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