You can’t get more downtown than the Pointe 400 building. Situated along the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch grounds, you are a stone's throw from Busch Stadium and the symbolic Gateway to the West. Immersed in the hustle and bustle of city living, urban dwellers are blocks from restaurants, shops, sporting venues and more.

For two homeowners, living in downtown St. Louis was a no-brainer. Both Matt Matousek and Nicholas Karidis were drawn to the energy and vibrancy of downtown living. Each takes residence in a penthouse in the Pointe 400 building.

When it came to his garden, John Moore knew what he wanted. He needed a place to decompress when he left work as a certified financial planner and senior vice president at Morgan Stanley. “I’m in an office all day long,” he explains.  “ When I leave work, I want to be outdoors. And I’m fairly high strung. I want to keep moving.”

Create a private backyard oasis or block out excess wind and noise with a privacy hedge. Planting a row of hedges will screen your yard from neighbors, the street or unwanted visitors while giving a uniform look. We asked local landscapers to share their favorite privacy hedges.

Centuries have elapsed since the first Americans settled in Missouri, in the now-quiet countryside named for its indigenous women. And, while time isn’t always kind to the people it touches, it guarded Bob Brinkmann’s dwelling, a unique stone estate connecting its inhabitants and other Osage Valley residents to their raucous, rugged and romantic pioneer past.

As you’re opening a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc, buttery Chardonnay, spicy Zinfandel or unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon on a cool October evening to enjoy with pork chops, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, roasted green beans or other dishes featuring autumn’s bounty, remember that it’s harvest time. America’s farmers are reaping the rewards of their year of hard work cultivating crops such as pumpkins and various squash, all kinds of beans, root vegetables, apples, pears, plums and of course, grapes.

Characterized by rich colors, ethnic styles and diverse patterns, bohemian design is all about showcasing your individuality. Let your originality shine! If you’re apprehensive about the design style, start with adding a few bohemian accessories. Or jump right in feet first. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.

one: Family room, by Jules Duffy Designs.

two: Modern Indian master bedroom, by Seldin Design Studios.