My favorite place to spend time in the summer is my garden, which I realize sounds a little crazy considering the heat. But there’s something peaceful about stepping outside in the evening, pouring a glass of wine, and enjoying a little al fresco dinner surrounded by everything that’s growing around us. The garden feels beautiful, relaxed, and completely removed from everyday life. Nothing feels more like summer to me than picking a fresh heirloom tomato, sitting down at the table, and enjoying the space as the sun begins to go down. –Maria Hogrefe, C&M Interiors
During a hot St. Louis summer, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than a thoughtfully designed screened-in porch. It’s the perfect balance of being outdoors, while still enjoying the comfort of home. The overhead fans create a constant breeze, the covered roof provides welcome shade, and the screens keep mosquitoes at bay. I approach these spaces the same way I approach any interior: layering them with outdoor rugs, drapery, plush pillows, and comfortable seating. As the sun sets, lighting becomes just as important. I love combining outdoor sconces on dimmers, lanterns filled with real or battery-operated candles, and solar lights tucked into the surrounding trees to create a warm, nostalgic glow. Add in artwork, overflowing window boxes, potted plants, and the space feels every bit as intentional, comfortable, and restorative as any room inside the home. –Meagan Cooperman, Cooperman & Co.
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Even though the weather is steamy, I still love being outside on my back deck. It’s my favorite place to be so I plan around the heat and start and end my days outdoors near my garden. Our home is nestled in a cul-de-sac, backing up to a creek and woods. We see animals walking through the back yard all day long and listen to our fountain and the birds. It’s so peaceful. Even in the rain, I can sit under an overhang. –Karen Korn, Karen Korn Interiors
Every home has one space that quietly becomes the heart of daily life. For us, it’s what we’ve affectionately named The Gray Room.
As both an interior designer and an artist, I’ve always believed the most successful interiors are more than beautiful—they’re deeply personal. They tell a story, celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, embrace sustainability through collected furnishings that endure, and invite people to linger.
The Gray Room is where our family gathers every evening. We watch movies on the big screen, listen to music, read, knit, build LEGO creations with our grandchildren, or simply enjoy being together. It’s a room that naturally encourages conversation, laughter, and connection.
At the heart of the room is our Italian-made Mattaliano sofa, a beautifully crafted piece that has remained with us through several homes. Before moving into this house four years ago, I reupholstered the sofa in a crushed velvet from Holly Hunt, then recovered our Christian Liaigre lounge chairs in the same fabric. The result is a quietly sophisticated palette that feels both timeless and incredibly inviting. — Faith Berger
