For our October design issue, we asked local landscapers their favorite plant, flower or tree in their own yard. Check out what St. Louis professionals pick to beautify their gardens.

The region of France that turns on its head the tried and true axioms about the proper wines to serve with meats and fish or chicken is in the northeastern part of the country, bordering both Germany and Switzerland. The Alsace lies in the picturesque Rhine River Valley, just east of the Vosges Mountains. Its geography has informed its history as this picturesque land has changed hands between France and Germany several times. From the names of its towns and cities to its cuisine and wine production, one can easily identify both French and German influences.

Don’t mess with perfection. After rehabbing multiple old houses—and selling countless more—realtor J. Warner understands the truth to the old adage. So when he and his partner, George Hettich, found their current Clayton home, they knew to leave well enough alone, preferring instead to allow the house’s elegant proportions and sophisticated details to speak for themselves.

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home where family and friends gather to nibble and nosh while sharing stories and making memories. With an Italian heritage, a deep love for food and a propensity for entertaining, homeowner and interior designer Mary Tramelli is definitely one of those people. But her tiny (123 square feet) kitchen posed a problem. “It meant that I was alone in the kitchen while the party went on without me,” says Tramelli, who was forced to prep food in the small space and then bring it out to guests. She knew a remodel was long overdue.

Chandeliers aren’t just for formal dining rooms. Now incorporated into bedrooms, bathrooms, foyers and even outdoors, the lighting fixtures can be found in a variety of styles to fit any room’s furnishings.

“Pewter is a wonderful metal, and one that’s becoming very high style,” says B. Davis owner Barb Davis. “The style, however, has changed dramatically since the '70s,” Davis adds, pining that this detail makes pewter all the more interesting to collect.

Silver, concurs C.J. Knapp, ASID, senior interior designer and creative director of Savvy Surrounding Style, is losing ground. “Metals are becoming muddier in feeling. As such,” Knapp says, “silver is being replaced by pewter and bronze.”