A Holiday Silhouette

Perched at the pinnacle of a spectacular downtown high-rise is the heavenly haven of “News 4 St. Louis” anchor and reporter, Vickie Newton. Vickie is married to Dwayne Butler, CEO of the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers. Vickie has poured her heart into making this eclectic urban penthouse a warm and welcoming gathering place for family, friends and community. “What is most important to me,” says Vickie, “is to have a home that is a safe haven. I feel cocooned here, and yet the city is right at my fingertips. It really is the best of both worlds. I can have my privacy, but still maintain a window on the city I love.”

With the city as the backdrop, Vickie and Dwayne love to entertain. Calling to mind her Southern roots (Vickie was born in Arkansas), the ultimate hostess quips, “I have that hospitality gene. You know what they say, ‘all a Southern woman needs is an excuse to have a party.’ That’s so true!”
This community-minded couple enjoys welcoming guests for grand fêtes, or more intimate get-togethers. Avid fund-raisers, their penthouse is the ideal gathering spot for hosting events that aid charities near and dear to their hearts, such as The United Way, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, The Literacy Roundtable and The Archway Links. And since both Vickie and Dwayne have family in town, birthday celebrations, anniversary toasts and even the occasional Nintendo® Wii™ tournament can crop up at any time. Now, with the holidays upon them, you can be sure that their chic urban setting will be a much-anticipated destination for many guests.

The ambience for these good times couldn't be more perfect. Scott Hepper, master floral designer for Carriage House Florals at Diane Breckenridge Interiors, created a stunning holiday display of coppers, silvers, golds and greens. The shimmering earth tones enhance the home's sophisticated natural color palette. With a nod to Vickie's love of Southern elegance, the fresh designscape includes glorious magnolia leaves and pods.
“I love the comfortable surroundings here,” says Vickie. “I want everyone who visits to feel cared for and welcomed.” You would be hard-pressed to feel otherwise. Soft, comfy seating, dark, warm woods and simple silk drapery panels framing the magnificent vistas all add to the ambience that wraps you in comfort and well-being.

An accomplished pianist, Vickie displays her black grand piano as a stunning focal point in the main living area. To dress it up for the holidays, Scott Hepper chose hammered nickel vases, representative of the towering cityscape, and he added roses to soften the look.
When it's time to dine, guests will enjoy a cosmopolitan setting with touches of Southern nostalgia. The eclectic mix of contemporary china, animal print placemats and towering candlesticks come together for a twist on the traditional holiday tablescape. Fresh boxwood spheres bring a pop of green to the urban-inspired palette of rich earth tones. Scattered on the tabletop, oversized glass acorns in a rich brown hue are a fun addition and can be displayed throughout the year.

The couple's penthouse is an architectural and sculptural marvel. Soaring ceilings with creamy-colored beams that stretch and connect the entire length of the space are stunning to behold and create a contemporary urban grandeur. Vickie's impeccable sense of style, coupled with her innate Southern perspective, brought this high-rise heaven down to earth and made it cozy in spite of itself.

“I love the energy of living downtown,” says Vickie. “It's exciting to be a part of the revitalization of St. Louis. And of course it's great to live so close to my work; it's easy to be there every night for dinner with Dwayne.” Obviously, home is where the heart is for these two. “Dwayne and I love spending time in this wonderful space, whether we are entertaining or simply enjoying the quiet and each other,” says Vickie. Smiling, she adds, “Home is what anchors me.”