DOGS, DRINKS, AND LEISURE (SUITS). LUXURY IS HIGHLY ADAPTABLE.

The cityhomeCOLLECTIVE client list is a never-ending and ever-growing roster of people with whom we are pretty much smitten (every last one). It would seem that with each new introduction, we're shaking hands (or, more likely, hugging) some unbelievably talented resident of our city. Some have been here for years upon years, and some are just venturing into the linear bounds of our Beehive State, but they're all inspiring in one way or another. For these reasons--and a host of others--we want to make certain that our Utah Style & Design ad campaign is a direct reflection of these salty folks. Yes, they're all clients. And yes, we've helped each of them in some way (we helped these folks buy a home, this family design a home, this guy buy and design a restaurant, etc.). But more importantly, they've allowed us to stand tall behind the COLLECTIVE mantra we hold oh-so dear: love where you live.

For Derek and Kate, the primary function was the fold…that is to say, family is the function.

For our soon-to-be-released fall ad, we pointed our caravan easterly and drove toward the foothills of SLC to meet up with some of our favorite new people, the Mattssons. You may remember their fabulous home from our Place of Worship series. Owners, Derek and Kate, took special care in the remodel of this beauty to pay tribute to the original Ed Dreier home that couldn't be saved (and we love them for that). It's an observatory of sorts: perched at the top of the St. Mary's area, the number of windows is topped only by the number of perfect spaces--both inside and out--from which you can take in the unstoppable views of our entire cityscape. We kid you not…this is the precise point from which we'd die to watch every g.d. sunset for the rest of our lives. For Derek and Kate, the primary function was the fold…that is to say, family is the function. Their chosen architect, builder, and interior designer served to be a powerful three in making the Mattsson home precisely what it was intended to be: a gathering space for the brood that's as warm and welcoming as it is drop-dead stunner.

Surrounding yourself with beautiful space and beautiful souls is essential, folks.

From the jump, we knew that the paradisaical poolside was the spot for the shot. Sure, the divine dining space was fit for a few fabulous snaps, but in the end we were COLLECTIVELY won-over by the sweet smells of charcoal and chlorine, and the promise of a few of summer's last UVs. The home's clean lines move fluidly from inside to out (thanks, in large part, to the walls of windows that open completely), and the pool itself is an homage to the Ed Dreir school of modern-meets-mother nature. With a few dogs on the grill, cool drinks in hands, and the potential of a post- (or mid-) shoot dip, our seventh ad essentially directed itself. Kerri Fukui snapped some fab behind-the-scenes photos, kiddos Dom and Elliot were happy to help, and we got our ad photographer--the ever-willing George Oakley--to strip to down his trunks in order to nab the perfect shot for the pages of Utah Style & Design. This fabulous fam is a true testament to the notion that luxury is highly adaptable. Truth be told, we're fans of it in its every form, but particularly when it's paired with good food, good folks, and a kindred crew. We happen to love the final result as much as we love the Mattsson clan, but take a look at some of the shots below…then have a wee peek at the final ad before it comes out in print. Surrounding yourself with beautiful space and beautiful souls is essential, folks--we bid you happy gathering.