architecture.

A new build constructed on the site, the pump house was created due to the need for an irrigation building on the property. Differing from its colorful counterpart, the pump house reflects the landscape of the property with its earth-colored walls. Built with materials found on the site, the architects used more primitive working methods to construct the building. Creating mud walls more than a meter thick, the unpainted structure allows the material to shine and takes inspiration from the buildings already constructed on the site.  See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

By Wander Designs

Sinking Sophistication

Homeowners are stepping into the past with sunken living spaces making appearances in homes new and old. Are these conversation pits here to stay or are they just a craze?

Edited by Maya Brenningmeyer

CLASSIC

Sunken living spaces are a classic. As it states above, they have been revived from the past. This indicates that it is a trend that will come and go but never necessarily going away. Something such as a sunken living space that can be brought back from the past shows a sense of design sustainability. Sunken living areas do limit your ability to reconfigure furniture layouts; on the other hand it does make the room feel bigger. Having the furniture steps below the line of vision tricks your eye into feeling that the space is larger than it really is. This living space design does tend to cost more, making people shy away from taking that route. However, it is a great way to ground the space, making it feel more intimate. Overall, sunken living spaces aren’t going anywhere making it a classic. Savannah

Sells, Youtopia Designs

I have a house from the 1930s and the sunken living room was a way of making the room seem grander as larger, Italian paladian doors could be added for more drama. It also allowed another area of the same place to be at the same level as the rest of the house so it could act as a place for a piano, band or other area for further entertaining. Additionally the seating pit has made a comeback as many homes in Palm Springs are reintroducing it as a conversation pit. A hang out. Almost a space within a space. Trend? It could be, but so many decades have used it to designate another area instead of just flooring changes or separating a space with a half wall or planted pots or a screen.  Scott

Tjaden, Tjaden Interior Design

CRAZE

Sunken living rooms were the rage in the '70s after their appearance in a few homes in 1920s.  The conversation pit created a unique space that added drama because it increased the ceiling height, as well as intimacy because it could feel quite cozy, and more so with a fireplace. With today's aging population, it would be more of a trip hazard than an architectural significance,  although existing century modern homes that are being purchased today will most likely have this feature. Therefore it depends on the buyer, and how they fit the home. I do not think this trend continues into present day new construction, keeping the housing market open to all buyers.

Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS

I don’t view sunken living spaces as classic, but the style does return every once in a while. Sinking a room makes the ceiling higher and that was the idea when it started. I liked the look when it was being built in the late sixties and seventies. Now that we are more conscious of the need for accessibility, I do not think it is a good feature.

Linda K. Kusmer, Interior Design Consultant

Sunken living spaces were designed to sit below floor level, and they define a space without needing walls. They are sometimes called conversation pits. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s primarily due to the Dick Van Dyke show. Sunken spaces can be challenging to maneuver around, difficult to step-up and to step-down, and furniture placement can be tricky. Sunken living spaces are dated, awkward and completely passé. They can be reconstructed to rise to floor level but that can be pricey. Sunken living spaces in older houses have a bit of charm to them because they maintain the integrity of the era of the house; however, it would be best if they remained in that era. Barbara

Collins AKBD, Allied ASID, Barbara Collins Interior Design

Photography by Urban Oak Photography