We've had a house full of guests for the past few weeks. Just before they arrived, though, we had to scramble to organize the guest bedroom. Since the COVID years, my husband has been using it as his office, and it remained that way until last week. There was a lot of, shall we say, sorting to do. We hurriedly scanned stacks of paperwork, dusted off furniture, and pitched all sorts of detritus. Then, finally, we hauled a cumbersome mattress and bed frame down from the third floor. Left to our own devices, who knows how long that to-do list would've sat untouched—our guests made our month, in more ways than one.
As for our guests, one of whom was visiting St. Louis for the first time, they toured the Anheuser-Busch brewery and the Arch, had lunch at Adriana's on The Hill, and watched World Cup soccer at a bar near Ballpark Village when the evening's Cardinals game was canceled due to rain. I relied on our digital calendars to give me ideas for places to send them, along with my kids, who were in charge of daily outings. I'm publishing this month's calendar of events in the newsletter this week.
There's something special about sharing the rhythms of daily life with one's friends and family, and I suspect that many of you are hosting out-of-town guests for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Whatever your plans may be—riverfront fireworks, a neighborhood block party, or just good company at home—I hope you have a fun-filled few days ahead.
Until next week!
Have feedback about this newsletter or story ideas? Reply to this email, or send me a message at vtheodoro@stlmag.com.
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Design Digest
Brentwood Retail Expansion
The Refind Room(2525 S. Brentwood) will be closed through July 6 for phase 1 renovations, as it expands to occupy the entire, 10,000-square-foot building. According to an email from the owners, additional upgrades will continue through the fall, with the goal of bringing The Refind Room and Woodard Lipe Fine Art & Auction under one roof. This new, unified space will include a larger retail presence for art, interiors, auctions, and estate services. Stay tuned for more details about the grand reopening scheduled for the fall.
Four Seasons Glow Up
The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis reopened its spa this spring after a multi-million-dollar renovation. Designed with internationally renowned studio Design Agency, the project reinforces the hotel's commitment to luxury well-being.
The reimagined space draws on the four elements—earth, water, air, and fire—shaping both the aesthetic and emotional journey of the guest experience. "The Spa has always been a sanctuary for connection, healing and renewal, and we are so proud to welcome our guests back to an evolved experience created with intention, heart, and a sincere desire for care in this new chapter," says Erin Stewart, senior spa director.
Flowers for All
Rudy’s Flower Truck is turning its courtyard at 2638 Lynch into the place to be for flowers, specialty coffees, and local vendors. Each Saturday in July—the 11th, 18th, and 25th—will feature a new collaboration, giving both first-time and returning visitors a reason to come back. To RSVP, email hello@rudysflowertruck.com.
There’s so much I’d love to sign up for this month, including a night of Mahjong, a local architecture tour, and the two-part workshop at the Kemper exploring place, memory, and identity.
🤔 Have a design or home improvement question? Email me for the chance to have your question answered in 'Ask Veronica'.
On The Market
A historic Kirkwood home hits the market
Built in 1853, the house features an addition and new wraparound porch.
Historic Wonder: Known as the Spencer Smith House, this property is a designated Historical Landmark. Located within walking distance to downtown Kirkwood, it features a classic exterior with cross gables, bracketed overhang eaves, and a spacious veranda with a charming, new wraparound porch.
Italian Architecture: With recent updates and an expansion in 2018, the house now blends 19th-century Italianate architecture with modern living. From the reproduced period millwork to the rift-and-quarter-sawn white oak flooring, this home is a beauty. The reconfigured main floor creates an open sequence between the foyer, kitchen, and living areas, using cased openings that maintain architectural continuity. In the kitchen, a large island, gas cooktop, marble countertops, and wine cooler make it a pleasure to cook in and entertain guests. With a luxurious bathroom, walk-in closet, sitting room with a gas fireplace, and plenty of natural light, the bedroom suite is the epitome of elevated living. Upstairs, four bedrooms–one of which is used for a golf simulator–three bathrooms, and an added laundry room provide both comfort and flexibility to use as needed.
Additional Splendor: A thoughtfully designed addition is inspired by the original structure but is also architecturally distinct from the rest of the home. The lower level features a three-and-a-half bay attached garage and the second floor serves as a recreation room with a partial kitchen. Outside, there is ample space to relax on the outdoor deck with a hot tub or near the gas fire pit, grill, and wet bar. Smart home technology, and updates to the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, is found throughout the house.
Join Bluey and her family in their first live theater show! Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before. Enter to win four tickets to the show on Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m.
In Closing
A St. Louis family. A log cabin in the country. A red, white, and blue palette that feels almost too perfect for the occasion. I'm revisiting this story from the archives in honor of the holiday weekend and our nation's 250th.
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