How to create a dynamic (integrated model) homepage

Hello,

I’ve found an article on WordPress that describes exactly what I want to do with my homepage. However, I can’t seem to find any definitive information on how to do it! Is it only possible using the theme described?

From WordPress Codex:
“Dynamic Front Page: Sometimes called the integrated model, the dynamic site design features a static front page plus blog, however the front page is dynamic. It may feature a combination of static and blog content (Page and posts). The Twenty-Eleven WordPress Theme offers that feature as an example with their Showcase Page Template. It features the most recent post in full or excerpt followed by the next most recent posts as post titles. There is an option to add a slider for featured posts set as Sticky Posts above the first post, creating a dynamic mix of content on the front page.”