MARCH 2020
LifestylePubs.com/Kirkwood
The Home Issue
LIFESTYLE LETTER
MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com
There’s no place like home. THIS PIECE OF ART MAKES ME SMILE. This is the artwork that is hanging on the dining room wall in this month’s featured Open House. For me, this represents everything that makes a house a home. Stories. There is a sweet, and very unlikely, story about why this artwork is on the wall of this home. Houses are filled with furniture. Homes are filled with stories.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Heidi Drexler | heidi@heididrexlerphotography.com AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beth Glennon, James Kauffman, Mike Swaleh CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Porter
Love. This artwork was a gift from the heart. When you walk into a house, you can appreciate the art. When you walk into a home, you can feel the love. Unique. There are probably hundreds (thousands?) of artful pictures of Dorothy. But this one jumps off the wall. Houses are quiet. Homes are filled with vibrant life. Connected. Each frame features one single image. But, it’s the connection between all three frames that makes the artwork complete. A house is one single place. A home is where you feel connected. This month, when you're at home, listen closer, love bigger, laugh harder and connect deeper. Clicking your heels three times seems to help.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Renee Moore, Publisher
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER 2003 Kirkwood High School Graduates Rachel and David Baker and their boys.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI DREXLER PHOTOGRAPHY 4
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
LifestylePubs.com/Kirkwood
Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020
FEATURES 12 Where Classic Meets Edgy Patti Porter, owner of Rusted Chandelier, likes her designs to be 10 degrees off-center
16 Adding Plants to Plates Caryn Dugan’s unexpected journey becomes one of Kirkwood’s newest businesses
24 New Ways of Throwing Shade Latest trends in window treatments from Two Blind Guys
16 28
28 In Living Color A traditional 1950’s home in Warson Woods is remodeled with bold color
24
DEPARTMENTS
12
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Locally Owned
16
Healthy Lifestyle
20 Food & Wine 24 Tech Savvy 26 DIY 28 Open House 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Financial Buzz
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
7
GOOD TIMES
Villa di Maria Montessori School Explored SLAM Villa di Maria Montessori School explored the St. Louis Art Museum last month. Students took weekly field trips to participate in the Saint Louis Art Museum's Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) Program. With the help of Upper Elementary guides, assistants and VdM staff members, students explored SLAM’s exhibits in small groups, sometimes with docents and sometimes independently.
Goldfish Swim School Opens in Warson Woods Goldfish Swim School in Warson Woods celebrated their Grand Opening Party on February 15. Families enjoyed the brand new learnto-swim facility, which features a 90-degree shiver-free pool. Because kids learn best through guided play, Goldfish Swim School teaches a holistic philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay® to children between the ages of 4 months to 12 years old.
8
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
AROUND TOWN
MOSBY BUILDING ARTS' “STUFF THE TRUCK” DONATION EVENT
KIRKWOOD RESIDENT, CHRIS PHILLIPS, CELEBRATES HIS NEW BUSINESS
When Mosby Buiding Arts says, "Home Never
Chris Phillips, Kirkwood resident and owner of The
Felt So Good", they truly mean it. The community
Diamond Bar, celebrates his new business. Chris has
came out to support Mosby Building Arts' 6th annual
curated a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that com-
Stuff the Truck event to benefit Home Sweet Home,
bines the excitement of discovering fine jewelry with the
Lydia’s House, and The Women’s Safe House. Over
joy of hanging out in a neighborhood bar. Located just
1,000 household items were collected and donated
outside of Kirkwood on 13360 Clayton Road.
to the three local non-profits that offer a safe and comfortable place to call home.
GETTING WELLER TEAM WELCOMES TWO NEW DOCTORS
GRAPEVINE WINES SUPPORTS HOME SWEET HOME Outstanding!
Grapevine
Wines'
customers
growing. Drs. Red Powers and Marcie McKenna were
raised $8625 for Home Sweet Home, a 501(c)(3)
welcomed to the Getting Weller Team with a Kirkwood -
organization connecting non-profit partners in the
Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
St. Louis region with donated furniture and house-
By applying science and common sense, this compas-
hold items. The mission of Home Sweet Home is
sionate Getting Weller team serves individuals, families,
to help clients transition to their new living situa-
and businesses that are seeking a healthy way to live
tions with much-needed furnishings, providing a
their lives. Healthy body, healthy mind and healthy rela-
sense of ownership and a source of stability at this
tionships, all the while giving gratitude to God.
crucial time. Congratulations to all! 10
For the past 13 years, Dr. Eddie Weller has been serving St. Louis. Now, the Getting Weller team is
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
DESIGNER BANDED SHADES
WWW.TWOBLINDGUYS.COM (314) 698-2090
CALL US
WINDOW Dylan Kerr (867) 379-3820 TREATMENTS
JUST LISTED!
DESIGN SHOWROOM
1066 N. BALLAS RD. San Carlos Court  Elyria, OH 44035 DES87 PERES, MO 63131
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
11
LOCALLY OWNED
WHERE CLASSIC MEETS E D GY
ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER
PATTI PORTER, OWNER OF RUSTED CHANDELIER, LIKES HER DESIGNS TO BE 10 DEGREES OFF-CENTER
PATTI PORTER, THE OWNER OF RUSTED CHANDELIER, LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD, DESCRIBES THE PHILOSOPHY THAT GUIDES HER CREATIVE DESIGN. “I always like to say you want to be 10 degrees off. Not so standard in the box.” Patti prefers sofa tables and coffee tables to be interesting, but she keeps those pieces neutral to allow the accessories, like art and pillows, to be funkier.
SETTING UP SHOP My family championed for me to open a store. During a family road trip, our whole conversation was about the idea of starting a business and wondering what to call it. One of the kids noted that I like old, rusted things. I agreed, but I also said I loved pretty chandeliers. The kids came up with the name Rusted Chandelier. I thought, “That’s got a ring to it.” After that trip, I talked with Carol Temple, owner of Pizazz 2 Interiors, about working together in a retail space. Before long, Diann Bosworth, owner of db Creative, joined us. Then, I signed the lease, got a Visa machine and cash registers, and there was no stopping me. I was like a racehorse at the gate just waiting to get out. I haven’t stopped. I try each year to make it better and better; to find those wonderful, unique, and different items that you don’t see anywhere else.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
CREATING A HAPPY PLACE
FINDING FLORALS THAT FIT
The best thing I can hear, the thing that makes it all
Florals give any room warmth and texture to break
worthwhile is when customers say, “I just had to come
up hard surfaces and soften the edges. People come in
to my happy place today.” That’s what this is all about. I
looking for traditional arrangements, but typically they
love spending time with customers searching and digging
leave with something upbeat and creative. I have been
for unique items they wouldn’t find in any other store,
doing a lot with orchids. The fresh touch peonies and
things that make them happy. I have a special place in
roses feel so real, and the colors are gorgeous. Florals
my heart for using monkeys as unique accessories, so
are the easiest way to change a room. It’s as simple as
we have plenty of monkeys around to make people smile.
bringing in measurements of the space to be filled. If it’s a
Right now, I love decorating with prayer beads. Recently,
dining room table, bring the measurement from the table
I found a vendor that reproduces dough bowls that I’m
to the bottom of the chandelier. Or, take a picture of the
really excited about. Original dough bowls are very costly.
space. Customers can bring in their container, and we can
These reproductions look great and are affordable. They
rework it, or add new florals. I encourage people to invest
can be used in many different ways, as a floral container
in a container and then give it a new life with different
or placed with silver or china. I’m in my happy place when
looks throughout the year. If customers don’t have some-
I’m showing customers how to take an ordinary item and
thing to start with, they are likely to discover something
turn it into something extraordinary. I feel so blessed and
delightfully surprising in the store.
so lucky to be able to do that. CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
13
LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)
CURATING ART I usually know immediately. If I look at a piece and it makes me smile, it ends up in the shop. Of course, I’m drawn to color — bright, happy colors. But I do like a tone-on-tone that feels good. When I buy an image, I spend time determining if it is going to be matted, behind glass, not behind glass, or on canvas. I am actively looking for a local artist to feature in my shop. I would love to be able to sell originals.
TRENDING FOR 2020 I’ve seen a lot of natural elements, like wood. But, then there are major brights coming out as well. I am thrilled with the variety of trends. Customers trust me to bring creative, new ideas to their homes. Currently, I like this idea of having things go organic and natural in plants. For people that can’t keep up with the care of real plants, artificials come in wonderful varieties. We just got in this new fiddle leaf fig, which people love but struggle with growing because it requires bright, consistent sunlight. The leaves of these new artificials are so realistic. Something else that I’m excited to bring people in 2020 is a custom furniture line from Norwalk. This brand has a great price point and delivers quickly. I try to find pieces that are neutral so that customers can add funky accessories that are a little… 10 degrees off.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
15
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
ADDING PL ANTS
TO PL ATES ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER 16
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
CARYN DUGAN’S UNEXPECTED JOURNEY LEADS TO ONE OF KIRKWOOD’S NEWEST BUSINESSES
ONE AFTERNOON, CARYN DUGAN WALKED
“I was a horrible cook. I remember Tim saying, after
INTO HER KITCHEN AND PROMPTLY THREW
one of my attempts to make dinner, 'You keep cook-
AWAY EVERY PIECE OF FOOD THAT WAS ONCE
ing food like this you’re going to kill us both.'”
AN ANIMAL OR CONTAINED AN ANIMAL PROD-
The next day, Tim booked a cooking class at Whole
UCT. This wasn't about saving animals or being part of
Foods and, ultimately, started the path that led to the
a movement. This was about never getting cancer again.
door of The Center for Plant-Based Living.
At the age of 33, Caryn was diagnosed with malig-
“I didn’t think about taking a vegan cooking class.
nant melanoma. Although the tumor was successfully
I wasn't interested in being vegan or cooking. I just
removed, there was a high probability of recurrence.
didn’t want to die. But the instructor made cooking
Having just lost her dad to cancer, Caryn went on a quest. She recalls, “I went to Dr. Google. I Googled how to build your immune system to beat cancer. I wanted to figure out how not to get cancer again.” She research
found with
volumes a
of
common
thread: a vegan diet. Caryn remembers
thinking,
“That
can’t be right. Plants can’t help you get healthy. Certainly, plants can’t reverse any kind of detrimental health outcome.” Researchers
advised
to
“eat the rainbow” for a healthy
look effortless. She was inspir-
“ I C OU L D N O T F I ND ONE R E S E A RC H S T U DY T H AT S AY S , ‘ P L A N T S A R E N O T G O OD
ing and the food was delicious. I felt like I could do this.” Unexpectedly, the instructor called the next day and offered Caryn a job as the class assistant. For the next two and ½ years, Caryn soaked in everything about plantbased nutrition and the deep connection between food and health. In 2009, Caryn created the
F OR YOU R
Twitter handle STL-VegGirl to
H E A LT H ’.”
thought-leaders. STL-VegGirl
follow plant-based nutrition became a verified business
immune system. “Growing up,
two years later when Caryn
food was never a focus for my
took over as Whole Food's
family. There was never an
lead nutritional instructor.
awareness of nutrition. I knew the expressions 'eat
"I didn’t have any training. I was in front of people
your greens', and 'eat your vegetables'. But it didn't
who were a thousand times smarter than me. But a
resonate because nobody explained why. Nobody
notion was burning in the back of my mind that said, 'I
talked about how antioxidants protect cells and build
think I might have something to offer if I could get spe-
the immune system.”
cific certifications.’"
Committed to completely overhauling the food
Caryn applied and was accepted into the Food for
choices for her and her husband, Tim, Caryn went
Life Certification program at the Physicians Committee
back to Google and typed in vegan 101 recipes.
for
Responsible
Medicine
in
Washington
DC.
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
17
HE ALTH Y LIFEST Y LE (CONTINUED)
Immediately after completing that intensive course, the Cancer Support Community in Des Peres hired her to teach nutrition to their community. “That was my first full-circle moment. That community is so thirsty for knowledge because they're so scared. This was my chance to be the person that I needed when I had cancer." Caryn became laser-focused about teaching. In addition to receiving more certificates in nutrition, she became a Certified Health and Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches. She also created a multi-part community support program endorsed by Forks Over Knives. As the plant-based movement gained more mainstream strength and speed, Caryn juggled teaching, being a personal chef, and running a prepared food delivery service all while having a full-time job. Finally, in 2014, Caryn left the corporate world to focus on educating the masses through social media, tv coverage and her work with the Plantrician Project™. After a sold-out nutrition summit at Washington University, Caryn felt St. Louis was ready for a plantbased nutrition learning center. She called two industry leaders asking them to point her to an existing brick and mortar business that she could model. Both experts stated that no such business existed. Caryn declared, "I'm going to open that place." "I saved for two years and on the anniversary of my dad’s passing, Tim and I opened the nation's first plantbased nutrition and culinary education center. Right in the middle of the country."
18
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
“I OPE N E D U P T H E N AT ION ’ S F I R ST PL A N T- B A SE D N U T R I T ION A N D C U L I N A RY E DUC AT ION C E N T E R .” The Center for Plant-Based Living, located on 131 W. Jefferson in downtown Kirkwood, offers demonstration classes, hands-on cooking classes, and classes focused on foods that fight diabetes and cancer. "I’ve collaborated with Forks over Knives to create the only official in-person 6-week community program. It sells out every time." Caryn is intentional about making students feel comfortable in class. "Tim built this kitchen. It is outfitted with residential grade equipment because I want people to leave with the confidence to create these recipes in their kitchen." Coming here doesn’t mean that you have to be plant-based or vegan or vegetarian. Come in if you are simply curious about how to add more plants to your plate.
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
19
FOOD & WINE
the one where yo u h o s t EVERYONE LOVES GOING TO A PARTY, BUT NOT EVERYONE LOVES HOSTING. Really, if your name isn’t Monica Geller, hosting a party is not on your to-do list. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what food to make and drinks to buy. Thanks to Sarah Priest, a local chef and food stylist, these two simple yet delicious recipes will make hosting less stressful. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve steered clear of including any sort of trifle recipe so you won’t be serving your guests a version of Rachel’s disastrous “traditional” trifle. Offer your friends these flavorful treats to sip and savor and they won’t want to leave. Which could end up being a problem that we deal with in another issue called, “The One Where You Say Goodbye.”
ARTICLE JAMES KAUFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
hosting tip 1
hosting tip 2
Remember when Phoebe was in charge of cups and ice? A simple but necessary task every host should take seriously.
Don’t be like Monica and prepare three different types of potatoes for one dinner. Instead, have everyone bring a side dish.
APEROL SPRITZ INGREDIENTS + 1/3 Aperol
+ 1/3 club soda
+ 1/3 white wine or rosé + orange or lemon
DIRECTIONS 01 Fill rocks glass or wine glass with ice 02 In equal parts pour Aperol, wine, and top with club soda 03 Garnish with a lemon or orange peel slice
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
21
WHIPPED FETA
FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
+ 8 oz feta
01 In a mixer with a whipped attachment or food processor, blend the feta and olive
+ 1/2 cup sour cream or
oil until combined
plain full-fat Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp olive oil
02 Add in sour cream or Greek yogurt
+ a bit of local honey + cracked black pepper
03 Once whipped, place on a plate and create a well with a spoon
to taste + warm pita or naan slices
04 Drizzle honey over the cheese and top with black pepper 05 Serve with pita bread
22
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
hosting tip 3 Invite everyone you are supposed to. Don’t forget to invite your best friend’s mom to her own baby shower.
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
23
TECH SAVVY
new ways of throwing shade DISCOVER THE LATEST TRENDS IN WINDOW COVERINGS FROM TWO BLIND GUYS, A SECOND-GENERATION, KIRKWOOD-FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS, BLINDS, SHADES, AND SHUTTERS FROM HUNTER DOUGLAS. Owner Debbie Kinsinger values integrity, exceptional customer service, unmatched communication and being an advocate for her customers.
ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER DOUGLAS
INNOVATION Home automation is becoming standard in Kirkwood area homes as they are being remodeled or rebuilt. Hunter Douglas is the leader in window treatment innovation. Automated products
feature
remote
control
options that operate from wireless devices and integrate with home automation
systems.
“Automation
also helps seniors who are modifying their homes to stay in them longer,” notes Debbie Kinsinger.
24
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
CHILD SAFETY Window trends have come and
LIGHT CONTROL AND PRIVACY
Hunter Douglas sets the trend
gone since Debbie started the busi-
“We treat our gallery like a showroom,”
for homeowners concerned about
ness in 1998. But Hunter Douglas’
states Debbie. “Custom home builders,
a room’s UV exposure, temperature,
commitment to child safety remains
renovators, and contractors come in to
and insulation from colder air. Without
constant. Parents appreciate the
get educated and experience the lat-
energy-efficient window treatments,
cordless product feature with pull-up
est trends.” Two Blind Guys opened St.
as much as 50% of a home’s heating
or pull-down handles. Classic Blue
Louis’ first Hunter Douglas Gallery in
and cooling energy can be lost through
is the color of the year and Hunter
2004. Today, the showroom features prod-
windows. The latest window treat-
Douglas offers a wide pallet of colors
ucts offering a range of fabrics and mate-
ments feature insulation, solar heat
and styles that match the latest color
rials with opacities from sheer to opaque.
control and daylighting to keep rooms
trends for every room.
2020 trends allow natural sunlight to illu-
warm in winter and cooler in summer.
minate a room and reduce artificial light.
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
25
DIY ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER | PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN
check your groceries at the door
SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME + GET MEAL KITS DELIVERED FOR EASY COOKING AND HEALTHY LIVING
1
Choos i n g a bra nd
choose your meals
ALL PLANT-BASED Purple Carrot
When you sign up for a meal subscription box,
FARM FRESH +
you get to decide if you want all of your food for
ORGANIC
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FAST + EASY
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COOKING
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Gobble
ship weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
CUSTOMIZABLE
2
Imperfect Foods
delivery
Most food subscription boxes will allow you to choose a delivery day and time frame that works best for you. Your grocery items will be packaged as intuitively as possible, with any refrigerator items tucked in with ice packs. Bonus: You can reuse the insulation and ice packs in kids’ lunch boxes, on road trips or in your own lunches at work.
26
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
TIP:
freezer items in specially insulated sacks and
Try out a few different boxes. You can pause your subscription for the first one while you try a second one. Just remember to cancel the accounts you don’t want anymore!
3
ingredients + Prep
Depending on what you order, you may need some of your own supplies. When you select your meals, think about what you will need to cook the food in and if any other kitchen utensils would be helpful. Have them ready to go so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store, defeating the purpose of getting your box delivered! If the meals are foods you would enjoy reheated, you could do all of your cooking the day you get the box to meal prep for your week, or you can just store the ingredients to the other meals in your fridge and cook them throughout the week.
4
cooking
If you’re a little less-experienced in the kitchen, meal kits are great for learning! Read the instructions carefully before you get started so you don’t feel frazzled while the heat is up high, and take your time. If you are a more seasoned chef, feel free to take your own spin on the recipes and add some extra flavor or swap out ingredients to make it perfect for your palate.
l ea r n more on l i n e IMPERFECT FOODS imperfectfoods.com
PURPLE CARROT purplecarrot.com
SUN BASKET sunbasket.com
GOBBLE
gobble.com
5
let’s eat!
This is the really fun part! It’s time to start taste-testing. Make a note tab in your phone for tracking what you love and what isn’t your favorite. That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. Don’t forget to ask your family what was a hit and a miss. Who knows— maybe the kids love some of the Purple Carrot recipes and don’t even notice how many veggies they are eating!
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
27
color
in living
OPEN HOUSE
TRADITIONAL 1950’S WARSON WOODS HOME REMODELED WITH BOLD COLOR ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER
28
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
POPS OF COLOR Kitchen chairs covered in bold shades of velvet Inspired by art, there was no question in the homeowner’s mind that these dining room walls were to match the deep navy color of the birds’ feathers in the artist’s rendering. Two large bookcases painted in bright white flank the wall. The upper doors of the bookcases, featuring chicken wire instead of glass, display whimsical treasures that highlight a love for finding quirky ways to blend old and new with bold pops of color. Two chandeliers at each end of the long dining table hang from a beautifully crafted ceiling beam. The focal point of the room is the voluminous, bright pink floral arrangement in the center of the dining table. The centerpiece can be easily changed to match the seasons. Think big cherry blossoms with forsythia for the spring.
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
29
OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
BUILT-IN BAR
the new through the use of color and texture. This homeowner’s
Colorful and quirky accessories complete this entertainment area
favorite color pallets are white and black, pink and orange, and blue and white. Accordingly, two large black and white inkblot
This traditional Warson Woods 2,300 square foot ranch home, circa
images anchor their gallery wall. Art varying in size and style
1950, features a built-in bar that acts as a central entertainment hub
adorn the rest of the wall. Most of the pieces are black and white,
between the kitchen and family room. The homeowners decided this
with the expected burst of orange and blue color in a picture or
was the perfect place to pair their love for easy entertaining with their
two. A massive white twig chandelier adds a layer of texture to the
passion for colorful and quirky conversation pieces. They expanded the
vaulted ceiling and perfectly complements the unique accessories
bar to include a large refreshment refrigerator and capped off the seat-
discovered around the room. With all of the textures and layers
ing area with a turquoise bull’s head, mounted front and center above
throughout the house, the one design element the homeowner
the bar. Multiple monkey accessories, interesting artifacts, and animal
intentionally chooses not to use is window treatments. With no
printed bar chairs commonly spark conversations around the question,
drapery or fabric framing the large windows, each room feels
“Where did you find these?” While the turquoise bull’s head provides
open and airy. And, most importantly, the natural light highlights
personality to the room, it is the expansive gallery wall that celebrates
each treasured accessory. Every piece tells a story. Every piece
the homeowners’ vision of letting their art and accessories do the
comes to life with the warmth of the bright sunlight.
talking. A gallery wall provides a unique focal point to any house by bringing all the artwork together as opposed to having various pieces
WHITE WASHED FIREPLACE
placed around the home. Gallery walls often start with a mix of large
Colorful art and accessories against a white wall
and small frames bringing scale and proportion to the space. While gallery walls are unique to every home, typically, they
The vaulted family room feels crisp and inviting with warm hard-
are a collection of things beloved by the homeowners – think art,
wood floors that flow elegantly into an all-white kitchen. Originally,
mirrors, sconces, vases, and other elements to add dimension. In
there was a wall separating these two rooms. Thick wood paneling
this home, the most beloved things are the blending of the old and
and a burnt-red brick fireplace made the family room feel cold
30
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
and unfriendly. Dark cabinets, heavy curtains, and carpeting throughout the kitchen dulled any inspiration for cooking or baking. That all changed in October of 2014 when the homeowners opened the door to their new home and began renovation. They immediately set to work to create a simple, classic space where their treasured art and accessories could burst with color and personality. This all-white kitchen, stunningly styled with brilliant silver trays artfully placed among colorful florals and unique accessories, is classic. Interestingly, the house came with Carrara marble on several of the window sills - indicating to the homeowner that the home was aching to have more of this earthy stone element added throughout the interior. Naturally, as part of their remodel, Carrara marble was added to the floors and countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and on the floor in the foyer with touches of black. With white marble, white cabinets, white subway tiles, and white walls as the backdrop in the kitchen, color comes from the kitchen chairs, each a different shade of velvet. Delightful pink and orange pops of color spring from flowers, tea towels, and containers. Layering texture and color over a white background allows for a casual blend of vintage and contemporary pieces – mixing the old with the new. Moving from the kitchen into the family room, a cozy corner fireplace, a custom-made sofa, and comfy armchairs offer an invitation to stay awhile. Staying true to the homeowner's love for quirky and unexpected color, a large piece of art depicting multi-colored fish hangs above the newly whitewashed fireplace. The white sofa, covered in a luxurious, performance fabric from C.R. Laine, provides an opportunity for the color to come from pillows and throws adding life to this perfectly designed home.
National Strength,
Hometown Service A MORTGAGE BUILT JUST FOR YOU
Call Mike Swaleh at (314) 478-3699
NMLS# 739145 Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122
NMLS#1609357
@fairwaystlouis March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
31
MARCH
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
6
8
21
THE LODGE DES PERES SPRING DIVE-IN MOVIE
SHOWTUNES YOGA WITH YOGA BUZZ
Bring your family, friends, and neigh-
Join Yoga Buzz and The Muny Young
THE MAGIC HOUSE, MAD FOR KIDS MAKER SERIES: PAPER MARBLING
bors to the indoor pool and enjoy a
Friends for an hour-long, all-levels
Make swirls, stones, chevrons, and
family movie while you float in one
yoga class set to classic show tunes.
other patterns when you join paper art-
of our tubes or just play in the water.
We're unrolling our mats at Webster
ist Megan Singleton to marbleize paper.
The entire indoor pool area will be
University's dance studio to cele-
Explore the traditional techniques used
open and available to enjoy includ-
brate the 102nd Muny Season! $10
in printing and bookbinding for centu-
ing the concession stand. Advanced
per person.
ries. The Magic House, MADE for Kids
The Lodge Des Peres Indoor Pool
registration
is
Webster University
preferred.
Cost:
$5/Resident;
$10/
The Magic House, MADE for Kids
is located on 5127 Delmar Boulevard
Non-Resident
11-29
07, 08
THE REPERTORY THEATER PRESENTS THE CAKE
ARTISTS BOUTIQUE
Indulge in the story of Della and Jen and
Kirkwood Community Center
the challenges that come with baking a
We are bringing back the classics.
The Artists Boutique is committed
wedding cake. With immense heart and
Join us for a Smash Brothers gaming
to a long tradition of presenting
humor, Brunstetter’s play navigates the
tournament. Play against other teens
quality art and fine craft. The exhibit
messy collision of the personal and the
and make your way through the
will showcase over 50 local and
political, while illuminating the humanity
bracket to win! Ages 12-18. Register
regional artists. This is a free event
of all involved. To learn more about this
online at kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org
on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM
quirky play go to repstl.org. Ticket prices
- 4 PM. For more information visit
range from $46-$71.
Free/Member;
The Repertory Theater of St. Louis
artistsboutique.org.
13-15, AND 19-22
7 KIRKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT NOW COMMUNITY BREAKFAST Circle 7 Ranch
The
Kirkwood
School
District
KIRKWOOD THEATER GUILD PRESENTS ON GOLDEN POND
St. Louis, MO 63108.
27 SMASH BROTHERS TOURNAMENT Kirkwood Public Library
27 PINOT'S PALETTE SUNSET BRIDGE Pinot's Palette
Join the paint and sip party at this local studio. Enjoy drinks, upbeat music and hanging out with your
Kirkwood Theatre Guild
favorite people while you paint! It's as
Nutrition on the Weekends (NOW)
With numerous dates throughout
fun for first-time painters as it is for
program is partnering with Circle
March, you won't want to miss this
experienced artists. $35 per guest.
7 Ranch, 11769 Manchester Road,
performance. Watch the love story
to host a breakfast benefiting KSD
of Ethel and Norman Thayer unfold,
NOW. Attendance is $12 per person
as they return to their summer home
for a buffet-style breakfast. Every
on Golden Pond for their forty-eighth
dollar donated to KSD NOW will
year. For more information visit
help provide a local child in need of
ktg-onstage.org
healthy meals on the weekend.
28 M-T-R TRIVIA NIGHT
Kirkwood Community Center
Music That Reclaims (M-T-R) is a non-profit organization that helps bring music to foster children so they too might experience its inspirational, inclusive and healing properties.
32
Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020
M-T-R’s trivia night helps raise money for music lessons, experiences, and therapy for local foster children. Attendance is $25 per person. For more information or to register, visit musicthatreclaims.org.
Montessori
28 KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BAND MATTRESS FUNDRAISER Kirkwood High School
Get a better night's sleep and support the Kirkwood High School Band with their Mattress Fundraiser. Find name brands like Simmons Beautyrest on display for savings up to 50% off retail showroom prices. One day only. Proceeds paid directly to the Band.
Purposeful Education Prepares for life, work, and community AMI Accredited Education Children Ages 3–12 Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601
We are always accepting submissions for events you'd like to see included in our Calendar section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Kirkwood.
1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, Mo 63122 www.villadimaria.org March 2020 | Kirkwood Lifestyle
33
ARTICLE MIKE SWALEH, FAIRWAY AREA MANAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER
FINANCIAL BUZZ
TA K E T H E U P P E R H A N D I N N E G O T I AT I O N S GRABBING AN EDGE IN THE COMPETITIVE KIRKWOOD HOME MARKET
Three Ways to Help You Win IF 2020 IS YOUR YEAR FOR MOVING UP OR DOWNSIZ-
UPPER HAND IN NEGOTIATIONS
ING, BE AWARE OF ONE SMALL THING YOU CAN DO
Above all else, sellers want certainty. Banks may
TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THIS PROCESS. Once
hand out pre-approval letters based off of quick
you find your dream home, the rubber meets the road fast:
conversations, so “pre”-approvals provide no
you’ve got inspections, appraisals, renegotiations, movers
guarantee. As a fully vetted buyer, you have an
to schedule…the list goes on and on. Why would you wait
edge that places you in a better position to nego-
until then to go through underwriting? Captain Obvious
tiate on other factors, like price or concessions.
can tell you how important it is to be Pre-Approved before you go house-hunting, but few people realize they can take things a step further. Part of being a great Loan Officer is helping buyers through this process. The best LO’s are 50% Math Whiz, and 80% Psychologist (you’ve added that right; they’re superhuman). Ask for a fully-underwritten pre-ap-
MANAGE THE ANXIETY Many buyers breathe a sigh of relief that they have already dealt with documentation before finding the right property, instead of during the purchase process.
proval. Getting your loan fully approved in advance means the hardest part of the mortgage is out of the way before
MOVE FAST, STRATEGICALLY
making the first offer. Now, you have the flexibility to be able
Having the flexibility to move super-fast benefits
to move super-fast with a strong competitive edge in secur-
you. Submitting an offer that says, “I’m so well
ing your beautiful new home.
qualified that I can close in 15 days,” may be exactly what a seller wants to hear.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2020