1. Antler Wine Rack from Black Forest Decor. (Photo courtesy of www.blackforestdecor.com)

2. Wrought Iron Antler Chandelier from Black Forest Decor. (Photo courtesy of www.blackforest.com)

3. Petrified Wood Side Table from Niche. (Photo courtesy of www.nichestl.com)

4. Wood Knot Table Lamp from West Elm. (Photo courtesy of www.westelm.com)

5. Root Of The Earth Bowl from Viva Terra. (Photo courtesy of www.vivaterra.com)

6. Vanilla Creme Zig Zag Pillars from Pier One. (Photo courtesy of www.pier1.com)

7. Deer Valley Rustic Urn from Home Decorators Collection. (Photo courtesy of www.homedecorators.com)

8. Maldives End Table from Home Decorators Collection. (Photo courtesy of www.homedecorators.com)

 1. Lounge Chair and a Half from Crate and Barrel. (Photo courtesy of www.crateandbarrel.com)

2. Harlow Table Lamp from Home Decorators Collection. (Photo courtesy of www.homedecorators.com)

3. Essential Cozy Throw from Pottery Barn. (Photo courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)

4. Wire Swirls Platter from Pier 1. (Photo courtesy of www.pier1.com)

5. Cashmere Cable Throw Pillow from Ralph Lauren. (Photo courtesy of www.ralphlauren.com/home)

6. Filled Glass Candles from Pottery Barn. (Photo courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)

7. Nuance Area Rug from Home Decorators Collection. (Photo courtesy of www.homedecorators.com)

My assistant editor Katie Underhill and I stopped in today to marvel at the merchandise, and here are a few pictures of some of our most interesting discoveries.

This unusual bed is as functional as it is eye-catching,
with a striking espresso headboard and plenty of room
for storage underneath the mattress.

Modern and whimsical, this charming silver utensil clock
brings a touch of fun to the kitchen.

Good Works' fashionable lighting, furniture
and accessories are full of energetic flair.

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.

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

PS – Watch for Dromcastle on our upcoming Luxury Home Tour in October!

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

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.

Vicki Pickle, Editor-In-Chief

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.

Happy planning,
Vicki Pickle

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”!

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

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.