With the holidays now squarely behind us, our hearts and minds and bodies now focus on the year ahead.
There’s an electricity in the air, and we can feel it–an anticipation for monumentally important things to happen in the lives of our clients, our friends and ourselves. Beautiful things. Scary things. All the things. And no matter the what, we want to be there, present for each and every experience. Whether it’s celebrating the victories or holding space for the hurt, we remain committed to the wellbeing of ourselves, our families and our communities. Our collective doors are always open. If you want to talk business, we’re here. If you want to dream, we’re fucking here. And if you just need a hug, we’re absolutely fucking here. So, don’t be a stranger. Client or not, we don’t care; we just want you. So, with our feet planted firmly in the New Year and arms wide, we humbly invite you to attend any of our weekly offerings held at our shop at 645 E South Temple.
Call/Text us at 801.718.5555 or email [email protected] for more info and to RSVP
Community Offerings
Tuesday (weekly) Yoga
Thursday (weekly) Qigong
Monday – Friday (by appointment) Lounge
A bit about the teachers, the classes and the offerings…
Yoga – Kavita Bianchetti has been practicing yoga and Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) for as long as she can remember. At this stage of her practice, Kavita pays close attention to the most subtle aspects of yoga, breath, and the way we attend to ourselves. Her style of practice, which she’s done for over a decade, reflects her traditional roots in India. Kavita believes all bodies can benefit from exploring a regular practice. Class is open to all folks, all bodies, all abilities.
Qigong – Scott White has practiced movement medicine for over 20 years. He uses Qigong to help folks access and optimize their potential in business, relationships and personal fitness. Qigong is a gentle practice of slow steady movement that shifts us into a healing mode, helping still the mind and open the heart. This class is especially gentle and open to all folks, all bodies, all abilities.
Lounge – If you are a friend of cityhome and curious about scheduling time in the lounge for a community meeting, alone time for you and a book, a lecture series online with our cityhome values and our love of all things houses and community, connect. We will be happy to explore lounge options with you.
Any genuine community keeps in its heart a common value. One that holds it together and helps it orient back to itself. Ours, is home. And it takes a village to make one. But it takes a community to Be one.
This COLLECTIVE of ours has been in the business of making homes for ourselves and our clients for twenty years now. A commitment that has taken hundreds of people when you consider all the moving parts. Between the person who brews the coffee and the person who makes the molding, a whole world of house-loving humans pitch in to make a home-life. Today is as good a time as any to consider the folks who make it their business to help us all shelter well. To the artists and the makers and the inspectors, electricians, and plumbers and gardeners, to the architects and designers and friends; in every place we love living, we have had support in making it so. What an ideal community to exist within, a particularly inspiring quality of people with big hearts, steady hands, and focused minds. What luck to be a part of such a beautiful home-worshiping community. Truly.
Life is grounded in this place. And you, are our shared value.
It is the ultimate gift to not just live surrounded by home lovers, but to have the opportunity over the years to meet and mingle and grow with so many folks who have taken the ultimate step toward home, becoming one. To find and reconcile our very selves as the safe house we seek. To embody all of the loftiest concepts we have for home is the ultimate act of sovereignty. And is ironically, not done alone. We are surrounded by people who are comfortable in their skin. We grow up as adults when we stop believing that all our comfort comes from the environment around us. Although we honor its influence. To be truly free as humans, is to have a mind that can stand alone, but also a body to come home to.
To be both embodied and mindful tends to create a harmony whose resting place is usually in the heart. What a joy to feel so encouraged by the village we make a home in. What a gift to be surrounded by clients, colleagues, coaches, teachers, educators, sages, and stewards of the home that we all are, individually and collectively.
Home in body, and home in house, is a combination that births all the possibilities in the cosmos. What a joy to be here. In our bodies. In our houses. With this community. At this time. With these friends, and this breath. After all these years, we still love where we live.
Thank you, home—sweet, sweet home.
“Tradition(s) is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” – Gustav Mahler
Growing up in a small coastal town on the shores of Adriatic, ancient stony walls and meandering narrow streets still proudly bear the mark of St. Mark’s winged lion (official emblem of Venetian Republic). Here, one is birthed in a culture where traditions have been intricately amalgamated into a rich tapestry, woven and enriched through centuries. Thus, in the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, there are numerous celebrations imported from faraway lands from St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, to Krampus, a dark-haired creature bearing horns and fangs, carrying a bundle of birch sticks used to swat naughty children to Santa Lucia, the saint that gifted her eyes to a rejected suitor before she devoted her life to serving Christ, which all include some form of not only celebration, but also gifting.
In the nights leading up to the ‘festa’ when a penetrating damp chill coming from the still, oil-like charcoal-colored water that encircled our city, under the watchful eye of the gargantuan angel statue that towers over the roofs of a sleepy town, children would impatiently shine their shoes and leave them where they could most easily be found in hopes of waking up to something other than the gilded branch used for spanking. Times have evolved but in the time of my childhood we received small tokens like a warm pair of brightly colored Benetton gloves, a hat or varied socks from mamma’s clumsy experiment to nonna’s overly intricate outdated designs one would conveniently misplace after a single outing—a box of Baci chocolates with hidden tiny messages and splendid silver wrap paper with navy colored ‘stelline’ (little stars) we kept for crafting ornaments and lining ‘presepio’ (nativity), oranges wrapped in colorful paper, a box of exquisitely wrapped fruit jelly bombones or my favourite, ‘cotognata’ (quince jelly candy). I fondly remember looking through the foggy windows onto the mist-enveloped dark streets where cloaked dark figures, in a conspiratory manner, skulked across the piazzas and along the water line in search of last-minute favors.
Precious scenes that forever stay etched in one’s memory.
However, for me, it is one particular tradition or gift that has ignited a passion that lasts a lifetime. It is a tradition that originated in Iceland ‘Jolabokaflod’ and it includes gifting each other books on Christmas Eve and reading them together. There has never been anything more glorious than the memories of our family comfortably scattered around our salotto, each reading in their favourite chair, listening to the sounds of crackling fire interthread with soothing notes of Pellegrini’s melody while reflecting lights glimmer on the still water through our balcony windows—being together in stillness, occasionally sliding colorful marbleized paper boxes full of chocolate across the floor and passing around thick slices of sugar-dusted Panettone. Not long ago we visited an old harbor bookshop in a small coastal town of Main. At the entry, we were greeted by a stack of neatly organized books that each had a handwritten note from each of the staffers explaining what they loved most about their chosen book. We were so touched and inspired by this simple yet profound gesture that we decided to do the same in hopes of gifting some of our most cherished experiences with you as we enter into this magical season. May we all make this gifting season a little more intentional as we share meaningful messages, ideas and memorable experiences with our loved ones and just perhaps we could adopt a new tradition of book gift-giving.
War and Peace by Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy – My favorite book, profoundly relevant for the current turbulent times. Do not be intimidated by its size. It is a beautiful account of human’s ability to transform, the absurdity of war, the power of compassion and forgiveness and love, the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of brotherly love, the significance of finding joy and contentment in the simplest of moments, the beauty of having an open mind, the importance of facing hardship with levity and patience, and the message that the peace of mind and peace of soul are the ultimate wealth and cause of happiness.
The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty – An amazing book highlighting the wisdom found in nature to help guide us on our path through life.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – It’s an excellent if not speculative study on the history of human evolution. It resonated with me his argument for Sapiens rise is our distinctive capacity for fiction.
City of girls by Elizabeth Gilbert – A fictional novel based in 1940s New York City full of glamour, lust, and adventure. Why? Cause I’m a dreamer.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom – It highlights the importance of human relationships and the reflections on topics such as love, work, family, and death are filled with insights. I am constantly encouraged to reflect on my own life and reevaluate my priorities every time I pick up this book or even think about this book. Oh and “love always wins”! Period.
I concur about Sapiens, Brian. It’s a fascinating read. Another one I recommend is Peter Zeihan’s “the end of the world is just the beginning” which lays out the chronology of globalization, predicts it’s fate and what’s next.
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut – It was the first Vonnegut book I read. It’s hilarious, scary, weird, and timely. The characters are odd and absurd, but could also be people you’ve met. Themes of madness, destiny, and environmental stress feel current although the book was written in the early 1970s. If you can face the darkness and laugh a little, this book is for you.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – A captivating story that ultimately reflects on how our love for objects and beautiful things can connect us to something bigger and change the way we engage with the world. It’s an odyssey, but worth sticking to until the end.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer – A Beautiful insight into our relationship and connection with nature, from an indigenous and scientific perspective. That sounds like a book review quote I googled… but that actually just came out of me.
Anam Cara by John O’Donohue – As a gift is perfect because it brings us back to the earth and the magic of being human. What better present than a reminder of how special it is to be alive. And in these bodies. Part of nature and this world.
The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard – It has been the most quoted resource for me over the years. As a lover of homes and environments, as well as poetry, philosophy and mysticism, this book is a classic for anyone who loves space as much as we do.
From exhibitions on what we call home to beautiful spaces inhabited by beautiful souls to the sacred work of honey bees. As we cast our gaze toward colder days and what a new year may bring, one of our favorite pastimes is to look back on the stories we’ve written these past twelve months and reflect upon the ones that touched our hearts, that made us think, that made us want to be better humans. From exhibitions on how we define home to beautiful spaces inhabited by beautiful souls to the sacred work of honey bees, we’ve curated our fav ten. We humbly present them to you, again. So sit back, pour yourself a cup of holiday nog and take a second look, or first possibly.
Either way, happy reading and happy holidays.
1) Hey Honey
As we are a collective of doers and epicureans who love to socialize, when our cityhome beekeeper McKay invited us to collaborate and participate in a honey-tasting event in our UNDERGROUND space, we were mouths ready. Under the glistening constellation of antique lanterns and flowers gently draping from the ceiling unto what seemed like an endless bacchanalian spread, we partook of honey of the most varied tastes and from furthest corners of distant lands. The doors of our beloved building are open for collaborations of many varieties. We welcome your enquiries, and you.
2) Home, Body | Melanie
I want to facilitate embodiment with my clients, so they come from a place of truth and instinct. A place that allows expression, where there are practices to understanding self, to ask for their needs, and helps discover what they truly want, so I can find them their “home within” and “home without.”
3) The Art of Home | Loom + Kiln Pop Up
A lover of all things vintage, Hannah is also a creative herself equipped with an art degree and studies in interior design. This foundation – paired with a love of travel and passion for other cultures – led to her development of Loom + Kiln in 2015. The shop began organically on Instagram and has since evolved into an online gallery with weekly product releases and exploding sales.
4) Beautiful Space | Simple Life
I often find myself in conversation talking about what it means to have a simple life. And what a beautiful space to spend time with my friends who happen to be cityhome colleagues talking about the same. Annie, Kelly and I chatted at The Maryland building about our clients, ourselves and the consensus that no matter where we find ourselves living, the aim to be less complicated, less occupied with things that take us out of our enjoyment of life, matters. A lot.
5) Earth / Ether | An Exhibition
The feelings can be endlessly vast and leave you wanting more. It has planted its roots around our CHC hearts and we’re head over heels about the creativity pulsing through our city. Submitting ourselves to art is something we take seriously at cityhome and we could not be happier to share the work of Emily and Colour with you. Be it deep ocean views, rolling landscapes, sprawling vastness, or quantum entanglement, inspiration makes its way to the receptive artist.
6) The Art of Home | Historic Ogden
Dax and Zak’s historic home on Madison Avenue is an authentic expression of their personal style, which feels like a curated mix of Italian Renaissance decadence and Victorian Gothic vibes. The home itself, which was built in 1911 and has no shortage of original charm and craftsmanship, was also a big influence on their design aesthetic.
7) Shelby Johnson | A Reclamation
Shelby grew up in the woods of California and clearly has a deep love for the mysticism and beauty held in natural elements. She has creatively integrated these elements into her home and art. When visiting, I feel as though I might discover a fairy in a mossy nook or witness a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis shell, which is what is happening here. A more precise metaphor might be a phoenix rising from the ashes.
8) House Calls | Sofia Gorder
When I think of Sofia, I think of a woman who has a love for all things unique and a passion to share said things. She lives a life brimming with excitement and it’s not lost on her surroundings. The same flame that flickers so brightly inside of her is reflected throughout her space. Sofia works in the arts with a strong desire to use her art and dance for the good of the community.
9) UMOCA: Haimaz, Heimr, Hjem, Heem, Hām, Home
For this wide-ranging exhibition, the Museum offers a multi-faceted perspective on the topic, defining home as “both a social and cultural construct that is influenced by family, community, geography, economics, politics, and personal experiences. For some, it is a physical space of comfort, refuge, and safety. Home can also be a feeling, a sense of belonging and connection within a community, or it can be a site of danger, longing, loneliness, confinement, trauma, or displacement.”
10) The Art of Home | Meggan Waltman
Meggan Waltman is a local artist whose Yalecrest home echoes her own painting style: light and airy with a sophisticated balance of bold color, pattern, and pastel hues. Perfectly perched on Yale Ave, the home’s large vertical windows allow natural light to stream into the front sitting rooms, which are curated with vintage or designed furniture, artwork, books, pottery, and other artful oddities.
Regan is a SLC Native with a passion for outdoors, movement and connecting with others. She fancies herself an artist of many modalities with jewelry making being her latest endeavor. She recently completed a Wellness Coach certification with the hopes of helping others see their potential and their perfect uniqueness and act as a personal cheerleader through her client’s perfect journey. As our Office coordinator she will be the first to offer a drink and a smiling face. Be sure to stop by our home and have a chat with her over a cup of coffee…or two.
Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? My perfect space is small enough to hear the bustle of family and loved ones across the house. Natural light floods the house. The kitchen is the heart where conversation and love resides. No guest would ever have to question whether or not they are welcome. I have a seat or floor pillow ready for anyone who comes through the door. Drinks are at the ready. Food is plentiful. My perfect space is big enough for large laugher and rowdy dinner parties and small enough to feel like a hug.
You could be living anywhere, really. Why SLC? Living in SLC and experiencing the changing seasons- (The vibrant leaves in October The frosty mountains in January- The gorgeous Wasatch trails in the summer) -it feels like I’ve hit the lottery- like a constant gift. Utah has views I truly feel undeserving of.
What is something you wish people knew more about you? (passion, hobbies, personality) I’m an observer through and through. People are my passion. If I was asked to sit on a park bench and listen to people’s stories everyday for the rest of my life, I would be thrilled. I love patterns, themes, connections. This translates directly to me being an artist and a creator. Making art is a fantastic way to get to know yourself.
Describe your perfect day. What, exactly, does that look like for you? I wake early and spend an hour or two on a morning walk. When I arrive home I make tea and listen to music. I spend the afternoon with the people I love, eating good food, telling stories, discussing new ideas, and laughing. I start my evening with a glass of wine and a book (or movie) and get to bed early- eager to do it all again!
How do you take care of your home and how do you take care of the house that is you? I take care of my home by keeping the love tucked into the corners. I keep mementos, I decorate with gifts, I cook food and fill the kitchen with friends. I take care of the house that is me by exploring the outdoors as much as possible. Staying curious and in tune with emotions and feelings.
It’s been just over a year since our whip smart and silver tongued colleague, Mark Seely, weighed in on the state of our local real estate market (Market Forecast | 2022), and here we are again, tiptoeing into another new year, trying to make sense of it all and maybe offering a few predictions.
Like my esteemed compadre, I’ve been practicing real estate for a very long time (Great Recession, anyone?), and I’ve witnessed the peaks and troughs of it all. I’ve been there when you couldn’t give a house away to, more recently, when full asking price was the new lowball offer. It’s been a ride. And although the times are different, the jargon remains the same: interest rates are too high, there’s not enough inventory, homes are just too expensive, when will prices fall? What about the economy? Why does my back always hurt? All valid; none unique to our current environment. All this to say, I’ve been to this rodeo and we’re gonna be just fine.
Before I take a peek at those tea leaves (and I’m no divinator), allow me to offer a brief summary of this year in real estate. Currently, the median price for a home in Utah is $550,000 which is down .9% from last September, and the median days on market sits at 31, up from 29 last month. The interest rate on the most popular U.S. home loan sits at an eyelash below 8% (7.9%), a rate we haven’t seen Queen Elizabeth hit the century mark (that was in 2000, for those playing along). The inflation rate Mark mentioned last year, that ungodly 9%? Well, it’s been unrelentingly hammered down to a more manageable 3.7%– an impressive movement of the needle but still nearly twice the Fed’s goal rate of 2%.
So, what can we expect in the next year, an election year of all things?
Most likely more of the same. Interest rates remaining sticky (think Fed’s laser focus on that inflation rate), stingy inventory (think homeowners reluctant to give up their once-in-a-lifetime mortgage rate) leading to home prices not easing anytime soon (think supply & demand). But herein lies opportunity. Considered another way, that immoral interest rate has sidelined a good portion of the competition. Gone for now are the days of bidding wars with multiple offers and waived contingencies, and, although it may not feel this way, we are in a ‘buyer’s market’. But more importantly, this current lack of competition means when borrowing costs do ease, we should expect a flood of pent up demand to flood the market, i.e. competition.
If you are looking to buy or to sell in the near future but interest rates are proving problematic, keep in mind there are other financing options such as seller financing and qualified assumptions where terms may be more favorable than traditional bank offerings. If you have questions about these strategies, give us a call. We love to chat all things real estate.
As to the million dollar question of, ‘Is now a good time to buy a house?’ Perhaps a better one to ask yourself might be, ‘Is now a good time in your life to buy a house?’ Interest rates and low inventory and all that withstanding, maybe the right move is to not. For now. An old friend once told me summer is for exploration and winter for introspection. With all the pain in the world right now, maybe now is the time to take stock of and appreciate those things we cherish in our lives: our good health, our family and friends, our community. Those are the things that truly matter.
This vintage-loving, Virginia-born entrepreneur comes to us with a finely tuned sense of style and a deep passion for home. Grace is that agent who will help make your real estate dreams come true and make you look good while doing it. She’s done a lot in her young life – snow and surf boarder, retro clothing store owner and now adept real estate agent who’s passion for detail is matched only by her enthusiasm for the outdoors. And coffee. A self-professed thrill seeker – ‘Ride or Die’, she likes to say – this daring dame’s also about as genuine and kind hearted as they come, making her our all-around badass with a softer side. No matter your real estate needs, Grace Mayernik’s expertise is perfectly suited to guide you through any transaction.
What is your definition of home? I moved around a lot in my childhood, so I don’t feel like I ever had a clear definition of home. This has changed since owning my own home and joining the collective. I’ve been embracing the sentiment that home is not defined by structural walls around you but what you make of it and who you invite in. Being happy where I am, with who I am, and with what surrounds me. I think home can be a physical place, but I also believe it’s that fuzzy feeling you get when you’re surrounded by friends, or cuddled up on the couch watching a movie, or cooking dinner with your partner. There are no other thoughts or feelings intruding on your space; you just feel happy and present.
You could be living anywhere, really. Why SLC? I’ve always admired Salt Lake as an amazing, central base – it being a short flight or drive from all my favorite places. It’s also the mecca for my favorite activity (snowboarding). I love that it’s a smaller city, but it’s really exciting to be in the front row for its growth. Salt Lake does a great job of supporting its local businesses, and I love contributing to that.
Why does practicing real estate resonate with you? I love problem-solving, curating, and being on the go. This tends to be the lifestyle of a real estate agent, so it’s a perfect fit. I love meeting new people, and it’s immensely rewarding to help people through this process of an incredible accomplishment that is owning a home.
Is there a promise that you’d like to make to your clients? Honesty is really important to me. I promise I will always have your best interest at heart. I pride myself on having great communication. Real estate transactions can have their ups and downs, but I promise there’s always a solution to be found and you can be confident in me to help get you through to the finish line.
How do you take care of your home and how do you take care of the house that is you? Creating within my home and making beautiful spaces is my favorite way to honor it. I want my home to look and feel like a direct representation of me, which means it’s always changing, but it’s fun, colorful, and makes you smile. I love keeping fresh flowers around and would love to start growing them in my garden for an endless supply. I’ve been more intentional about taking care of my homebody by slowing down -doing Qigong at the office on Thursdays and running around Liberty Park with the only goal being to move my body at whatever speed or distance makes sense for me that day.
Jennifer Hadfield has always felt clear about the idea of what ‘home’ means to her. Raising four children, many of those years as a single mother, it was important she curate environments that imbued joy, stability and peace. This talent for creating beautiful, brave spaces turned into a career, becoming one of the internet’s early influencers. With a keen eye for glamorous yet budget-conscious styling ideas, ones that would make Robin Leach proud, she’s amassed a loyal following, one that continues to this day. Now part of the cityhome family, this savvy entrepreneur offers her many talents with empathy and enthusiasm to both buyers and sellers as they navigate the intricacies and nuances of coming ‘home’.
You’re an agent here. Tell us why. What led you to this work? I honestly feel like my whole life has been leading me up to becoming an agent at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE. I have spent 30 years working in creative fields, from running a painting design business to owning a jewelry company, remodeling our homes in California and Utah to starting my DIY blog. My love of home and creating a beautiful space has been the linking factor in all of my business. Now, I am excited to take those skills and bring them to help other people create a home that is a protective sanctuary.
What does ‘brave space’ feel like to you and how do you create that for others? A brave space to me is finding the things deep down that are honest and creating a space that feels protected. Going through my divorce and being a single mom helped me strip things down to the most important things that made our home feel sheltered and insulated from the world. I think when you take away the desire to please others and create a facade and really face hard things, you discover what is really important. Honesty is refreshing. I really believe you can create a sanctuary no matter what type or size of home you have.
Do you remember when home first started mattering to you? I think I have always felt that home was important. I grew up with a mother who made our home feel like a haven. She handmade everything from our daily bread, the clothes we wore and our furniture. Home was the most important thing to her. She taught us those skills and I honestly felt like every family lived like that until I grew older. When I became a mother I felt so much joy sharing those skills with my children. I feel so much satisfaction seeing my kids create their own homes and safe spaces now.
What would you really hope to hear clients say when they talk about you when you’re not there? I would love to have my clients say that I am a safe space. I pride myself on being honest and I truly want to help people in every respect. I hope they would say I had their best interests at heart and made the real estate process as stress free as possible. And I hope they would say that they had a great experience and would highly recommend me to anyone they meet. I also hope they would say that their experience with me was different and better than they could have imagined.
Describe your perfect day. What, exactly, does that look like for you? A perfect day for me would be waking up to sunshine streaming in my window. I would get a cup of coffee, sit out on our porch swing as I watch our neighborhood wake up. I’d watch the neighborhood kids playing and the squirrels scampering up and down the trees. I’d spend the day surrounded with my family as we cook some delicious food and end the day out on our back patio, sitting underneath our pergola, playing board games with music playing and the lights of our patio shining down on us.
Annie Wiesenberg is a creative soul and an arbiter of human connection. Her sunny disposition wooed us from the start, but it’s a mutual crush on the Beehive state that marked her spot in our COLLECTIVE officially signed, sealed, and delivered. Having studied fine art and graphic design at the University of Utah, Annie’s passions for building community and exploring the urban playground we call “home” are stacked around a seriously creative backbone. She feels just as much at home in a desert canyon or mountain forest as she does in downtown SLC (the latter of which she’s lived in since 2007), meaning no matter the ‘hood you seek, Annie’s perfectly positioned to help you navigate the state and pick your place.
Why does practicing real estate resonate with you? Being the support person, the cheerleader, and occasionally the shoulder to cry on for my clients is incredibly fulfilling. When the competition is fierce and the paperwork is deep, my clients keep me stoked on my job! I get to be an integral part of one of the most significant changes in a person’s life, it is a true honor to be invited along for the journey.
How has your ‘why’ changed since the time you started until now? To be honest, the biggest driver toward my real estate career was my desire to no longer be a “starving artist”. Now that I am an established agent, partnering with my buyers and sellers in a mindful way to create a beautiful and smooth experience is my “why”. Many of my clients have become dear friends over the years.
Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? My dream home is a small cob house, built by hand and with all natural materials. Its rounded walls and archways soothe the mind and cradle the spirit. There is abundant natural light, plants growing happily, and plenty of cozy nooks for reading and cuddling. The home is just big enough to host guests comfortably and it is filled with interesting objects gathered from adventures near and far.
How do you take care of your home and how do you take care of the house that is you? Lucky for me, my incredible husband takes the best care of our home. I couldn’t not give him that shout out. My contributions include taking care of the plants, collecting art and furniture, and also taking care of the husband. I take care of my self-home by surrounding myself with beauty! Beautiful spaces, healthy foods, people I love, nature, good books, and plenty of resting time.
What is something you wish people knew more about you? (passion, hobbies, personality) I am always myself! I care deeply about my personal and spiritual growth, and because of this, I am passionate about allowing others to be on their own path.
Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Michaela recently relocated to Utah to pursue her passions in Interior Design through higher education, and it wasn’t long until she discovered cityhomeCOLLECTIVE. As an interior designer, Michaela is a firm believer in the transformative power of design, not only for the spaces themselves but also the people who dwell within them. Her passion for modern eclectic design combined with her newfound love of this community of ours makes cityhome her ideal work home. Currently, Michaela works alongside our talented design team as an assistant designer and has loved getting to witness and assist in our designers’ work in bringing our clients’ visions to life.
You’re a designer here. Tell us why. What led you to this work? I have always gravitated towards art, even from a young age. All my life I knew I wanted a creatively-driven career, but it took me a while to decide what that would look like. I explored a lot of different avenues and possibilities as I grew up, and while all seemed fun, none really stuck. I actually stumbled into interior design my freshman year of college, pretty accidentally in fact, but it instantly felt right. Since then, I have resonated so deeply with this field for its artistic roots and how, as a designer, you really seek to understand the heart of your client and create a space for them individually. I just think that is so beautiful and I love connecting with people in such a meaningful way. Being at cityhome really cultivates this as well, as we never create spaces that don’t center around the people that occupy them.
Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? My perfect space is one that speaks to me. I want to be in a home where the colors, the textures, the lighting, the artworks, and the flow of each room into the next calls me in and allows me to feel seen. I am a person with a deep affinity for color, so being surrounded by a variety of colors used in vibrant, unexpected ways will always be the foundation of how I craft my personal spaces.
Having my home speak to me also feels very much like a home that invites me to relax and recharge. I love to curl up with a good book or series, and I love to create in cozy, bright spaces, so I want a home that fosters that in every space. Even in my little home now, it’s easy to see that I love soft, cozy textures with my big fluffy throws and vintage blue velvet chairs. You’ll also never find me in my home with the “big lights” on, it’s either daylight or a variety of warm lamps and candlelight, because comfort always comes first.
Do you remember when home first started mattering to you? I think I really started to internalize the significance of home when I moved out on my own for the first time. I was in a space where I was the rule maker and home keeper, and that felt really important and sacred to me. Over these past several years, home has shifted in location many times as I navigate different life shifts and the chronicles of my early- to now mid-20s, and so I have found home needing to be less centered around the physical space and more on the ways I can transform each physical space to meet my personal needs for rest, recharge, and connection with family and friends. That’s what matters to me most, and I am actually glad I’ve had the chance to be less exact with the items that fill my home, to realize what is actually most important to me, and to craft a personal list of necessities in meeting my home needs to prepare for my more permanent dwellings in the future. It’s really helped me to connect with what home means to me at my very core.
Describe your perfect day. What, exactly, does that look like for you? I recognize that this is quite cliche, but a perfect day for me is spending time with the people I love most. Maybe that means going on a walk with my husband and our pup in the morning throughout the city, then coming back and getting freshened up for a fun lunch date with our best friends. After that, maybe we do some antiquing, or go to a bookstore, or come home for a nap (like I said, home is truly a place of rest). Maybe our evening involves turning in for a peaceful night of movies, or reading, or maybe I even send my husband home to then go out late with my girlfriends. Maybe the day is even a trip to a new place and we’re just out exploring the sights and eating as many good foods as we can. Regardless of the actual plans of the day, being around my little family and my closest friends is what I cherish the most.
What is something you wish people knew more about you? (passion, hobbies, personality) I would consider myself a pretty open person, so I find that I connect with people quite naturally. I am not afraid to communicate my passions and make my personality known from the start when I’m meeting people, because I really love people and I love making connections with others. Learning about who someone is, what they are passionate about, what we have in common or even what they have to share with me, all of that really feeds my soul. I can come off with a kind of intense energy at times, and I’m learning how to reel that in, not because I’m ashamed of it, but because I really care about how others feel and I want to be as welcoming and warm to those around me as I can be. I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about life: we get so many opportunities to learn every day and become better versions of ourselves, building upon who we are and what we stand for with every interaction we have.