If you haven’t heard of Barry Kraft, you might be hanging around the wrong crowd. Sure, one of his earliest memories is burning down a barn. But for the record, it was his barn. And as the owner and designer of Reclaim Renew – a custom-furniture workshop that uses only reclaimed and salvaged wood – it should be mentioned he’s devastated by that memory now.  “I didn’t think it was tragic then,” Kraft says adjusting his baseball cap, “but now I’m like, ‘what was I doing?!’”

Designer Heidi Sowatsky purchased her franchise of Decorating Den 11 years ago. In addition to creating beautiful designs for her clients, she is also the St. Louis-area regional manager for Decorating Den. Over the years, Heidi has won several design and sales awards.

Restaurateur Sam Kogos faithfully recreates the Cajun/Creole comfort food of his Louisiana upbringing at Riverbend Restaurant & Bar, right down to the Gulf Coast-sourced blue crab, shrimp and spice blend.

Separated by nearly 700 miles, New Orleans and St. Louis are nonetheless connected by their common French heritage and linked by life on the Mississippi River. An informal exchange has taken place between the two cities, with citizens and cuisine bridging the geographic divide.

Like many of St. Louis’ stately World’s Fair-era mansions, Patti and Kevin Short’s majestic three-story harbors a wealth of history between its walls.  Fortunately, much of this landmark’s colorful story has been well documented over the years. It’s been a featured stop on the Central West End House Tour several times and even the subject of an HGTV episode. 

Moving back to St. Louis after living in Germany for several years, the Dubray family was ready to re-lay their roots in the Gateway to the West. With three boys, it was a top priority for Julie and Drew to design a home that was both elegant yet functional for their family. “We wanted our boys to want to be at home,” says Julie.

With the help of interior designer Janice Rohan Hulse, Park Avenue Design, whom the homeowners met through a neighbor, their two-story Frontenac home is not only workable for all, but reflects the worldly style they came to love.

Just approaching Dr. Deb Carlin’s front door is a treat. Stroll along the walk and you encounter a planter overflowing with greenery that looks just like a red-rubber boot. Step a few more feet and encounter a colorful glass bauble reflecting light. In the autumn watch for pumpkins and squash tucked in among the plants. At the festive front porch seasonal ribbons twine their way through the wrought-iron railings and pumpkins, squash and mums cascade down the steps.