If the kitchen is the heart of a home, then St. Louisans are in for a whole lot of love. On Nov. 10, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosts its seventh annual Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour, and it promises to be an inspiration for cooks and diners alike. This year, the self-guided tour will take guests into the new or newly remodeled kitchens of 12 different houses in Creve Coeur, Frontenac, Ladue and Town & Country. Participants will be given a starting address, where they will receive a guided map to the rest of the homes. Sponsors of each kitchen will be on hand to discuss the designs, and local restaurants will put the kitchens through their paces by preparing tasty treats on-site. Since its first year, the JDRF tour has raised almost $200,000 for JDRF and the battle against Type 1 Diabetes. Town&Style is proud to be a media sponsor of the event. For tickets and information, call 314.729.1846 or visit tinyurl.com/jdrfkitchentour. Â Below is a sneak peek at five of the kitchens.
Hickory Lane, FrontenacÂ
“Love people well; cook them good food.” This is the motto these Frontenac homeowners tried to live by when designing their kitchen. “We wanted to love people well by creating an open, comfortable atmosphere where friends and family could gather to enjoy delicious food and intimate, easy conversation,” says the homeowner. “The idea of a large kitchen island where friends could sit and the cook could still be part of the conversation inspired us.”  Sponsored by Gegg Design & Cabinetry
Old Ladue Drive, Ladue
The kitchen with high-end appliances and a large center island with custom countertop is the perfect place for friends and family to gather. According to the homeowner, “If the home is where the heart is, the kitchen is where that heart resides. It’s where we share the stories of our day, learn to bake the perfect brownie, wash a skinned knee and work on school projects.” Sponsored by Walbrandt Technologies
Tufton Farm Court, Creve Coeur
This outstanding chef’s kitchen has dramatic granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinets that are illuminated with interior LED lighting. Perfect for entertaining, the large Andersen sliding glass doors expand the living area to the covered outdoor patio. “We love the roomy, practical and efficient design of the kitchen area, which is perfect for our family and for entertaining our friends!” says the homeowner. Sponsored by Fischer & Frichtel
Leland Ridge Walk, Town & Country
When this Town & Country couple enlisted designer Jimmy Jamieson to redesign their kitchen, he listened and created “a gathering space filled with warmth, comfort and beauty that is inviting to our family and friends,” says the homeowner. The high-end appliances allow everyone to work side by side to create the perfect meal, while the spacious island beckons to gather and enjoy. “Whether we are cozying up to the fireplace after Sunday dinner or celebrating with friends, this kitchen is the heart of our home.” Sponsored by Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry
Hunters Grove, Creve Coeur
This Creve Coeur couple says: “We always have had a deep appreciation for the soul of our old, traditional home, where there is an authenticity that can’t be duplicated.” Their newly remodeled kitchen provides all the modern conveniences for their active family, while blending seamlessly with the original spaces to preserve the integrity of the home. The white custom cabinetry, dark brown hardwood floors and beautiful center island set the stage for a warm gathering spot. Sponsored by Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath
