There are homes that shelter us, and then there are homes that shape us. The kind that quietly witness who we were, who we became, and all the small moments in between. A towering, brick flat where friendships turned into chosen family. Kitchens held late-night conversations long after the music stopped, and started again. Living rooms that carried the weight of heartbreak, celebration, uncertainty, growth. Spaces that, over time, stopped feeling like walls and ceilings and began feeling like extensions of ourselves. Some of the most defining years of our lives are spent inside places we never could have predicted would matter so deeply. You can walk into a room years later and immediately remember the version of yourself that once lived there. The ambitions you carried. The people who filled the space beside you and the nights of looks and fashion shows we never want to end. Homes absorb these things quietly. Layer by layer, until eventually, they become sacred in ways that are difficult to explain to anyone else.
And then, one day, life asks you to move forward.
There’s a strange ache that comes with leaving behind a home that held an entire era of your life. Even when the next chapter is exciting, even when it’s exactly what you want, there’s still grief tucked inside the transition. Because moving on means acknowledging that a season has ended. That the life you built there now belongs to memory. You begin noticing everything differently near the end. The way the snow lands on the atrium windows and melts away. The way afternoon light falls through the sliding glass doors. The familiar sound of the front door rattling shut. The marks on the wall that once annoyed you but now feel oddly sentimental. And the smoke alarm face grinning back at you. Ordinary details suddenly become impossible not to cherish once you realize your time with them is finite. And yet, this is the beautiful bargain with our homes. We leave pieces of ourselves behind in every place we love, but in return, those spaces give something permanent back to us. A collection of memories we carry forever.
Proof that we lived fully there.
Proof that life happened there. Proof that we loved there.
The next home will hold its own stories for us to make and remember. New traditions. New people. New versions of ourselves waiting quietly around the corner. There will be more dinners, more music to stop and start yet again, more nights filled with watching and performing our own fashion shows, and suddenly a new place begins to feel like yours. But the homes that carried us through our becoming, will always remain stitched into us. Not because we stayed forever. But because we shared our messy, yet beautiful life with it.
There’s something about this time of year that asks us to begin again.
Not loudly, not all at once, but in the quiet ways. A window cracked open after months of stale air. A shedding of the winter coats. The subtle, almost imperceptible shift toward something lighter. Something new.
Welcoming a body of work titled Rewire by Taylar AKA Gothsloth, a collection that feels as much like a personal turning point as it does a seasonal one. At its surface, the name speaks to what many of us are already doing this time of year: adjusting our rhythms, our routines, and our spaces in preparation for what’s ahead. But just beneath that, there’s something more tender at play.
Rewire lives in the in-between.
In preparing for this show, Taylar found herself doing exactly what the title suggests, resetting. Cleaning her home. Rearranging her art space. Shaking off what she described as a kind of “winter depreshmode.” Not all at once, but piece by piece. Brushstroke by brushstroke. And perhaps most notably, each of those brushstrokes was created with her non-dominant hand.
The entire collection was painted left-handed, a deliberate act of disruption. Of slowing down. Of forcing the brain and body to communicate differently. The result is work that feels loose, gestural, and deeply present.
That physical rewiring mirrors something deeper, too. This marks the first body of work Taylar has created while experiencing a new sense of internal balance. After navigating a late diagnosis of ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and beginning a path that includes medication, therapy, and support.
There’s a steadiness here that wasn’t there before. Not perfection, but clarity.
A sense that the ground beneath her feet is a bit more solid.
While Rewire is deeply personal, it doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s impossible to ignore the weight of the world we’re all moving through right now. From global conflict to local concerns. Taylar speaks to this:
“Beyond the personal, Rewire speaks to the world we inhabit. In times when the world feels heavy—facing war, genocides, the crisis of ICE and immigration in our local community, the drying of the Great Salt Lake, and the ongoing fight for social and racial justice—we are all called to rewire our patterns.
Dismantling these systems requires support and a radical belief that a better world is possible. When hope is a discipline, coming together for a night of art feels collective. It is a chance to gather, breathe, and support the rewiring of our shared future, even just for the night.”
With Taylar’s Rewire, this space becomes exactly that. A place to come together. To breathe. To witness. To support not only a local artist, but a shared desire for something better.
After six years of growing within Salt Lake’s creative community, Taylar’s work has traveled far beyond it. But the roots remain here. In the people. In the support. In the quiet, consistent encouragement that makes this kind of evolution possible.
This show is a reflection of that journey.
Of change—both chosen and necessary.
Of learning how to begin again.
SAVE THE DATE | April 17TH, 6:00PM-9:00PM | 641 E SOUTH TEMPLE | CITYHOMEUNDERGROUND
Samuel Johnson is all heart where “home” is concerned. A transplant from our bordering state of potatoes and Pocatello, Samuel knew early in life that he would pursue a career in real estate. Ever aware of the importance of finding the space that best suits you and creating that which you crave (an ideology for which he credits his mother), Samuel spent his high school years shadowing a savvy Idaho agent, then he packed his bags, set his coordinates for our salty city, and got to work. Nature plays a big role in his love for Utah, but this bright-eyed realtor is happy to be here for reasons that can’t be numbered. Should you find yourself in need of a whip-smart, well-intentioned agent who respects the notion of “home” and delights in helping you find it, Samuel’s is the number to call.
Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? My home will be warm and cozy, a space that always feels welcoming. I love the look of a big brick home encircled by a wrap around porch. My home, completely engulfed in trees and greenery. I love the look of an older home, something that is a classic piece of art. Walking into the home you’d be greeted by a beautiful staircase and hallway. The hallway acts as the spine of the home connecting me to every room. As you walk through my home, the smells change from room to room – smoky amber and sage, fresh linen and citrus, incensed wood and subtle whiskey. The kitchen would be spacious and have plenty of space for cooking and company, with easy access outside to a little garden. I would love having access to the porch from every room on the main floor – a constant flow of indoor and outdoor space and a record playing some funky jazz, creating a constant vibe in the kitchen. A living room that pulls you into the sofas. My living room, filled entirely with my favorite knickknacks I’ve collected over the years. Each one tells a different story. The walls are filled with painted canvases, pictures that bring me joy, and a mirror on every wall. I feel like I spend a lot of time in my living room; I enjoy the space being full of love and heart. Upstairs would be where my family resides, providing ample amounts of space for cute quaint rooms, all with their own character. With my room being special just to me. A small room that fits just what I need for a perfect little escape. My creative outlet is design. I feel like my home is an interpretation of who I am, it feels just like how I want and do feel. My home is an ever changing story of the places I have been, friendships I have shared, and memories I cherish.
You’re an agent here. Tell us why. What led you to this work? It all started in high school. I had the usual dreams of becoming an actor, a celebrity, but when I really thought about a career in my beginning year of high school, I decided to pursue a career in something I loved. I always had a beautiful fascination with homes. The way they looked, felt, and the joy they helped create in people’s lives. After that, my mind was set on becoming an agent. I shadowed a local Idaho Falls real estate agent and knew I had found my career.
What is something you wish people knew more about you? (passion, hobbies, personality) Probably my passion for interior design. I don’t have too many people over to my home, but when I do, I love showing all of my cherished items. I craft my home in a particular way to shine a light on the things I love. I have recently found an interesting hobby that has captured my heart, Jiu-Jitsu. I have been training for about six months now and am hooked. Being a small guy, it feels empowering having a sense of strength. I truly do love listening to people talk. From an early age, I realized how much I could learn from listening to people. At that point, I acquired the power of sitting back and taking it all in. I love hearing the fascinating stories of life that people love to share.
Do you remember when home first started mattering to you? As far back as I can remember. I always had a strong sense of home from my mother. She always shaped any space we had into a beautiful sanctuary. I feel like I watched her create and carried that with me throughout life. If I had to look back at a time when that became the most prevalent to me, it would be when I moved away from home. Moving to Salt Lake was the first time I had to build a home for myself. I was given a blank canvas and had to dig deep inside to find myself. From that digging, I was able to find an outlet of creation…I built my home away from home. I would say that feeling of having something and then leaving it, made me realize how much it affects you. I could see how much that was aiding in my happiness. I could see the true beauty of home and what it gives to us when we share in it.
How do you take care of your home and how do you take care of the house that is you? I love my home, it is a part of me that is displayed. I keep it clean, making sure every space is touched and well loved. I like to dress it up with beautiful and loved things – lather it in scents, by candles and incense. I care for my home the same way I like to care for myself; I treat my home like I would like to be treated. My home, that is me, requires just a bit more maintenance. I think the most important thing is allowing myself the grace of mistake. I know I will continue to fall all throughout my life, so I will fall with kindness for myself.
There’s a certain kind of home that stops you in your tracks the moment you walk through the door.
One that makes you instantly feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. That’s Douglas’ home. I’ve known him for nearly a decade, and over the years, I’ve watched him transform a house into a living space that radiates life, generosity, and warmth. Several years ago, I helped him find this home, and it has since become a reflection of his magnetic personality. A place where friends gather effortlessly, every corner tells a story, and Margot, his golden doodle, greets you with ample amounts of joy. His passion for gardening fills the yard with color, harvest, and love, and the art (by: Goth Sloth, Jill Whit, Cinnamon Ojeda, & Tanner Allen) and treasures scattered throughout the home are testaments to the care and creativity he pours into his life. In Douglas’ home, comfort isn’t just a feeling, it’s a welcome, an invitation, and a way of life.
So the first question I always ask is, what does home mean to you?
Douglas: Home is having all my friends here—making dinner, playing dress-up. A gathering place for everyone to feel safe and welcome.
When you walk through your front door, what’s the first feeling that greets you?
Douglas: It just feels good. I love my stuff. It’s all curated things I’ve collected over the years… it’s just comfort.
How has your idea of home changed as you’ve moved through different seasons of your life?
Douglas: Hmm… it’s kind of always the same—a place for everyone—but it’s evolved to be interesting for me too. In the summer, it’s all about gardening, which brings so much joy. In the fall, I put cute pumpkins on the porch. And Christmas—I do a different tree every year.
What about home has changed through the chapters of your life, from when you were a little boy to now?
Douglas: I guess it comes back to the same idea. Home is where you feel comfortable, but as I’ve grown, it’s also about making sure everyone else feels comfortable. The feeling I get when I come home is the same feeling I want everyone to have when they come to my house—I want them to feel at home too.
Was there a moment in this house when it all clicked for you, where you really felt, this is my home?
Douglas: Yeah. I looked at so many houses, had some letdowns. This was the fourth one I put an offer on, and I definitely felt something about it. When we came back for one last inspection and things were starting to be moved out, I just felt it. Having all my friends and my mom there, celebrating with that first mimosa once we moved everything in—that was the real beginning of this chapter.
Do you think home is more about the place or the people around it?
Douglas: It’s both. The structure is important—you need shelter—but the people you share it with make it special. All my friends are the cutest people.
How do you hope other people feel when they walk in, and what do you think they actually feel?
Douglas: They tell me they feel welcomed and at ease. Even if it’s a random party and they’ve never been here before, they feel at home instantly because of the people and the energy in the space.
Has a past home shaped your idea of home in this space?
Douglas: Definitely. Ever since moving out of my parents’ house, I’ve lived in all kinds of spaces—from a basement apartment with no light to my last apartment, which was the nicest I’d rented so far. Each place taught me something, and this one feels right because I worked hard to get here. It’s kind of a mix of all those experiences.
When you imagine your home a decade from now, what do you hope remains the same?
Douglas: The garden—it’s here to stay and gets better every year. Keepsakes will always be around, and I hope the wonderful people who come through the house remain part of it too.
If you could describe your home without describing the physical structure, what emotions or feelings would you say define it?
Douglas: Love. Curated. Unique taste. Welcome.
Are there small details in your home that you miss when you’re away for long periods?
Douglas: Definitely. The things I’ve collected that bring me comfort, seeing my friends’ art everywhere, my own art… and a nice yard, a private space. Those little details make it feel like home.
From lively gatherings with friends to quiet evenings collecting his well-earned harvest, Douglas has built a life that holds everything he holds dear. A world that reflects him and the people he loves most. A true Salt Lake gem, he has a way of loving everyone like they’re one of his own. If you ever get the chance to spend a little time with Douglas, take it.
If you loved this story, here are some more House Calls you may love as well: Sofia Gorder | Matt + Tamara + Mia | Emily + Jason
There’s a special kind of magic that comes from a house show. If you know, you know. It’s the feeling of bodies packed into a friend’s living room, elbows brushing as someone strums a guitar beneath a ceiling fan whirring overhead. Those house shows weren’t just about music, they were about belonging. About the way a space could hold you, and how a song, played inches from your face, could feel like it was written just for you. I’ve been thinking about those nights a lot lately. Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s the way life seems to speed up, and I’m craving the slower, softer stuff. The kind of moments that ask us to pause, to listen, to feel. The music. The energy. The way a song could stretch into the rafters and make a space feel sacred, even if it was just a basement with string lights and a borrowed PA. Those nights shaped us. They were raw and imperfect and full of soul. And they’ve stayed with me, tucked in the folds of memory like old ticket stubs.
These days, life looks different.
We’ve swapped out futons for mid-century sectionals, cheap beer for fine wines, and mismatched chairs for something more intentional. But the longing for those stripped-down, intimate moments of connection never really went away. So we’re bringing it back—just a little more grown up.
We’ve started hosting concerts again. Only this time, it’s at our cityhomeCOLLECTIVE office space. A space our COLLECTIVE community has poured so much love into over the years. And at night, when the lights dim and bodies are gathered close, it feels like a living room all over again. The kind you want to linger in. The kind that invites music to fill its corners. We’re calling them HOUSEshows. A nod to where we started, and a celebration of what we’re building now. They’re for touring artists passing through Salt Lake City, local rising stars, and for anyone who misses the magic of music in a space that feels like home. So come by. Let the music wrap around you. Let yourself remember. Sometimes the best things don’t just live in the past—they come back to life when we’re ready to welcome them home.
Save the date | sunday, july 27th
stay tuned for details
Tucked within the heartbeat of Salt Lake City, the Ivanhoe Condos offers a world all its own. A place where the pulse of urban life hums just beyond the doorstep, yet inside, there’s nothing but calm. Here, home is more than just a space, it’s a sanctuary, a retreat where the days unfold gently, wrapped in a quiet kind of luxury. Mornings begin with the golden light spilling through the windows, the city still stretching awake. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the crisp air drifting in from the cracked window.
It’s a space that holds you, whether you’re easing into the day with a book in hand or stepping out, ready to embrace the energy that awaits just beyond the front door.
For the adventurous days, the city is at your fingertips.
A morning walk down tree-lined streets leads to a cozy café, corner shops, local pubs, and an endless array of food options to satiate any craving. An impromptu dinner with friends is only ever a short ride away, the evening unfolding effortlessly. And yet, there’s always the comfort of knowing that at the end of it all, home is waiting; a space that feels wholly and completely yours. Evenings for unwinding, for being exactly as you are.
Maybe it’s the soft glow of candles dancing on the walls, or the way the city lights flicker beyond the windows, a reminder of the world just outside. Whether shared with loved ones or relished in solitude, these moments at home are a reminder that, in the midst of it all, you’ve carved out something special, a place that feels just right. Home isn’t just a place you return to. It’s a space that reflects you, holds you, and inspires you.
A sanctuary in the city, where life moves to your rhythm.
click here to see the full listing
I was fortunate enough to spend the evening with Matt and Tamara and their daughter, Mia, talking about home. They welcomed me in and shared with me the memories they have created in their home. Their recounting felt so life-like thanks to the wonderful stories they told of living in the home over the years. It’s rare to meet folks so loving and kind and who allow you to feel like a part of the family the moment you walk through their front doors. Their story of home is truly a beautiful one, and I am grateful they were willing to share it with us.
What does home mean to you?
Mia: To me, I think this home in particular is really special because I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve grown up here and I’ve built so many memories. It’s just really special to me. Even though the neighborhood has its quirks, I feel like it’s been a really great experience growing up here, surrounded by all of my family.
Matt: Home? I think there’s a difference between a house and a home. I think that home is a place where you can feel safe or you can rest or a place you can come to and be yourself.
I’ve wanted to sell the house because it’s a house, and move, but there is a sense of home here too, we are sort of embedded in it. You can see that by listening to our story. We have a sense of connection to this home. There’s sort of nostalgia and stories in every corner of our house. I’ve always struggled with the idea of a house being a home. Maybe they are, maybe they are not. But this house certainly feels like our home and that we belong in it.
You know when you come home from a long trip, you come in and lay your bags down and there’s a big sigh of relief. When you settle down and you can’t wait to get home, you’re no longer homesick. That’s what I think of as home.
Tamara: I feel like home is… It could be anything. It could be anywhere. I was trying to think of all the different places that I lived or that we’ve lived. I’ve lived in a high rise in Japan with tatami matt floors. I’ve lived in military housing on base where it was like a single story, cinder block structure to withstand typhoons. We had rented furniture for three years and that felt like home. When we were in Brooklyn in a brownstone, that felt like home. I think it’s just a space where you’re surrounded by people that you love. It’s your haven, but it could really be anywhere.
Matt: When we lived in Brooklyn, we had all these friends in New York that were from Salt Lake. There was a whole group of us. Tamara and I had a place that she did up. She worked for William Sonoma and Pottery Barn back in the day, that was her thing. She made us move an entire box truck of stuff, so we moved to New York and we had all this stuff. Our friends were living in these railroad apartments. They brought a backpack when they moved to New York. We brought a box truck. What we ended up doing was embracing our Mormon culture and hosted family home evenings at our little apartment. We brought all these people in and everybody knew what it was. It was bringing a connection of home to all these people who were living in these various places in various degrees of suffering and struggling and we all had this one little place we could have a home cooked meal. It ended up being a place where people would pick up a guitar and start singing and start playing music and just reconnecting again. That was bringing home to where we were, right to that space.
Tamara: we had people say at the end of the night, “I needed this so much”. It was like a respite from the craziness of the city and all the grind.
Well, what’s your favorite room in the house?
Matt: We spend a lot of time in the living room and the kitchen. Does everyone say kitchen? I would say either the living room or my studio.
Mia: It might be kind of boring, but probably my room. I also think since I’ve been in the same room my whole life, it’s been really cool to see it’s transition. I’ll look at old pictures and think, why did I paint it hot pink? It’s progressed so much over the years and grown with me. There are layers of paint in this house that represent the changes.
Tamara: I feel like it depends on the season, too. Like, I love the front room in the winter when it’s snowing outside and we have a fire going and we’re just playing records. And it has a different cozy vibe.
What’s your favorite part about living in the neighborhood?
Tamara: I love that it’s such an amazing mix of people. With different backgrounds, incomes, expertise and family structures. Even the buildings are so different from street to street and from house to house. This wasn’t a planned development where every house looks exactly the same and was built at the same time. It’s unfortunate that a lot of the single family homes are being demolished and then the five story mid rise comes up. That’s frustrating to me just because I have such an affinity for old things. I do think that there’s a place for apartments. But I also think the city should also focus on not just what they built, but what they preserve and what they save. More of a focus on what gives a community its identity and its character. I do worry about losing that here. It’s a balance.
The sense of community is amazing. The people that I’ve worked with and advocated for to get certain things pushed through with the city. The Ninth South project was a big one. It was on the chopping block and almost didn’t happen. It almost ended up being just gravel and mulch like most other areas. We’ve also been able to meet so many amazing people. People that live here, people that used to live here. It’s been a crazy journey.
Mia: I’ve always said this, but I feel like downtown feels like its own little city within Salt Lake. I feel like that’s partly because of the culture and the diversity, but I feel like it’s also the people. No matter how much that changes, it’s all of these stories that get passed down to create our little hub here. I’ve also been able to see the growth in the community and how much people care about keeping it and restoring it. It maintains its charm.
Matt: I grew up in Park City. I grew up in a small neighborhood, but I didn’t know anybody there. I know every single person on this street and I care about every single person on the street. It’s so interesting to get off on the 9th south exit. To just be driving through and instantly drive down into this place and you are home. It’s our weird little pocket of houses. You just don’t see that anywhere else.
Most of these homes are from the 1900’s. The whole neighborhood is really passionate about this little pocket too, and staying connected with each other and protecting our neighborhood. It’s great to be able to walk to everything too, to get your morning coffee, or get some food. It’s so walkable. So we’re in a bigger city, but we are in our own little community. And you know, I like the noise. I like the ambulances, the cars, and the city noise. I can’t sleep without it.
Do you all have any rituals or routines that you do in your home?
Matt: It’s all routine all of the time. We are like clockwork in this house.
Milo (the family dog), he has arthritis now, so he can’t go up the stairs. He hangs out with Ralph (the family cat) downstairs in the morning and they let us know it’s time to get up and feed them. They tap their feet back and forth to let us know it’s time. I think it’s interesting in relation to the house, it feels like the house comes back to life. I would say Milo is sort of our night watchman, he keeps an eye on things for us. Then he lets us know it’s time to get up and the whole house sort of just wakes up. He gets us into our day. So the mornings are the most routine.
Mia: For me, I’d say the night time is more routine. They (Milo & Ralph) wait at the bottom of the stairs for me and I have to tuck them in. Milo and Ralph wait right there, then we run into the kitchen and he’ll prance around. Ralph gets three treats, and they’re like 1/4 the size of Milos. And then Milo gets three treats. Then I’ll carry them before running them over to their beds. Their beds are usually right next to each other, so they sleep together. It’s really cute. They’ll cuddle and I give them one treat at a time. Milo always tries to steal Ralph’s, but Ralph is used to it by now. Then I give them this little stuffed animal and his baby blanket that he got when we adopted him. I have to put that on him or he won’t sleep. He will wait at the bottom of the stairs until we do our routine.
Matt: If Mia has a sleepover somewhere or she’s not around, they’ll still hang out at the bottom of the stairs, waiting. We call it putting them to bed. Did you put them to bed?
Mia: I’ve stayed up really late doing homework and forget to put them to bed. I’ll come around the corner and they’re still at the bottom of the stairs at 1:00 AM waiting for me. Sometimes they’ll even trick me into thinking I forgot. Sometimes they’ll get back up and they’ll try to do it all again.
When I recall the moments in my life that I cherish, so many are the ones of me just being at home, be it alone or with friends and family. Homes should create a space that allows us to be free. The home that Tamara, Matt and Mia have built is just such a place. It perfectly captures who they are and how they got there, and their little oasis in the city truly feels one of a kind.
As spring rolls around, Barbey Drive comes alive with color and energy, reflecting the vibrant spirit of its community. Here, the rhythm of life dances to the tune of the majestic Wasatch Range, and the harmony of nature intertwines with the elegance of mid-century modern design. The updated interiors seamlessly blend modern amenities with timeless charm,
creating a space that embraces you like an old friend.
As the sun gracefully rises over the horizon,
casting its golden hues upon the landscape, the allure of this beautiful home is felt all around. Surrounded by lush greenery and raised garden beds teeming with life, the backyard calls all year long, offering an invitation to bask in its tranquility. Adjacent to Tanner Park, a picturesque haven for both two-legged and four-legged friends alike, this home is more than just a dwelling, it’s a gateway to adventure and exploration.
As spring breathes new life into the world, Barbey Drive blossoms with the promise of endless possibilities. Just as the seasons change, so too do our lives, but one thing remains constant, the comfort and solace found within the walls of home. Barbey Drive is more than just an address;
it’s a sanctuary where the beauty of life unfolds with each passing day.
click here to see the full listing
Home is something we cultivate and grow throughout our lives. As we begin to understand the world around us, we start to determine what home means for ourselves. We see and feel the sensation of home daily. Those sensations begin to shape who we are and who we will become while considering the world around us. As we move through life, make transitions, and find people to share our world with, our homes begin to expand. They grow with love, with memories, and with us. Renato and Andy are beautiful people who have grown together and enveloped their world into a beautiful treasure chest of a home.
I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with them in their cozy abode and getting a glimpse into their world. I instantly felt at home walking through their front door, like I could take my shoes off and snuggle up on the couch. It reflects both of their personalities perfectly. Two mesmerizing people have come together to curate a home that encapsulates their truest selves. A space that makes you feel right at home.
What does home mean to you?
Andy: I think because we are renting and we moved around so much, you just have to make a home wherever you are. We have collected a lot of random things that we take with us from place to place and it’s those things that make it feel like home. Just bringing home with you.
Renato: Home, I don’t know. The pandemic was hard because we were in so many different places. Nesting is really important to me, Andy will even tell you that. Right when we move in, first thing I do is go crazy, everything has to be up and everything has to have a place. I’m very Type A in that sense. It just needs to feel cozy. That’s something that we’ve been able to achieve in every place we live, but this one feels the most special. Probably ’cause we have so much space to spread out. Also, as an immigrant, it’s really hard because home is in two places. So it’s like here and also in Mexico. Even though I’ve been here for over half my life, I just finally got comfortable with the idea of living here and being happy here. It took me a while and it was mostly just about getting comfortable with my life here, like my job. My life with Andy, we’re going on five years. Diego (their adorable little dog), wherever Diego is, I am happy to be.
Andy: I also think compared to the last few places we have lived, it was hard to have people over and just casually get together. Our home now is easier because we don’t have to worry about disturbing downstairs neighbors. It’s caused us to have friends over more and more. I feel like that makes it feel like home.
Renato: Also, Catching up on our reality TV shows, you know. The Housewives. That makes it feel like home.
What is your internal sense of home? When you close your eyes and imagine home, where does it take you?
Andy: I think the mountains. I grew up in Utah, so I kind of grew up not paying too much attention to them. Like the mountains were kind of just there and I never really noticed them. But then as I grew up and started traveling to other places where there were no mountains and it was flat. I missed them. When I picture home, I picture mountains and being surrounded by them and their snow-capped peaks.
Renato: Close my eyes, think of home… I think of my parents a lot. My mom moved here, which is the reason why I’m here. She’s sacrificed a lot, so I feel like having family close is important to me. Close my eyes, think of home. I think having all of my tchotchkes everywhere and knowing where everything is. I always say, “I want to close my eyes and know where everything is at all times”. Cooking a meal too. I like cooking a lot and listening to my records.
Do you have routines or rituals you do around your home?
Renato: I feel like the pandemic made us into homebodies. Whereas before the pandemic we were going out a lot more than we do now. I’d also say for me, cooking. I started cooking a lot more after the pandemic. I did before, but I started cooking a lot more ever since then.
Andy: I don’t know. I feel like on weekends, especially during the summer we were weeding the yard and spending time outside earlier in the mornings. That’s been a new routine that we didn’t have before at any of our other places because, you know, there we didn’t have any yard to take care of. It’s a really pretty yard in the summer. Nick (the owner of the home Renato and Andy are renting) transplanted a lot of really pretty rose bushes into the yard.
Renato: He really cares about this home and told us to make it feel like home when we moved in. That was a big priority for him, was us taking care of the home and giving it love.
Andy: We are really lucky, especially when it comes to renting, where we can have a place that feels like home and there’s a lot of flexibility to make it feel like our home. Whereas, a lot of other people renting, it’s like, well, I don’t wanna put a picture up because I’m gonna get $200 off my deposit. Which sucks but it’s just the reality of renting. So we are very lucky and happy here.
What’s your favorite room?
Renato: For me, it’s the kitchen, it’s so fun!
Andy: Same! Especially at night, with the lights and the rafters. It feels like a cabin. It has all of the fun colors and the warm light at night. It’s very cozy in there.
Renato: I have some masks over here (above the kitchen) that I love. It looks like Midsommer vibes going on.
Do you prefer the feel of the house at night or in the day?
Andy: Probably at night. I think because we don’t get a ton of really good natural light in the day. I’d say other places we’ve lived, it’s been the day because the sun beams down into the rooms. But here at night, it’s very cozy and warm.
Renato: It’s fun when it snows to sit here in front of the window and watch the snowfall. Remember that crazy thunderstorm we had? We both just sat here and stared out the window at the thunderstorm.
Your home is filled with incredible art. Where do you get all of your artwork?
Renato: I studied art history. So I started collecting when I was about 21. My first piece is in the office, I just changed the frame to it. It’s the green and brown one and it’s by my all-time favorite artist. I was able to get two more of their pieces. Tanner Allen did that piece, that portrait of us, and that portrait of Diego. The flowers in the room, I love them, they are by Nancy Rivera. They are all just from good friends and artists I have met over the years. A lot of them are gifted too, like the Chara poster in the kitchen. My friend Allison found it on eBay and thought of me. So yeah, most of them are friends. I admire a lot of local artists. Most of them are local artists. Latino artists. I did a research project and I asked for the rights to two photos, published the paper in college, and then the artist sent me the photos. The Frida Kahlo, those two were taken by her dad. So a friend, she owns the Alta Lodge, she gave me those two, and her dad was friends with Frida Kahlo. So yeah, it’s just been a little bit of an addiction, a little bit of supporting friends. I just like fun art.
Do you have any spots or nooks in the home that you tend to gravitate towards or give your attention to?
Andy: When people are over, I feel like I’m always on this bench. The kitchen, we’re always standing in the kitchen. So like that corner where the microwave is, I’m always either leaning against it or sitting up if people are over.
Renato: I don’t use a chair. I sit on the counter. I’m just always sitting on the counter because I’m always getting up. I don’t know if it’s because I’m anxious or what but, I’m always like, “OK, what does everybody need?” So I feel like I need the space.
Andy: We hang out on the porch a lot too. Diego is always in his little chair watching the neighborhood. He’s our neighborhood watch, keeping guard for the mailman and delivery men.
Renato: When I’m getting ready to go to bed and I’m washing my face, putting my lotions and potions on, I spend a lot of time just staring at my little tchotchkes. Looking at them, moving and rearranging them, or looking through all of my books. I rearranged all of my books again today. Then just the record player. I really love my record player. So I spent a lot of time going through them and organizing them, picking a record out to enjoy for the day.
After spending an afternoon at Renato’s and Andy’s home, it was clear it wasn’t merely a physical space but a home painted with love, memories, and unique expressions of self. Their journey, both individually and as a couple, has produced a home of warmth and belonging. As we delved into the intimate details of their abode, it became evident that home, for them, transcends the walls and extends into cherished routines, meaningful art, and shared moments with friends.
This cozy haven, rich with stories and personal touches, reflects the beauty of cultivating a space that resonates with one’s truest self. It is home.
The House Calls series, born from a single story, has blossomed into an expansive narrative that surpassed my initial imaginings. Exploring the vastness of home and unraveling its unique significance for each individual lies at the heart of this ever-evolving saga. Life’s experiences, shared with friends, deepen our comprehension of the simple yet abundant concept of home.
In the past year, I’ve come to know Emily and Jason quite well through the process of assisting them in buying their new home, where a truly beautiful friendship has unfolded. Emily, an incredible artist, and Jason, a savvy contract negotiator with a wicked eye for design, bring their distinct talents to the canvas of their home. In the rhythmic dance of time, immersed in life’s ever-changing tapestry, home emerges as more than bricks and mortar. It’s a haven, a sanctuary where we evolve and grow, finding solace in storms and warmth in sunlight. Emily and Jason’s journey, set against the backdrop of Emigration Canyon, beautifully illustrates the limitless possibilities that reside within the concept of home.
Let’s start it off right; I’d like to know what home means to you two.
Emily: For me, it’s a place that’s a combination of a cocoon and design lab. I love the idea of being cozy and happy, but I also love the idea of having a dynamic space. My son knows this; he’d come home from school and I had rearranged the furniture for the billionth time. It’s a hard thing to explain, but I think home should be dynamic, not static. Jason gets it because I’m constantly running around at night changing things.
Jason: Yeah, it’s true. I do wake up and wonder, what the heck is going on here.
Well, my variation in all that is just, you know, home for me is calm with beauty. A place that’s comfortable and calm inside and out. The art objects and arrangement make a big difference to that sense of things. And looking out the windows here, for example, seeing the big windows, the colors, and having the water nearby, that’s beautiful. The most important thing is that we and our family feel at home, comfortable, and everyone has their place. I have my spots, and I love discovering that others in the family have their spots too. It gives me confidence that everyone else has found a place in our home while… being dynamic.
I’m curious to know how home has affected your art as an artist over the years. Has it caused any changes or evolved your art in any way?
Emily: Every time I’ve made a change, whether it’s having another child or moving, it’s gotten into the art. I haven’t worked here yet, so I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I can sense the change. I’m feeling a lot of dynamic energy and a lot of excitement about it. So, time will tell.
I’d love to know what the process has been like moving into this space together and designing it together.
Jason: We have very different sensibilities about our living spaces. One of the things we talked about was a concept I received from a YouTube video or Instagram. The idea was to create an environment reflecting both of our personalities and coming together in a way that felt good to both of us. It’s been an experiment to find ways for that to come together. Emily has an organic approach to things, and it’s been a learning experience for me. The result is amazing; it’s artistic influence, and both of our personalities are reflected.
Emily: I gave him carte blanche. I was like, just buy furniture because I didn’t want to get involved in figuring it out ahead of time. So, we started working separately, and then we merged the streams. Now it feels like a whole thing instead of us going at it in different ways. We are very different, so it’s been nice to expand in that way.
(speaking to Emily’s son Aiden) Have you noticed a change from the homes you’ve lived in the past?
Aiden: Yeah, I mean, I always wanted to be an architect, so it’s in my blood. It is weird taking a step away from your childhood home, even though I had already moved out when they moved here. I’ve never lived here, and I’m never going to, so it’s really exciting to experience it from a third-party perspective. I enjoy it because this is what I’m building my career around, buildings. I also approve of the way the house looks too, which is surprising considering I’m very opinionated.
Jason: WE’LL TAKE IT!
Have you noticed any new routines or rituals you follow in your house?
Emily: Definitely. Going down by the stream is something I have never been able to do so easily from my home. Also, just staring outside the window for as long as I can before getting out of bed in the morning. Because it faces the mountain, it doesn’t matter what time of day it is; there are so many beautiful colors I get to wake up to.
Jason: I love this little spot right here (referencing the back porch where we were conducting the interview). Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, after my runs, I’ll sit and just be at ease, taking in the sound of the stream. We have other rhythms of the house, like spending time with the kiddos while they play video games, or getting together for our music nights as a family. It really is a blessing.
Jason, I love that you have all of your favorite spots in the home. Does everyone else have a spot in the home?
Emily: We do! I love playing on the top deck. I also love that top step on the stairs down to the creek. If I don’t feel like going all the way down, I will just soak it all up right there. And then in the mornings, during the winter time, I’ll sit on these rocks soaking up the winter sun. Aiden, do you have any favorite spots?
Aiden: Yeah, I read a lot, but I hate reading outside because the elements bother me. But that couch in the living room is perfect because you can lie on it and see all of the elements through the big window. I find that I lay there a lot.
Emily: Theo (Emily’s other son) goes to the top step as well to play the guitar. It’s kind of like our sitting spot. I’ll find him lying around the property just playing his guitar.
What room is your favorite room in the house?
Emily: It’s got to be the living room, right?
Jason: Easy, yeah. It’s beautiful, well put together, colorful, and varied. It feels finished and mature. The windows complete the living room.
This ongoing series about home shines a light on the special love Emily and Jason have for their spaces and the folks they welcome in. You can sense it and then some as you step through their doors, where you’re instantly met with a heartwarming welcome. These two beautiful souls creating a life in the canyons of Emigration have permanently etched a spot in my heart.
