It’s hard to imagine that the 415-square-foot Old World kitchen was once a dining room, but a few years ago it was where the family gathered to eat their meals, not cook them. After living with their dining room addition for several years, the homeowners decided a room swap was in order to better utilize their space. With the idea to flip the dining room and kitchen, they would create an open, connected space.

The French Door refrigerator has two doors placed side by side with a freezer unit on the bottom giving it a sleek and industrial look. Frequently used items are at a convenient height when opening one of the fridge doors. Flexible storing options can allow for a party platter to safely be kept without rearranging the entire fridge, carefully stacking other items to make room. Not only does the fridge have a stylish look, but also it is energy efficient ,keeping more cold air inside because you only open one door at a time.

Relegated to a scullery or outbuilding, the kitchen has gradually evolved into one of the most important rooms of the home. Today’s open floor plans have transformed the kitchen into a space for entertaining, as well as preparing meals – a gathering place where style now rivals function.

After working together on the upper levels of their home, a young Des Peres family had found their collaboration with Ellen Wortham, ASID, of JE Design Group so successful that when it came time to finish the basement, she was their first call. The couple wanted the lower level to accommodate a play room for their three young daughters, storage for a wine collection, a full kitchen for entertaining, a game area and a home theater—a tall order for a space that’s just over 1,000 square feet.

Malbec has taken a wild ride from near obscurity to becoming one of the most popular red wine grapes of the past decade.  

Driving up a long, wooded path, glimpses of a serene lake peek through the trees. Situated above the lake, a winsome wood lodge with an expansive outdoor patio draws you farther through the woods. At the end of the path, the lodge greets you with lush landscaping and solid wood double doors with black rivet detailing and custom black iron handles. Taking your first steps into Ray and Diane Barrett’s lodge, you are overcome with a feeling of warmth and welcome, plus a killer view.