When creative friends collaborate, their combined energy often produces something quite magical. A unique momentum evolves almost naturally—a dynamic nearly impossible to duplicate. Such was the case when a St. Louis builder and an interior designer joined forces with photographer Heidi Drexler and Troy Stehr, a dynamic, soon-to-be-married couple who were looking to construct their own little happy place. It all began one evening back in 2020 when Monte Herring, a custom home builder at Herring Design & Development, was out with the couple, who happened to be long-time friends.

The homeowners had an idea. Caleb Bauer of Bauer Falls had a vision. And Bill Spradley of Trees, Forests and Landscapes painted it with living color and texture. Along the way, Mother Nature weighed in to put her own stamp on the design.

While we are giving credit, we should also give a shout out to Sheila and Boo, the homeowners’ heelers/Australian cattle dogs. They are the reason that a 106-foot rippling stream with rapids-filled waterfalls and five-foot-deep swimming hole, complete with koi, came into being on a property in Wildwood.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking a quick lunch, utilizing fresh herbs can add flavor to your meal while also providing additional health benefits. We’ve gathered four common herbs for beginners that will get you into the garden and cooking fresh, homemade meals.

Basil

Much like the cooler temperatures in May here in St. Louis, September is another great time of year to witness roses in bloom. The intensity and profuseness at which the roses bloom in September is akin to the floriferousness of the spring flush. Like most plants, there is a sweet moment in time when roses look and perform their best. The cooler temperatures that hint of a cold winter ahead and shortening of daylight initiates a response in roses similar to the warming and longer days in spring.

A Fenton couple wanted to give their four active kids a place to gather and play with friends, while also providing a lavish yet comfortable area to host their own adult friends and family. “They wanted more places for people to go and hang out. That prompted them to renovate the lower level,” says Anne Marie Boedges, designer and president of Anne Marie Design Studio, LLC. The homeowners hired her firm to design and manage the remodel project. “They wanted it to look more luxurious, but still be durable for the kids’ activities”

When homeowners Geri Dreiling and Enrique Serrano Valle decided to remodel their historic home’s kitchen, they entrusted Ladd Suydam Contracting to bring their ideas to life. Dreaming of an open kitchen where Enrique’s “mis en place” cooking style could shine, the homeowners drew inspiration from their personal lifestyle, family history and even movies. “I watched a movie that included a home in Paris,” says Geri. Impressed by the kitchen’s historic character and open space in the movie, they knew they wanted the perfect mix of modern, organic and traditional design.