1. Charleston Vintage Clock from Pottery Barn. “This vintage-inspired clock reminds me of my grandmother, who always had a Big Ben clock on her nightstand. Of course, this new shiny silver model is oh-so-today and would make a welcome and sentimental addition to my bedroom as well.” – Judy Uelk, Editor-in-Chief (Photo Courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)

2. Piano Black Wall Clock from Crate & Barrel. “I like the sleek simplicity and subtle piano-key look of this clock — what a fun way to keep track of time! It’s ultra-modern, unobtrusive and would pop against a brightly colored wall such as a teal, fuschia or bold orange.” – Liz Miller, Assistant Editor (Photo courtesy of www.crateandbarrel.com)

3. Helix Wall Clock from Home Decorators Collection. “Bold, geometric and playful is how I’d describe this eye-catching wall clock. I really like the interweaving square and rectangle pattern coming together to create one circular shape. This ruby red beauty would look sophisticated in a classic or contemporary black and white kitchen, office or living area.” – Jenna Dunbar, Marketing Coordinator (Photo Courtesy of www.homedecorators.com)

4. Sunflower Clock from Design Within Reach. “As a Kansas native I’m drawn to this lovely lacquered sunflower clock. Glossy and happy, this gold-toned time teller would make any room shine.” – Lauren Schrader, Art Director (Photo Courtesy of www.dwr.com)

September 25
4th Annual Dancing in the Street Festival
This annual event, which marks the opening of Grand Center’s fall arts season, is celebrated with a street festival featuring more than 75 performances and 700 dancers, who will perform a variety of dance styles. There will also be live music, an open dance floor, food and beverage booths and a museum and gallery walk. The Grand Center Arts & Entertainment District is located on Grand Blvd. between Lindell Blvd. and Delmar Blvd. 1 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 314-533-1884 or visit www.grandcenter.org.

September 25
Coffee with the Presidents
Meet and mingle with Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, incoming Missouri Botanical Garden president, and Dr. Peter H. Raven, Garden president emeritus. Enjoy light refreshments and remarks by Dr. Wyse Jackson, Dr. Raven and Arnold Donald, president of the Board of Trustees. This event takes place at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Spoehrer Plaza from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with remarks at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. For more information, visit www.mobot.org.

September 25
EarthWays Green Homes Festival
Informative exhibitors, more than 90 vendors showcasing “green innovations,” and children’s activities will fill the 3600 block of Grandel Square (between Grand Blvd. and Spring Ave.), home to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center. Local, healthy and sustainable treats will be served in a shaded food court, with live entertainment throughout the day, at this free event. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.greenhomesstl.org.

September 25-26
St. Louis Wine Festival
Sample from more than 150 wines from around the world. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door and include a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, a festival program, food and wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount. Designated driver tickets are $10. This event takes place at Art Hill at the Grand Basin from noon to 6 p.m. on both days. For more information, visit www.stlouiswinefestival.com.

September 25-26
Faust Historic Village Folk & Fine Art Festival
Enjoy tours, traditional demonstrations of blacksmithing, rope-making, pottery firing and other historical arts and crafts. A juried fine arts sale will also take place, with premier regional artists showcasing their finest work. This event will also include live music, food vendors and children’s activities, as well as unlimited rides on the St. Louis Carousel with a $5 admission fee. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 314-615-8328.

For example, Pottery Barn’s Wine Bottle Chandelier is made with repurposed green glass wine bottles, cork and iron. A one-of-a-kind aesthetic lends character and charm to its design, which is so simple yet incredibly inspired.

What we really love about this chandelier is how it can blend into a variety of home décor styles. It would be just as stunning in a countryside home filled with antiques as it would in a sleek, urban loft. (Photos courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)

The Entablature Mirror is an oversized, neoclasically inspired piece that is crafted of naturally distressed, reclaimed timbers from an old Scottish mill. Each mirror is hand-selected and hand-carved.

With the help of a European antiques dealer, one-of-a-kind Brickmaker's Tables – which, 100 years ago, were once pallets used to cut, cool and transport Belgian bricks – have been unearthed and transformed into stunning pieces for the home. Constructed of Northern European azobe wood boltedp planks and a hand-welded steel base, these tables have a rustic, distressed look.

Photography courtesy of www.restorationhardware.com

For more fabulous reclaimed treasures for the home – everything from accent pieces to office furniture, to outoor living items – visit www.restorationhardware.com or the St. Louis location, 1196 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-7566.

Here are a few examples of the 2010 Spring Gallery's offerings:

Native American Handwoven Blanket and Navajo Blanket

Earl Biss, Jr., American (1947-1998)
"Dark Rides in a Pond of Color"

James Shoolbred & Co., 19th Century
Diminutive Buffet

Pair Venetian Louis XV style Bombé Cases

Diamond, Sapphire and Tanzanite Jewelry

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.

Vicki Pickle, Editor-in-Chief
vpickle@stlouishomesmag.com