Downsizing certainly doesn’t have to mean downgrading. When two empty nesters traded their roomy Frontenac home for a smaller place with high walk-ability scores, they retained the grandiose open-air amenities they’d previously enjoyed by cleverly facilitating a collision of functionality, comfort and class.

Don’t sacrifice your view any longer. Frameless glass fences are an architecturally savvy alternative to common fencing materials, such as wood or aluminum. Typically seen in New York and California, glass fences are no longer an East Coast or West Coast design. St. Louisans desire the clean lines and transparency that a glass fence offers.

Glass fences give the illusion of having no boundaries. In addition to preserving a coveted view, the fences are also a powerful design option, creating a dramatic architectural feel of greater space.

Mettnitzer Restaurant, Spittal, Austria
Photography by Christopher Young Meek

Founded in the 12th century by a local noble family, Spittal is a town in western Austria that lies along the Drava River. Spittal, which means "hospital," was named for a hospital founded in 1191 by the counts of Ortenburg to serve the poor and sick. The town received market rights in 1242 and achieved municipal status in 1930. The Mettnitzer Restaurant is built in a 100-year-old home and serves up the finest fare in Spittal.

It’s shaping up to be a great summer at Andy and Anita Higginbotham’s Chesterfield home, where warm days are spent in the new pool, meals prepared in the outdoor kitchen are served on the enlarged patio, and balmy evenings on the screened porch feature the soothing sounds of the backyard’s two water features.

A backyard pool can be more than just a spot to cool off in the hot St. Louis summers. These days, pool designs add interest and drama to your yard. The options are limitless, but depending on the site conditions of your yard, such as the grade and elevation, certain pool features may lend themselves well to your space. SLHL is skimming the surface on design concepts to turn your concrete pond dreams into an outdoor oasis.

What better way to bring life to a room than with a beautiful and colorful painting. Support local Missouri artists when choosing your next piece of artwork.

“Behr Woods,” by Bryan Haynes, Kodner Gallery

“Rockwoods XVII.1.0,” by Ken Worley, Bruno David Gallery

“Mom,” by Cheonae Kim, Philip Slein Gallery

“Flowered Turban,” by Victor Wang, Atrium Gallery