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

SLHL: Why build green? Or why consider green when remodeling or upgrading your home?

Products and accessories to make your home more eco-friendly.

one: Haiku fan, by Big Ass Fans.

two: Water clock, by Bedol.

three: Window coverings, Blooming walnut, by Hartmann & Forbes, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

four: Silky shag in crimson, by Anji Mountain, available locally through Anji Mountain.

Outstanding design deserves recognition, and seven sensational St. Louis design projects have been singled out for our second annual Architectural Finesse Awards. Evaluated by a distinguished panel of Kansas City architects, the winning entries include a unique variety of newly built and remodeled living spaces, honored for their architectural ingenuity and integrity and overall aesthetic appeal.

And the winners are…