While the calendar says that spring officially begins in April, I’ve always looked to May as the heart of the season. Trees, bushes and flowers are in riotous bloom, the sun goes down later and later, and warm days are becoming the norm not the exception. We’re starting to think lighter, feel lighter (after shedding tights, winter coats, sweaters – and maybe a few pounds) and many of us are eating lighter.

A seasonal trend for some, a lifestyle for many, the growing popularity of urban and rooftop gardens in the last decade has been significant. The development of the nouveau foodie persona, and the rise of the farm-to-table movement, have played a huge role in encouraging otherwise cement-treading, air-conditioned dwelling individuals to pick up a spade and bend from the waist for hours upon hours to tend a plot.

Nestled in the heart of the historic Benton Park Neighborhood, Jessi and Jamie Hatfield’s one-story rebuild effortlessly exudes the celebrated character of the home’s distinct locale. After taking one look inside, however, it’s obvious that the couple’s custom-designed standout is anything but expected.

Heidi Sowatsky of Decorating Den encourages clients to buy high-quality furniture and reupholster and refinish old furniture whenever possible. “If you’re consistent in your style, you can then move the furniture from room to room and home to home without difficulty,” Sowatsky says.

Judy and Don Walter’s previous home was completely tailored to their personal preferences. To make the move easier, Walter says she flbrought over a lot of ideas from the old house to the new house, which has significantly more space and natural light.

The Lofts of Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Photography by Joe Angeles/Washington University and James Byard/Washington University

We asked local design professionals to share their opinions on ceiling medallions. These decorative moldings have been gracing ceilings for hundreds of years, but are they still a widely used design element? Here's what the professionals had to say.