There's No Place Like Home
In The Wizard of Oz, I think Dorothy was on to something when she clicks her heels and repeats, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!” Most of the time there really is no place like home.
Oftentimes we think of our homes as just a dwelling place or shelter. A place that just meets our needs, but it can become so much more.
Home can be where we find refuge from the storms of life, a place where we can go to at the end of the day and feel peace and joy and comfort. It can also be a place where you connect with loved ones and friends, and restore your spirit. It can inspire you. It can relax and rejuvenate you.
Spring is generally when everyone shakes off the cabin fever and decides to start those long-awaited home improvement projects. Indoor and outdoor projects can help make our home something personalized and our own. A beautiful home isn’t just something we see; it can be something we experience. When our homes are designed with the intentions of light, love and beauty, they not only look better, but they also bring a feeling of accomplishment, a feeling of peace.
Don’t feel like you have to break the bank to have a beautiful home, though. And remember, a beautiful home is very personal. It’s all about what we think is beautiful, not what anyone else does. Pick things that are meaningful to you. Do what you love. Giant renovations and redesign don’t have to be the option. Painting the walls a new color, adding art or décor that changes the feeling or theme, maybe a new piece of furniture can be enough. Or maybe it’s time to declutter. Spring cleaning is a great way to purge some of the things we no longer need or want and makes room for new things that better meet our needs. Small things can make a big impact, especially on our well-being.
When we consciously choose how we live in our home, we can make the mundane and ordinary more meaningful and extraordinary.
This month’s issue is focused on home and design. From indoor to outdoor and everything in between, we hope that it inspires you and maybe gives you some ideas on where to start!
Happy home improvement!!
TIFFINIE STORM, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @GRANDJUNCTIONLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Tiffinie Storm | tiffinie.storm@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matthew Kuelhorn, Tiffinie Storm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Matthew Kuelhorn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW KUELHORN
THE KOOLER AND HIS FAMILY HELPING TO BUILD HOME EQUITY AND COMMUNITY.
CRAFTING HOMES
In Grand Junction, where the Colorado River winds through red rock canyons and snow-capped peaks stand tall, my family is making a difference—one home at a time. At
thousands of families transform their homes by replacing outdated, noisy, or inefficient doors with modern, high-quality models. From sleek, contemporary designs that enhance
OUR MISSION EXTENDS BEYOND DOORS; IT’S ABOUT WINNING HEARTS OF HOMEOWNERS.
Kooler Garage Doors, my wife, children, and I are on a mission to make homeownership simpler, more beautiful, and more valuable for families across the Western Slope.
Growing up in small-town America shaped my values—integrity, hard work, and community. As a husband and father, I believe the most important foundation we build is the one under our own roof. We’ve instilled in our children that our work isn’t just about what we build—it’s about the lives we impact along the way.
Many homeowners overlook their garage door when considering home improvements, yet it provides the highest return on investment—often yielding over 100% of its cost in increased home value.
More than just an entry point, the garage door is a first impression, a style statement, and a security feature. Over the years, we’ve helped
curb appeal to robust systems with smart home integration, our goal is to ensure homeowners invest in both function and peace of mind.
For us, Kooler is more than a business—it’s a family affair. My wife ensures our team remains grounded and customer-focused, while our children, Penelope and Taj, are learning firsthand the value of hard work and community.
Our mission extends beyond fixing doors; it’s about creating an exceptional homeowner experience Whether we’re helping a senior worried about security, a busy family balancing schedules, or a young couple investing in their first home, we deliver what we call the “Kooler” experience—where every homeowner feels like our only customer.
A garage door upgrade boosts property value, but its benefits go beyond aesthetics. Today’s models
are more energy-efficient, cutting heating and cooling costs. Many integrate with smart home technology, adding convenience and security. And let’s be honest—there’s something satisfying about pulling into your driveway to see a beautifully designed door that enhances your home’s architecture.
Beyond doors, we help families optimize their garages as functional extensions of their living space. From overhead storage solutions to organization, we’re passionate about helping homeowners unlock their garage’s full potential.
As Kooler Garage Doors grows, so does our commitment to Grand Junction. We believe businesses should give back, which is why we actively support local events, community initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our neighborhoods.
We’re not just about doors—we’re about the people behind them. The homeowners who trust us, the families who rely on our craftsmanship, and the communities we serve.
As a family and a business, we live by one core belief: the way we live is the way we work, and the way we work is the way we build. Whether installing a garage door, mentoring our children, or gathering around the dinner table, our mission is the same—to craft a life and leave every space better than we found it.
So, the next time you think about your garage door, remember—it’s more than just a door . It’s an investment in your home, family, and future . And if you ever need a partner in that journey, my family and I at Kooler Garage Doors are here to help .
ARTICLE BY TIFFINIE STORM
Creating a Harmonious Home
A well-designed home tells a unique story. Your story. You can create a space that feels personal, comfortable, and inspiring, no matter your style. Whether you are drawn to rustic charm, modern minimalism, or timeless elegance, anything goes.
Building a harmonious home is planned and designed to create peace, well-being and balance. It involves aligning your physical surroundings, relationships and internal state. The principle of "Harmony" can be described as the coordination of objects and colors, in order to create a sense of unified design in a room or home. This can be achieved in many different ways.
*Emphasis: A room where everything has equal importance can be boring, and so the principal of emphasis encourages having a focal point in the room and then designing the room with that focal point in mind. i.e., color, feature, texture or pattern.
*Color scheme: Color scheme is extremely important in interior design. It significantly impacts and influences the mood, atmosphere and overall cohesion of a room. It acts as the foundation for the entire design by tying different elements together.
*Types of furniture: Furniture can be one of the hardest parts of design. Things to consider before purchasing furniture: size of space, style, functionality, materials and mood.
*Wood or metal: Wood and metal offer a unique combination of appeal, versatility, and structural strength. Wood often adds warmth and natural texture while metal offers clean lines and durability. Together they can create balance and interesting composition.
*Textiles: Textiles are crucial in interior design. They significantly impact the look and
feel and overall atmosphere of a space. They act as a finishing touch that brings the room to life and defines its personality and style. Bringing color, texture, and pattern, creates a desired mood and functionality.
*Art: Art can make a space feel more personal and inviting. It creates a unique look and feel. It reflects the designer's personality and interests. Art can inspire, create emotion and bring character to the room.
*Proportion: Proportion is largely to do with the relationship and ratio of sizes between objects in the room. This encourages someone to take a look at the size of the room and pair it with furnishings that are pleasing to the eye.
*Details: Focusing on the details adds a sense of personal style in home design. If used wisely, it allows the space to come together in a visually brilliant way.
*Contrast: Contrast is a great way to make a room feel far more exciting. Accessories can be used to add contrast and make them much livelier and engaging. For example, pairing wood
CONTINUED >
" In a harmonious home, we can feel balance, beauty and tranquility"
furnishings with white walls and green plants, can immediately increase the energy of the space.
*Declutter: Removing unnecessary items ensures that the space is used more efficiently. By decluttering, you can identify what items are truly needed and create a more functional and purposeful layout. A clutter-free space allows design elements to enhance the overall aesthetics of the area.
*Choose what you like: This aspect directly impacts your comfort, happiness and overall feeling within your space. It should reflect your personal style and enhance your sense of well-being and belonging in
your home. A space that reflects your taste can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
*Rhythm: Rhythm is the most important part of interior design. No matter what your personal style, the flow and relationship between the elements of your design and a healthy balance between functionality and aesthetic beauty is the ultimate goal. It is the moment where all the elements come together and complement each other in a way that brings out the harmony of your space.
In a harmonious home, we can feel balance, beauty and tranquility.
Building a harmonious home is planned and designed to create peace, well-being and balance. It involves aligning your physical surroundings, relationships and internal state.
The Perfect Steak
ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally
and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream
“KITCHEN DESIGN HAS ENTERED AN EXCITING TIME WHERE THE POSSIBILITIES FEEL LIMITLESS.”
kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods
reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.
Bringing Joy
Back into the Kitchen
Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s
most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with him around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.
In the midst of all of this eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life for Dennis. A friend stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself, and the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.” He knew his bad eating habits weren’t good for mind, body or spirit, but he didn’t know where to begin to make changes. However, Prescott thought to himself, “I KNOW good food because I have literally traveled all over America, all over Canada, and into Europe with my music, eating great food and learning what I like.”
The Start
Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.
Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.
“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment. I didn’t realize that you can create these beautiful experiential moments at the table in the same way that I did playing someone’s favorite love song. Knowing that that was a thing to me was the most fascinating thing in the world.”
Dennis even got to the point where he was cooking so much that he started to forget what recipes he had successfully made, so he began a photo journal and started taking photos of all his completed dishes. And so it began like it does for most; Dennis began posting food photos to Instagram for the next few years.
“All of that was initially with no agenda, no intentionality; I just loved it and I wanted to share. I fell in love with feeding people.”
Regarding social media, Dennis’s professional advice is to check your DMs. A person who worked at Food & Wine Magazine at the time sent him a DM, asking if he would do recipes for the magazine, which turned into writing a monthly column. That experience helped him land a cookbook deal, which led to a wealth of TV and media publicity and Dennis feels he owes a lot of his success to that first opportunity with Food & Wine Magazine. Oh, and did we mention he is a self-taught photographer who now does all of his own food shots? This guy has drive.
His drive and innate talents ultimately led him to the opportunity of a lifetime via another DM. This time, it was a Netflix executive producer who offered him the chance to work for two seasons on Restaurants on the Edge, a show where “three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views.“
If I can inspire more time as a community at the table, then that’s
a win.”
What followed were 13 episodes over nine months where they traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
Travel Recommendations for Foodies
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’
Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
The Joy of Tidying
ARTICLE BY KIMBER PATTERSON
HOW TO GET STARTED AND STAY MOTIVATED
Call it spring cleaning or IG envy, but this is the time of year I want everything – and I mean EVERYTHING –organized in my kitchen and closets. While I’m pretty good at maintaining an already-tidied space, tackling the not-so-tidy closet is where I need help. Heather Bifulco of TidyHomes came to the rescue with some great advice on getting started.
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small,” said Heather. “Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session. Our clients really struggle with the edit phase of the organization, but by the end they completely loosen up and start to have fun. For example, start under the kitchen sink. Lots of wins to be had there!”
Great tip. Now I had a plan of attack.
Next up? Creating categories. Organizing a space means taking out EVERYTHING and categorizing. Once that’s done, Heather always thoroughly cleans to inspire the flow of great ideas and have a fresh slate. Consider everything from dusting the baseboards to replacing light fixtures to adding a coat of paint to change up and freshen the new look.
rain boots,” she said, “the ask is the same.” Deep breath. That green hat I’ve loved forever? Keep. Three versions of the same jacket? Donate. The pile of single gloves? Toss. Once I got going, it became easier and faster to make those decisions.
Once you can actually see everything you’re keeping, you want what you use most often within arm’s reach. Seasonal items can go on higher or lower shelves. The sweet spot of shelving is dedicated to what I need to grab daily. Heather found beautiful baskets and bins that make me happy just to look at them. “Finding containers you love will provide so much motivation toward completing an organization project,” she said.
Now for the fun (and sometimes hard) part: touching every item in the category piles and asking myself whether something actually serves a purpose. “This is the time to rid your home of things that don’t work, things you have a better version of, things you never use and things that no longer make you happy,” says Heather. The key word here is ‘things.’ “Whether it’s an old umbrella or a new pair of
The whole goal at the end of organizing is to have no clutter. That’s right, this isn’t an attempt to harness clutter, but to eliminate it entirely. That being said, some of us live with little people who contribute to clutter every day. Heather’s advice on that subject turned out to be life-changing.
She suggests creating ONE drop zone, not several.
Finally she revealed her most important tip. “There are no exceptions to this,” she admits. “Labeling is the key to maintenance and to eliminating the pain of not being able to find something. We have so many beautiful options for labeling now that it shouldn’t even be a question. Label. Always label.”
Great advice from the top of my closet to the bottom. This is why I’ve already scheduled Heather to help me organize the entryway and kitchen! @tidystylehome
“My biggest suggestion is that you start small. Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.”
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 8TH & 9TH
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION: PRESENTED BY
Avalon Theatre, 645 Main Street, Grand Junction CO | 7:30 PM
Presented by Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra
GRAND JUNCTION SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Visualize the Collision of Art and Music with this thrilling concert featuring Mussorgsky’s famed “Pictures at an Exhibition” and Shostakovich’s brilliant Violin Concerto No. 1 with guest soloist Kenneth Naito whose winning performance at the Grand Junction Symphony’s Young Artists Competition left the entire audience breathless. Price: $5-$50.00 (970)243-6787
MARCH 8TH
MESA EXPERIENCE
CMU, University Center, Main Ballroom, Grand Junction | 9:00 AM
The Mesa Experience visitation program gives future students and their families a comprehensive opportunity to visit Colorado Mesa University in person. This in-depth, one-day event allows you to attend an academic and club fair, tour the campus, meet and talk with current students and enjoy lunch served by our dining service provider. You'll hear about admissions, housing and financial aid.
MARCH 9TH
SENSORY HOUR AT DINOSAUR JOURNEY
Dinosaur Journey, 550 Jurassic Court Fruita, CO 81521 | 9:00 AM
Sensory sensitivities can make social events challenging. That's why we're creating a low-sensory environment for this event. Expect dimmed lighting to reduce visual stimulation and softened sounds to minimize auditory overload. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience at Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, Colorado!
Price: $5.00 Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday (970)242-0971
MARCH 12TH
POETRY NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY WITH WESTERN COLORADO WRITERS FORUM
Central Library, 443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 6:00 PM
Poetry Night at the Library is a monthly program at the Mesa County Library. No poetry experience is required – all are welcome!
Poetry Night occurs the second Wednesday of every month from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
MARCH 13TH
CORKS AND CHORDS
CMU, Asteria Theatre, Main Stage (Main campus, Grand Junction CO | 7:30 PM
Featuring a wide variety of faculty and student performances. Musical selections showcase the scope of talent and musical styles fostered by the department, ranging from classical to jazz to pop. Wine and food options will be available.
MARCH 18TH
THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS: VAN HALEN'S "1984"
Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 8:00 PM
Doors Open @7 PM | Show Starts @ 8 PM
The Black Jacket Symphony recreates a select classic album live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of greatest hits from the evening’s artist. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. (970)263-5700
Want to be featured?
MARCH 21ST FIDDLE FUSION
Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, 2087 Broadway Grand Junction, CO. 81507 | 7:30 PM
Prepare to be transported to the heart of Appalachia as Brittany and Natalie Haas infuse the chamber experience with the soul-stirring sounds of fiddle and cello.
The Haas sisters blur the lines between classical and folk music. Fiddle Fusion promises to delight audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Price: $50.00
MARCH 27TH
WTF WELCOME THURSDAY FRIENDS
Reckless Brewing Co., 127 E. Aspen Ave, Fruita CO | 12:00 PM
Join us for lunch at Reckless Brewing!
WTF - Welcome Thursday Friends is a weekly networking luncheon to help our local business community connect with other professionals in our community, all while supporting local restaurants!
Please RSVP!
Recurring weekly on Thursdays
MARCH 28TH
JOHN CRIST: JOKES FOR HUMANS
Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 7:00 PM
P1 $47.75 - P2 $37.75 - P3 $27.75
Doors at 6PM | Show Begins at 7PM
Known for his no-holds-barred humor, Southern-bred wit and charming relatability. The Georgia native-turned-Nashville resident has brought his laugh-out-loud sets to packed audiences around the globe, and the ‘Jokes For Humans Tour’ features a full set of never-before-heard material. (970)263-5700
MARCH 29TH - 30TH
MAVERICK CLASSIC & BEER FEST
Downtown Grand Junction
Saturday, March 29th features the downtown crit races all day with a beer fest in the middle of the action. Your ticket to the Beer Fest gives you unlimited samples of each beer while supplies last. Buy tickets online at grandjunctionsports.org. (970)639-1387
APRIL 3RD
JIM HENSON'S LABYRINTH: IN CONCERT
Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Grand Junction, CO 81504 | 7:00 PM
Price: P1 $73 - P2 $63 - P3 $43 - P4 $33
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM Show starts at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Join us on a journey to the castle in Goblin City as we celebrate Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert at the Avalon on April 3rd. Prepare to be transported into an experience where the film comes alive with a live band. (970)263-5700
APRIL 6TH
ELEVATE KIDS FUN RUN
Las Colonias Park
Elevate Kids Fun Run at Las Colonias Park. Information and registration can be found at elevatekids.org/fun-run
CREATING YOUR HOME
BY EMILY JOHN
The art of styling your home.
Home styling is more than space planning and staging - the most important part of the discovery is you. It’s personal. It’s about learning what brings you joy, sourcing and coordinating the things you love, and arranging them in a way that functions beautifully, looks stylish, and, most importantly, feels like home.
When it comes to styling your home, Sandy Mahoney from Create Home, a curated home store, encourages you to keep in mind these three simple things:
FAVORITES
“Some people don’t recognize their own favorites,” says Sandy. “We have a job to find what favorites work.” She understands that people know what they like generally but can struggle to pull those things into their home. Incorporating a client’s favorite aspects into a design, even small things like an antique clock, a gift from a family member, or a piece of art that they love, are what turns a space into a home.
COLLABORATION
More than knowledge of home decoration, architecture, and style, a big part of an interior designer is simply pushing people out of their comfort zones. “Stylists get people to think about something they haven’t thought about before,” Sandy explains. “Crafting ideas between the expertise of the designer and preferences of the client produce better ideas than any single party could come up with on their own.”
STYLING
Sandy laughs when pressed about styling. “I mean, we don’t cut our own hair,” she remarks. Her point here is that home stylists, like hair stylists, have a specific area of expertise. They enhance the function of space, solve challenges, and have a wealth of experience to draw from. They know how to build rooms around clients’ preferences while still creating an aesthetic space they know the client will love.
PRO-TIP:
When using a neutral palette combine texture and contrast to create a softer look that feels like home.
Weaving some of everyone’s favorite things into the design process creates a connection to the space and your home.
An important aspect of designing a home for the whole family is getting input from everyone. “If each person is involved, even in a small way, it creates a different connection to your home,” says Sandy. She adds that there are a lot of ways to involve every member of the family, from letting them add to specific rooms to simply including some of their favorites around the house. “We’ve had kids come paint part of the walls in their room with their favorite color to let them feel like they’re part of the process.” However, Sandy ensures that everything comes together in the end. “Don’t worry, we always re-paint.”
Sandra Mahoney, founder of Create Home in Excelsior, MN, has been sought out by clients and followers for her artful, eclectic design and keen ability to create home collections. As a real estate broker, interior designer, and home builder, Sandy loves helping people. For years, she has helped many find and design their homes.
