In my home, our covered patio is a favorite space for relaxing with a cup of coffee and a stack of magazines on breezy summer days. My husband took this quick photo when my daughters’ puppies hopped in my lap.
I’ve met the most fascinating people over the past couple of years as editor of SLHL and have gratefully accepted generous invitations to see many of the city’s truly spectacular homes. And through meetings and interviews with dozens of interesting, gracious homeowners, I’ve discovered a common thread that ties all of us together, no matter the shape or size of our homes. Stated simply, it is the desire for a personal space – one that encourages each of us to refresh, to dream, and for some, to create. It’s not an understatement to say that these spaces – from the coziest studios, niches and nooks to the perfect outdoor spots that connect one to nature – provide the place for our spirits to rejuvenate.
In this issue, our featured urban home is a unique residence with personalized spaces for the couple. With a small art studio for Jeanne Marie and a separate workspace for Joe, the home, even with its concise space planning, meets the homeowners’ needs splendidly.
In our suburban home, a handsome library – a serene art- and book-filled space – provides the homeowners with a quiet area for study and relaxation, and it extends to a cozy, private outdoor terrace that looks out toward the beautiful Missouri river valley of St. Albans.
And with summer in swing, our My Space and Outdoor Living features highlight spaces for gathering, relaxing and “getting away from it all.” These idyllic spaces are perfect for taking a few minutes to unwind – or to gather and share the grand outdoors – in customized spaces created with family members in mind.
At SLHL, we are happy to provide inspiration and point you toward design professionals you’ll need to “stitch together” the template for your own space. Whether you expand, remodel or create a new haven, I hope that it is a wonderful process and the outcome is all that you imagined it would be.
I’m headed to my patio with a cup of coffee and my favorite magazine.
The key to fine design begins with this ever-so-bright May issue. Beginning with our jewel-filled Obsession department – where inspiration sparkles – and ending with a sensational dining room transformation, every facet of great design shines in this page-turner.
In this issue, fine design is beautifully defined by talented professionals who dazzle us with crowning examples of elegant yet comfortable spaces that transcend time, including an Innsbrook getaway home.
Our featured urban home exudes stunning design by interior designer Karen Pepper. And let our gorgeous suburban home inspire you to take your summer to-do list to a new level by extending your living and entertaining space to the outdoors. You’ll marvel at the family’s inviting poolside space that showcases outdoor living at its finest.
Your home is truly your castle, so why not make it reflect your own style? Living poolside is within your reach. Let your imagination be your guide. And then let local industry professionals – showcased in Outdoor Living – make your outdoor “dream” space a reality.
This issue reminds us that anything is possible. Walt Disney – a man who could put a sparkle in anyone’s eye – stated so clearly, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
Dream it. Do it. Live it. At SLHL, we are happy to provide the “spark”!
Everything good begins at home. On cold winter days, it is the memory of supper simmering on the stove at the end of the school day and mom’s cheerful greeting that fills my heart with so much gladness. The idea of “home” – a place to come together and share life’s special moments – and more than just a place to toss our hats – is both reassuring and comforting. There is truly “no place like home.”
In this wonderful, eco-stylish issue, we are thrilled to feature the extraordinary spaces from the premiere SLHL Living Green Showhouse. It is with much appreciation that we commend the volunteers at the Cardinal Glennon Guild and their passionate commitment to the health of area children. Together we stayed centered on our purpose – to spotlight green living at its best and benefit the kids at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center at the same time. Serene, inviting spaces created by local industry professionals composed a home that demonstrates the essence of eco-living by showcasing both the beauty and benefits of green building and design. In accord with nature, the Showhouse provided a springboard for green practices, education and living in the metropolitan St. Louis area.
And let our winning Kitchens of the Year warm your heart with superior design, use of space and functionality. The fabulous, award-winning “gathering spots” are idea-filled spaces. Meet our distinguished panel of judges (right) who spent an entire day judging all of our outstanding entries.
We hope this issue provides a bit of warmth and cheer for your winter days. And thank you for supporting our efforts to bring you inspirational content from within the home and design markets.
There is such happiness in giving. To quote actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, "The most important thing is to enjoy life to be happy that¹s all that matters." At SLHL, we have taken this message to heart and are carrying on our tradition of giving by putting our efforts toward sharing a bit of happiness with deserving children in our community. Last year, we contributed boxes of toys to the Ronald McDonald House. This year, we are working together to do the same.
And we are also happy to report that collaborative efforts to produce SLHL¹s premiere Living Green Showhouse, with proceeds benefiting Cardinal Glennon Children¹s Medical Center, resulted in a generous contribution to a place where the health of children comes first. Putting smiles on their faces is forever gratifying. It was our privilege to present a magnificent green Showhouse to the St. Louis area to benefit such a worthy place.
In this issue, we bring you homes that are shining examples of happy spaces.
An urban town home and a holiday-designed suburban home are gleaming residences filled with color, warmth and vision. Ideas abound within their superbly designed spaces. Take a moment to visit these feature stories and let their energy and spirit fill your own season with a resounding message of the importance of gathering with family and friends and enjoying all of life¹s happy times.
May the happiness of your holiday season be like the value of a smile everlasting. And thank you for supporting our efforts. We are thrilled to keep our commitment to you and bring year-round inspiration and idea-filled content designed to enrich your life and help make all of your days happier.
Our eco-lush October issue is overflowing with green products and thought-provoking, environmentally friendly ideas to help you live a luxurious, eco-minded lifestyle.
Our upcoming SLHL Living Green Showhouse, with its spectacular setting on the grounds of Tapawingo Golf Course, will present leading environmentally friendly building, architectural and design concepts in an exquisite, must-see home. Our local interior designers have created spaces that take green design ideas to new heights.
Outdoors, the landscape reflects a commitment to environmentally responsible garden planning. We invite you to come and visit the Showhouse, benefiting Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, from October 18 – November 9.
In our issue, you’ll be inspired by our 2008 Gardens of the Year with their spectacular landscape design. Judged by our talented panel of Master Gardeners as award winning, they boast brilliant use of color and contrast, attention to blooming patterns, unique features and outstanding overall design.
And you’ll be “wowed” by the contemporary Washington Avenue loft of Linda Martinez. The rejuvenation of the historic building sets the stage for a home with a blend of reclaimed furnishings, natural elements and up-to-date pieces that create a jubilant space where the past and present live in harmony. (Be sure to see Linda’s “rejuvenated” authentic Brunswick bowling alley benches and beautiful bamboo flooring.)
Fortunately, the beauty of "things past" never goes out of style. For me, researching and preparing our September issue was an opportunity to embrace extraordinary eras where elegant, decorative design was stylishly stated and exquisitely represented.
Turn the pages of our September issue to take in the stunning styles that wove their way through the decades with impressive movement, shape and design. Our Obsession department is filled with spectacular examples of treasures to easily enhance even the most modern décor. In our local shops, we discovered art and antiques that are breathtaking and nostalgic at the same time. While chatting with Robert Morrissey of Clark Graves Antiques about the issue, we were both impressed with the idea that the South German walnut chest of drawers, circa 1790-1800 (on page 24), with its striking details and strong architectural presence, anticipates Art Deco by a century. It¹s paired with cherry wood Directoire-style chairs, circa 1890-1910, and their Art Nouveau style radiates the look of fashion for the home. It¹s all simply gorgeous.
We invite you to take a blast to the past in this memorable issue, with a modern loft in the historic Motor Parts Warehouse (now the Motor Lofts building). Our featured suburban home is a new residence in historic Webster Groves, where homes with age and history sit aside newer residences the historic homes of the future. And you¹ll love the overflowing beauty of our suburban garden a rejuvenated space with touches of history and magical charm. And did you know? In the garden, games are back in fashion! Be sure to see our wonderful Garden Gotta Have It products.
Enjoy what¹s new and remember the past. And even better, mix them together to create a home and garden that transcend time.
Drape your spaces with the fresh, shimmering shades of spring.
According to Vicki Dreste of Design & Detail, “St. Louis area designers are drawn to fabrics with a metallic shimmer, ranging from silver and gold to copper and bronze, that are making a ‘pop’ this spring.”
On location at Design & Detail’s new showroom in Maplewood, our staff obsessed over an array of luscious fabrics. We found fabulous florals, metallics, damask, stripes and toile – in colors ranging from sparkling silvery grays to perfect plums – to create a plush springtime palette. Let our product selections entice you to dress your home with inviting upholstery and creative coverings, renewing your personal spaces.
In our urban feature, interior designer Andy Villasana adds a touch of “glamorous” to a fabulous palette of soothing, textured neutrals, overflowing with striking details – where his tone-on-tone selections add a rich composition to the stunning rooms. And splashes of color add vibrancy to a serene, organic color scheme in a dramatic Illinois home transformation, with a creative partnership between homeowner Karen Keller and interior designer Pamela Calvert, ASID.
On the outdoor scene, take a leap into a lush suburban garden with a whimsical and light-hearted sentiment that has been a labor of love for homeowners and garden enthusiasts, Karen and Greg Frimel.
And let the newest technologies in this issue align your home with function, ease and beautiful design. St. Louis technology experts are ready to create custom-designed units for your home and lifestyle.
We are happy to bring you so many “shining examples” of the best projects, products and ideas from our talented industry professionals in this issue to help you get a jump-start on spring!
"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” This colorful advice, from the late comedian Danny Kaye, one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s and ‘50s, has come to mind on so many occasions. I especially think of it when I see the work of talented artists, from the most acclaimed in their genre to the youngest, most-aspiring artist, expressing him- or herself with little fear and endearing innocence. I find it thought-provoking, yet freeing – the idea of filling your blank canvas with all the zest you can gather and making a statement – because even if it is just for the moment – it is your own.
In this issue, we invite you to indulge in our magnificent feature stories. Let the collective passion for art that fills these homes, and the pages of our magazine, exhilarate you. Favorite artists and works of art are represented with distinctive and intuitive flair. In each home, the appreciation of artistic beauty shines brilliantly and makes a dynamic statement. Feel free to catch the enthusiasm and gather inspiration from the artful surroundings and the homeowners’ art-centered lifestyles.
And congratulations to our 2008 St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles Homes of the Year award winners. This year’s award-winning homes exemplify the best in building, interior, and architectural design in the St. Louis area. We hope you visit these stellar properties and consider building, designing or redesigning your own home, and we are happy to bring you the professionals and resources to do just that. Our Blueprint is your guide to your dream home.
I hope it is a happy, fulfilling process. Whether you are building and starting with a blank canvas or bringing new life to your existing home, bring as much paint as you can and make it your own.
My father was my biggest fan. He loved it that I worked for St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles magazine – a publication that focused on the home. I rushed over with each new issue and he always announced, soon after, that he read it “cover to cover.” My father wholeheartedly believed that you build a life in your home. Saying often, “Invest in your home, it is where your heart should be” – he practiced what he preached.
When my father and mother remodeled their home, with a lower-level rec. room, spectacular sunroom and free-form designed pool, my father would often say, “If we build it, they will come.” And we did. My parents’ home was the gathering place for birthday parties, holiday celebrations and on any given fall or winter Sunday, a place to watch the football game on dad’s big-screen TV – the best being the Super Bowl game and a party to match. (My mother loved to “toss” a party!)
In this issue, we are bringing entertainment ideas to the table, and in this case, a dazzling table for a Super Bowl party at home. With home entertainment options from The Screening Room and mouthwatering cuisine prepared by Chef Ken Hayden from the Veranda Café, you are guaranteed to turn heads with a party that is sure to score points with your friends!
With entertaining in mind, designer Bob Steckenrider of Cosmopolitan Designers, Inc. shares expert design tips for dinner parties overflowing with hospitality. In the home of Rosemary and Michael Wick, all the details are considered for entertaining with style. And in the suburban home of Jodi and Rick Gordon and family, making a house a home has been a labor of love.
We also offer you departments that bring color, organization and pizzazz to your winter days. Let us inspire you with ideas for an eco-friendly heart-of-the-home in our Green Guide, a surprising secret pantry and kitchen gadgets galore.
And to top it off, we are thrilled to bring you our SLHL winning Kitchens of the Year – each unique and all with creative solutions and use of space. Our judges were impressed with the exceptional finished design of these great rooms – design that considers the whole space. Thank you for starting your new year with St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles and letting us help you build a wonderful life in your home. I’m so thankful for the lessons I’ve learned – with family and home at the heart of it all.
We’re wrapping up a great year at St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles. It has been an extraordinary time, filled with meaningful events and wonderful rewards and opportunities to give back to the community. The holidays are a special, giving time in the city. At SLHL, it is our privilege to present the Accent on Red Fashion Show to benefit the American Heart Association and sponsor “Celebrate the City” to benefit the Des Lee Collaborative Vision. Recently, our staff got caught up in the spirit of giving and wrapped gifts that will be donated to a local charity this season.
We invite you to relax and take a moment from your own holiday preparations to enjoy the breathtaking, festive ambiance created by Mary Stieven and her team at MKS Designs in our sensational suburban home. Its rooms are sure to inspire and delight your senses with their extraordinary arrangement, style and sophistication.
Let our exquisite tabletop obsessions, stylish Christmas trees and tapas party particulars transform your home into a picture-perfect setting. From decorating your rooms for the season to celebrating with family and friends, we hope your festivities are enhanced by the wealth of original ideas that are our gifts to you. It has been an exciting issue to produce. You will find a “twist on the traditional,” streamlined contemporary décor and cosmopolitan design – all fashioning a vogue holiday.
And as your guests arrive, take in scrumptious ideas for treating your company to all the comforts of home in our well-designed Guest Room of the Year, as well as the welcoming guest house of Tom and Sandy Allen featured in this issue. Celebrations are always best when shared with others. Indulge your family and friends with special spaces and create a home filled with memorable times.
Embrace the season with all its beauty and magnificence, and enjoy the inspirational holiday decorating and entertaining tips in this idea-packed issue. We are happy to be included in your season of celebration and are looking forward to bringing you the newest, most exciting ideas in home design in 2008.
P.S. - Hats off to our entire SLHL staff…Our magazine recently received the most prestigious Presidential Award, a national award presented by NCI, our parent company. The award honors excellence, growth and outstanding service to our community. In addition to the sharing the holidays with the St. Louis community, we have a lot to celebrate at St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles.
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The key to fine design begins with this ever-so-bright May issue. Beginning with our jewel-filled Obsession department – where inspiration sparkles – and ending with a sensational dining room transformation, every facet of great design shines in this page-turner.
There is such happiness in giving. To quote actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, "The most important thing is to enjoy life to be happy that¹s all that matters." At SLHL, we have taken this message to heart and are carrying on our tradition of giving by putting our efforts toward sharing a bit of happiness with deserving children in our community. Last year, we contributed boxes of toys to the Ronald McDonald House. This year, we are working together to do the same.
Our eco-lush October issue is overflowing with green products and thought-provoking, environmentally friendly ideas to help you live a luxurious, eco-minded lifestyle.
