1. Lakehouse navy/white indoor/outdoor rug by Dash & Albert, available through Expressions. “A fresh twist on a traditional pattern, the oversized stripes on this indoor/outdoor rug make it a must-have! It’s the perfect addition to an all-season room or a covered patio.” – Jenna Dunbar, Marketing Coordinator (Photo courtesy of www.dashandalbert.com)

2. Sea Coral indoor/outdoor rug from Soft Surroundings. “This beautiful rug has an organic feel to it, and I love the coral motif. It would look wonderful on a sun porch with some dark brown wicker furniture.” – Editor-in-Chief, Judy Uelk (Photo courtesy of www.softsurroundings.com)

3. Le Poeme indoor/outdoor rug from Ballard Designs. “The story of La Cigale et La Fourmi by the 17th-century French fabulist Jean de La Fontaine becomes a work of art with this indoor/outdoor rug. Neutral tones give it an understated sophistication that can be easily jazzed up with a few metallic accent pieces.” – Katie Underhill, Managing Editor (Photo courtesy of www.ballarddesigns.com)

4. Florin indoor/outdoor rug from Garnet Hill. “The bold colors and striking pattern on this rug really make a statement. Its playful design would add the perfect amount of punch on the porch or by the pool.” – Heather Riske, Editorial Intern (Photo courtesy of www.garnethill.com)

5. Sand Dollar indoor/outdoor rug from Soft Surroundings. “I love the combination of the beige and that pop of red on this rug, and the sand dollars make me think of summer at the beach – which I can’t seem to get off my mind lately. I wonder why?” – Lauren Schrader, Art Director (Photo courtesy of www.softsurroundings.com)

(Photo courtesy of www.conranusa.com)

1. “Burgers: From Barbecue Ranch Burger to Miso Salmon Burger” by Paul Gayler and Gus Filgate, available through Barnes & Noble. “As a writer, I LOVE books, and cookbooks are like eye candy for me. They give me such inspiration to break out of my normal routine and make something fun for my family. With a 16-year-old son who adores anything in the burger family, this collection of recipes might just be the kick-start I need for a summertime of happy grilling.” – Judy Uelk, Editor-in-Chief (Photo courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

2. Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer from Brookstone. “This meat thermometer is almost too good to be true! Hands-free with a 300-foot receiving range, this wireless alert system will make sure you never overcook meat again. It’s the perfect accessory to turn even the most novice of grillers into an expert.” – Jenna Dunbar, Marketing Coordinator (Photo courtesy of www.brookstone.com)

3. The Big Green Egg, available through Terra. “The Big Green Egg just can’t be beat as the perfect Father’s Day present. We have enjoyed our Big Green Egg for several years. It retains moisture and seals in flavor, and it’s unequalled by other types of cooking devices, indoors or out. And, it’s available in five sizes, from a mini to extra-large. Dad will love it.” – Suzie Osterloh, Publishing Director (Photo courtesy of www.biggreenegg.com)

4. Charcoal Companion Pizza Stone, Grill Top PizzaQue from Macy’s. “A Chicago native, my dad is famous for his deep-dish pizzas. This pizza stone would be a fun way for him to try his pizza skills on the grill this Father’s Day.” – Heather Riske, Editorial Intern (Photo courtesy of www.macys.com)
5. St. Louis Cardinals Grill Cover from MLB.com. “Not only do dads love their grills, but they love their baseball, too. This year, spoil him with a grill cover that will put his old black one to shame. His friends will be jealous of his grill and his shiny new Cardinals cover all summer long!” – Lauren Schrader, Art Director (Photo courtesy of www.mlb.com)

6. The Ultimate Grilling Rub Collection from Williams-Sonoma. “Kick up your barbecue a notch this summer! Perfect for chicken, beef, pork, vegetables and seafood, these grill rubs will help you invent new flavors and recipes on a nightly basis.” – Katie Underhill, Managing Editor (Photo courtesy of www.williams-sonoma.com)

1. Milan Outdoor Lantern from Frontgate. (Photo courtesy of www.frontgate.com)
2. Casablanca Filigree Metal Lanterns from Pottery Barn. (Photo courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)
3. Large X Design Lantern from Horchow. (Photo courtesy of www.horchow.com)
4. Evening Edition Lantern from Anthropologie. (Photo courtesy of www.anthropologie.com)
5. Jewel Garden Lantern from Calypso St. Barth. (Photo courtesy of www.calypsostbarth.com)
6. Park Hill Windowpane Lantern from Pottery Barn. (Photo courtesy of www.potterybarn.com)
7. Large Oyster Shell Lantern from Wisteria. (Photo courtesy of www.wisteria.com)
8. Riado Lanterns from Williams-Sonoma Home. (Photo courtesy of www.wshome.com)

(Photo courtesy of www.roomandboard.com)

Here are a few items for inspiration!

Antique White Cement Firebowl, Black Glass Chat Table with Firepit and Three Layer Glass Firepot, all available at Seasonal Concepts, 14121 Manchester Rd., 636-227-4044, www.seasonalconceptsonline.com. (Photos courtesy of www.seasonalconceptsonline.com)

Cashmere Throw, available at Williams-Sonoma Home, 1745 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 314-983-9467, www.wshome.com. (Photo courtesy of www.wshome.com)

Set of 4 Red Dots Mugs by Rosanna Dinnerware, available at Macy’s. Visit www.macys.com to find store locations throughout St. Louis or to purchase online. (Photo courtesy of www.macys.com)

* Before you visit one of these locations to purchase an item on this list, please call the store to make sure the product you are interested in is still in stock.

Cooking, dining and entertaining alfresco aren’t just for spring and summer, so don’t abandon your grill when the weather turns cool. You can even decorate your deck or patio for fall with pumpkins, gourds and richly colored accent pieces – such as pillows made with durable outdoor fabrics – to make the most of your outdoor space.

Fall is also a great time to start some of the more extensive outdoor updates you’ve been dreaming about all summer. Whether you’re in need of something as simple as new patio furniture or something as important as a new deck, sunroom or outdoor fireplace, now is the time to move forward. Investing in your home’s outdoor living spaces will most certainly pay off in the future, and you’ll have a beautiful space for family gatherings that can be used three out of four seasons during the year!

This Windham Metro Classic cast aluminum dining set, available at Seasonal Concepts, will add style to your outdoor setting. For more information, visit the St. Louis location at 14121 Manchester Rd. or go to www.seasonalconceptsonline.com.

Chilewich Color Block Print placemats, available at The Gifted Gardener, will infuse bright, sunny color into your summertime tablescape. Stop by The Gifted Gardener, located at 8935 Manchester Rd., or visit them online at www.thegiftedgardener.com.

Vibrant, mix-and-match Bianca Melamine dinner plates and Everyday flatware set are pool- and patio-friendly. Crate and Barrel is located at 1 The Boulevard. Visit www.crateandbarrel.com.

Photography courtesy of Seasonal Concepts

These Old Forge Adirondack chairs by New River are handcrafted from Brazilian Cherry and available in two eco-friendly finishes: Reve and ClearCare. The Reve finish is a water-based factory finish that moves with the natural expansion and contraction of the wood, which also prevents fading, checking, cracking, splitting, rot and pests. ClearCare is a water-based factory finish that allows the wood's natural grain to show through while providing adequate protection.

Visit www.seasonalconceptsonline.com for more information or to place an order, or stop by the St. Louis location, 14121 Manchester Rd., 636-227-4044.

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