Sometimes, it's all in the mix. For a St. Louis couple with distinct tastes, their ability to strike a perfect design balance within their whimsical Ladue home seemed to evolve organically. Over the past decade, the homeowners—both PhDs with demanding professions and two boys—have successfully blended the wife's self-proclaimed "impulsive" purchases and mid-century-modern style with her husband's more traditional preferences. Showcasing a diverse array of art and collections, their 1970s colonial home emanates a palatable, free-spirited vibe to all who enter.

When Patrick Barrett built his striking, hilltop home in Des Peres 15 years ago, he loved everything about it. The gorgeous stone architecture had a timeless European appeal. The views of the surrounding countryside were spectacular. There was one thing, however, he hated. The ugly 15-to-20-foot retaining wall that was designed to re-enforce the hillside to install a swimming pool just outside the home’s walkout lower level. Not only was it unattractive, as the father of five active children, he viewed the drop off as dangerous.

It is hard for Brian Davies to remember a time when he wasn’t tending a garden. Growing up in north St. Louis County, he happily took over his parent’s garden. When he bought a home in University City, most of the yard became a garden. Six years ago, he and his wife, Jennifer, moved to the Central West End, where he is again making gardening magic.

Dragonflies are thought to symbolize a change of perspective, a deeper meaning of life and a sense of hope. Typically seen in the heat of the day during the summer months, they’re a colorful and welcome addition to any home garden.

Bountiful Benefits

Throughout the spring and summer, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers visitors more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful blooms during their extended evening hours.

Starting in April and continuing through September, the Garden will be open three hours later every Thursday evening for guests to enjoy the warm weather and explore the new flowers each week brings.

Before Barbara moved into her new condo, she knew the interior needed a major makeover before it felt like home. The space had great bones, but it just didn’t fit with her style. “I am a very visual person. As soon as I stepped into the condo, I started to picture what I wanted it to look like,” says Barbara.

The first element of her vision was the color palette. “I dreamt of mixing shades of pink with black. Those colors felt dramatic and fun, which is exactly what I wanted for the space. They became the starting point for the rest of the design,” she adds.