From Beige to Beautiful

Perfect the Art of Living by living within a Work of Art Ben Shafer Creative Director, Sebastian Marck Realtor Associate, Dielman Sotheby's Intl Realty 8301 Maryland Ave, Ste 100, Clayton MO 63105 [phone]

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As the Heart of the Home

This kitchen is a perfect place for family togetherness in high style. A warm and welcoming hearth room surrounded by the kitchen and breakfast area full of custom treatments and accessories fill this space. The wrought iron pot rack over the island range accompanies the chandelier hanging over a custom marble breakfast table. The tonal quality of the paint wash on the built cabinets is accentuated by the amazing layered glaze treatment on the walls that from a distance look like leather. Truly Amazing!

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Contemporary home built from 1850.

This house sits on the site of a 163 year old log cabin.  While many would have, at one point, started building from scratch, the owners of this property have simply added to it over the years.  The original cabin can still be found, exposed, within the interior walls of this beautiful home.  The squared logs and plaster are highlighted as architectural elements in some rooms with the original floors in these sections of the home having been preserved.  The newer sections of the house have floors made to match the original woods along with many custom design elements that pay respect to the home's history while simultaneously incorporating many modern amenities.  This home and the people who have lived here have most definitely paid homage to tradition while also considering all the needs of a modern American family.

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If these doors could talk!

The antique doors to this wine cellar and tasting room are truly amazing.  Now housed in a custom built door jamb, they were originally designed for the exterior courtyard wall of a centuries-old Chinese home.  And they even come with a surprise.  Though you can see the bolt lock on the exterior they actually have a secret locking mechanism on the inside that is hidden from the eye.  A series of levers fall into place when the doors are shut together and can only be undone by someone who knows their secret. 

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Merry Christmas Everyone!

Holiday decor for many families would not be complete with out the extensive talents of the young artists in our lives.  It is amazing how a pile of popsicle sticks,a selection of family photos, a little glue, a lot of glitter, and some quality time can turn into some of the most cherished of memories.  The end result might not look perfect: the candy cane stripes will be too thick, rhinestones won't match, and names will be crooked.  These ornaments will not "go" with any of your other decor or color themes, but the fact is, they just don't have to.  They are still the ones you will love the most.  

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Deck the Stairway

As a look, this Sebastian Marck original creation is very traditional but with a touch of flair.  Bronze glitter bows reflect the terra cotta walls and the burgundy poinsettias have a little gold accent on some of the edges.  This staircase is in an adjoining area between rooms not in a large open space, so going over board would be an easy thing to do. This is a simple and beautiful way to draw attention to the stair and accent the banister without overdressing the space.

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Silver Bells? No...Silver Poinsettias.

This Sebastian Marck original display is a beautiful twist on a traditional look.  All the silver is stunning against the navy walls.  The Use of the monochromatic color palette here is made interesting through the use of texture.  The silk florals, glass beads, metallic ornaments, and glittered ribbons all blend to create a sophisticated arrangement that has interest and depth in a single color.  In a room already styled with mirrors and such high contrast color, this look is exactly what this space called for.  

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Dreaming of a Modern Christmas?

Another Sebastian Marck original, this fireplace is in the home of an art glass collector and has been decorated to reflect the ideal styling of a modern art collection.  A blue Murano glass bowl has been centered on the asymmetrical mantle to hold an abundance of blown glass Christmas ornaments. This sits above a fire that, itself, appears from within a pile of clear glass gems. To the right of the bowl a stocking hanger has been put to use holding a giant blown glass spiral pendant.  While the look is softened with the use of the very Seussical "Santa" hats on either side of the elevated hearth.  This look definitely makes the necessary holiday Impact while simultaneously highlighting and accenting the surrounding artwork and fireplace.

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My Kind of Blue Christmas

The holiday design for this room is another Sebastian Marck original. Set against the bright green walls, the turquoise and teal motif turned out to be quite the inspired choice. The classic poinsettia and magnolia garland on the mantle highlighted colors in the painting and the accent pillows.  The two coordinating Christmas trees function well in the group but each has its own personality.  The smaller one is quite traditional in its styling, though modernized by its color theme and the asymmetrically draped "tree skirt."  While the taller is decorated with a collection of dyed feathers including coque, pheasant, ostrich and peacock among its ornaments and ribbons.  Both tree skirts are arranged from silk saris imported from India.  This look is most definitely a stunning way to deck the halls. 

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A Great First Impression

This entry foyer boasts a custom iron banister that becomes the focal point of the space.  The amazing thing about it is that it does it in a simple way.  While rod iron work can quickly become very ornate and overdone, the use of these iron spindles here create a continuous, almost geometric, pattern that turns what could have otherwise been an average staircase into something truly extraordinary without going too far.

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Seasonal Indoor Gardening

If you or someone you love is really into nature or growing things and you don't want to let the cold weather get you down then these terrariums are an amazing way to keep the spirit and the plants alive all winter long.  Kate Valleroy is a St. Louis area artist who creates these beautiful, and intricate living works of art.   She repurposes small vintage toys and model pieces by placing them, with living plants, into recycled jars and vases to make these one-of-a-kind works.  It is amazing how a little inspiration, and a tiny set of gardening tools can offer an extraordinary peek into her miniature world. 

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'Tis the Season to Start Decorating

This beautiful floral collection is a Sebastian Marck original design.  It is also a perfect transition through the holidays for those of you that start decorating before Thanksgiving.  The combination of bronze poinsettias, golden magnolias and "sugared" fruit make a great choice for this formal dining room.  the styling here creates an abundant centerpiece for the table and flowing spray for the top of the break front without looking too overdone.  This particular collection might bit much for the rest of the year but it is perfect for the holiday season.

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Art and Function

These wine decanters are made by St. Louis area artist Sam Stang and truly are functional works of art.  One of these, paired with a nice bottle of wine would make a fabulous housewarming gift.  And with the great variety of one of a kind pieces available you can find something for anyone.  

Sam works in a variety of styles, at a variety of price points, and has in his career produced a massive body of work.  So, if wine isn't what you are looking for then he still has something to offer you.  Once a year he even opens his workshop in Augusta, Missouri to the public for the weekends of the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk. During those weekends you can even catch a glass blowing demo if you want to see how this work is done.  It is a fun time and you can pick up some beautiful artworks.

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Modern Country Kitchen

This term is no longer an oxymoron. What a great way to have a country home that still makes a contemporary statement.  The stainless steel appliances and glass-top range offer balance to what could otherwise be a very stylized and potentially "dated" kitchen.  They are the perfect things to set against the bead board and glass-front cabinets.  This look is reinforced by the use of an under-mounted apron front sink.  What really brings this look together though, and simultaneously offers a modern touch, are the solid butcher's block counter tops.  The red hardwood used here is a true blend of function and fashion.  

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The Horn of Plenty

The depiction of the cornucopia in art and literature dates back to ancient Greek mythology.  The symbolism of abundance of the harvest is an idea that transcends time and is still relevant today.  The three examples here are modern interpretations of the cornucopia and they are a simple but elegant addition to any Thanksgiving decor. Simply start with the right basket and fill it with things of a particular color scheme (purple), similar items (fruits or colorful squashes) or build your own around a specific theme.  It is a representation of the abundance in your life so feel free to incorporate other things of importance to you and your family.  Regardless of what you place in your cornucopia, it is the meaning behind it that is important. It is important to remember that gratitude turns what we have into enough. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thank You for the Lovely Welcome

This pair of wreaths make a wonderful sight for anyone first entering your home.  Traditional in their styling but made modern by the use of white pumpkins instead of orange and the inclusion of the beautiful pheasant feathers.  These wreaths, or something like them, would make a wonderful addition to anyone's seasonal decor and perhaps a perfect housewarming gift for the friend or neighbor moving into her new home this fall. 

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Pumpkin, Pumpkin Everywhere, but Not a Pie to Eat

This is a beautiful mantle in a traditional color scheme, but upon closer inspection it has a great modern twist.  None of these pumpkins are actually real.  It is like a three dimensional mixed media collage above the fire.  Terracotta, wood, wicker and mirrored glass among the autumn leaves blend together here with the raw wood backdrop.  When styling your fireplace this way you add a very contemporary flair to a very traditional scene.  

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The Glam Way to Give Thanks

This Thanksgiving centerpiece is most definitely not for the traditionalist.  The conventional orange, cream, yellow and brown foliage have been replaced here by deep reds, regal purples, rich fuchsias and dark green tones.  Stretching the long length of this table, it's abundance is representative of the reason we celebrate this day. This luxurious and bold display would make anyone thankful for a seat at this lovely table.