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stlouishomesmag.com NOV/DEC 2020

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contents

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 /// The Holiday Issue

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DEPARTMENTS 6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 10 TRENDS 12 FAB FINDS 14 INSIDER 16 ARTISAN–Scott Allison 18 ARTISAN–Linda Cowell 40 SHAWS VISION 42 DIRT 46 SMALL SCALE 52 BRIGHT IDEA 60 BEFORE & AFTER 66 CHEERS 70 SIGHTS 80 CLASSIC OR CRAZE

22 FEATURES

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GATHERING PLACE

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FESTIVE & FABULOUS

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A family of six embraces their loved ones and the holidays in a well-appointed modern farmhouse.

Months of preparation—and a lifetime of creativity—transform this elegant Town and Country residence into a holiday wonderland.

On the cover page 30 Boedges immediately recognized the Hillins’ desire for a modern farmhouse where nothing felt hands-off or stuffy.

Photography by Megan Lorenz.

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St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles (ISSN 1524-8755) Vol. 25, No. 9, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ©2020 by Distinctive Lifestyles, LLC. All rights reserved.

Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles is published nine times a year, monthly in MARCH, APRIL, MAY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER, and bi-monthly in JANUARY/FEBRUARY, JUNE/JULY and NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

by Distinctive Lifestyles, LLC, 255 Lamp & Lantern Village, Town & Country, MO 63017, (636) 230-9700. Periodicals postage paid at Chesterfield, MO 63017 and additional mailing offices.

Column Refrigeration 900 series

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YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: CHESTERFIELD

Shop online or schedule a personalized appointment from the comfort of your home today at fergusonshowrooms.com.

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HELLO

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

— William Arthus Ward

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

Growing up, I had a memorized list of what I was grateful for that I turned to whenever I was feeling a little blue. At the top of the list, I was grateful to be born to my mom and dad, that I was born in the United States and that I was a girl! As I grew up, the list was modified.

As I got older, the list morphed even further and got quite a bit longer.

Nowadays, a child could have on their list that they are grateful to go back to school! Even before remote learning became commonplace, Anne Marie Boedges' clients, Andy and Nikki Hillin, were well aware of the positives of a designated homework or "puzzle room." While living in their previous home, this set of parents went outside the box and converted their formal dining room into a homework space with the goal of keeping homework out of their children's bedrooms. Lesson learned. When it came time to build new, not only was their home designed as a gathering spot for good times, a custom designed "puzzle room" was included in the plans (pages 22-31).

While our two featured St. Louis artisans are keeping very busy producing handmade products, Scott Allison designing holiday houses (pages 16) and Linda Cowell creating heirloom-quality Santa dolls (page 18), local home decor and gift shops continue to refresh their stores with seasonal gifts and decor. As we make plans and prepare for the upcoming holidays, remember that the Christmas shopping season can make or break our locally owned shops. They will be forever grateful for your support.

Presents, yummy food, family traditions, live trees, twinkling lights, Christmas music, airport runs, wrapping paper, stocking stuffers and the belly laughs for days...the excitement of the season is here, all

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wrapped up like one big present for all of us. Christmas has arrived. Bring it on! Sure, this will probably be a different kind of Christmas, but we'll adapt as we must.

Here is a fabulous quote that made me pause and reflect!

"I was complaining that I had no shoes til I met a man who had no feet" - Confucius Thank you to all our clients and subscribers for your continued support this past year. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you!

Cheers to 2021!!!

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

Hope to see you at several events that we host and support this holiday season.

Holiday Tabletop Tour — Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes — Christmas Tour–Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Central West End Window Walk — Entire month of December

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! LET THREE FRENCH HENS HELP MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. HOLIDAY DECOR, CUSTOM FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES.

16935 Manchester Road in Wildwood 636-458-8033 www.threefrenchhenswildwood.com

Three French Hens - Wildwood

@tfhstl

inquiriesthreefrenchhens@gmail.com

Visit our website for more

Inspiration

PUBLISHER/OWNER: Suzie Osterloh EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Melissa Mauzy MANAGING EDITOR: Molly (Moe) Godat CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Dillon COPY EDITOR: Carol Wayne

stlouishomesmag.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lucyann Boston, Karen Cernich, Jeanne Delathouder, Kim Hill, Jamie Siebrase, Barb Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alise O’Brien Photography, Anne Matheis, Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton, Dorsett Photography Sayulita, Megan Lorenz

Jeff Day & Associates Anne Matheis Photography

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Colleen Poelker MARKETING + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: Ashley McGoff DISTRIBUTION MASTER: Barney Osterloh ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: molly@stlouishomesmag.com FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Call 636-230-9640, ext. 27 or email bosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com Visit www.stlouishomesmag.com St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Magazine 255 Lamp + Lantern Village Town & Country, MO 63017 636-230-9700 www.stlouishomesmag.com ©2020 by Distinctive Lifestyles LLC. All rights reserved.

Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only.

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PRESIDENT: Suzie Osterloh VICE PRESIDENT: Barney Osterloh St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles is a publication of Distinctive Lifestyles LLC

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TRENDS

Dax pool table with dining top, bench, accessories and wall rack, available at Frontgate.

Get in the Game Shagreen game table, by Aerin, available at Neiman Marcus, Saks and ServiceBureau Fine Stationary & Gifts.

Gather the family this holiday season for a competitive game night. Game tables are a fun, family addition to the home. From pool tables to tic tac toe boards, the games have just begun!

St. Louisan, available at AE Schmidt.

Crokinole game, available at Frontgate.

Franklin tric trac table, by Hickory Chair, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

By Melissa Mauzy

Elite game table, by Legacy Billiard, available at Amini’s.

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Deluxe bingo game, available at Pottery Barn.

Brunswick parsons teak tournament table foosball, available at RH.

Kitchen Design by James Howard Interior Design by Kelly Johnson

9808 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 314.993.6644 • glenalspaughkitchens.com Alise O’Brien Photography

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FAB FINDS

1. Copper and gold leaf garland, available at The Porch in Wildwood.

2. Red wooden beaded garland, available at The White Rabbit.

3. Gold glass beaded garland, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

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4. "Merry Christmas" pennant garland, available at The Gifted Gardener.

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GLITZY GARLANDS Magnolia and red berry garland, available at Three French Hens.

Whether for your Christmas tree, banister or fireplace mantel, these interesting garland options will add a kick to your holiday decor.

By Moe Godat Photography by Kim Dillon

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Pine garland with bird accent, available at Rusted Chandelier.

Flocked pine garland, available at Mary Tuttle's.

Thick pine garland with red and green plaid ribbon, available at Marketplace at the Abbey.

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INSIDER

Refresh Family Traditions & Treasures Award-winning designer Kris Keller, owner of The Design Source Ltd., gives us her top holiday decorating tips!

Edited by Moe Godat Portrait photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton Interior photography by Anne Matheis

1 Only Favorites

Keep It Simple

It is time to set aside anything “holiday� that does not feel just right anymore.

Begin this cleansing by thinking carefully and staying connected to your heart.

Create a season that honors your past, celebrates today and looks ahead with renewed possibility.

With everybody working and learning from home, who has time to detail the holiday decor with layers of embellishment? Select the best of the best (remember, only your favorites, please) and let the rest go. This is the perfect time to edit your treasures and recycle those no longer being used each year to local charities and resale shops.

Tip: Write a brief story about your piece and hide it underneath or tie it in place with satin ribbon for guests to read.

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Tip: The Assistance League of St. Louis has a wonderful resale shop, Fantastic Finds, located in Creve Coeur now accepting holiday decorations. A couple more charity related resale shops to consider are Get the Word Out in Webster Groves and Little Shop Around the Corner close to the Botanical Gardens.

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Natural Treasures

Family Tradition Refresh

Most Important of All

Day one of self-quarantine was also the beginning of my “walk every day, no matter what” initiative. I love my walks. I think more clearly, maintain a more positive outlook and the best (and unexpected) benefit is experiencing nature with new eyes. The bounty that awaits under foot or that we brush past as we walk can become magical holiday decor. Think pinecones, berries, seed pods, evergreen boughs, May apples, even gumballs!

Natural treasures add texture and elegance to our decor.

This is the year to pull out a few family pieces, maybe Grandma’s favorite Santa or Mom’s handmade angel, that haven’t been used in a while. Special pieces hold our family’s holiday legacy and will feel especially good this season.

Enjoy the time you spend decorating and baking this season; include the kids, grandparents, friends and even the pets.

This is everybody’s holiday. Encourage each family member to add their favorite holiday piece to the decorations this year.

Celebrate those no longer with you and share their holiday stories!

Tip: Start a new tradition! Liberate an old collection of teacups, teaspoons or miniature anything. Tie a festive ribbon around it and suspend from a Charlie Brown tree.

Tip: Experiment a little (or a lot) with color; spray paint these bits and pieces to add a personal touch.

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ARTIST

Home

Artist Scott Allison merges his love for art and architecture in his handmade holiday homes.

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Moe Godat Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

“I never made a conscious decision to be an artist,” says Scott Allison. “It’s just the way it’s always been.” From a young age, Scott can remember making Christmas ornaments and hanging them on the tinsel garland on his family’s cardboard fireplace; he also remembers making costumes for his sister and himself. “Making something out of what seems to be nothing is what I do best.”

Working by day putting custom finishes on kitchen cabinets, furniture and interior painting, Scott constantly keeps his creative muscles flexed; however, a few years

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ago, a deep windowsill in his old apartment gave him an idea that would turn into a new part of his career.

“I decided to make a Christmas village for the upcoming holiday season,” he says. “I decided on three houses each with a different style, and one of them was two stories. I wanted them to be finished all the way around so that when people walked by my window they could see them too.”

Then Richard Scott Home was born. Scott knew he needed to build the homes with a sturdy material so that they could last for years to come. He happened

upon some high-quality holiday cardstock, which he decided to use on the exterior of the homes. His ideas kept expanding and getting more elaborate with the addition of lights, curtains and Christmas tree silhouettes. “I rarely do anything simple; once I have an idea, I run with it,” he says.

Scott tries to hand make most decorations and embellishments, though he does have to get creative for some of his decorations.

“On some of the houses I have peppermint swirl windows and that paper is actually the bottom of a cupcake paper cup,” he says. “I also have found Christmas buttons that are the right size and use them for decorations.” He uses six different trees decorated in one of eight ways depending on the style of the paper used on the home. Some of the houses have a tiny package by the front door, which were made by another artist in Ohio.

During COVID-19, Scott has been keeping busy to reach his goal of making 300 houses. “Having been an interior designer in the past I have an understanding of what people are looking for in holiday decor,” he explains. “If you have a larger home then you need larger, quality accessories that not everybody has to decorate for the holidays.”

Scott draws his inspiration from the holiday season itself, saying that he loves “the fact that everybody from all walks of life get together to celebrate with each other as a family, born into or collected. I have always loved architecture and art; this puts them together.

This is about as close to becoming a custom home builder that I’m going to get.” To purchase Scott Allison’s work, visit his website at richardscotthome.com. See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and resources.

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ARTIST

OLD WORLD SANTAS TELL A STORY Linda Cowell’s favorite part of creating her Old World Santas isn’t molding the faces or posing the bodies. It’s selecting the props and fabric that will tell the story of each one.

By Karen Cernich Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

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“There’s always a story,” Cowell says. Nicknamed “the Santa Lady,” Cowell has been creating these heirloom-quality pieces for 25 years. Her Santas, which feature vintage fabrics and old-fashioned toys like jacks and tops, evoke feelings of nostalgia and visions of a grandfather who carries candy in his pocket. Cowell draws on memories of growing up in Europe, where her father was stationed in the military, and her love of German Christmas traditions to create her Santas.

“I absolutely love the simplicity of Christmas there,” she remarks.

From a workshop in her O’Fallon home, Cowell spends her summers creating the components she’ll need to craft each one-of-a-kind Santa. “I’ll spend a couple of days just molding and making faces, then a couple of days painting, staining and sealing faces, so when I need one, they are ready,” Cowell says. “Same thing with the bodies.

I cut out and sew a bunch, make the wire armatures and stuff them.

I make a whole bunch of socks and mittens and coats.”

“I have bins and pull whatever size body I need, and after I dress him in his black pants, then I glue the boots on.” Once the head and coat are in place, she can begin creating each Santa’s story. “That’s when the fun starts,” Cowell says. “I’ll see a picture in my mind . . . and it starts coming together.” “I’m one of those people who has to see

my options to create, so when I’m working there is stuff everywhere as I’m matching fabric with props. Is he a hunter? Is he a wildlife lover? Is he a toy repairman?”

For custom orders, Cowell interviews clients to gather information and has them fill a box with meaningful fabrics and items to incorporate into the design. Afterward, Cowell takes time to think about the Santa she could create, even praying about it before moving forward. “You really do get a piece of my heart when you buy one of my Santas,” she says.

Most of Cowell’s Santas, which typically range from 14 to 22 inches, are positioned on a base. She likes to use vintage pieces, such as antique silverware boxes or suitcases that she finds in second-hand stores. For Cowell, who has a degree in counseling, transforming discarded items into heirlooms is rewarding.

“I have a real heart for broken and hurting people, so I like finding something that has been thrown away and turning it into something of incredible worth,” she says. “I’ll find a 1920s suitcase with a burn hole, and my husband can put a piece of wood under the hole, stain it, then I put the Santa on top, and now this old suitcase is a treasure. I bring out its worth.” And its beauty. For more information, visit lindacowelloriginals.com.

See stlouishomesmag.com for more photos and resources.

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NOVEMBER 7, 10AM – 4PM Learn great holiday table top tips and tricks and gain decoration inspiration from four local design stores.

— View in-store table top designs and virtual tablescape advice videos on our website — Register online for door prizes at stlouishomesmag.com/events ($10 for one chance, $20 for two chances. Each chance will be submitted to all door prizes) — 100% of door prize registration fees to benefit Whole Kids Outreach

Whole Kids Outreach is a non-profit organization serving seven counties in rural southeast Missouri. They offer an integrated approach for children, pregnant mothers and families. Their focus is to broadly address the many influences that place children at risk in isolated, rural, low-income areas. Donations and the money from door prize registration goes toward buying Christmas gifts for children in need.

PARTICIPATING SHOPS The Great Cover-Up

9708 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 Topic: Holiday entertaining Raffle item: Holiday gift basket ($200 value)

Blue Dahlia Designs

7930 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63119 Topic: A contemporary Christmas Raffle item: Merry Christmas evergreen swag ($175 Value)

Mary Tuttle's Floral + Gifts

17021 Baxter Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 Topic: Creative entertaining and mixing old with new Raffle item: Juliska Berry & Thread Whitewash 14" cake stand

Forshaw of St. Louis (west)

15977 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011 Topic: Gabby indoor furniture Raffle item: Set of hurricane candle holders ($400 value)

Scan the QR code with your phone camera

Click on » 2020 Holiday Tabletop Tour Register for door prizes and donate to Whole Kids Outreach

GATHERING PLACE

By Kim Hill Photography by Megan Lorenz

A family of six embraces their loved ones and the holidays in a well-appointed modern farmhouse.

Builder: Rehnquist Homes Interior Design: Anne Marie Design Studios

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he Hillin household is a lively one. Parents Andy and Nikki, four children ranging in age from 10 to 19, their friends, two dogs and a bevy of out-of-town family from Texas make the home a beehive of activity.

In fact, moving to this home in Town and Country was triggered

by Andy’s desire to be the “Kool-Aid” house—the neighborhood place where kids just naturally congregate. “We wanted to be the gathering spot for our friends and our kids’ friends,” says Nikki. To make that gathering place even more appealing, the couple’s wish list included a pool, a large basement recreation area and rooms for everyone to spread out and feel comfortable. Lots in a development near Queeny Park fit the bill, and the Hillins were off and running.

The lot happened to be across the street from close friends who were also building a new home. Nikki and her friend found award-winning interior designer Anne Marie Boedges to help with the design process. “I can’t imagine going through building and selecting every little thing without having some guidance,” says Nikki.

“The whole process is so overwhelming, and Anne Marie is great about breaking it down into manageable chunks.”

Boedges immediately recognized the Hillins’ desire for a modern farmhouse where nothing felt hands-off or stuffy. “They are a lively family, with a lot of things going on all the time,” says Boedges, founder of Anne Marie Design Studio. The hub of the home—the kitchen and adjoining hearth room—received considerable design attention. “We spent a lot of time laying out those spaces, rearranging door openings, walkways and just how the kitchen sits in the space to make the rooms feel unique,” Boedges says.

The kitchen and hearth room feature a wall of large windows and sliding doors leading to the pool and outdoor entertaining area. A massive, custom metal range hood and oversized island topped with a miter-edged Aurea Stone quartz stand

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Bottom left: Nikki Hillin says most of her Christmas décor is sourced from Home Goods, T.J. Maxx, Hobby Lobby or a massive craft and flea market gathering in Canton, Texas, called First Monday Trade Days.

The traditional red and green Christmas colors Nikki favors work well within the context of modern farmhouse design, Boedges says.

Opposite page: A massive, custom metal range hood and 9-by-6-foot island topped with a miter-edged Aurea Stone quartz stand as focal points in the kitchen. The imposing island fits well in the space because of the symmetry and balance in the room, designer Anne Marie Boedges explains.

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The great room’s focal point is the fireplace clad in large-scale Evoque tiles in “Carbon” replicating the look of a washed concrete. The wood mantel softens the modern look. Designer Anne Marie Boedges balanced the fireplace’s hefty appearance with reclaimed oak planks in the recessed ceiling. The circular light fixture invites gathering, Boedges says.

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Top: For the Hillin family, using this multifunctional shelving and desk unit from West Elm to achieve that goal worked so well in their previous house they replicated the concept in their new home, where custom barn doors hand-rubbed to look old open to a room off the kitchen the homeowners call the “puzzle room” or “homework room.” The shiplap wall adds a farmhouse feel.

Above: With a concrete base and wood top, a table in the entryway is both modern and rustic. And heavy. “The movers said to me, ‘please make sure you know where you want this to go,” Nikki Hillin says of the Restoration Hardware find she had used in her previous home.

as focal points in the kitchen. “The hood is a surprise feature you wouldn’t expect to see, and it’s countered with a black, vintage-looking island that’s massive but fits in the space because of the symmetry and balance in the room,” Boedges explains.

For the perimeter countertop, Boedges selected a black granite in a suede finish.

Textured and resembling soapstone, the finish hides water marks and fingerprints and is ideal for a dark color. A black apron sink from Native Trails looks and feels like concrete.

Flooring is 10-inch wide planks from Castle Combe Grande. “This floor can take a beating, so it’s a good base for the entire house,” says Boedges. “It’s got a little texture and the color just ties everything together.”

The modern farmhouse vibe continues in the great room. The imposing fireplace is clad in large-scale tiles with the appearance of concrete. Boedges softened the modern vibe with a wood mantel. Overhead, reclaimed oak planks in varying lengths add character. Their placement only in the recess of the ceiling is intentional, according to Boedges. “The wood in the recess balances the weight of the fireplace and the rest of the room,” she says. Black cabinets on each side of the fireplace carry the same distressed finish as the kitchen island. The open shelving’s undercabinet lighting emphasizes family photos and treasured pieces.

For the holiday season, Nikki and her mother-in-law Connie remove every item from the shelves and replace them with her collection of gnomes accented with rustic wood signs, tiny trees and other well-loved Christmas pieces. They take away most of the rest of the house’s accessories as well. “My mother-in-law loves, loves, loves Christmas, so she comes from Texas the week before Thanksgiving and we decorate,” Nikki says. “Since we take everything down, I want to enjoy all the Christmas decorations for as long as possible before we have to take that back down again after the holidays.”

During the holidays, the charming gnomes can even be found in the master bath, a showstopping space featuring a wet room clad in porcelain wall tile from Marazzi that reinterprets traditional handpainted tiles. Boedges says the Hillins were on board with STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM NOV/DEC 2020

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Opposite page: The wet room concept isn’t common in St. Louis, says designer Anne Marie Boedges. “These homeowners were on board with the idea early on,” she says. “They loved the pop and really wanted the wet room to stand out.” The walls are clad in porcelain tile from Marazzi that reinterprets traditional handmade cement tiles.

Bedroom: The wall behind the headboard is wallpaper in a brick motif and provides texture.

Homeowner Nikki Hillin saw a photo of narrow mirrors used on each side of a headboard and brought the idea to Boedges.

Traditional Christmas reds and greens coordinate beautifully in modern farmhouse design.

Below: Mirrored tiles from Crow River Creations make a statement in a hallway leading to the master suite. “They make people wonder, ‘what cool building did you take these out of?’ but they’re new,” says designer Anne Marie Boedges.

the idea of a wet room early on. “They wanted the master bath to feel like a spa and have a ‘wow’ factor,” says Boedges.

Another room unique to the Hillin family is what they call the puzzle room or the homework room. Adjacent to the hearth room, in a space that might be a formal dining room for another family, custom barn doors open to an area where family members can lay out a puzzle for days or kids can do schoolwork. “I didn’t want the kids disappearing into their bedrooms to do their homework,” says Nikki. “We had this concept at our old house, and we liked it so well we did it again in this house.” The multifunctional shelving and desk unit from West Elm allows different configurations — important for multiple students learning from home during the pandemic. The shiplap wall adds to the farmhouse feel.

The reclaimed wood ceiling, the intentional placement of door openings and sightlines to optimize views of the outdoor spaces, antiqued

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mirror tiles in a hallway, the dog-ear corners of the kitchen island—all these details contribute to the overall feel of a house that looks effortless.

“Everything we touched had a specific, special detail,” says Boedges, referring both to individual elements and the rooms themselves. “Like when you get dressed in your best outfit and put on the perfect bracelet, but you add a different necklace that ties in. Your shoes don’t match your purse exactly, but it all looks amazing together. That’s how we thought about this whole space. Every single room is balanced and intentional.”

For the Hillins, however, their new space just feels like home—an inviting place where friends and family can gather comfortably and feel welcome. Just like they imagined it could be.

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

Festive & Fabulous!

Months of preparation—and a lifetime of creativity—transform this elegant Town and Country residence into a holiday wonderland.

By Barb Wilson Photography by Anne Matheis Builder: Lewis Homes

“When it comes to Christmas, too much is never enough.” That quote from the late Charles Faudree, a world-famous interior designer, has been this talented homeowner’s mantra for years. Raised in the Deep South, she’s made holiday ornaments since childhood, and the spectacular décor of her West County home at Christmastime proves her lifelong passion for the beauty of the season. But first, a little background information…

Six years ago, the owners decided to relocate from the East Coast. Both had retired— she from pharma, her husband from a lengthy career as a CFO, and they wanted to live closer to family here in St. Louis. Eventually, the couple found a classically styled residence in an upscale Town and Country neighborhood that appealed to their traditional tastes.

Custom-built in 1992, the expansive 1.5-story had a remarkably open floor plan for its time. “The house had great potential,” the wife remembers. “We liked the architecture and the brightness of the interior, and the finished lower level was ideal for entertaining.”

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Opposite page left: The dining table’s elaborate centerpiece complements the hues of the embroidered silk-on-linen drapes. Right: Bunched gold lamÊ and coppery sprays accent the staircase newels. This page: A stunning array of glittered deer, poinsettias, and fresh floral arrangements in the sconces and silver epergne centering the flame mahogany table create a festive holiday mood in the step-up formal dining room.

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“Coming from the South, I like to use natural materials—feathers, dried pods, pinecones, twigs.”

With Lewis Homes as the builder, exterior and interior remodeling began.

The kitchen, baths and laundry were redesigned to the wife’s specifications; all of the home's draperies were designed by Pizazz 2 Interiors. New hardwood flooring and vintage lighting fixtures were installed, and paint colors were carefully chosen to create a sophisticated backdrop for another of the wife’s passions—antiques! At one time, she’d worked in an antique store, and the home showcases a magnificent assortment of hand-selected period furnishings and accessories that reflect her appreciation for history and fine craftsmanship.

So, it’s hardly surprising that she devotes the same meticulous attention to decorating for the holidays.

Although her “storehouse” of ornamental items has been collected since the 1980s, each year’s display is original and astonishing in its scope. She designs and fabricates the impressive array herself, combining favorite pieces with new creations and elaborate fresh and artificial arrangements. “Coming from the South, I like to use natural materials—feathers, dried pods, pinecones, twigs,” she explains, “but I’ll sometimes add shiny, store-bought things.” She notes that the color scheme varies from year to year but is always designed to complement the décor of each space.

The massive project typically begins in October. Asked if she has an annual master plan, the owner laughs, “No, I pretty much fly by the seat of my pants, but it all comes together. And there’s still glitter everywhere until at least July!”

A brief tour illustrates the energy and artistry she invests in each season’s

Opposite page: Gleaming in gold and copper, the owner’s handcrafted ornamentation emphasizes the décor of the 3-story living room, with its antique brass fireplace fender, serapi Persian rug, vintage Scot-Irish wing chair and rich earth-toned drapes. Fresh flowers fill Imari vases on the mantel.

This page top left: A spectacular entry swag, handmade wreaths, and fresh noble fir trees greet holiday guests.

Top right: Fresh poinsettias are clustered under an antique demilune table in the foyer. Bottom: Garland and gold lamé line the handrail of the freestanding main staircase.

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In the family room, the color scheme shifts to the traditional red, green, and white of the season. Between niches displaying the owner’s collection of antique majolica, the fireplace garland [this page] and tree [opposite] are a dazzling pastiche of “sugared” fruit, amaryllis and magnolias, feathers, tallow berries, dried okra pods, and other organic elements.

panorama. Starting at the columned entry porch, holiday guests are greeted by a sophisticated gold-and-bronze color scheme that harmonizes with the brick masonry. Oversized bells and bows in faux birch bark ribbon are tied to the carriage lamps, and fresh noble fir trees flank the entry doors, which are draped with a majestic swag and hung with handmade wreaths trimmed with feathers, dried pods, birch ribbon and gold ornaments.

Inside the foyer, fresh poinsettias are arranged under matching early 19th-century demilune tables, topped with the owner’s collection of antique Imari porcelain. Garland and bunched gold lamé fabric line the handrail of the dramatic, freestanding main staircase, and blue-flocked, copper-glittered sprays accentuate the newel post.

The earthy colors and metallic accents continue into the 3-story formal living room, where the 10-foot main tree (one of four throughout the interior) corresponds to the palette of the furniture and draperies. Filling the branches are gold and coppery glass ornaments, pine cones, gold bows and lamé and—a salute to the

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owner’s Georgia roots—sienna-hued magnolias.

With an antique brass fender skirt and andirons, the sheen of the fireplace is repeated in a lavish swag featuring gold botanicals and amber glass beads. On the mantel are Imari vases filled with bouquets of fresh greens, roses, orchids and berries. “I love to do floral arrangements,” says the owner, “but there just isn’t enough time before Christmas, so Mary Tuttle’s does those for me.”

In addition to its stunning antiques and exquisite holiday décor, the living room includes a vignette worth mentioning.

Grouped around a demilune George III sideboard in a side alcove are several small art pieces, each with a story. Commissioned by the homeowner, an oil painting above the sideboard portrays a building in Milledgeville, Georgia, that served as the governor’s mansion during the Civil War. On either side are original botanical prints by Crispijn van de Passe, a renowned 17th-century Dutch engraver.

Similarly elegant, the step-up formal dining room has a tray ceiling and is lit by an antique Italian crystal chandelier. Set for

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Opposite page: The octagonal breakfast room is transformed into “kids’ central” at holiday time. Crystal-glittered fruit and foliage top the windows; Santa heads festoon the candle chandelier; and ornamented napkin holders, Christmas crackers, and sugar cookies embellish each place setting.

This page top: A simple bouquet adds a festive touch to the guest bedroom’s red-and-white French country styling. Bottom: Ribbons, pinecones, and berries garnish the kitchen’s custom-built cherry breakfront, and the fondant-iced cake on the island is destined to become an annual decoration.

festive holiday gatherings, the double-pedestal dining table is finely crafted in flame mahogany and satinwood and surrounded by traditional Chippendale-style chairs. Glittering deer and a crystal-and-silver epergne filled with fresh gloriosa lilies, roses and hypericum berries create the centerpiece. On the wall, silver sconces with similar floral arrangements flank a tranquil landscape by a German artist.

In the family activity areas, the color scheme shifts to the traditional red, green and white of Christmas. The “kids’ table”—an antique Hepplewhite table with shield-back chairs— is located in the octagonal bayed breakfast room. Each place is set with custom holiday stemware, tatted linen napkins in ornamented holders, Christmas crackers and sugar cookies.

Overhead, Santas festoon the candle chandelier and, for the colorful swag above the architectural window, the owner devoted countless hours to hand-spraying crystalline glitter on artificial fruits.

The “sugared” fruit is a key decorative element in the cathedral-ceilinged family room, as well, reappearing in the mantel swag and organically themed tree. Trimmed with feathers, birds, amaryllis, berries, okra pods, velvet ribbon and much more, the tree is a work of art in itself.

One final anecdote demonstrates the owner’s ingenuity when collecting items that just might come in handy at Christmastime.

On the kitchen island is a beautiful cake iced in red fondant she’d once made for a holiday party. Too pretty to eat, she served the guests an alternate dessert, then preserved and stored the cake, which is likely to become an annual kitchen decoration.

It’s said that passion drives perfection.

Based on the wonderland this multi-talented homeowner creates every year, there can be no doubt that she is perfectly passionate about Christmas. See stlouishomesmag.com for

resources and additional photos.

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SHAWS VISION

ALL OF NOVEMBER Any unused, finished compost is best tilled under to improve garden soils.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Stay up-to-date in your landscape with planning tips and events from the Missouri Botanical Garden.

EARLY NOVEMBER Overcrowded or unproductive rhubarb plants can be divided now.

Be sure to shut off and drain any outdoor water pipes or irrigation systems that may freeze during cold weather.

Mulch flower and bulb beds after the ground freezes to prevent injury to plants from frost heaving.

ALL OF DECEMBER Overwintering geraniums like bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soils on the dry side.

On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury.

All power equipment should be winterized before storage.

Change the oil and lubricate moving parts. Either drain fuel systems or mix a gas-stabilizing additive into the tank.

Clean and oil all garden hand tools before storing for winter.

If you feed rabbits corn or alfalfa, they may leave fruit tree bark unharmed.

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Keep mulches pulled back several inches from the base of fruit trees to prevent bark injury from hungry mice and other rodents.

To prevent injury to turf grasses, keep leaves raked up off of the lawn.

Continue mowing lawn grasses as long as they keep growing.

LATE NOVEMBER Take steps to prevent garden pools from freezing solid in winter. Covering pools with an insulating material or floating a stock tank water heater in the pond will lessen the chance of ice damage.

Covering garden pools with bird netting will prevent leaves from fouling the water. Oxygen depletion from rotting organic matter can cause winter kill of pond fish.

Root crops such as carrots, radishes, turnips and Jerusalem artichokes store well outdoors in the ground. Just before the ground freezes, bury these crops under a deep layer of leaves or straw. Harvest as needed during winter by pulling back this protective mulch.

A dilute whitewash made from equal parts interior white latex paint and water applied to the southwest side of young fruit trees will prevent winter sun scald injury.

Commercial tree guards or protective collars made of 18-inch high hardware cloth will prevent trunk injury to fruit trees from gnawing rabbits and rodents.

Meet the Designer,

DA N A R O M E I S

314-727-6622

|

emilycastle.com

ALISE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE DIRT Information provided

by Clarissa Joyce and Steve Roesch, Garden Heights Nursery.

Edited by Moe Godat

HOLIDAY PORCH PLANTS Are you looking for the perfect plant to decorate your front porch with for the holidays?

Here are some local landscapers’ favorite porch plants that are perfect for the holiday season.

The topiary boxwood is extremely versatile and is a reliable evergreen for our growing zone. In containers it can be dressed up with other annuals, stems and greens to look very formal or festive, or it can be simply planted alone in a container and still add interest to any porch or patio.

Its glossy, dark green leaves make the perfect backdrop for other colors and textures. For winter, we love pairing a topiary boxwood in containers with Winter Survivor pansies, magnolia branches, cedar garland, creeping Jenny, heather or even lights and décor! Better yet, it’s not needy or finicky when it comes to care.

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YEAR-ROUND CARE: Topiary boxwoods can easily be used throughout the year, not just during the holiday season! In the spring and summer, dress up the container with colorful annuals and overflowing, trailing greens! In the fall, we love pairing boxwoods in containers with pansies and kale or cabbage for additional texture!

WATER: Two to three times in November, once per month in colder winter months

LIGHT: Low light or high light; boxwoods are very forgiving!

LOCATION: Add interest to your entryways and wow incoming guests!

The Ice Breaker Korean Fir, a dwarf evergreen, makes a great ornamental plant in a landscape setting and will also make a statement in a winter pot by itself or in a grouping! It's icy blue-green foliage makes the perfect winter themed plant, and it's miniature size makes it perfect for your front porch! Andria Graeler, Chesterfield Valley Nursery.

Little Gem Norway Spruce features adorable soft green tiny needles that densely cover a rounded ball that looks slightly smushed. Its naturally round shape makes it fantastic in pots. You can get a designer look in just minutes by adding red berries around its base and white twinkling lights. It is very slow growing and easy to care for. It prefers full sun to part shade. Ann Lapides, Sugar Creek Gardens.

Designed with fresh, fragrant cuttings and seasonal accents, these arrangements last all the way through the winter months and require very little maintenance. A perfect way to liven up your patio during the dreary months and keep those pots full of lovely greenery. This porch pot features Juniper, Arborvitae, Magnolia, Eucalyptus, Pine and Cedar. Hillary Fitz, Greenscape Gardens.

Buxus x Green Mountain is a vigorous evergreen shrub with bright green foliage that retains good color throughout winter. The upright, naturally cone-shaped habit makes it an excellent candidate for topiary forms, and a striking container or formal garden accent. Use in mass plantings to create either a free-form or a sculpted hedge. David Sherwood, Sherwood’s Forest Nursery.

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e On Your List! on y er Ev r Fo ts if G e qu ni U

blue dahlia designs Mon: Closed | Tues:-Wed: 10-5 | Thurs: 10-7| Fri-Sat: 10-5 | Sunday 12-4

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SMALL SCALE

FRESHLY FESTIVE A family room addition has been transformed into a holly jolly holiday spot.

By Melissa Mauzy Photography by Anne Matheis

Architect: Mainline Architecture Builder: Barron Construction Design and Decor: Le Coeur Design

Frannie and Paul Erker are igniting the Christmas spirit this season in their newly built family room addition. Warm and welcoming, the new space is ready to host family and friends. The addition was part of a larger overall home renovation spearheaded by their daughter, interior designer Mary Signorelli of Le Coeur Design. Working in conjunction with Mainline Architecture and Barron Construction, Mary says the addition was built to be the family space. “We wanted to create a space that is both entertaining and comfortable. Something that can flex between a couple people or an open house party,”Signorelli explains.

The family room is a mix of modern farmhouse and casual traditional.

The ceiling and floors are the same wood species. Barron Construction added a rough skip plank texture pattern on the ceiling planks and built custom corbels to create a rustic aesthetic.

The main focal point of the room is the stunning stone fireplace.

Stretching from floor-to-ceiling, the fireplace features an exposed woodburning stove. The mantel looks like wood but it is actually a solid concrete piece, making it more durable.

The first Christmas in their new space was a fun opportunity to start fresh, both in traditions and décor, says Signorelli. Mom and daughter worked together to reimagine the holiday decorations. “Mary’s input was invaluable,” says Frannie. “She has a designer’s eye for staging and creating a story within the space.” Mary approached the décor with a more sophisticated and updated feel.

A real evergreen Christmas tree kicked off the fresh look. Adorned with ornaments of 50 years past, the Christmas tree is the focal point and set in the middle of the room so it could be seen from other areas of the home. Signorelli also incorporated fresh tree trimmings dripping over the wagon wheel chandelier and on the fireplace mantel. On the fireplace, extra large poinsettias are paired with smaller plants on both sides of the hearth, which Signorelli says adds the main punch of seasonal red carried throughout the family room.

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SMALL SCALE The color scheme continues onto the tablescape. Real cranberries fill up the Waterford crystal glasses. “It was my mom’s idea to add the cranberries to the glasses as well as the sprigs of evergreen on the backs of the chairs and holly branches in the center vase, all cut from her personal garden,” Mary says. “She has always had an eye for detail.”

The small details in the decorations finish off the festive family space. Mary incorporated glass and metals throughout the room.

Her grandma’s silver candlestick holders on the piano and her silver bell ornaments on the chandelier add a sense of history, elegance and sparkle to the space.

For the smallest holiday revelers, the Erker grandchildren, little pops of imagination and storytelling inspire the magic of Christmas.

Christmas caroling mice sing festive tunes on the piano while a Christmas village on the storage chest features many familiar faces.

This holiday season, the Erker clan will be celebrating the season in the comfort of their new family room addition, which is now festooned in merriment thanks to the help of Mary. “This room combines elegance, warmth and a little sparkle to make for a perfect holiday season,” Signorelli says. “An inviting space to cozy up by the woodburning fire, listen to loved ones play the grand piano and open up Christmas gifts under the tree. And maybe if we are lucky, a little St. Louis snow to make it all the more special.”.

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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11th Annual

CENTRAL WEST END

WINDOW WALK Saturdays in December

DEC. 5, 12 & 19 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season while you safely stroll past festively decorated storefront windows in the Central West End. Enjoy FREE live music, carriage rides, carolers, street performers, ice carvings & more!

Don’t miss festivities at The Chase Park Plaza and additional displays and programming by the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.

SUBSCRIPTION

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SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR

$15

BUY ONE, GIFT ONE Receive all 9 issues in 2021, starting in January with the Kitchen issue!

To take advantage of this offer, send your check along with names and addresses to: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town and Country, MO 63017

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We specialize in historic renovations, kitchens, baths, exterior facades and porch rebuilds. We use technology to promote organization and communication. Passion for detail, quality and design drive our team. We value building relationships while building our projects.

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BRIGHT IDEA

STEP UP YOUR HOLIDAY DECOR Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be a hassle; whether simple or extravagant, the decorations on your staircase and banister can set the tone for your home’s holiday designs.

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles gave three local design shops the task of decorating the blank slate of a staircase and banister and transforming it into a holiday miracle. They applied their creative genius in a home by New Beginnings Design.

Location: New Beginnings Estate Sales

By Moe Godat Photography by Kim Dillon

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WINTER WONDERLAND

By Blue Dahlia Designs

Pro tip: Think outside of the standard Christmas colors! Playing with different colors and textures brings a unique quality to your design.

B

right silver poinsettias with sparkling leaves line this sophisticated staircase, connected and accented by a dainty silver garland. Small evergreen trees with white flowers pair well with shining candle holders of different sizes and textures. A wintery bouquet in a delicate vase sits next to a table with a glittering reindeer, wooden Christmas trees and sleigh, complete with a jingle bell and additional evergreen sprigs. The angelic statue ties the white and silver of the design together.

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BERRIES + BAUBLES

By Rusted Chandelier

Pro tip: Start with natural pine as your base, and make sure it’s as voluptuous as possible! When in doubt, use twice the amount that you think you need to achieve a fuller look.

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BRIGHT IDEA

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ull and green, pine garland is the perfect accent for any banister. Oversized holiday ornaments are fastened to the railing with red, black and white handmade bows to give the design color and depth, while sprigs of white berries and delicate birds add texture. At the base of the stairs, a decorative white pot holds more pine garland and a large, reflective silver ball.

Add an additional ornament or two to make it your own!

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Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Christmas Tour Saturday, December 5, 2020 10:00am - 3pm $20 per person

Only Online Pre-pay accepted: stlouishomesmag/events Attend in-person or virtually View beautifully decorated homes for the holidays by some of the top STL design teams and talented homeowners while raising money for the children cared for by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.

All ticket proceeds to benefit SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

Join in for a day of Christmas spirit touring these 4 gorgeous homes bursting with holiday inspiration!

11 Overbrook Drive, Ladue 63124 39 Countryside Lane, Frontenac 63131 17 Countryside Lane, Frontenac 63131 189 Kendall Bluff Ct, Chesterfield 63017

* We will be observing proper social distancing practices. Masks will be required.

This is a self-guided tour, maps will be available at each home.

Hosted by:

SILVER BELLS

By The White Rabbit

Pro tip: Start at the bottom of the stairs and let your garland hang down to the floor. Tie your garland with fishing line or twine in equal distances to create a scalloped look.

Embellish with pretty bows, dried flowers, Christmas stockings, ornaments or hang family photos or art with clothespins. It’s your home, so do whatever makes you happy!

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BRIGHT IDEA

S

imple and elegant, this staircase design mixes natural elements like wood and pine with hints of silver for a bit of sparkle. Tall glass and metal lanterns house faux snow and twinkle lights to brighten the way, while wrapped packages with twine and ribbons adorn the lower steps. A twig reindeer stands next to a rustic wooden sled to add a playful and interesting touch. Woven silver bells attached with shining ribbons finish off the look.

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11th Annual

CENTRAL WEST END

WINDOW WALK Saturdays in December

DEC. 5, 12 & 19

START A HOLIDAY TRADITION! 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season while you safely stroll past festively decorated storefront windows in the Central West End. Enjoy FREE live Enjoy live music, carriage rides, carolers, street performers, music, carriage rides, carolers, street performers, ice carvings & more!

ice carvings, displays by the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and much more Saturday December!

Don’t miss festivities at The Chase Parkevery Plaza and additionalin displays and programming by the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.

Throughout the month of December, view the dazzling holiday windows of the Central West End decorated by some St. Louis’s finest interior design firms and design students at Stevens Institute of Business and Arts.

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES: Bar Italia The Cup La Petite Spa PI Pizzeria Left Bank Books Bonobos Blue Mercury Citizen Park Drunken Fish Enchanting Embellishments Ranoush A Taste of Lebanon The Silver Lady

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS: Blue Dahlia Designs Nisha Tailor Interior Designs Youtopia Designs Karen Korn Interiors Stephanie Pohlman Designs KH Interiors K Designs In Hance It Staging Melbrooke Interiors Poppy Production

SPONSORED BY

STUDENT INTERNS:

Stevens Institute of Business and Arts Melanie Kollar Loretta Collier Jasmine Fields Jasmine Jackson Belishia Hall Macy Green Juleeanna Harting Tina Hardin Kristina Cipolla

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A door that leaves a lasting

First Impression

CUSTOM ENTRY DOORS Design • Build • Install

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BaumHouse design

KITCHENS • BATHS • INTERIOR REMODELING Call to schedule an in-home appointment to discuss your project and visit our website BaumHouseDesign.com for inspiration 11 Vance Rd, St. Louis, MO 63088 • 636-225-9000

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BEFORE & AFTER

STAY-AT-HOME SPA Using a serene color palette of white and gray accented with brushed brass finishes, a St. Louis designer creates a dreamy master bathroom oasis.

By Jeanne Delathouder Photography by Anne Matheis

Contractor/Interior Designer: Liston Design Build

Before

A new take on an old classic, this extraordinary bathroom remodel

became a bolder version of its original traditional design. The homeowners, who have lived in their transitional-style dwelling in Chesterfield for many years, always envisioned having a beautiful master bathroom, which is why they called on St. Louis designer Andrea Liston-Jones of Liston Design Build to make their dream a reality.

“The transitional design of this bathroom is a modern mix of classic and more contemporary finishes,” says Andrea. “This serene space was designed to be a peaceful place for my clients to begin their days and unwind in the evening. The mix of traditional and more modern finishes like the gray and white with brushed brass fixtures combine masculine and feminine elements that spoke directly to the homeowners,” she adds.

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Staying true to her clients’ transitional aesthetic, Andrea created a neutral palette of whites and grays with soft pops of color. She used this muted color scheme to enhance the tranquil nature of the space.

The soft gray cabinetry paired with white quartz countertops adds an organic feel, and the curvature of a freestanding soaking tub brings fluidity into this bathroom flooded with natural light from two large picture windows. To emphasize the focal-point tub, the Liston team added bright white wainscoting to encapsulate it and guide your eye into the space. The combination of the light gray heated tile floor with the soft white shower tile enhances the relaxing atmosphere.

To further personalize the space for her clients, Andrea added a herringbone accent tile in the shower, brushed brass fixtures along with matching cabinet hardware and showstopping light fixtures that

enliven the room with subtle pops of color and an element of glam.

“This bathroom is as much a spa-like retreat as it is a classic design that will stand the test of time,” says the designer. “We wanted this space to be both beautiful and functional, so we focused not only on creating a space that truly felt luxurious, but also had plenty of storage to hide clutter,” she notes.

To achieve this, the team removed the old shower unit and tub, and reworked the vanity space to include a tower that houses electrical outlets and hides toothbrushes, razors and the usual bathroom clutter. A new zero-entry shower features a showerhead paired with a handheld that can reach a quartz bench for future needs as the clients age in place.

A quartz soap and shampoo ledge mirroring the lustrous bench was installed on the back wall of the shower. The ledge hides behind a

half wall, which keeps the typical mess of bottles out of the sightlines when you walk into the space. For additional storage, a custom niche on the backside of the shower bench holds towels and soaps that are easily within reach when using the tub.

“Throughout this remodel, I loved working with my clients from start to finish,” says Andrea. “From the beginning, these clients shared plenty of inspiration pictures and were vocal about their wants and needs, which always leads to great results. One of my favorite signature design tips is to always think about what you are going to want in the future,” she adds. “In a transitional home, it is important to choose materials that are not only beautiful right now, but also will be beautiful for many years to come.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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FORNEY + architecture, LLC FORNEYplus.com

DL Design DLDesign.com

These architectural firms are doing some of the best work in the Greater St. Louis area. We’re proud to call them our architect partners. Look to them first for your next project.

Lauren Strutman Architects P.C. laurenstrutmanarchitects.com

Schaub Projects Architecture + Design schaubprojects.com

Jeff Day & Associates jeffdayllc.com

William D. Cover, Architect LLC williamdcoverarchitect.com

Schaub+Srote Architects schaubsrote.com

Brendel Architects, LLC brendelarchitects.com

Donna F. Boxx, Architect, P.C. boxxarchitect.com

Dick Busch Architects dickbuscharchitects.com

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SPOTLIGHT

VIVA ITALIA! From classical antiquity to modern times, Italy’s influence on architecture has endured.

By Barb Wilson Photography courtesy of Dick Busch Architects

Centuries of evolution preceded what we think of today as “Italian-style” architecture. In reality, it’s a hybrid of designs rooted in ancient Rome, redefined during the Renaissance and modified countless times as it traveled across the Western world from one era to another.

Sixteenth-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio is credited with applying the orderly principles of classical Roman architecture to residential design as he created country villas for the well-to-do of northern Italy. The villa concept migrated to England during the Victorian era, merging with the “picturesque” movement and integrating rural estate homes with their surrounding gardens and landscapes.

Working from pattern books, American architects interpreted the British designs, and the Italianate style became wildly popular in the newly

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prosperous U.S. from the 1840s to early 1880s.

Distinguishing features of Italianate architecture included low-pitched and hipped roofs, deep overhanging eaves, belvederes, cupolas and towers, tall narrow windows, often arched, columns, pediments, brackets and corbels and one-story porches or porticos.

The success of Italianate design from coast to coast during this period can be attributed to several factors. Exteriors could be wood, brick or masonry, and mass production had significantly reduced the cost of construction materials and cast-iron ornamentation. As a result, the style was affordable to homeowners from all income levels. Interestingly, though, the trend never gained a notable foothold in the South due to economic conditions following the Civil War.

Demand for Italianate styling faded toward the end of the 19th century, but soon made a comeback as Italian Renaissance Revival. This version originated on the East Coast and signified a return to the more precise, symmetrical elements of classical architecture. Applied primarily to public buildings and large mansions for the wealthy, the form held sway until about 1930.

More formal and stately than the Italianate style, Renaissance Revival allowed for the addition of a third or even fourth story with smaller, simpler windows on the upper levels.

Exteriors emphasized masonry, particularly cut stone, often rusticated with level edges and protruding centers.

Although less prevalent today, the grandeur of Italian Renaissance architecture continues

to appeal to upscale homeowners. In addition to the conventional deep eaves, elements are likely to include covered porches, verandas and porticos, arches, quoins, columns and pilasters and terracotta or synthetic tile roofs.

Decorative features, while more conservative, may include corbels, a stringcourse defining the main level, balustrades and wrought-iron balcony railings.

Considering St. Louis’ affinity for all things Italian (from The Hill to pizza and provolone), the time-honored elegance of Italian Renaissance design will probably remain an influence in our region for many years to come.

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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CHEERS

Building on

FAMILY Local St. Louis family buys legendary Sonoma and Napa Valley wine brand

By Raquel Royers

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Photography provided by Quintessential Wines

H

ome is where the wine is. At least that’s the case for St. Louis natives Steve, Dennis and Steve Jr. Kreps, father and son team, and owners of Napa Valley based wine and import company Quintessential Wines. The Kreps recently acquired three legendary brands, Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin and look forward to bringing home a taste of wine country to their Missouri neighbors.

If you often like to indulge in a good glass of wine, you’ve surely heard of one of these brands. Geyser Peak spans back to the 1880s and was actually California’s 29th bonded winery. Over the course of the last several years, the small, once family-owned winery and its sister brands, Atlas Peak Winery and XYZin, fell into the hands of the corporate wine system. The Kreps saw an opportunity to purchase and revive these legendary brands and once again have them bear a family-owned name.

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CHEERS

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We are so excited to add these wines to our portfolio and to be able to bring them to our favorite restaurants right here in our hometown of St. Louis

“We are so excited to add these wines to our portfolio and to be able to bring them to our favorite restaurants right here in our hometown of St. Louis,” Steve Kreps says.

Geyser Peak specializes in Alexander Valley Cabernet and Sonoma County Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. These wines truly embody the essence of Sonoma and pair well with most cuisines and are quite the treat just by themselves, with good company of course. Atlas Peak specializes in Napa Valley Cabernet—the perfect fall wine. Yum! And XYZin specializes in California Zinfandel, which is a delightful pairing with barbecue. Anyone else getting thirsty?

Ah, to be in wine country right now with the vineyards changing colors, the cool breeze running through your hair and a glass of Cab in your hand. Well, while you may not be able to make it to wine country this very moment, you can certainly bring it to you as Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin will soon be featured in some of our favorite St. Louis restaurants. Look for it on the by-the-glass menu at the Walnut Grill, Three Kings, Frank Papa’s Ristorante and Charlie Gitto’s or ask your favorite retailer to stock Geyser Peak for you.

And no judgement if you just want to grab a bottle and wine taste on your couch; that works too. With a little imagination and a full glass of wine, anything is possible.

I think the Kreps would agree!

See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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SIGHTS

DOWN

BY THE SEA

By Jamie Siebrase Photography by Dorsett Photography Sayulita

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On the colorful hillside east of Colonia Centro, Gringo Gulch’s emblematic homes have drawn tourists to Puerto Vallarta.

W

ith its red-tile roof, white stucco façade and stone sourced directly from the Río Cuale, Casa Guacamole is a very special property, says homeowner Andrea Miles.

She and her husband, Francisco Carretero, purchased the 7,500-square-foot hacienda in 2016 as a vacation home big enough to accommodate their blended family. When they aren’t using it, the couple rent out Casa Guacamole through their website, casaguac.com and Vrbo. But the ultimate goal, Miles says, is to operate it as a bed and breakfast. (Hospitality comes naturally to Carretero: back in St. Louis, his brother owns Guido's Pizzeria and Tapas on The Hill.)

Hovering above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, overlooking the Bay of Banderas, the three-story coastal estate was built in 1971, after a sordid affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor transformed a small fishing harbor into one of Mexico’s

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SIGHTS

most popular tourist destinations. Rooted in traditional elements of Serrana design, Casa Guacamole brings some serious avant-garde oomph: unglazed, painted brick, for example, along with polished cement, mosaic tile, lavish ironwork and plenty of archways.

It’s a short walk to Puerto Vallarta’s lively main square.

“There’s something like nine hundred restaurants in town,” Miles says. “The Romantic Zone is five blocks away,” she continues, adding, “You have the mountains inland, and twenty-four miles north is the best surfing in Mexico, in Sayulita.”

But then again, the homeowners don’t have to go any further than the heated Roman rectangle pool on the first-floor balcony for aerial views of their picturesque surroundings. “You can see the water from absolutely every room,” Miles says. That includes all five of the bedrooms with their en suite bathrooms, along with the great room, family room, kitchen and three separate dining areas, including an outdoor dining area complete with a built-in eight-burner grill.

On the main level, gracious, 15-foot-wide hallways connect the essential common spaces. When Miles says the place is “open air,” she isn’t kidding around. With few windows and doors, the hacienda is staffed year-round to keep it fresh and to offer meal service. There’s always a light wind blowing through the place, reminding visitors that life is breezier down by the sea.

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CLOSET FACTORY

Closet Factory provides an experience which produces a custom system, personally tailored to your specific dreams and organizational needs! Our clients each have specific style and feature details that we bring to life. As in this design, you can have an emotional experience each time you enter your space. Call us today to realize your vision. closetfactory.com ◆ 314-961-4300

THE GIFTED GARDENER

Break out the good crystal with this stunning Estate Find! Very large Schonbek Heritage fifteen light Crystal Chandelier featuring Swarovski crystals. Available at The Gifted Gardener 314-961-1985.

CLASSIC METAL CRAFT

Have you been searching online for the right size table base but can’t find what you are looking for? Sometimes the only option is to special order. This customer had us build a custom table base for their L-shaped bench seating in their kitchenette. The design was inspired by the pattern in the kitchen cabinetry. Base easily supports the 250 lbs solid wood top. You can share with us inspiration photos of your favorite designs and we can come up with something special for your project. Call for a free quote at 314-535-2022 or view our galleries at www.classicmetalcraft.com.

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SIGNATURE KITCHEN & BATH

This one of a kind, custom designed floating vanity doubles as a functional art piece in the customer’s home. Incorporating a custom stained floating shelf, with a hand-crafted steel pedestal sculpture and vessel bowl sink, this unique piece is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. To schedule a complimentary design consultation with one of our experienced designers, call 636-720-1451 or visit www.signaturekb.com!

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DESIGN & DETAIL

Chaddock is what's next in fine furniture, design and Made In America craftsmanship. Chaddock's commitment to old school craftsmanship and state of the art technology has created a furniture making renaissance in North Carolina. 314-781-3336 ◆ designanddetailstl.com

PIZAZZ . 2 INTERIORS

At CR Laine, artisans in their Hickory, North Carolina facility have created the best in customized, bench-crafted upholstery since 1958. pizazz2interiorsstl.com

Allow Ferguson to be the solution for your plumbing, lighting and appliance needs. Their showrooms offer the best selection of products, like the Giosa Acrylic Freestanding Tub Collection by Signature Hardware. Visit us online at fergusonshowrooms.com to schedule your personalized appointment today.

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Constructed using marine-grade teak, Santa Barbara is perfect for saltwater environments, offering durability and resistance against weather’s toughest elements. The gently curved silhouette of this collection offers a sleek, mid-century modern design. Santa Barbara is offered in natural teak for a classic look or oyster teak made to mimic the aging of teak in a gray patina finish. 314-993-5570 ◆ forshaws.com

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stlouishomesmag.com + SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER. Crisp clean contemporary look Easy to navigate Find an Expert Room & color inspiration Archived digital editions So much more!

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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 1. Publication Title: St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles 2. Publication No.: 021-599 3. Filing Date: 9/10/2020 4. Issue Frequency: Jan/Feb, March, April, May Jun/Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov/Dec. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 9 6. Annual Subscription Price: $19.95. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not Printer): 255 Lamp & Lantern Village, Town & Country MO 63017. Contact Person: Barney Osterloh 636-230-9700. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (not printer): 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town & Country MO 63017. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Suzie Osterloh 255 Lamp & Lantern, Town & Country, MO 63017. Editor: Melissa Mauzy, 255 Lamp & Lantern, Town & Country, MO 63017. Managing Editor: N/A. 10.

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Outside-county Paid/Requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 14,095. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 14,050. 2. In-county Paid/Requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not Applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1066.. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 929. 4. Requested Copies Distributed

by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation (Sum of 15b(1), (2), (3), and (4)): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 15,100. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 15,104. D. Nonrequested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. Outside-county Nonrequested Copies on PS Form 3541 (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,995,. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,650.. 2. In-county Nonrequested Copies on PS Form 3541 (Include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. 3. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, Nonrequested Copies mailed in excess of 10% Limit mailed at Standard Mail or Package Services Rates): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Not applicable. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, Not applicable. 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms and Other Sources): ): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,732. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 1,290.. E. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 4,727. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 43,940. F. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 17,642. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 17,731. G. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,653. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,263.H. Total (Sum of 15f and g): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 20,000. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 20,700. I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15C divided by f times 100): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 76%. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 78%.16. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the Nov/Dec 2019 issue of this publication.17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

Marketplace Give the gift of INTERIOR DESIGN this Christmas!

See our work on pages 32-39.

Located in Rusted Chandelier in Kirkwood 314-821-7881 • pizazz2interiorsstl.com

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See our work on pages 46-49.

Happy Holidays! from all of us at St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles

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CLASSIC OR CRAZE

BREAKING FROM TRADITION

Local design professionals give their opinions on using non-traditional Christmas colors during the holiday season!

Edited by Moe Godat Centerpiece design by Rusted Chandelier Location: Kemp Signature Homes

CLASSIC

Wow, non-traditional Christmas colors are just fun. Who’s to say what color the holiday should be? The Christmas police? Not happening in my life. While I love to decorate for clients with traditional red and green, it’s fun to break away and do an all-white Christmas, a purple Christmas or a black and white Christmas. Make it your own. Holidays are about fun, memories and spending time with family and friends. Whatever color your Holiday is we want you to enjoy it. CJ Knapp, Yours by Design.

As traditional as I tend to be, I'm going to squeeze this one into the classic column! I love to see some slightly off-beat colors for a Christmas display.

For years, I have decorated my daughter's tree to coordinate with her room, typically, a candy theme using wonderful pastel colored ribbons and ornaments and big colorful lights. I also like to set a holiday tabletop to complement china, sometimes Christmas colors, sometimes not. I love to use a blue and white pattern and complement it with greenery and bright red ribbons with silver flatware to add a sparkle. I also love to see cobalt blue and silver together; it transitions so well into New Year's Eve! Teddy Karl, The Great Cover Up. I have been always drawn to do something different, bold and artistic by breaking the traditional rule. I love yellow, which represents happiness and energy. Why not bring this into my Christmas tree and make a holiday that represents my tribe? I also like to use weird things as an ornaments so they catch your eye; non-traditional colors on a Christmas tree definitely stand out from others, and it's a great conversation topic and photo backdrop for your party. I say let's celebrate in a creative way! Nisha Tailor, Nisha Tailor Interior Design, LLC. Non-traditional Christmas colors are a way to incorporate the homeowner’s personality and personal style into the Christmas season. Vibrant colors, fun patterns and animal print all help to elevate classic Christmas decorations into a more festive and unique environment. The non-traditional color possibilities are endless and fabulous. I personally love using non-traditional Christmas colors, and I think using non-traditional Christmas colors is a personal style twist on a classic design element. I love it! Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

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NEITHER

Personal color preferences are established during childhood and holiday palettes are heavily influenced by parents’ traditions, choice of worship and cultural heritage. Classifying a group of colors as non-traditional in reference to Christmas assumes that the Western red/ green perspective is traditional. Our lives are unfolding in a geocultural world that respects global stylings and color palettes. Let’s celebrate those global hues while establishing and enjoying our own chosen palette. It's personal. On this one, there is no classic and there is no craze. Geri Hayes, Ideas Only: Color+Lighting+Design.

I prefer traditional Christmas colors and decoration. I’d say colors other than green, red, gold and white are not a craze because many people have been doing that for years. I think theme trees and using other colors are a personal preference. Dede Fratt, Fratt Bush Home.

When we think of the Holiday season, we typically think of red and green with additions of gold, silver, blue and white. Yet we have seen displays in both stores and homes of various combinations of colors. Some pastels, some turquoise, some lime green, even fuchsia, along with many more, that have been mixed with silver and gold to create a beautiful holiday decor. My thought is the majority of families have keepsake decorations in traditional colors that they will display year after year. So I won’t categorize non-traditional colors as a craze, but just another way of celebrating the Christmas cheer. Maybe even starting a new tradition for their family. So enjoy the season in any color! Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS.

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