Classic

I believe dining benches are a classic and do not see them going anywhere anytime soon. Adding a bench is an effortless way to give your space a contemporary flair while providing additional storage and seating that is needed during the holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Depending on the type of bench, it can help anchor a heavy table and allow your eye to move throughout the room. Dining benches are practical and functional for a lot of families and there are a multitude of styles that can work for any design. Savannah Sells, Youtopia Designs.

Add the warmth of a fireplace anywhere inside or outside your home with a standalone heating element. With options for gas, wood, electric or pellet, a freestanding stove can fit any style and space.

Cozy up to the warmth and sound of the crackling flames because it’s officially fireplace season! When it’s time to throw another log on the fire, reach for your stash stored in an aesthetically pleasing log holder.

These five talented young professionals are the people to watch in St. Louis, producing some of the most innovative and exciting projects in town.

5 Under 40 Winners

Eric Schwarz, Refab 

Justin Verbryck, Frisella Nursery

Maggie Jewell, MKS Designs 

Drew Schaub, Schaub Projects 

“There’s something I just love about older houses,” says designer Maggie Jewell, owner of MKS Designs. “Remodeling a house lets you work with quirky angles, previous renovations and less-open floor plans.”

So when it came time for her young family to move, remodeling a home just made sense. They chose a house originally built in the 1920s that not only boasts a horse pasture but also is located parallel to Jewell’s parents’ house. “I love that my kids can look out the windows in the morning and see their grandparents driving down the road. It’s amazing to me.”

The Perfect Blend French taste is marked by its blend of rustic, traditional and eclectic accents. Traditional floral motifs (characteristic of the popular Indian block printing) can bring both color and pattern to a space through bedspreads and table linens. Rustic touches mixed with high-end traditional antiques bring the feel of the French countryside into your home without overpowering each show-stopping piece.