Directions in Design, an interior architectural and design firm, has welcomed ERIN SWENSON as its director of business development.

This summer, think of your backyard as the next decorating frontier. Use designer-quality furniture, rugs, lighting and charming decorative accents for stunning results.

This is a story of a family home’s last surviving member, who set out to preserve his family’s example of a Victorian way of life to be enjoyed by others for years to come.

BLAKE YOUDE has been named executive director of Access Academics, a program that supports at-risk middle school students. Previously, Youde served as deputy superintendent of institutional advancement for the St. Louis Public School District.

Admiring abstract art. Analyzing articles in The Wall Street Journal. Researching the Dead Sea Scrolls. Not the usual activities for an older adult, but for Henrietta Freedman and other local retired professionals, it’s all in a day’s coursework. As co-founder of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University, Freedman has given area seniors the gift of being in college again. And it’s a pleasure, not a chore, this time around.

I’ve been putting off writing this story for some time—too many things to tell you about and too little space. Yes, San Diego has a brilliant blue ocean and blue skies most of the time, mild temperatures year-round, a strong Spanish/Mexican heritage that permeates most of its architecture and culture, a huge U.S. Navy presence, amazing beaches and golf courses, a wealth of public and private universities and a world-famous zoo. You knew all this already, didn’t you?

Just when it seems like the ethnic design trend has run its course, these out-of-the-ordinary patterns demonstrate their staying power. In fact, designers say ikat, susani, and batik-inspired patterns are so enduring, they’ve become staples in American design, just like traditional and modern.

Across

Grand Center Inc. will be presenting its annual Visionary Awards to six area women on May 13 at The Sheldon. Ranging from theater to music and every art form in-between, these women are making a difference in the St. Louis artistic community—and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

From every specially selected brick, cupola and stone fountain to each knowledgeable employee, Sterling Bank is “built to last,” says chairman and CEO Ken Poteet. And the company is building onto that rich culture with a new Chesterfield location, set to be open by the end of April and run by Poteet's son, Mclane Poteet. 

A 5-bedroom, 6-bath home in Town & Country is listed for $1,295,000.

A two-and-a-half story home in Town & County with 11 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4 full- and 2 half-baths is listed for $2.695 million.

Marvelous Malachite

A creative pool can be the jewel of your backyard oasis. Here, area contractors showcase some of their most stunning pool projects.

Andy Dielmann, owner of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty, has plenty of reasons to smile.

No party is complete without décor, and what better option this spring than the very blooms that represent the season? We talked to three local floral designers to find out which stems scream spring and picked up some ideas to make sure everything at your gathering comes up roses—or perhaps tulips, in this case.

I proudly admit it: I am a Downton Abbey fan. More important, I am a fan of English architecture and design, and what better example is there than Highclere Castle, the historic home of the eighth Earl of Carnarvon and the inspiration behind the hit series?

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Every last fixture, decorative panel and crown molding must be perfect for a remodel to look authentic, local contractors say. That’s why they go above and beyond—special-ordering pieces from around the country to be fit precisely into place by experienced local craftsmen. This attention to detail is what preserves each home’s architectural integrity, says Dave Dunlap, owner of Consolidated Design & Construction Group.

Show the library some love…The stunning $70-million restoration of the ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY’s Central Library is getting some international recognition: It’s been named as one of five finalists for Architizer’s A+ Library Award. Architizer, a leading architecture news website, has opened the voting to the public to determine the winner in the Popular Choice category. Voting runs through March 8, with the announcement of the winner expected on March 19.

We can think of no cozier place to spend a winter’s evening than Bar Les Frères, Zoe Robinson’s newest creation and one of the most charming and romantic new dining spots in St. Louis.

St. Louis natives Stacy and Patrick Donohue moved to Clayton for its central location, walking community feel and exceptional school district. Stacy, a stay-at-home mom, and her husband, Patrick, who is in medical sales, have two kids, 10-year-old Andrew and 8-year-old Sarah, who each attend Meramec Elementary School. The family also has two English Cocker Spaniels, Cooper and Bourbon. Stacy spoke more about what they love in Clayton.