Clayton, MO March 2026

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HOME + DESIGN THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

HOME

Just four letters, yet they hold so much meaning. Home is our sanctuary, our foundation and the place where life unfolds. It’s where we begin and end each day, where memories are made, and where our hearts find rest. While “home” looks different for each of us, its importance is universal.

Author Wendy Wunder captured it beautifully: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” With that spirit, our March edition is a celebration of what makes home so special, from thoughtfully designed spaces and shared meals to the people, pets and moments that bring it all to life.

For us, it’s coming through the door to wagging tails, the simple joy of fresh flowers on the counter and the deep comfort of being exactly where we belong. Home grounds us. It restores us. It reminds us who we are.

This month, we had the privilege of connecting with local businesses and individuals who help shape the places we call home. Their stories reflect the creativity, craftsmanship and heart that define this community. As you turn these pages, we hope you feel inspired to strengthen your own sense of home, whether within your walls, your neighborhood or the city we share.

Many readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover, keeping it as coffee-table art, a source of inspiration or a meaningful reflection of home. That’s a tradition we’re proud of, and one we’re committed to honoring with every edition.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Here’s to a March filled with comfort, connection and the spaces, and people, that matter most.

Happy March,

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Kelley Lamm

kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Kelley Lamm, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Mel Boban, Audra Harrold, Beth Templin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gordon Montgomery, Sam Fentress, Carol Green, Kim Eichelberger, Mike Scobis, Guinevere Lorenz, Jennifer Silverberg

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Saint Louis Closet Co. President Jennifer Q. Williams named 2026 St. Louis Titan 100 Honoree. 2:Tina and Jeremy Knox and friends enjoyed dinner and fun at Carbon Members Club. 3: The National Museum of Transportation nominated for USA Today 10Best Open-Air Museum. 4-5: The London Tea Room hosted a Bridgerton-themed event by Content Social STL and Halcon Marketing. 6-7: Families enjoyed the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House during reopened event: Bugs, Rhythm, and Blues.

8-10: Saint Louis Zoo’s Animals Aglow returns March 13–May 17, featuring handcrafted-lanterns, cultural performances, sensory-friendly nights. 11-13: Publisher Kelley Lamm and host Rainie Howard at Sacred Strategy: The Entrepreneur Elite Experience networking-event. 14: Tim Tebow was impressive as City Lifestyle magazine’s keynote speaker for Accelerate 2026.

‘LIFE FOR ME’

VIVA BENE ST. PETERS: HOW ACTIVE ADULT LIVING REDEFINES

INDEPENDENCE

"I hear this all of the time: ‘I’m doing this for me,’” shares Ashley Wilson, community manager for Viva Bene Active Adult Apartment Homes in St. Peters. How befitting, given that the name "Viva Bene" translates from Italian to "live well or living the good life."

ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM FENTRESS

Ashley says people move into this innovative 55-plus active adult rental community for all types of reasons. "Some want to be closer to family. Others are ready to downsize without sacrificing lifestyle, or to live surrounded by peers rather than younger renters."

Many Viva Bene residents come from traditional independent or assisted living because she says they didn’t realize active adult living was an option. However, she explains, “They discover they didn’t need that level of care, and they don’t want the cost that comes with it.”

For others, the appeal is freedom. “They want to travel, but need a home base. They want to be active, stay social, enjoy life, go to dinner parties and have fun. They've raised their kids, and they're ready to live their own lives. Some are even still working but no longer want to keep up the maintenance required on a house or they’re just ready for something easier," Ashley says.

Mathilda Sorbello, Viva Bene sales consultant, agrees. “People are ready to live life for themselves. That’s why it’s called Active Adult Living.”

Viva Bene blends resort-style amenities with a proactive, wellness-focused lifestyle.  The community offers one- and two-bedroom apartments in a 161unit, 200,000 square-foot campus at mid-market rental rates. Owned by real estate development, construction and investment firm, Avenue, and managed by Greystar, a global leader in rental housing, Viva Bene is credited as the first pioneering senior living community in the nation to intentionally combine attainable pricing with wellness amenities and preventative healthcare services. The community is currently 70% occupied.

Mathilda says co-founder, Laurie Schultz, designed Viva Bene with an agingin-place philosophy that she wanted for her own parents. "We take her holistic approach and incorporate it with residents’ everyday lives.”

Avenue Development representatives launched this active adult company during March 2022 to focus on integrating preventive health services with senior housing.

Viva Bene St. Peters broke ground in early 2023, and a grand opening was celebrated on April 16, 2025.

Viva Bene residents enjoy weekly programs, social gatherings and wellness-focused experiences that foster connection and belonging. On-site preventive care and wellness through Sevi Health, offers personalized, relationship-based primary care designed to simplify health care and support overall well-being.

Viva Bene also piloted Groove Health, an innovative wellness program featuring AI-enabled strength and mobility sessions residents can complete in their own homes.

While wellness is central, the team at Viva Bene states that fun is essential. From pool time and game nights to line dancing, music happy hours and social clubs such as the Juliet Club  (Just Us Ladies Eating Together), and Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the community offers plenty of ways for residents to stay engaged.

“Our sense of community is why people choose to live here. It’s the number one reason our residents call Viva Bene home,” Ashley says.

636.245.2848 VivaBeneStPeters.com

Dedicated, Resourceful Realtor

KRISTY FLOOD SERVICES ST. LOUIS, ST. CHARLES AREAS WITH APLOMB

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Kristy was born and raised in St. Louis. She began her career in real estate during 2015 and delights in providing clients with her knowledge, expertise and unparalleled passion for the field. She's especially adept at handling luxury properties via Coldwell Banker Realty-Gundaker. She provides real estate market inside-scoops and news for various communities, including neighborhoods' median sold prices; average days that houses are on the market; listing vs. sold prices; total active or pending property sales; and market changes.  City Lifestyle caught up to Kristy for her insight related to 2026 considerations.

Kristy Flood, Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker

YOU BELIEVE BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IS A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE. HOW SO?

"Buying or selling a home is life-changing because it marks a major transition — financially, emotionally, and personally — shaping where and how someone lives the next chapter of their life."

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR TEAM ADD VALUE TO ASSISTING CLIENTS?

"Our team adds value by combining expert market knowledge, clear communication and hands-on guidance to protect our clients’ best interests and make every step of the process smooth and confident."

YOUR PERSONAL EXPERTISE IN RELOCATION IS ESPECIALLY HELPFUL TO SENIORS. WHAT TYPE OF FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES?

"When assisting seniors with relocation, we consider factors such as lifestyle needs, accessibility and safety, proximity to family and health care, financial considerations and minimizing stress during what can be an emotional transition."

Parkinson’s: Why Exercise Matters

Personalized Care In Your Home

By: Dr. Beth Templin

It may be surprising to hear that intense exercise is one of the most highly recommended treatments for a progressive disorder like Parkinson’s disease (PD). In fact, research consistently shows that the right kind of exercise slows progression, improves function, and helps manage symptoms more effectively over time.

To get the most benefit, exercise for someone with PD must be intentional and individualize d. A one-sizefits-all workout simply doesn’t work. Key elements include:

High-effort workouts

Complex movements

Big, exaggerated motion

Whole-body exercises

Upright posture

While the word intense can sound a little intimidating, especially for older adults or those living with a progressive condition, it’s actually the key ingredient that makes exercise effective. When done safely and correctly, intensity doesn’t just combat the normal effects of aging; it empowers you to fight back

against PD and maintain independence, confidence, and quality of life. Additionally, exercise must be specific to the issues you are experiencing with your PD. Everyone’s needs are different, so your exercise should be custom to you.

That’s why we offer a FREE In-Home Parkinson’s Consultation. During this one-on-one visit, we assess your overall mobility, balance, strength, and daily challenges From there, we create a personalized plan designed specifically for your symptoms, goals, and life.

If you’re ready to take a proactive step toward slowing progression and staying active in your own home, we’re here to help. Call us at (314) 939-1377 to schedule your free in-home consultation today. You don’t have to navigate Parkinson’s alone, and you don’t have to wait to take action

“My

my

WHEN WORKING WITH KRISTY TO BUY A HOME, SHE SAYS CLIENTS WILL:

• Be more likely to find the home that meets their criteria.

• Lessen time it takes to find a home.

• Understand terms, processes, documents.

• Have up-to-date market information for informed decisions.

• Have a skilled negotiator working on their behalf, committed to best interests.

• Enjoy peace of mind, knowing details are taken care of by an experienced, knowledgeable professional.

• WHEN WORKING WITH HER TO SELL A HOME, SHE SAYS CLIENTS WILL:

• Be more likely to realize highest return on home sale.

• Reduce number of days a home is on the market.

• Become familiar with terms, processes, paperwork.

• Have confidence a home will be exposed to more buyers and agents with qualified buyers.

• Receive regularly updated market information for informed decisions.

• Have a skilled negotiator working on their behalf.

• Have peace of mind knowing details are being handled properly by a licensed, trained professional.

636.345.1160 DynamicMoveProperties.com

Imagine Custom Wood Doors, Millwork

SCOBIS MILLWORK + DESIGN CREATES EXQUISITE DOORS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Crafting custom, high-end and artistic wood doors plus marvelous millwork that blends elegance and practicality is the objective of every project handled by specialists at Scobis Millwork + Design.

The company, which came under new ownership last year following the retirement of founder Mike Rachocki, is now celebrating 25 years of craftsmanship since its founding in 2001.

As the newly appointed general manager of the St. Louis-based company, Kyle Slaughter leads a team that focuses on personalized, luxury and handcrafted wood doors and millwork for residential, commercial and institutional projects, with an emphasis on customer experience and long-term client relationships.

“We do anything hardwood and custom. From handcrafted architectural doors to custom flooring, moldings, trims, wood beams, furniture and wall panels, every piece is engineered, fabricated and finished in-house at our stateof-the-art St. Louis facility,” Kyle says.

Scobis Millwork + Design teams serve architects, designers, builders, contractors, churches, universities, historical societies and discerning homeowners throughout St. Louis and beyond. The team applies the same precision and care to every project, whether it involves a period-appropriate restoration door or a contemporary millwork installation.

Clients’ tastes and functional needs are carefully considered to deliver finished outcomes that integrate seamlessly with the architecture of each home or building.

Success comes from top-notch service, custom craftsmanship, premium materials and attention to details. From classic

“Our custom wood doors and millwork are handmade in St. Louis for residential, commercial and institutional projects. If you can imagine it, we can create it.”

Dr. Blake Bloxham

Hair Restoration Institute

Thousands of Procedures

“Creating something beautiful and lasting for our clients is always the goal. It’s inspiring to hear our craftsmanship, attention to detail and final results made such differences in homes.”

architectural details to one-of-a-kind elements, the team states they love helping clients turn their visions into something beautifully tangible.

The Scobis Millwork + Design team offers the following seven tips for upgrading front entrances:

1. Paint (or Stain) Front Door for Instant Impact. A bold new front door color is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to upgrade curb appeal. Test paint samples in morning and evening light; colors shift dramatically outdoors. Love natural wood? Skip paint and apply a high-quality exterior stain instead.

2. Upgrade House Numbers. House numbers are like jewelry for homes. Fresh, stylish options instantly make entrances feel more polished and intentional. Choose large, easy-toread fonts, finishes that match door hardware (matte black, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze), and consider mounting them on a simple backplate for contrast.

3. Add Planters or Window Boxes. Greenery adds softness and scale to an entrance. Frame the door with two matching planters for symmetry. Use low-maintenance plants like boxwood, ferns

or ornamental grasses, and rotate seasonal flowers for yearround appeal.

4. Upgrade Door Hardware for a High-End Look. Worn or mismatched hardware can detract from even the best doors. Update handlesets, hinges, knockers or doorbells, and stick to one finish throughout for a cohesive, designer look.

5. Don’t Ignore Garage Doors. Garage doors are often the largest visible surface on a home’s exterior. Painting them to blend with siding creates a clean, modern look, while a contrasting color can add architectural drama.

6. Frame the Entryway to Create a Designed Moment. Add trim or molding for definition. Layer a durable outdoor rug or welcome mat, and include a bench, stool or seasonal wreath for warmth and character.

7. The Ultimate Upgrade: A New Custom Wood Front Door. A well-crafted custom wood door adds warmth, boosts curb appeal, increases home value and, with proper care, can last for decades.

636.530.7545

ScobisMillwork.com

Photo by Guinevere Lorenz

Live the New Town Life

Let Me Help You Call it Home. Where living is an adventure, not just a routine.

New Town St. Charles isn’t just a place to live — it’s an experience. Walkable streets, coastal-inspired architecture, unique neighborhoods, parks, waterfront views, and a true sense of community — it’s where neighbors become friends and everyday life feels intentional.

Whether you’re envisioning morning coffee on a tree-lined sidewalk, family dinners minutes from local shops, or finding a home with character and charm, New Town has something special for everyone. With a range of homes, villas, and townhomes, this neighborhood continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in St. Charles.

But finding the perfect home here isn’t always easy — the best ones move fast.

That’s Where I Come In.

I’m Gordon Montgomery — a St. Louis native and real estate professional with proven expertise in helping buyers navigate today’s competitive market. As a Buyer’s Agent, Relocation Specialist, and community insider, I bring trusted guidance, unmatched service, and strategic thinking to every client relationship.

EXERCISE SNACKS

Advice Editorial: Small Movements. Big Impact.

ARTICLE BY BETH TEMPLIN, PT, DPT, GCS, PHYSICAL THERAPY & FITNESS

One doesn't need long workouts or gym memberships to stay strong and mobile while aging. In fact, some of the biggest health benefits come from what researchers now call "exercise snacks," which are short bursts of movement sprinkled throughout the day.

Exercise snacks are simple actions that can easily be done inside your home. Examples are standing up from a chair 10 times in a row, walking laps around the house, going up and down the stairs or balancing at the kitchen counter. These movements may only last 1-5 minutes, but when repeated daily, they help maintain strength, balance and independence.

For many older adults, this approach feels more realistic and less intimidating than traditional exercise. Instead of setting aside a full workout, movement becomes part of everyday life. Stand up during TV commercials. Walk while talking on the phone. Practice balance while waiting for coffee to brew. Dance in the kitchen while making a meal.

The goal isn’t intensity: it’s consistency. Frequent movement tells a body it’s still needed, still capable and still strong. Over time, these small “snacks” can reduce stiffness, improve confidence and support independence.

Remember, motion truly is lotion. A little movement, done often, goes a long way toward healthy aging.

314.939.1377

HouseFitSTL.com

For 25 years, Scobis has been trusted to craft exceptional custom doors for distinctive homes. Today, that same commitment to quality, detail, and integrity lives on as Scobis Millwork + Design, expanding our expertise into bespoke interiors and fine millwork.

Defined by Craft. Built for a Lifetime.

Sale! Visit The Abbey March 12- March 15 to celebrate 12 years! Enjoy 20% off the entire store and more - raffles, samples, cocktails, and fun!

Tips For Feng Shui Design

BALANCING HOMES

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

Did you know that feng shui actually translates to "wind-water" in Chinese? When it comes to home or room designs, the invisible forces of nature that this name was inspired from can be incorporated to achieve overall balance. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese set of principles and best practices for arranging objects in a way that feels natural, welcoming, decluttered and harmonious.

EASY TIPS FOR INCORPORATING FENG SHUI INTO HOMES:

1. DECLUTTER, EVEN BEHIND THE SCENES. Decluttering and cleaning is easier said than done. Clutter brings negative energy to a home that feels heavy on the eyes, stressful to the mind and challenging to live in harmony with. According to feng shui theories, even hidden clutter will bring a block to balanced energy necessary to live in peace. This means looking beyond bookshelves in plain sight and focusing on basement storage, closets, under the bed and the garage.

2. FIX WHAT'S BROKEN. Has that faucet been leaky for years? A door finicky to latch? This is causing imbalanced energy according to feng shui principles. Broken items in need of repair drain people's energy and nag at us, impeding peace and balance.

3. ARRANGE FURNITURE IN A COMMANDING POSITION Large furniture items like beds and couches should have a clear view of the door, but should not be directly in line with it. This brings a sense of security and peace knowing that the entryway is in plain sight.

4. CONSIDER THE BALANCE OF ELEMENTS. A key part of achieving balance in homes to feng shui standards includes the elements: wood, water, metal, fire and earth. The addition of plants, for example, but (not too many!) brings the earth element into play with natural colors and soil. Water can be incorporated using fountains, or blue colors. For fire, consider candles or red colors. Be careful when adding elemental items to still follow the decluttering rule of thumb.

At Caring Legends, we believe that true comfort blooms where you feel most at home. Our locally-owned, compassionate in-home care services help seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities thrive in the comfort and dignity of familiar surroundings — freeing families to enjoy more meaningful moments together. Whether it’s personalized daily support, skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s and dementia companionship, or veteran care coordination, our trusted caregivers bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. This March, celebrate the season of renewal with care that enriches life — right where memories grow.

Call 314-666-9550 today or visit CaringLegends.com to schedule a FREE care consultation and discover how we can help your family bloom this spring.

314.666.9550 | CaringLegends.com | stl.caringlegends.com

AN EVENING THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

“It’s About TIME” Launch Party

ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL GREEN

Surrounded by 35 contributing authors, along with friends and family, It’s About TIME was celebrated with a heartfelt launch party at Three Sixty Westport. The evening honored the No. 1 best-selling anthology compiled by author Kelley G. Lamm, a collection of stories sharing pivotal moments

that changed everything. Laughter filled the room, tears were shed and connections were deepened as each woman’s journey was recognized and celebrated. The night was a living reflection of the book itself: proof that our hardest chapters often carry seeds of our greatest transformations.

A Coastal Escape Restaurant On Delmar

Dining Experience: Esca Mediterranean Flavors, Live-Fire Cooking And Intentional Hospitality Create A Destination On Delmar

There are certain places that immediately make one feel at ease, the kind where you walk in, exhale, and know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. That’s the feeling that guests experience the moment they step inside Esca, a cozy yet upscale, seafood-forward restaurant located at 5095 Delmar Blvd. Its menu is inspired by the French and Italian Riviera.

From the glow of the room to the rhythm of the evening, Esca feels less like a restaurant and more like a destination, one rooted in warmth, intention and the simple joy of gathering around a table. Classical cocktails arrive perfectly balanced, dishes emerge deeply flavored from live-fire cooking over charcoal and wood, and every detail invites diners to slow down and savor.

ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM

Owner and chef Ben Poremba, of Bengelina Hospitality Group, says he created Esca with one clear intention: to make guests feel taken care of from the moment they arrive. “I want people to feel like they can relax right away,” he shares. “That immediate sense of warmth, we're glad you're here matters before the first bite.”

Inspired by coastal Mediterranean cooking, Esca’s menu celebrates bright flavors, strong ingredients and clean technique. Ben’s culinary philosophy is evident throughout the space: polished yet welcoming, refined without feeling fussy. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a celebratory night out as it does for a spontaneous dinner that turns into lingering conversation.

Seasonality leads every decision in the kitchen. “We start with what’s best right now,” Ben explains. “When ingredients are in season and sourced well, they almost tell you what they want to be.”

Technique brings consistency, creativity adds excitement, and together they create dishes that feel effortless for guests, though each plate is carefully considered.

But what truly sets Esca apart is the experience beyond the food. Hospitality here is intentional and deeply felt. Service is attentive without hovering, pacing is thoughtful, and presentation is beautiful without being precious. Ben says, “The best compliment is when someone tells us it felt like a perfect night.”

For first-time guests, Ben recommends leaning into a progression that reflects Esca’s story: something fresh to begin, a live-fire dish that highlights the simplicity of charcoal and smoke, and a comforting plate that invites diners to stay just a little longer. Yet for him, the most meaningful moment isn’t a single dish, he reveals, it’s watching the table settle in. Smiles appear. Conversation flows. People lean closer. That’s the magic.

Regarding dedicated spaces that ground us, Esca feels like an extension of that idea. It’s a place where care is evident, where craftsmanship meets comfort and where food becomes the reason people come together. Because sometimes, home isn’t just where you live, it’s where you feel welcomed, nourished and connected.

314.365.2686 Bengelina.com/Esca

THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT

ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM

MORE THAN GREENERY, A GREENHOUSE BECOMES A SANCTUARY FOR GROWTH AND GATHERING

“More than greenery, a greenhouse becomes a sanctuary for growth and gathering.”

There’s something quietly transformative about stepping into a greenhouse. The air feels softer. Time slows. Light filters through glass in a way that instantly calms the nervous system. What was once considered purely practical, a place to start seedlings or protect delicate plants, has evolved into something far more meaningful: a personal retreat rooted in growth, intention and beauty.

In our own backyard, a glass greenhouse has become exactly that. What began as a kit and a weekend project quickly turned into a sanctuary. Inside its sunlit walls, plants that would normally perish in winter are not only surviving, they’re thriving. And somewhere along the way, the greenhouse became more than a place for greenery. It became a place to unwind, to read, to gather and even to host friends around a table for six on a cozy game night surrounded by living, growing things.

At its core, a greenhouse works by harnessing nature in the smartest way possible. Sunlight passes through glass or polycarbonate panels, warming the interior and soil. That heat is trapped inside, creating a stable, protected environment

where plants can grow without the stress of harsh winds, frost or sudden temperature drops. This consistency allows plants to focus their energy on growth rather than survival. Herbs stay fragrant, citrus trees flourish, and leafy greens remain vibrant long after the first frost. For gardeners and non-gardeners alike, the reward is immediate and deeply satisfying.

Today’s greenhouses are no longer tucked-away utility structures. Modern designs are architectural, intentional and beautiful. Glass walls invite natural light. Clean lines complement the home. Inside, the space becomes versatile, part conservatory, part reading room, part entertaining space. Imagine sipping morning coffee surrounded by fresh basil and lemon trees, hosting an intimate dinner under the stars without the chill, or ending the day with a book in hand as condensation beads softly against the glass.

There’s a reason greenhouses feel restorative. Studies show that being around plants reduces stress, improves mood and enhances creativity. In a world that moves fast and demands constant attention, a greenhouse offers a pause. It’s a space without screens or noise, where patience is rewarded and growth happens quietly.

Beyond wellness, a thoughtfully designed greenhouse adds character and value to a home. It reflects intentional living, an appreciation for craftsmanship, sustainability and design. As spring approaches, homeowners are reimagining outdoor spaces to serve more than one purpose. A greenhouse answers that call beautifully, blending form and function, growth and gathering.

In the end, a greenhouse isn’t just about plants. It’s about creating a space where life, inside and out, has room to flourish.

Creating beautiful smiles

Dr. Nissen is Board Certified through the American Board of Orthodontics and specializes in the care for Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial patients. orthostlouis.com • B orthostlouis • V orthodonticconsultants For over 30 years, we’ve provided expert orthodontic care - from traditional braces to Invisalign - as your trusted, local, non-corporate orthodontic practice focused on families and community

From Runway To Rooms

Exploring How Color, Texture And Runway Trends Translate Into Personal, Stylish, Livable Interiors

City Lifestyle secured insight from fashion/ interior designer Retta Tussey, of Retta Jane Interiors, who's opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in Clayton late summer 2026.

How does fashion forecast interior design trends?

"Fashion once led interiors by 1–2 years, but today’s digital landscape has created a near-simultaneous 'trickle-across' effect. Runway colors move quickly into furniture and paint via Pantone’s Fashion, Home + Interiors System, which is a shared color language across materials. Chocolate brown re-emerged in late 2023 as a fashion neutral and was formalized for interiors when Pantone named Mocha Mousse its 2025 Color of the Year. This is a coordinated, global forecasting pipeline, not guesswork."

How do Pantone colors move from runway to room?

"Pantone’s Color Institute publishes fashion-week trend reports that inform paint manufacturers. While brands like Behr, Valspar and Glidden conduct independent research, palettes are finalized 6–12 months ahead. The unified shift toward earthy tones across 2025 paint mirrors what appeared on runways reflecting

preferences already in motion. Pantone's 2026 color is Cloud Dancer."

Which textures are crossing from fashion to interiors?

"Fashion’s move toward tactile luxury is shaping homes. Expect worn leather, plush velvet and boucle in furniture, plus architectural textures like statement stone, mixed woods, wallpapered ceilings and hand-worked materials such as Murano glass. People want to feel their homes, not just photograph them."

What

makes a fashion trend worth bringing home?

"Trends stick when they serve real human needs. Chocolate brown feels warm and refined. Butter yellow is optimistic and usable. Preppy elements endure because they’re livable. Homes should reflect identity, not novelty."

Which fashion aesthetics will shape interiors next?

"Restorative darks, tonal soft minimalism and sunbaked earth tones dominate now. By 2027, expect eclectic maximalism fueled by collected vintage. Retta recommends, "Monitor fashion runways now to understand your home 12-24 months from now."

MARCH 6TH

Women in Wine (Makers, Owners and Chefs)

Wine Dinner

Whittemore House | 6:30 PM

This event celebrates the women in winemaking and notable female chefs. This historic home at 6440 Forsyth Blvd. was built in 1912 and donated to Washington University during 1966.For additional details, email customerservice@whittemorehouse.org or phone 314.935.5210.

MARCH 14TH-31ST

Roads, River, Rooms And Reels Exhibit

National Museum of Transportation

The National Museum of Transportation staff hosts a special exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. The exhibit explores stories, memories and modes of travel that shaped America’s most iconic highway and the communities connected to it. Two iconic features anchor the exhibit: a stunning 26-foot model of the S.S. Admiral and ‘66’ Park-In Theatre on Watson Road.

MARCH 15TH-26TH

31st Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival

B&B Theatres, Creve Coeur | 7:00 PM

With six days of international cinema that brings audiences together through powerful storytelling, conversation and community, this festival will present 12 films from around the world, including documentaries, dramas and comedies that explore Jewish identity, resilience, memory and the universal human experience. This year’s festival features live guest speakers, post-film discussions, curated thematic pairings and new interactive elements.