Vicki Pickle Rob Grimm

Related Articles

• A Place in History
• A Beauty to Behold
• High Style
• Thoroughly Modern
• Graceful Living

If it weren’t for the distinctly St. Louis view overlooking Forest Park, the high-rise unit of Gayle Kirsten and Howard Potratz at the corner of Euclid and Laclede could just as easily be overlooking the Atlantic oceanfront in South Miami Beach. For Gayle and Howard, making the decision to move to Park East Towers was the “right move.” And they both agree, “it’s where we really wanted to be.” Anxious for the completion of the first new Central West End residential high-rise in 30 years, the couple waited in line to become the second residents to purchase a unit in what they fondly refer to as “the tower.” For Howard, a financial/market consultant, the Central West End is a melding of his years on the upper east side of New York and his small Iowa hometown.

“It’s the perfect location that drew us to this corner,” says Gayle. “We walk to Metrolink and can be anywhere in ten minutes. And with all of the activities we enjoy – the Fox, Sheldon, Muny and sports events – we enjoy everything the city has to offer within a short distance. We are close enough to walk to the library or catch a movie at the Chase.” I take my car out just once a week to run errands and see my grandkids in West County,” says Gayle.

Using a floor plan as a guide, the couple decided on 2,000 square feet, and began the process of creating modern, maintenance-free spaces. With the design expertise of interior designer Garison Salinas of Columbus Design Management, Gayle proudly admits that selecting all the fixtures and furnishings was her “artistic debut.” She loves how their new home evolved with an emphasis on stress-free materials, comfort and functional work spaces.

Taking an interior design course through Forest Park Community College to better communicate with her designer, Gayle worked closely with Garison each step of the way to create bright, well-designed, modern spaces that meet the couple’s specific needs. Described as festive, inviting, and unexpected by friends and guests, the blend of welcoming, flexible furnishings and spacious seating areas is the result of careful planning. Fabrics, furnishings and accessories exude an organic feel, including the easy-to-maintain club chairs and area rug in the living room. A red microfiber sofa with the look of suede is punched up for fun by spherical pillows with the feel of linen – offering a playful basket look – adding to the carefree, festive feel of the room.

While downsizing and combining two households was a consideration for Gayle and Howard, the process was made seamless by the use of abundant floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry throughout their home, including hidden pull-out step stools for reaching higher shelves. And the use of sleek, modern Formica offers a low-maintenance appeal. With grandchildren in mind, kid-friendly upholstery, rugs, pillows and furniture allow for stress-free family get-togethers. Handsome, custom-designed trunks store toys for weekend visits.
His-and-hers studies, personalized for comfort and designed to meet all of their specifications, allow for customized work spaces at home. Gayle, a retired nurse, works in the specialized medical billing field from home. From her study window, she watches as helicopters land, bringing children to nearby Children’s Hospital. “I say a little prayer for each of them,” remarks Gayle.


Garison C. Salinas III of Columbus Design Management believes...

“Good design is based on value and comfort, and functionality provides comfort. It is imperative to tailor design to a client’s needs with attention to special considerations, including type of work and work space. And as we age, we all need to give ourselves quality spaces for comfort. It is important for designers to ask the right questions of clients in regard to considering ergonomically designed and kinesiology-minded fixtures, furniture, appliances and hardware. The design plan should be as personal as a fingerprint – the client’s fingerprint.”

Garison’s tips for healthy design

BLEND rooms with adjacent rooms, especially in open floor plans, tailoring design to allow for optimum work spaces.

USE materials that are low-maintenance and support stress-free living, such as: natural stone tiles, nylon carpets, laminate cabinets, porous stone materials, real wicker furniture, easy cleaning paints and paint finishes, nylon sisal area rugs for interior or exterior uses and non-wrinkle natural fiber linens.

CONSIDER physical size and limitations and use ergonomically designed furnishings for comfort and reduction of stress. Consider lumbar and height adjustment options on chairs, wheels for easy movement between spaces, and breathable fabrics.