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SLHL November/December 2026 Issue

Page 1

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles® The Holiday Issue

Pretty Little Presents

Display through December

v 31

no

9

stlouishomesmag.com

NOV/DEC 2026


CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS TO

Dreams

Call (314) 961-4300 for a free design consultation or email us at info@closetfactorystl.com. We are a locally owned, family business serving the entire St. Louis region. Showroom 1581 Fenpark Dr., Fenton, MO 63026 ©2024 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

the art of organization AS02PF


Photography by Alise O’Brien


1900 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 www.savvydesigngrp.com 314.432.7289


Photography by Megan Brandt, Luminous Digital Marketing LLC

Luxury Building since 1949


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS 6 Publisher’s Letter 10 Window Shopping 14 Design Dilemma 18 Book Nook 20 Artisan 42 Shaw's Vision

44 The Dirt 48 Snapshot 56 Featurette 64 Spotlight 68 Connect 72 Worth the Money

48 10 56

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24 32

FEATURES 24. CHRISTMASTIME IN THE CITY Inspired by the glamour of Manhattan, a St. Charles designer transforms her home into an immersive holiday experience filled with grand gestures, cherished traditions and unexpected delights.

32. BOLD MOVE Ladue family seizes unexpected opportunity to purchase an exquisite custom home. On the cover page 29. The lower level trades upstairs glamour for a richer, more tailored interpretation of New York, with blue willow tableware, layered plaids and jewel-toned florals setting the mood. Photography by Anne Matheis. St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles (ISSN 1524-8755) Vol. 31, No. 9, November/December ©2026 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.


Where It All Comes Together™ Discover a new way to shop for your project. Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery. Start your project or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com.

CHESTERFIELD | BRENTWOOD | DES PERES ©2026 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0826 8914808


slhl

HELLO

Pages 48-50.

Yuletide Spirit Recipe for Christmas All Year Long Take a heap of child-like wonder That opens up our eyes To the unexpected gifts in life— Each day a sweet surprise. Mix in fond appreciation For the people whom we know; Like festive Christmas candles, Each one has a special glow. Add some giggles and some laughter, A dash of Christmas food, (Amazing how a piece of pie Improves our attitude!) Stir it all with human kindness; Wrap it up in love and peace, Decorate with optimism, and Our joy will never cease. If we use this healthy recipe, We know we will remember To be in the Christmas spirit, Even when it's not December. —Joanna Fuchs

Pages 32-41.

Our hopes are this issue will immediately put you in the holiday spirit! We have four wildly different decorating styles for you to pull inspiration from (pages 24-61). While Christmas time is such a joyful time to share your love with friends and family, many of us will also be missing a special someone who is no longer with us. The late Lucyann Boston, our amazing garden writer for over 30 years will be sorely missed by the St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles staff and gardening enthusiasts throughout the greater St Louis area. Her storytelling abilities were second to none. Merry Merry!

Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner

Pages 56-61.

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Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton.

Mark your calendars and grab your friends for a fun day! Holiday Tabletop Tour - November 7, 2026 Deck the Halls Home Tour - December 5, 2926


      17014 NEW COLLEGE AVE, SUITE E | WILDWOOD, MO 63040 Ph: 636.821.3395 | www.annemariestudio.com


UPCOMING EVENTS

PUBLISHER/OWNER: Suzie Osterloh MANAGING EDITOR: Lily Stassi CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Dillon COPY EDITOR: Melissa Mauzy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jess Ahn, Jeanne DeLathouder, Jessika Eidson, Kim Hill, Michelle Mastro, Lauren Storment CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tamás Bujnovsky, Rob Grimm, Nathan Kwarta, Anne Matthias, Karen Palmer, Björn Wallander, Doreen Wynja

11.07.26 HOLIDAY TABLETOP TOUR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Julie Elledge DISTRIBUTION MASTER: Barney Osterloh MARKETING + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: Zoe Miller ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: lily@stlouishomesmag.com NEWSSTAND: JK Associates

12.05.26 DECK THE HALLS HOME TOUR For event updates visit: stlouishomesmag.com/events @stlouishomesmag /STLHomesMag

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Email bosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com or visit www.stlouishomesmag.com St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Magazine 255 Lamp + Lantern Village Town & Country, MO 63017 636-230-9700 www.stlouishomesmag.com ©2026 by Distinctive Lifestyles LLC. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. Printed in U.S.A.

Missouri/Southern Illinois Chapter

St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles magazine is 100% human-made.

@stlouishomesmag

8 NOV/DEC 2026 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

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


Holiday Tabletop Tour

FIND US ONLINE Connect with St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles on the Internet... here’s how: WEBSITE: stlouishomesmag.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/stlhomesmag INSTAGRAM: @stlhomesmag X: @stlhomesmag PINTEREST: pinterest.com/stlouishomesmag YOUTUBE: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles TIKTOK: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles FREE WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER: sign up at stlouishomesmag.com

2027/2028 CONTESTS:

Builder & Architect Accolades: December 11, 2026 2027 Baths of the Year: May 3, 2027 2028 Kitchens of the Year: October 4, 2027 For downloadable entry forms and detailed information about each contest, please visit stlouishomesmag.com.

Experience

Christmas at Blue Dahlia Holiday Preview Event

Thursday, November 5th (Tickets Required) | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Holiday Open House

Friday, November 6th-Sunday, November 8th

Candlelight Shopping Nights

November 12th & 19th, December 10th & 17th | 5:00pm-8:00pm

Pink Friday

Friday, November 20th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Customer Appreciation Weekend Friday, November 27th-Sunday, November 29th

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Nine fabulous issues/year Only $20 Send check with name, address and phone number to: St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town and Country, MO 63017. Or email Barney at bosterloh@stlouishomesmag.com To subscribe online visit stlouishomesmag.com.

blue dahlia designs Home Decor - Furniture - Floral - Gifts

7930 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 314-274-8717 bluedahliadesigns.net STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM NOV/DEC 2026

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WINDOW SHOPPING

Three French Hens Courtly check tea kettle. threefrenchhenswildwood.com

Shop at our LOCAL small businesses this holiday season for these gifts for her, for him, for the gardener and for the decorator.

Mary Tuttle’s Karen Adams desk calendar. marytuttlesflowers.com

Third Degree Glass Handmade glass necklace and drop earrings. thirddegreeglass.com

Great Cover-Up Design Rosannebeck assorted note pads. greatcoverupdesign.com The Abbey B’s Knees diffuser. marketplaceattheabbey.com

Lanis & Co. A Lanis & Co. art class gift card and let her discover the joy of creating. lanisandco.com

The Porch in Wildwood Box clutch (calf hair cognac), by Kelly Tooke. theporchwildwood.com

The Abbey Bloody darn good Bloody Mary mixes. marketplaceattheabbey.com Three French Hens Rosy check spoon rest. threefrenchhenswildwood.com


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WINDOW SHOPPING

The Gifted Gardener Maple syrup. 8935 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63144

Mary Tuttle’s Michael Aram glasses and coaster set. marytuttlesflowers.com

Blue Dahlia Designs Cocktail smoker set. bluedahliadesigns.net

for HIM The Abbey Golf Bum coffee table book. marketplaceattheabbey.com

Three French Hens Brass deer wine holder. threefrenchhenswildwood.com

The Porch in Wildwood Cowboy christmas candle, by Ranger Station. theporchwildwood.com

Ferguson Home Avallon wine refrigerator dual-zone. fergusonhome.com

Mary Tuttle’s Jan Barboglio decanters. marytuttlesflowers.com

A.E. Schmidt Billiards Handcrafted solid wood Mahjong and card table with built-in storage. aeschmidtbilliards.com

The Gifted Gardener Holiday stag wax flicker candles.


slhl

WINDOW SHOPPING

Sugar Creek Gardens Fresh cut evergreen mixed container. sugarcreekgardens.com Blue Dahlia Designs Christmas watercolor workbook. bluedahliadesigns.net

Third Degree Glass Build your own bouquet with vase. thirddegreeglass.com

for the Gardener The Gifted Gardener 100% Copper watering can.

Blue Dahlia Designs Merry Christmas green toile platter. bluedahliadesigns.net The Gifted Gardener Candy cane embroidered pillow.

Great Cover-Up Design Raz Imports vintage tree night light. greatcoverupdesign.com

Mary Tuttle’s Stephen Wilson Studio luxury upcycled art. marytuttlesflowers.com


slhl

WINDOW SHOPPING

HD Media Systems 55” Samsung framed TV hd-mediasystems.com

Third Degree Glass Handblown glass ornaments in various styles. thirddegreeglass.com

for the Decorator

Ferguson Home Signature Hardware Faysel Lighted Mirror. fergusonhome.com

Great Cover-Up Design Lux Ornament candle scent: Berries & Balsam. greatcoverupdesign.com

Three French Hens Martini accent pillow. threefrenchhenswildwood.com

The Porch in Wildwood Faux concrete santa boot. theporchwildwood.com

The Abbey Frasier fir candle. marketplaceattheabbey.com

Blue Dahlia Designs Agate slab cheese boards. bluedahliadesigns.net


design DILEMMA

Ceremoniously Set Get inspired to spruce up your table settings for the holidays with some advice from the professionals! Edited by Lily Stassi

Scott Tjaden Interiors This dining room and breakfast room pairing shows how eclectic, collected items and family heirlooms can still work hand in hand when placed artfully. The dining room table holds family sterling silver, Georg Jensen and Au Bain Marie plates alongside glasses in the pattern Musette by Theresienthal. The napkin holders are made of minerals and fossils found at a resale shop out of town, and the flowers are by Walter Knoll.

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The breakfast room, which was originally the music room, holds four 18thc Gustavian chairs and is upholstered by the Fabric Co. The chargers are L'Object, plates by Mottahedeh. The sterling silverware is Century, an art deco pattern given to the designer by a great aunt by Tiffany and Co.


Mary Tuttles When setting a holiday table, we love mixing old and new. Incorporating your grandmother's China or glassware, is a great way to honor family history while making new memories, and creates a warm, nostalgic table. Anchor each seat with a placemat or charger, then top it with your dinner and salad plates. Add a new salad plate or napkin for a fresh look! Finally, add a low and lush fresh bouquet and your favorite votives and taper candles for the finishing touch to your holiday table display.

Blue Dahlia Designs A beautifully dressed formal table balances elegance, function and personal style. The key is to create layers of color, texture and pattern that complement one another. When decorating your table start with a foundation: large-scale elements, such as the tablecloth, table runner, and a centerpiece. From there layer chargers, plates, salad plates and/or bowls if they will be used for the meal. Blend your patterns by repeating colors, using complementary shapes, or incorporating similar styles. For example, use a large-scale pattern, such as a botanical print, balancing it with a small geometric pattern. You could then add a medium or small scale botanical pattern or floral print. Finish by adding personal touches which could include napkin rings, ribbons, a seasonal item such as an ornament, a flower sprig, or a place card.

Clockwise: Green beaded leaf napkin ring. Olive stone washed scallop napkin. Hyacinth dark brown placemat. Gold scallop edge hammered charger.

Photography by Kip Dawkins.

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2027

St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles

Builder Architect Accolades

CALLING ALL BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS! Have you completed a home that you believe demonstrates exceptional design and is built with expert craftsmanship? If so, enter St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles first BUILDER ARCHITECT ACCOLADES AWARDS. Winning projects will be published in the MARCH 2027 ISSUE of St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles. Architect: Dick Busch Architects Landscape Design / Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 11, 2026 Enter online at STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM/CONTESTS


THE DETAILS YOU COME HOME TO. For 25 years, St. Louis homeowners have come home to our craftsmanship. Custom doors and architectural millwork that bring character and distinction to exceptional spaces. Schedule a Design Consultation SCOBISMILLWORK.COM

|

(636) 530-7545

CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS

E of 314-725-3100 / freemanhomesllc.com

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BOOK NOOK

Lily Stassi, managing editor. Suzie Osterloh, publisher/owner.

Martha's Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying. The essential resource from Martha Stewart, with expert advice and lessons on gardening and making the most of your spectacular blooms. Accompanied by beautiful photographs of displays in Martha's home, bursting with ideas and covering every step from seed to vase, Martha's Flowers is a musthave handbook for flower gardeners and enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Melissa Mauzy, copy editor.

Memorable Reads Browse a list of books that are highly regarded and recommended by our very own staff!

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. As the Games begin, he understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Julie Elledge, account executive.

By Lily Stassi

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. In 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, Prohibition is on the wane, and the Great Depression is tightening its grip. Poor and rich folks alike have fallen on hard times, even as the old social order remains. For women on the margins, the options are few and the price of dignity and self-determination is unbearably high. Jeanne Delathouder, writer.

American Designers at Home by Sam Cochran. These stars and many more open the doors to houses and apartments across the country and beyond, sharing deeply personal spaces in a wide range of styles and scales. From sprawling estates to modest pied-à-terres (in one case, little more than a single room) these extraordinary projects provide daring case studies in design, with everyday inspiration and expert wisdom all brilliantly captured in vivid photographs and thought-provoking essays.

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Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.


Barney Osterloh, distribution master.

Venus on the Half-Shell by Philip José Farmer. A science fiction novel attributed to the fictional author Kilgore Trout but actually written by Philip José Farmer. The title and paperback cover art are a reference to an Italian Renaissance fresco by Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, which depicts the birth of the goddess Venus as her rising from the sea on a clam shell. Zoe Miller, marketing + social media specialist.

Maya Brenningmeyer, writer.

Winter in the Highlands: Eating, Drinking and Celebrating in Scotland by Flora Shedden. In her eagerly anticipated fourth cookbook, food writer, acclaimed bakery owner and Bake Off semi-finalist Flora Shedden invites readers on a joyous, heartwarming journey through the enchanting winter season in Scotland, celebrating the region’s rich and distinctive culinary heritage and cherished festive traditions.

Kim Dillon, art director.

The Slip -The New York City Street That Changed American Art Forever by Prudence Peiffer. Coenties Slip was home to a circle of wildly talented and varied artists that included Robert Indiana, Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, James Rosenquist, Delphine Seyrig, Lenore Tawney and Jack Youngerman. As friends and inspirations, they created a unique community for unbridled creative expression and experimentation, and the works they made at the Slip would go on to change the course of American art.

Karen Palmer, photographer. Lauren Stormant, writer.

Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius. A spellbinding Swedish novel that follows a young indigenous woman as she struggles to defend her family’s reindeer herd and culture amidst xenophobia, climate change and a devious hunter whose targeted kills are considered mere theft in the eyes of the law.

Plainsong by Kent Haruf. In the small town of Holt, Colorado, a high school teacher is confronted with raising two young boys alone. A teenage girl is pregnant, alone herself, with nowhere to go. And out in the country, two brothers work the family homestead, the only world they've ever known. As the milieu widens to embrace four generations, Kent Haruf displays an emotional and aesthetic authority to rival the past masters of a classic American tradition.

Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan. A romance about a single mother who’s offered a Pretty Woman-type deal that’s too good to refuse. If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real? When the proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, Dolly must trust her own feelings to decide the next move.

Evie Gerhart, writer.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. When her estranged mother dies, Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” Stella is hardly cut out for adventure; a traumatic childhood has kept her confined to the strict routines of her comfort zone. But when her boss encourages her to take time off, Stella resigns herself to honoring her mother’s last wishes. A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances and finding your true home. STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM NOV/DEC 2026

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ARTIST

Words from the HEART

In the digital age, a CALLIGRAPHER makes heartfelt GIFTS BY HAND.

By Michelle Mastro Portrait photography by Rob Grimm

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Calligraphy and engraving aren’t dying artforms—just ask gift designer Leah Spiros who uses these artforms to curate and personalize gifts around recipients and occasions. For these reasons fans intentionally seek out her work. “There is an interest, a fascination, when I talk about my work and excitement when they see photos,” she says. “I believe a main reason for that is each gift is created by a human hand, not mass produced, machine-generated and clearly not grabbed from a store.” In fact, calligraphy and engraving might be the next “slow artforms” to rise in popularity just like baking sourdough from scratch was during Covid and knitting and gardening are now. They are all tactile activities that counter the pace and stress of modern life and feel important because they were made by human hands in the dawn of AI, she says. “That’s what people want today—to know that they and their work are seen and valued,” says Spiros. “A fine gift, created by hand-engraved, calligraphed, painted-thoughtfully communicates that.”


She takes her inspiration from nature, architecture and historic fashion. Case in point, she recently created corporate retirement gifts for a client. “The client wanted a design that spoke to the next chapter in their clients’ lives, and I thought of the things I love about an old English library—things like Downton Abbey-rich colors, ivory pages, warmth and shadows.” She created handwritten letters inspired by these ideas and painted motifs featured on the accompanying wine bottles. Spiros started working in calligraphy and engraving years ago when she first took a lettering workshop taught by a Trader Joe’s lettering artist. “She taught a couple of unique lettering styles and layouts, and I took to it instantly,” she recalls. “I have always loved a beautiful handwritten script, making words look pretty.” Growing up, she admired her mom’s cursive and her grandmother and eventually was surprised with her very first calligraphy set on her 9th birthday, all of which were her earliest building blocks that set her on the path to becoming a successful calligrapher. “There’s a purposeful mindfulness to these forms that I deeply appreciate—slowing down, intentionality, creating beauty to share.” It’s this mindfulness that inspired her to create her business, Wrapped + Written Fine Gift Services, which brings thoughtful elevated intentionality into gifting, from process to finished piece. “I provide engraving, calligraphy and product painting both in-studio and live for real-time customizations at events,” she says. “Branded merchandise and gifts have their place. But Wrapped + Written is for the moments when you want someone to feel personally considered.” See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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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.

SCHAUB PROJECTS 2026

Schaub Projects Architecture + Design schaubprojects.com

Lauren Strutman Architects P.C. laurenstrutmanarchitects.com

Jeff Day & Associates jeffdayllc.com

Bower Leet Design bowerleetdesign.com


FUMAGALLI & LAMPE, inc. Lorif@flistudio.com

Srote & Co Architects sroteco.com

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

Dick Busch Architects dickbuscharchitects.com

William D. Cover, Architect LLC williamdcoverarchitect.com


Christmas arrives at full scale in the living room, where two towering trees create a dramatic vertical composition beneath the soaring ceiling.

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Christmastime

Metallic ornaments catch the light, while the dining room introduces a playful note: a four-foot gingerbread house that feels almost like a confectioner’s architectural model. The juxtaposition gives this holiday setting both sophistication and childlike wonder.

in the City

Inspired by the glamour of Manhattan, a St. Charles designer transforms her home into an immersive holiday experience filled with grand gestures, cherished traditions and unexpected delights.

By Jeanne de Lathouder Photography by Anne Matheis Interior Design by The Rooming House Builder Arbor Homes

For Tami Korsos and her husband, Matt, their 6,000-square-foot St. Charles home has become much more than a place to live. Over the past five years, it has hosted baby and bridal showers, graduations, holiday parties and the everyday moments that become family memories. At Christmas, however, the house takes on a particularly theatrical personality when Korsos transforms her elaborate holiday vision into an immersive celebration of tradition, design and the season she has loved since childhood. The St. Louis-area couple found the home almost by chance. Korsos, an interior designer and owner of The Rooming House in St. Charles, was scrolling through real estate listings during one of her son’s golf tournaments when she spotted the property. She sent the listing to Matt and promptly announced, “We’re

buying this house.” He was less enthusiastic, having purchased their previous home only a year earlier. But K orsos k new almost immediately that this was the one. Through the living room’s towering 20-foot windows, she saw a lush, wooded landscape, while elegant, molded archways gave the interior an architectural character she found compelling. The 1.2-acre property, in an established St. Charles neighborhood, offered the setting she wanted, but the lower level ultimately sealed the deal. A custom bar by Liston Design Build, a generous living area, guest bath and private guest suite with its own dedicated laundry room provided the combination of entertaining space and private retreat the couple had been seeking. “We put in an offer immediately, and the rest is history,” Korsos laughs.

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The home had exceptional bones, but the couple wanted to infuse it with her own aesthetic. Korsos’s preference for calm, cohesive neutrals led her to paint the entire house Sherwin-Williams Snowbound, her go-to white. The couple remodeled the kitchen, added classic picture molding to the two-story entry and living room and created custom cabinetry in the primary bedroom, including two five-foot drawers specifically designed to hold bed pillows. That practical detail echoes Korsos’s design philosophy. “When I design a space, I always try to think practically about how we live,” she says, “making sure everything is as functional for everyday life as it is beautiful.” They continued throughout the house, renovating the downstairs guest-suite bath, both upstairs bathrooms, the game room, laundry room and pantry. Remarkably, the couple completed about 99 percent of the work themselves. Korsos developed the design concepts, while she and Matt figured out how to execute them. The result is a home that reflects the same balance she brings to her professional work: beautiful, highly considered spaces designed around the realities of daily life. At Christmas, that practical

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sensibility gives way to something more exuberant. The designer’s love of the holiday comes from her grandmother, who was legendary in the family for her Christmas celebrations. She kept a magnificent white flocked tree up all year, covered in pink poinsettias and ornaments, and hosted an extravagant Christmas Eve party, filling the dining room with sterling chafing dishes and enough food to feed an army. Korsos remembers sitting in the kitchen while her grandmother prepared for the celebration weeks in advance. “When I was little, I dreamed of one day taking over Christmas Eve and throwing elaborate parties of my own,” she says. Years later, she has happily taken up that mantle. The couple hosts a custom-themed Christmas party each year, and this time the theme was “Christmas in New York,” bringing the glamour and romance of Manhattan to St. Charles. Upstairs, Korsos reimagined the main living spaces as a tribute to the Plaza Hotel, translating its iconic elegance into a palette of gold, silver and sophisticated neutrals. Two towering trees—a 10-foot and a 12-foot— anchor the living area, taking advantage of


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Adorned with its own Christmas tree, the primary bedroom provides a more intimate holiday retreat. The lower level trades upstairs glamour for a richer, more tailored interpretation of New York, with blue willow tableware, layered plaids and jewel-toned florals setting the mood. Blue-and-white ginger jars punctuate the dining area, while thoughtful, familiar patterns and collected-looking details make the family room feel festive, comfortable and inviting.

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the room’s generous scale and soaring windows. Softly illuminated garlands wind along the stair railing, intertwined with gold ornaments, extending the holiday composition vertically throughout the two-story space. “I wanted our guests to step inside and immediately feel the grandeur of multiple towering trees, just as you experience walking through the Plaza,” Korsos says. In the dining room, a four-foot gingerbread house introduces a whimsical counterpoint to the more refined surroundings. It is the sort of unexpected detail that keeps the holiday scheme from feeling overly formal and gives guests something new to discover as they move through the house. Downstairs, the mood changes entirely. The lower level becomes a stylized New York “subway,” and the inspiration shifts to the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Madison Avenue. Antique blue willow china, layers of classic plaids and arrangements of rich red roses and magnolias displayed in blue-and-white ginger jars create a more intimate, refined atmosphere. The two levels offer distinctly different interpretations of New York, but Korsos ties them together through color, pattern, repetition and scale. The effect is less like a house decorated for Christmas than a house transformed for a grand occasion. One element, however, appears throughout: a Christmas tree in every room. For Korsos, the abundance is not simply about decorating. It is about creating an experience that feels generous, personal and full of discovery—the same kind of holiday magic her grandmother created for her. “When we entertain, my ultimate goal is to craft an immersive, memorable experience where delightful little details wait around every single corner,” she says. That philosophy has become part of the home itself. The renovations have made it distinctly theirs, while the holidays allow Korsos to layer in another expression of her personality, one rooted in family memories but continually reinvented. The house that began as an unexpected discovery has become the backdrop for traditions of their own, filled with the people, celebrations and details that give a home its meaning. “We love this house—it’s warm in the winter, cool in the summer and looks spectacular with Christmas lights,” Korsos says, borrowing a line from George Banks in Father of the Bride that feels particularly fitting here. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.

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M

ove Ladue family seizes unexpected opportunity to purchase an exquisite custom home. By Kim Hill Photography by Karen Palmer Builder Slavin Homes Interior design by Lilac Leopard Flower by Bloomin' Buckets


Spiral trees in a rainbow of colors pop against the moodiness of Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black enveloping the dining room walls.


n an ordinary Saturday a few years ago, Tracy and Scott Kolker were out doing errands and came home with a new house. The Kolkers weren’t looking for a new home, but they did have a real estate agent searching for two-family flats as investments. The agent learned a Ladue custom home owned by former St. Louis Blues player Vladimir Tarasenko would be coming on the market, and she thought it would be perfect for the Kolker family. “Our agent called while we were driving and asked us to consider this house,” Tracy recalls. “It wasn’t on the market yet and we’d be the first to see it. My husband said I would never move, as I’d spent a lot of time decorating our existing home, but I immediately said never say never. We saw it that same Saturday our agent called.” The stone and brick exterior evoked an Old-World feeling, like the home had been here forever, Tracy says, yet the interiors lent a fresh, modern take on traditional styling. Set on three acres with abundant mature trees, the home’s setting attracted the Kolkers immediately. “You’re right in the heart of St. Louis so it’s convenient

A total of nine French doors in both the living room and sitting room blurs the line between indoors and out. The expansive set of doors immediately appealed to the Kolkers. “All the light pouring in through these doors makes it feel like you are outdoors even if you are just inside doing chores,” says Tracy. Most of the comfortably appointed furnishings were brought from their previous home. “I like classic staples that won’t go out of style in five years,” she says. “I just change things up with pillows or a hide.”

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Dubbed the “Candy Land Tree” after the iconic children’s board game, the living room tree adds shots of color to the room’s restrained color palette via oversized glass balls in gumball colors, metallic sprays, iridescent picks and playful ribbon.

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Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black bathes the walls in contrast with substantial trim work and a glossy white ceiling. The sideboard table, accented for the season with whimsical spiral trees in gumball colors, is actually bolted to the wall. The table was purchased through designer Joy Tribout for the owners’ previous home.

to get anywhere, yet it feels like you’re living in the country,” says Tracy. That country feeling continued indoors, as both Scott and Tracy were drawn to the nine tall French doors opening to the outdoors from the living and sitting room areas. “The amount of light that comes in here is incredible, even on gloomy winter days,” says Tracy. “And when the trees are green in summer, it feels like you are living in Forest Park.” A main-floor primary suite, a laundry area on the second floor adjacent to the daughter’s bedroom and a built-in bar close to the living room also appealed to the couple. They recognized builder Bobby Slavin’s thoughtful attention to detail, from the built-in refrigeration and trash receptacle in the butler’s pantry to multiple ice makers in the kitchen and bar areas. “All these little things just made sense in the design,” says Tracy. “We entertain a lot, and all of these qualities added up.” “We weren’t looking to buy a new home for us,” she adds. “But we just fell in love with the property.”

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She says the home’s high ceilings, detailed trim work, crown molding and clean-lined, open layout gave it “incredible bones.” Thus, Tracy made only a few cosmetic changes, adding wallpaper here and there and painting the dining room and a rear entry area to enhance an already sophisticated space. She also utilized most of her existing furniture, calling upon designer Julie Redmond, owner of Lilac Leopard, for help with some finishing touches. Tracy’s classically minded furnishings leaned heavily into black, white, taupe and other neutrals. “We just needed a few pops of color, which is my signature,” says Julie. For example, Julie suggested acrylic footstools topped with pink velvet for the living room’s restrained color palette. The room’s leather sofa, plushy swivel chairs and limestone fireplace “called for something rich,” Julie says of the luxurious velvet fabric. In the dining room, Tracy painted the walls in Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black to contrast with the room’s extensive trim work


Vibrant florals by Bloomin Buckets bring a chorus of color to the elegant kitchen, where an oversized walnut island warms the sleekly detailed white cabinetry. Beaded white wreaths add a touch of glam to the holiday décor.

The large bows are actually table runners tied by designer Julie Redmond. “I love the floppy way they lay, and I wanted the big effect of large bows,” she says. “Likewise for ornaments like the disco balls—don’t be scared to go big. It really helps complete the look.”


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Black, white and silver set the colorways in the sitting room, where a striking piece of art also pays tribute to Tracy’s roots growing up on a farm in Illinois. The Christmas tree’s oversized ornaments and soft bows are sophisticated enough for the formal space, while the disco balls add a sense of playfulness.

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and glossy white ceiling. Julie connected the Kolkers with artist Ted Collier, who created a commissioned work in a custom shade of pink now hanging in the space. Julie also provided assistance with the holiday décor for the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Tour. “Tracy wanted all the Christmas trees to be different, and I like to coordinate trees with the existing furnishings in the rooms,” Julie says. For the living room, which features a neutral palette of taupes, brown and black, Tracy wanted to add color. “I just thought that if I was doing a show for 500 people on the home tour, I wanted to give them something that brings happiness and joy,” Tracy says. And color she got, thanks to the tree’s oversized glass balls in pinks, blues and greens, sparkly sprays and picks, metallics and iridescent ornaments. The large topper is crafted from multiple bows. “You can’t do just one bow if you want the topper to be large,” Julie says. “I think I did three bows on this one. If you want to make a tree look full, you can’t be chintzy on the ribbon or the ornaments. It’s go big or go home.” Tracy says some visitors called this “the Candy Land Tree” after the iconic children’s board game. “The vivid colors reminded them of their childhood because it’s just so fun,” she says.

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In the more formal public space, which Tracy calls the sitting room, the colorways are black, white and silver. Coordinating the Christmas tree’s décor with the room, Tracy and Julie styled a tree that’s both sophisticated and spirited. Oversized black and silver ornaments play well with large disco balls, a nod to Tracy’s background as a dance teacher. The oversized bows are actually table runners which provided the softness and size Julie wanted. Tracy says she approached being a part of the tour with the idea she wanted people to have fun. “Because this house was once owned by Tarasenko and there’s a miniature ice rink in the basement, my thought was to show off a little bit of St. Louis with Blues jerseys and other things,” she says. “I didn’t want it to be a stuffy thing, but have people feel happy and welcome.” And she believes they succeeded. “I was home during the tour, and I heard nothing but joy and gratitude from people’s comments,” Tracy says. “I’ve always enjoyed going on the tour myself because it really puts you in the holiday spirit to see how other people celebrate and get some inspiration for your own house.” See stlouishomesmag. com for resources and additional photos.


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SHAWS VISION

Enjoy the Missouri Botanical garden during the cooler season by attending the annual Garden Glow and enjoying its festive highlights.

Photography by Nathan Kwarta.

November 14–January 1 Missouri Botanical Garden Cost: $10–25 Info: mobot.org/glow Presented by Edward Jones

Recognized as one of the top Botanical Garden Holiday Light Shows in the country, Garden Glow transforms the Missouri Botanical Garden into a dazzling winter wonderland each year. The unique and immersive experience features mesmerizing exhibits, musical light shows, delicious holiday treats, cozy rentable fire pits and plenty of photo opportunities to capture these unforgettable moments. In 2026, the Garden will be debuting a new interactive dance floor, botanical-themed pieces, adult beverage stations and more. The Garden is also pleased to bring back two special evenings again this year, Jingle & Mingle for adults 21+ and Sensory Night for visitors who want a calmer version of the Glow experience. Public tickets for these events will be on sale starting July 23.

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Photography courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.

Jingle & Mingle (21+), Friday, November 20 Starting at 5:45 p.m., Garden Glow will be catered to adults 21+. The event includes a complimentary drink, DJ, cozy fire pits and a special character appearance. After selling out quickly last year, advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Sensory Night, Monday, November 30 Garden Glow's Sensory Night returns, offering a quieter, less-crowded experience for guests with sensory sensitivities, immunocompromised individuals and others seeking a more relaxed visit. The evening includes sensory-friendly accommodations, such as sensory maps, modified displays and designated calming corners, while still featuring Garden Glow favorites, including a visit from Santa Claus. Attendance is limited, and advance tickets are required. As a Family Night, tickets for children ages 3–12 are just $6.

What's in

BLOOM

During Garden Glow, keep an eye out for botanicalinspired pieces like our Linnean Lillies, the Grand Grove and the Brilliant Blooms featuring new poppy-inspired pieces.


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HAPPY

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THE DIRT

Variegated English Holly.

HOLLY-DAYS

Add some festive evergreen to your garden to keep it looking green and full even in the winter! By Lily Stassi Photography by Doreen Wynja

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Holly is always associated with the winter holidays, but have you ever considered them as a permanent fixture in your garden? Whether you choose an evergreen variety or deciduous, most holly species are extremely low maintenance, shade-tolerant and thrive in the Midwest climate. Some types of holly can produce berries, specifically pollinated female plants. This means that in order to have a plant that produces berries, you actually have to have two plants. There needs to be a male plant within fifty feet of the main female that you

Blue Prince.

wish to produce berries. It’s also important to note that both female and male holly can flower when planted in a spot that receives more than less sun. One of the largest variations of holly is the Variegated English Holly, maxing out at around 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. As a very solid, large grower, this holly could make a great privacy screen, or be used as a statement piece. Its leaves are lined with white variegation that starts out as pink in newer branches. Despite holly often being sensitive to pruning, this variation is very


Clockwise: Scallywag™ Holly, Red Beauty® Holly and Little Rascal® Holly.

tolerant to trims and is a great option for adding interesting custom shapes to the garden. Red Beauty® Holly, is another large option, coming in at 7 to 10 feet tall 4 to 5 feet wide. With mostly solid, waxy, spiky leaves, this is pretty much the standard look that most think of in reference to holly. It is an evergreen that needs little to no pruning to maintain a pyramidal shape. To get those bright red berries, this plant is often paired with Blue Prince Holly. As a variation that tends to spread out more horizontally, the Blue Prince Holly is an option that can serve as a hedge or bush, maxing out to 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Along with having solid green foliage that works as

a great filler plant, this variation also makes a great pollenizer for other female varieties. Little Rascal® Holly is one of the most cold hardy holly varieties, as well as one of the smallest, at 2 feet tall, 3 feet wide at peak. Its low growing bright green foliage in the warmer months, turns deep purple in the cold winter months, making this quite a unique choice and a great filler plant. Similarly, though slightly bigger, Scallywag™ Holly has been known to thrive in pots, troughs and raised planters. It also changes to a purplemagenta in the colder months, but definitely prefers full sun. The added bonus of this variety is that it has an improved disease and oest resistance.

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Holiday Tour Saturday, December 5, 2026 10am -3pm St. Louis Homes + Lifestyle and the Glennon Guild are pleased to present a tour of homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Proceeds from the Tour support the patients of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

scan for tickets 46 NOV/DEC 2026 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM


636-532-9307 | 16825 N. Outer 40 Rd. www.ChesterfieldValleyNursery.com


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SNAPSHOT

More is

Merrier Vintage details, unexpected touches and plenty of sparkle take this home’s already distinctive design to a new level for the holidays. By Lauren Stormant Photography by Björn Wallander Design by Euro Trash

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There are homes that are decorated for the holidays, and then there are homes that seem made for them. With antiques, ornate furnishings, rich hues and plenty of personality already setting the scene, designer Annie Brahler of Euro Trash simply turned up the volume for the season. “We thought Christmas should be an exaggerated version of the homeowner’s signiature style,” Brahler proclaims. Having designed the home’s interiors, she was already familiar with the homeowners’ style and the pieces that give each room its personality. With its French and English inspired mix of ornate furnishings, gilded details and rich color, the home offered plenty of inspiration. Brahler leaned into its layered style, adding even more pattern, color and sparkle for the holidays. Rather than carrying one look throughout

the house, Brahler allowed each room to guide its own holiday decor. “Annie just gets our style,” says the homeowner. “She built on what we already loved and made every room feel special for the holidays.” In the light-filled living room, soft blue upholstery, floral-covered chairs, gilded accents and touches of blush set the palette for a whimsical, vintage-inspired holiday look. A towering tree is filled nearly branch to branch with antique mercury glass ornaments in shades of pink, turquoise, gold and silver, while shimmering tinsel adds another layer of sparkle. Among the mix are vintage beaded and sequined ornaments sourced by Brahler, adding to the room’s nostalgic feel. Across the mantel, vintage faux sugared fruit garland is accented with long blue-green ribbons. The homeowners’ artwork, antiques and favorite pieces remain part of the scene,


with seasonal touches woven throughout. In the dining room, turquoise walls create a bold backdrop for crystal chandeliers, pale pink dining chairs and an eclectic mix of furnishings. Greenery is draped high above the room, while white candles tied with turquoise ribbons carry the color to the table. One of the home’s most unexpected details appears in the kitchen. Playing off the kitchen’s blue-and-white palette, Brahler and her team handcrafted a lush garland incorporating real oranges. The fresh citrus brings a burst of color to the greenery and quickly became one of the homeowners’ favorite touches. “The oranges in the kitchen were such a surprise,” says the homeowner. “They were real, and Annie’s team created the whole thing by hand. It was unexpected and fun and totally right for the room.” Nearby, a smaller white tree decorated almost entirely in blueand-white ornaments carries one of the homeowners’ favorite color combinations into the season. Though different from the colorful tree in the living room, it feels perfectly at home in the space.

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SNAPSHOT

At the back of the house, the decor takes a more classic turn with traditional reds and greens. Deep green walls and ceiling surround a cozy sitting room filled with leather furniture, antique artwork and accessories. A dramatic wall stacked floor to ceiling with firewood adds warmth and character. Simple greenery drapes across the white mantel, while red ribbons and a traditional wreath bring in familiar holiday color. The rich palette offers a contrast to the softer blues, pinks and turquoise found elsewhere in the home. From vintage ornaments and colorful ribbons to fresh citrus and simple greenery, no two spaces are treated exactly alike. Yet each feels unmistakably connected to the character of the home. For the homeowners, part of the fun came from giving Brahler the freedom to follow her ideas. “Annie is a genius, and she is so much fun and easy to work with,” says the homeowner. “I really just let Annie be Annie and work her magic. She comes up with things I never would have thought of, and everything turned out better than we ever could have imagined.” The finished home reflects both the homeowners’ style and Brahler’s distinctive point of view. “The biggest complement I’ve been given about this project is that it looks exactly like Melissa,” Brahler says. From whimsical and nostalgic to classic and traditional, each space offers a different take on the season. And throughout the house, a little more color, a little more sparkle and a little more personality make everything feel that much merrier. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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Holiday Tabletop Tour

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Participating Shops The Edit by MSquared 1902 Marconi Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Topic: Not Your Mother’s Christmas Table Giveaway: $100 gift card & Holiday tote bag Blue Dahlia Designs 7930 Big Bend Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63119 Topic: The Art of a Holiday Centerpiece Giveaway: Holiday floral arrangement The Gifted Gardener 8935 Manchester Rd. St. Louis, MO 63144 Topic: Take A Bough! Decorating with Garlands Giveaway: 3' plush santa Great Cover-Up Design 9708 Clayton Rd. Ladue, MO 63124 Topic: A Tartan Holiday Giveaway: Gift basket Three French Hens 16935 Manchester Rd. Wildwood, MO 63040 Topic: A Nutcracker Christmas Giveaway: Floral arrangement The Porch in Wildwood 16957 Manchester Rd. Grover, MO 63040 Topic: Evergreen & Ember - A warm moody take on the Holiday Season Giveaway: Porch holiday collection basket Mary Tuttle’s Flowers 17021 Baxter Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63005 Topic: Ralph Lauren Inspired Elegance Giveaway: Gift basket

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Holiday Tabletop Tour

Gifts that Make Merry for Over 34 Years.

8935 Manchester • St. Louis, MO 63144 • 314-961-1985 • Follow Us

Visit our website for more inspiration.

+ SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER. Left: Seen in our March 2026 issue Interior Design by Garrison Limited Photography by Anne Matheis

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Holiday Tabletop Tour

Holiday Tabletop Tour

Sunday 11:00am - 3:00pm

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FEATURETTE

Homemade with LOVE By combining both inhereted pieces and her own new ones, this homeowner captures the essence of family in her holiday decor. By Jess Ahn Photography by Anne Matheis Interior Design by KH Interiors

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As if pulled straight out of a fairytale, this picturesque family home exudes all of the Christmas spirit and holiday joy for miles around. From the luscious green plants to the sparkling Christmas ornaments, each decoration tells its own story. “I pride myself in having a warm and welcoming home,” remarks homeowner Michelle Millonas. Through much thought and consideration, Michelle has curated her home to reflect the blend of family traditions and memories, whilst still maintaining its Christmas charm. Although the initial decorating process began in November, Michelle is always on the lookout for new designs and compositions. “I am sketching ideas pretty much all year round,” Michelle explains. “I may see something

in nature or even during a visit to a vintage shop that begins the creative process for a new idea.” And these ideas are brought to life in Michelle’s designs, starting with the careful unboxing and sorting of Christmas decor. “I am very methodical in storing my decor,” says Michelle. “Each box is labeled by room and even area of the room, and I have pictures of past years,” she explains. In fact, every room in the house has a focal point, placed with effort and intentionality. In the dining room, with all its vintage decorations and traditional Christmas greens and reds, is a tribute to Michelle’s grandmother. “My grandmother was my greatest inspiration,” Michelle notes fondly. “She taught me how to decorate a Christmas tree and she said, ‘If you


If you can still see green, you don’t have enough ornaments on the tree. —Michelle’s grandmother

can still see green, you don’t have enough ornaments on the tree.’” And sure enough, each tree in the home is decorated to the maximum, with twinkling lights and the vibrant colors of both inherited and homemade ornaments enveloping the trees. Christmas colors and motifs can be seen throughout the home, whether in homage to past traditions or incorporating newer holiday trends. Located in the music room, a classic nativity scene is present, adorned by various plants and figurines. This scene is contrasted by the collection of violins hanging on the wall, all in various states of size and color. “The violins were my husband’s grandfather’s and were found in the basement of his childhood home, so we wanted to prominently display them as tribute,” Michelle says. Her attention to detail creates a warm, familiar environment in her home, creating a space that is welcoming and nostalgic. Even in the kitchen, a homemade gingerbread house is placed, decorated with candy collected throughout the year. A standing reminder of the family’s annual gingerbread house making tradition, and the joy that is shared throughout the family. Outside, the front porch is taken into careful consideration as well. Michelle’s mother, a florist, helps to transform the entranceway, carefully arranging potted plants with deep red ribbons and ornaments. Two wreaths are

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SNAPSHOT

hung on the front doors, adorned with pinecones and berries, warmly inviting all who come to visit. The decorating process has become an important tradition, where Michelle states “It’s fun to see how it evolves every year into something really beautiful. I love that it’s the first thing guests see when coming to my home.” For Michelle, the most important part of her home is not the decorations or the furnishings, but rather the shared space that she can enjoy with her family. Every decoration is memorable not because of their design and quality, but rather because of the shared joy that these decorations bring to Michelle’s family. As Michelle puts it, her end goal is to sit with her family and enjoy the beautiful home that has been transformed. “We leave everything up until February to make the winter season seem less dreary after the Holiday bustle. Decorated trees come down first—but I tend to leave the trees up with just twinkling lights a bit longer because they just make me happy”. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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Holiday Home Tour Saturday, December 5, 2026 10am -3pm

Proceeds from the tour support SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The Glennon Guild would like to thank all of our sponsors, especially:

Brigette and Tom McMillin 62 NOV/DEC 2026 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM


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fabulousfox.com/holidays STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM NOV/DEC 2026

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slhl

SPOTLIGHT

Historical Add some luxurious lighting in your next formal dining room, foyer or even bedroom, inspired by the origin of high-class elegance and luxury—European lighting.

Elegance

By Lily Stassi

Eric Cohler Venetian Chandelier, available at Visual Comfort. Even to this day, European lighting styles are influenced by architectural motifs from the medieval period and often seek to portray royalty and luxury. Materials such as wrought iron, brass, gold and crystal defined the craftsmanship of these pieces, as they originally had to be durable and long lasting against the heat and smoke created as a result of using real candles and oil for an open flame.

Baroque The Baroque period was defined by flourishing, dramatic patterns and architecture—which certainly transferred into the lighting design. Brass, bronze and crystal were the primary materials used for durability and longevity.

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2nd Avenue Arabesque Baroque chandelier, available at Metro Lighting.

Designers Fountain Dark Sky Amherst outdoor lantern, available at Ferguson Home.


Rococo

As an evolution of the Baroque period, Rococo lighting was a more playful and delicate take on tradition, emphasizing asymmetry, pastels and floral motifs.

19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier, available at RH.

Maxim Elegante chandelier, available at Ferguson Home.

Victorian Victorian lighting took an emphasis on architectural balance and decorative complexity. Dark brass and glass or crystal defined the Victorian material palette, often adorned with etched designs and crystal drops. Minka-Lavery Heritage Stratford Hall sconce, available at Metro Lighting. Quorum International Madeleine Ceiling Fixture, available at Ferguson Home.

Neoclassical Bringing in influence from Greek and Roman design, neoclassical lighting transitioned toward clean lines, symmetry and a more understated luxury look. Neoclassical lighting fixtures blend historical influences with modern sophistication.

Chapman & Myers Oslo Sconce, available at Visual Comfort.

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TWO $20

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BUY ONE GIFT ONE

Receive all 9 issues in 2027, 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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Saturdays in December 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Experience the magic of the holidays at the Central West End’s annual Window Walk. Visitors can stroll amidst elegantly decorated windows, while shopping at boutiques and enjoying FREE holiday festivities, including ice carvings, trolley rides, carolers, live music, street performers, pictures with Santa, s’mores, kettle corn and more! Participating designers: Barbara Collins Interior Design ArtRise Zoe Miller Melbrooke Interiors Amy Spellmeyer Gayla Jenkins Interiors KH Interiors Kenney Cooper The Retail Design Institute Zac Rawls

cwescene.com for a full list of participants and details.

SPONSORED BY


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CONNECT

A Shining Passage This historical masterpiece was revitalized and transformed into a luxurious hotel after years of reconstruction and age.

By Lily Stassi Photography by Tamás Bujnovszky Architect ARCHIKON KFT. Interior Designer KROKI STÚDIÓ

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Completed as its final form in 2019, the Paris Hotel Court is an architectural legend with a rich history of evolution. The original building, referred to as Brudern-has, was built in 1817 as a neoclassical shopping arcade on one of Budapest ’s oldest squares, Ferenciek tere. Though it was modeled after the famous Passage des Panoramas in Paris, no one at the time could have known that this name was a foreshadowing of what the building would become. Its next evolutionary stage began when the building was acquired by Belváros Savings Bank in 1907 and set to be mostly demolished and rebuilt by 1913. It was still titled as the Brudern-has and housed the shopping arcade on its lower levels, which was then titled Párisi udvar, or Paris House. Though the building survived two world wars, the façade was eventually damaged during the Uprising of 1956 and further more during an attempted renovation in the


1960s, which left the office spaces unused, and many of the shops in the arcade slowly deserting for new locations. This was when, in 2015, the building was purchased and set to undergo major renovations, with the final goal to be transformed into a luxury hotel for the public to enjoy. Archival plans and photos were used to restore the original Moorish and Gothic features, keeping the building’s original charm while updating the structural integrity of the framework. “The architectural goal—apart from reconstruction and revival of the splendor of the past—was to create an inspiring and contemporary transcript of such hidden treasures within the framework of a functionally sound building.” Due to the precise work that needed to be done, this reconstruction lasted longer than building the original structure itself, and finally was completed in 2019. The highlights of the Paris Hotel Court continue to be the sparkling glass dome and passage that gave the building its name. Its ornate features date back to an era when facades and designs were made up of custommade elements prepared in workshops, and each were carefully restored to make the whole space feel like a jump back in time. It is these details that make the Paris Hotel Court a legendary historical destination for both locals and visitors from all over the world. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.

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Visit our website for more inspiration.

Interior design: Jessie D. Miller Design, Dana King Design Build Remodeling Photography by Karen Palmer

+ SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER.

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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: 9/10/2026 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. Owner (If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.): Distinctive Lifestyles LLC, 255 Lamp & Lantern Village Town & Country Mo 63017. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: N/A 12. Tax Status: For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2026 15. Extent and nature of circulation: A. Total no. copies (Net Press Run): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 20,000. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 20,100. B. Legitimate Paid and/or requested distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): 1. 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 2025 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).

STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM NOV/DEC 2026

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Worth the Money Nearing the holiday season, as we start brainstorming gifts for loved ones, it leaves us wondering: Are the products we gift actually good? If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some tested time and true products that the SLHL team would recommend.

By Lily Stassi

Julie Elledge, account executive. Suzie Osterloh, publisher/owner.

Kim Dillon, art director.

KitchenAid Espresso Machine This espresso machine has everything you need to brew your daily latte! It is semiautomatic and includes a built-in grinder and steam wand. Additionally, it has a sleek look and is very user friendly.

Samsung “The Frame” TV Maybe this one is a bit of a stretch as a holiday gift, but you deserve to treat yourself too! If you’re looking for a TV that is less intrusive and can blend in with your decor, The Frame is slim, cordless and doubles as a piece of artwork, with countless display options already included in the TV’s built in gallery store.

Lily Stassi, managing editor.

Electric Hand warmers These are great for the colder months - easy to keep in your coat pockets and use when needed. As long as you recharge them every so often, you can keep reusing them, and can even control the level of heat.

Zoe Miller, marketing + social media specialist.

E-Reader Great for frequent travelers and readers! Instead of bringing multiple books, you only need one small tablet and still have access to an entire library worth of books.

Timberland Hiking Boots For the avid hiker and traveler - investing in a good pair of hiking boots is always worth the money. Timberlands are heavy duty and long lasting, as well as some of the most comfortable shoes you can find! Lily Stassi, managing editor.

KitchenAid Mixer Everyone’s mother, grandmother or aunt has one that has been passed down from generation to generation! These mixers are as long lasting and user friendly as it gets for kitchen mixers - and work as a timeless kitchen accessory as well.

72 NOV/DEC 2026 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

Owala Water Bottle An absolute daily must-have. This time, it turns out that the hype is real - the Owala water bottle is truly the most versatile and durable water bottle out there. The multi-functional lid allows you to either sip through the straw or take a swig.

Barney Osterloh, distribution master.

Electric Blanket A great find for someone who is always cold. We especially love a little wrap blanket that is more like a shawl that allows you to cover your arms and shoulders and still be able to read or craft.


Bookcase design by Ken Henry, kenhenry@glenalspaugh.com Interior design by Liz McGovern, June Roesslein Interiors Bath Design by Christine Paul chrispaul@glenalspaugh.com Interior Design by McCoy Design Studio Megan Lorenz Photography

9808 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 314.993.6644 glenalspaughkitchens.com

Megan Lorenz Photography

9808 Clayton Road Ladue, MO 63124 314.993.6644 glenalspaughkitchens.com


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