INTO THE WILD

BELJAR HOME

The women behind Beljar Home in Heber encourage homeowners to embrace the fresh air of summer and fall. Owners Aimee Simpson and Desiree Ashworth suggest eating al fresco this season by creating an outside dining area. Depending upon the size of your backyard, you can opt for a family-style dining table or a tiny bistro version. Make the space fun and inviting by adding playful placemats and dishes, and by stringing-up colorful lights to brighten up the back porch. Another simple idea is to bring summer inside by opening your shutters and windows, and changing out pillows. Simpson proclaims, “Don’t worry so much about what people think. Open your windows. Let people look inside. Place potted plants inside and outside. The way we love to live is by embracing imperfections. Choose quality over quantity and let your heart lead the way when it comes to decorating your home and yard.”

PARK CITY GARDENS

Are you trying to keep your lawn healthy while still being savvy about water and energy usage? Park City Gardens advocates for strategic lawn and garden care. You should not water your lawn every day, and never water during rain or snowstorms. Their experts propose setting your sprinkler system to turn on for two to three shorter periods, instead of one 20-minute cycle. Additionally, their nursery carries various drought-resistant species that are cold hardy for Utah’s climate. Some species can even survive with little to no additional water after becoming established in your lawn or garden. “Remember, conserving water is not like being punished; it’s gardening with a conscience, and it is better for your plants,” explains owner, Sophy Kohler. For beautiful seasonal flowers and herbs, the Flower Barn is the fullservice blossom shop selling locally farmed florals, vegetables, fall pumpkins and gourds, indoor tropical plants and outdoor flowering plants. The knowledgeable staff at Park City Gardens can help you choose the perfect greenery for your yard and tell you exactly how to care for it.

PEBBLES & TWIGS FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT

If you don’t have the time to refresh your entire outdoor area, the associates at Pebbles & Twigs favor replacing one remnant from your summer decor. A small change can actually make a big difference, so select a distinct notable and display it with pride. Pebbles & Twigs continually receives favorites like rattan and iron outdoor chairs, steel side tables and ceramic vases.

BRANCHING OUT

For those without green thumbs who still love the look and effect of florals’ natural features, Sue Geyer and Kris Ward of Branching Out have the perfect solution. The pair take local felled aspen and birch wood and transform them into art for your home. The branches and trunks are strung with highquality copper LED lights with a soft, whimsical glow. Their suggestion for livening up your outdoors—keep a balance of rustic and fresh, which they create with their repurposed trees and faux florals. The faux plants reflect Utah’s in-season foliage to blend in naturally with succulents, sage, pussywillow, reed and more. This allows for the perfect low-maintenance and drought-resistant touch of outdoor décor. Exclaim Geyer and Ward, “Our motto is we’re drought resistant, and you won’t know the difference.”

Because the faux plants and florals add character and color to your yard, without the need for constant upkeep and watering, this is a great solution for people that are only here part-time but want their patios and outdoor areas looking lively and summery. And the materials hold up against the mountain’s high altitude sun so the structures can stay on the front step or back patio all season long.

ROBERT KELLY HOME

Summer is about kicking back and enjoying the season and what is a backyard without a relaxing lounge chair? At Robert Kelly Home you will discover the perfect style for your deck or patio. From double chaise loungers and woven recliners to round rope swivel chairs and wicker wing chairs, let their professional designers guide you to the ideal match for your space and surroundings.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

MEET ARCHITECT GAGE DURAN OF GDARCH BY AIMEE L. COOK

If you’re considering building a home but want the design to incorporate both the natural surroundings and your personal style, then Gage Duran of GDArch is the architect for you. Whether you’re looking for a rustic mountain cabin or a modern masterpiece, Duran will make your dream home a reality. “Park City is great,” Duran said. “Whether you’re a mountain enthusiast, a shopping aficionado or an outdoor adventurer, there is something for every type of person, and everyone is welcome. The sense of community is one of the many things I love about this area and it continually inspires my imagination and creativity. ”

Many architects specialize in designing homes that blend into the landscape, but few have actually built them nationwide. Duran is a native of Chicago and he has lived all over the globe. Upon graduating from USC School of Architecture and then receiving a masters from Jefferson University Sustainable Design, Duran has practical knowledge complimented by a creative distinctive eye. This combination allows for Duran to design some truly innovative projects that don’t break the bank. He is adept at achieving the “wow” factor while balancing efficiency and artistry, skills he learned working on commercial projects. “I care about the end, I am really involved and really engaged in the projects with my clients,” said Duran. “I am here to help, and I know most of the answers having worked everything from rehabs to mansions.”

As a person who not only finds delight in the details, but also one who believes in exceptional customer service, Duran gets into the weeds, so to speak, with all his builds. He aims to understand where all the pieces should fit while still considering the end product. His clients’ experience the benefit of having their architect work closely with an interior designer and other contractors. This type of collaboration lends itself to a well-rounded process and builds trust amongst everyone involved. Exclaimed Duran, “Being in Park City, I’ve learned how much affinity people have

for the area. That energizes me to create a space that really expresses my client’s individualism, whether I’m designing a year-round residence or summer retirement home. I worry about views, how construction is going to work etc. Every site is an exciting opportunity for me.”

In addition, Duran’s firm utilizes the latest technology in 3D drafting software to design an accurate depiction of the project. From there the 3D model is exported into a Virtual Reality (VR) model that allows the client to get realistic views, manipulate materials and make real-time adjustments to their blueprints. Designing a home on a mountain side comes with its own set of nuances and Duran enjoys taking his client’s vision and making it a beautiful reality.

With his passion, experience and innovation, Duran is much more than an architect, he is truly a dream maker.