“Things are beautiful if you love them.” Jean Anouilh, (1910- 1987), French playwright
Simply said, and it is a lovely way to look at life. Our issue is filled with one opportunity after another to fall in love with captivating art, antiques and timeless treasures, homes and gardens. And the inspirational stories – the ones that swirled around our featured objets d’art, homes and garden of the year – touched my heart. Preparing this issue was such an exciting process. I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
Our Obsession department begins a mini trip through history that continues through the magazine, ending with the dramatic transformation of a Webster Groves home. The front porch will likely draw us all to the outdoors to fashion spaces where life unfolds – hopefully on a porch swing – one evening at a time.
“Spotlight Space” features Dromcastle and showcases craftsmen whose labor of love resulted in a one-of-a-kind “dream castle.” One can only imagine the myriad of stories, through many generations, that will encircle the magnificent home – pictures and words that will live forever.
Our breathtaking Illinois feature is set in the quaint, historic town of Grafton – only a 30-minute drive from St. Louis or a memorable ferry boat ride from St. Charles. With its scenic ambience and its revitalized Main Street, the quintessential destination spot is also a wonderful place to call home.
An extraordinary suburban home is a superb example of living within history while enjoying all of the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Again, craftsmanship prevails, adding authentic detail and formality to the period-perfect spaces.
And our winning garden of the year is one that begins with an amazing story, and over the course of several years, unfolds with grace and good fortune into one of the area’s loveliest gardens to behold. From England to the United States, a color-filled garden blossoms with the talent and perseverance of English flower expert Joy Brittle and St. Louisan Ann Roberts. Get ready to fall in love.
Finding fabulous vanities at Ambassador/For the Home for our Bath Obsessions was great fun.
I can’t wait for you to begin your journey through this issue. I can honestly say that working on our August issue has reminded me of the sweet days of summer and childhood adventures in my own backyard – catching fireflies with neighborhood friends and recalling how we made crowns of clover flowers – the sweetness of summer was all around us.
In this issue, fresh, nature-filled design blossoms. Beginning at the Table of Contents, the awe-inspiring personal garden of Peter and Pat Raven beckons with a glimpse at sun-loving helenium, a relative of the prairie flower commonly known as sneezeweed, thriving in the open meadow of their 4.5-acre garden oasis. Let its beauty lead you to the Ravens’ “Garden Paradise”. Nature’s nuances are ever so inspirational when paired with experts whose spaces are touched by grace and beauty.
Our My Space lower level transformation is a stellar project – with touches of nature woven into innovative design. The “team” truly reached a new height in home remodeling, interior design and state-of-the-art technology.
We hope this resource-rich issue will take its place in your home as “a keeper.” Refer to it throughout the year as you build, remodel or redesign your indoor and outdoor spaces. Our 2009 Source Book is overflowing with top local industry professionals.
Our beautiful, functional and unique winning Baths of the Year are designed for the ultimate in relaxation. And we’re thrilled to showcase many of the newest ideas in bath products for your home. Our fabulous floors remind us that beauty unfolds from the ground up.
Be prepared to be swept away. I’ll be thinking of you with a smile.
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.
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“Things are beautiful if you love them.” Jean Anouilh, (1910- 1987), French playwright
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.
