The Ferry Building in San Francisco is the Beaux-Arts reigning queen of the Embarcadero, a downtown area running along the harbor. Opened in 1898, it was a transportation hub for trains and ferries on the scale of Grand Central Station, moving 50,000 people through the graceful interior arches under crystal skylights. Bridges and cars overtook ferry traffic, and by the 1950s, the building was in disrepair. As part of the Embarcadero revitalization project, the building was given new life and reopened as a public marketplace in 2003. It is still an active ferry launch, but with artisanal food purveyors and a rich history, it’s worth its own day trip.
Historic photo of Ferry Depot’s Marble Hall, taken in Oct. 21, 1899. Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress.
8 a.m. Coffee and Crepes on the Pier
Early morning at the Ferry Building is magical as the Oakland Bay Bridge emerges from the morning fog. The crowds are minimal, and even the gulls are quiet. Stop in for coffee or cold-pressed juice, then watch the city wake up around you from the pier that runs behind the Ferry Building. Sip and see if you can spot any sea lions.
Sweet seasonal fruit crepes available at Grande Crêperie. Photo courtesy of @grandecreperie
Post-caffeine, head to Grande Crêperie for breakfast. Serving traditional French-style crêpes and buckwheat galettes, it is worth the splurge to get both sweet (sucré) and savory (salé)—after all, you’ll be walking a lot today. With small tables outside, find a spot and enjoy.
10 a.m. Architecture & Empanadas
The line for empanadas at the El Porteño Empanadas stall (great for a portable, midmorning snack) is worth the wait. Give yourself time to snag one (or two) after your tour with San Francisco City Guides (offering free tours with a suggested $20 donation) led by knowledgeable volunteers. Check out key sites throughout the city, including a 75-minute history and architecture walking tour of the Ferry Building. Most weekend tours start at 10 a.m. and require reservations. (sfcityguides.org/tour/ferry-building/)
12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Science and a Stroll
Walk down the pier/boardwalk side of the Embarcadero, eating crisp, warm empanadas as you go. While it’s less crowded than the street, there are still plenty of chances for people-watching. Bring a rain jacket (just in case) and take in views of Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and trawlers coming and going along the water. A series of bayside parks, shops and sights are mixed in with working piers.
Walk 10 minutes to Pier 15 and visit the Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum with over 700 touchable exhibits. The famous Tactile Dome is an extra fee and requires a reservation, but where else can you make your way through a giant lights-off sculpture of textures using only your senses (minus sight) to navigate? (Adults $40 plus $16 for the dome). (exploratorium.edu)
The Golden Gate Bridge. Photo courtesy of Takuto | Adobe Stock
2p.m. to 6 p.m. Angel Island + A Caviar Reward
While the Ferry Building is a beautiful marketplace, it is still an active ferry loading spot. At Terminal Gate B, catch a boat to Angel Island ($15+). The 30-minute boat ride is the most affordable way to tour the bay without paying tourist prices and you’ll pass directly in front of Alcatraz and get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. A state park with lovely trails and windswept slopes, Angel Island is perfect for strolling, picnicking or renting a bike. Before you board, grab a veggie-laden focaccia for lunch on the go. (goldengate.org; parks.ca.gov)
When you return (windswept, to be sure), put your name on the waitlist for dinner and head to the Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Cafe for a little bubbly/salty cocktail hour before dinner. Get a caviar flight, a glass of Brut and toast your sense of adventure. If you don’t want full caviar service, get the Seacuterie board—your caviar sommelier will explain everything if you are a novice.
Hog Island Oyster Company’s famous Clam Chowder. Photo courtesy of shopoysters.hogislandoysters.com
7p.m. Dinner at Hog Island Oyster Company
Located on the waterside of the Ferry Building, Hog Island Oyster Company may well have the best oysters in San Francisco, along with an ever-rotating seasonal menu. Get a mix of the varietals, crispy old-bay fries, or house pickles with a cocktail to start.
Then, try a variety of shared plates, crudo, grilled oysters or the famous Hog Island Clam Chowder. You are in San Francisco, after all. Not your gloopy soup with chopped clams, this chowder is the real deal. Whole Manila clams swim in a broth of aromatic vegetables with smoky bacon, clam broth, soft-but-not-too-soft potatoes and just a hint of butter and cream. A perfect way to wrap up the day while you watch the sunset over the bay.
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5. Olive Leaf Tablecloth, $140, The Fox Shop, Holladay, thefoxshop.co
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Eras, patterns and materials mix it up in this one-of-a-kind bedroom suite, curated by designer Cara Fox in her daughter’s first grown-up retreat
Photos by Shelby Bourne
A girl’s first private bedroom is truly a rite of passage. To surprise her daughter Lottie with a long-awaited solo bedroom, The Fox Group’s Cara Fox was determined to get the design just right.
This bedroom, created by Cara Fox for her daughter, is a masterpiece of balance. The blossoming floral motifs of the walls and furnishings are balanced by solid blue stripes on drapery. Antique art and chateau doors are offset by playful lighting selections. And tying it all together is the calming, cozy blue of Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray.
“I have all my kids sleep in the same nursery until they’re 12, then they get their own rooms,” Cara explains. “Lottie has three little brothers, so it was fun to get to do something extra frilly just for her.”
A nature-lover, home-relaxer and consummate ‘girl’s girl,’ Lottie worked with her parents Tom and Cara Fox to select a design theme that captures her unique personality. The design took flight from a butterfly-embroidered silk by Pierre Frey—the starting thread that wove its way onto Roman shades and throw pillows.
Lottie Fox, daughter of Tom and Cara Fox, sits on her cherished, custom-designed canopy bed. “My bed feels just like a hug,” she shares. Each fabric panel was hand-crafted by a seamstress to meet Cara’s exact specifications. Below a large art print, a chest painted Boothbay Gray features drawers adorned with butterfly hardware for added whimsy. A chair from the archives of SLC’s historic Grand America Hotel sports a new print: Pierre Frey’s ‘Miss Li’ fabric.
From there, Cara fully wrapped the bedroom and adjoining bathroom—gabled ceilings and all—in a soft-blue floral wallpaper from The Fox Shop, transforming the space into a modern garden getaway.
“The florals in my room are so calming, and the butterflies we chose make me smile every time I see them,” Lottie says.
Integrating vintage pieces has long been part of The Fox Group’s design strategy. Boasting gabled ceilings, a custom canopy bed inspired by European manors and original door panels sourced from a 16th-century French chateau, this space is a true celebration of all things antique.
“We have an amazing seamstress that custom-upholstered the bedding and ottoman for us,” Cara shares. “It was fun to work with this Schumacher fabric, integrating it into all of the frills and the grand millennial feel of this room.”
Antique brass butterflies and floral paintings hang above a custom-built miniature mantel and an electric fireplace, perfectly scaled for puppies and preteens alike. Striped to match the drapery surrounding it, a small daybed showcases all of the room’s motifs and acts as the perfect pup bed for the family’s beloved Dutch.
Ever the master of the mix, Cara sprinkled in unexpected modern touches—just the right dash of youthful flair to keep things fresh and fun. For example: above the canopy bed, a bauble-laden contemporary light fixture injects a touch of the modern. In the bedroom’s corners, sleek acrylic accents meld effortlessly with antique furniture pieces to blend all eras of femininity through the design.
“We didn’t want the space to feel too much like a grandma’s room, because it’s meant for a teenager,” says Cara. “Including touches like the modern contemporary light fixtures and the sleek acrylic desk were ways of freshening the whole field of the room.”
In the bathroom, an oversized ottoman upholstered in stripes to match the existing drapery anchors a small sitting area. Antique chairs and a custom-colored vintage tub infuses the room with charm, while above, a stellar chandelier makes a lively addition.
In the adjoining bathroom, thoughtful echoes of the bedroom’s design were seamlessly woven into every corner. For example, checkered replica tile and the vintage tub were custom-colored in Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray to match the bedroom’s mantel and wardrobe. Cara also selected a contemporary starburst chandelier to mirror the modern lighting above the bed.
Throughout both spaces, floral and butterfly motif art pieces deliver whimsy in heaps. Original antique paintings were mingled with modern novelty hardware to ensure every last detail matched Lottie’s garden theme.
A sleek vanity with brass hardware teams modern form along with function. Flanking the sink, a happy pairing of antique and contemporary lighting pieces ties the corner to the overall design scheme.
“One of my favorite things when you walk in the room are the antique brass butterflies,” Cara says. “We hung them from the ceiling with fishing wire, so it looks like they are suspended in midair.”
All of these magic design moments come together to create a haven of personality and calm that any teen would dream of. “My room feels like a reflection of everything I love—nature, color and coziness,” Lottie says. “It’s my little slice of happiness, my own secret garden and I’m so grateful for it.”
Cara Fox of The Fox Group
Pattern Play
1) Florals: Norwall Floral Bird Wallpaper, available via The Fox Shop 2) Checks: Custom Tile from Arto 3) Prints: Miss Li in Rose Mauve by Pierre Frey 4) Stripes: Wickham Satin Stripe by Schumacher
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A twist of texture. A touch of tension. Stylish ropework gives outdoor furnishings a sculptural edge and a tied-together look—perfect for any patio, porch or poolside retreat.
1. Fern Teak collection by Gloster, to the trade, Curate to the Trade, SLC, curatetothetrade.com
7. Hatteras Chair by Universal,$1,299, Osmond Designs, Orem and Lehi, osmonddesigns.com
8. Alto Rope Outdoor Solar LED Lantern, $534, Crate & Barrel, Murray, crateandbarrel.com
9. Two Seater Rope Swing by Kettal, to the trade, John Brooks Inc., SLC, johnbrooksinc.com
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Designers Hope Chappelle of Hughen House and Stephanie Hunt of Flairhunter partnered to bring this contemporary mountain home to life.
In Deer Valley, designers Stephanie Hunt and Hope Chapelle join forces to channel their clients’ love of art and color into a home that pulses with unexpected energy and charm.
Photos by Rebekah Westover
What started as a mountain modern build project for designer Stephanie Hunt, aka The Flairhunter, quickly turned into a contemporary collaboration with Hope Chappelle of Hughen House, another master at organic modern design.
When Hunt realized she wouldn’t have the time available to design the home from start to finish, she recruited Chappelle to add her clean modern aesthetic to The Flairhunter’s spark, resulting in a home filled with personality.
The home’s exterior, with its neutral stone and reclaimed wood slats, doesn’t strongly signal the colorful contemporary mashup waiting inside, but amid these conventional mountain home materials are hints of the modern whimsy that persists through every detail of the design.
Step into the entry, and it becomes evident that this is a home full of unexpected moments. A monumental custom pivot door introduces the contemporary flair with its horizontal planes of wood and glass. Inside, immediate doses of color emerge, including the home’s custom-graffitied elevator shaft located off the entry beneath the modern staircase.
The homeowner’s airy and feminine office employs minimal furniture to avoid compromising the impressive mountain views. Rosy hues in Giopato & Coombes sconces and a vintage geometric rug echo the palette of an inherited art piece.On the home’s exterior, classic mountain materials including grey quartzite stone and reclaimed snow fence slats work in tandem with modern-edged, board-formed concrete to create dramatic profiles. A staircase of steel and white oak acts as a work of art in itself. A sculptural marvel of engineering, the monorail treads rise through all three levels of the home.A palette of warm neutrals acts as the base for heroic elements in the great room. Golden yellow lounge chairs from Arhaus coordinate with art in surrounding hallways, and a towering plaster fireplace by Marrwall sports a suede-like finish that softens the room’s grand scale.
In a svelte game area tucked to the left of the front door, art deco inspiration flourishes. Its moody bar area is anchored by a wall of dark glass tile with dimensional color, accentuated by custom track lighting. “In early design meetings, the homeowner really fell in love with the color and pattern of specific tiles,” shares Hunt. As a result, the design of many rooms was uniquely driven by colorful tile rather than more conventional inspiring elements like furniture or rugs.
The bar’s dark color palette continues in the entry level’s powder room and storage area alike. The powder room boasts chic houndstooth tile and a gleaming black marble vanity, while the ski-in, ski-out gear room features entirely black customized millwork. Each locker is compartmentalized to the inch for specific items, from ski coats to dog leashes.
Personalized detail was similarly expressed in the kitchen, on the next level of the home. “This was easily one of the most customized kitchen millwork projects I’ve been a part of,” says Hunt. But despite the intricate needs for her kitchen’s functionality, the wife surprisingly based the room’s design, once again, on tile. The gray-blue tones of the backsplash’s New Ravenna tile repeat on colorful appliances and on the cabinetry of the island and adjoining pantry.
With a palette driven by blue-grey backsplash tiles, the kitchen was a labor of love for the designers and homeowners. Every cabinet was custom-designed inside and out for a specific purpose: silverware cups built into drawers, hideaways integrated for cookbooks and more. Hestan commercial appliances in the color “Fog” beautifully match. In the sleek ski gear room, a coordinating Barn Light fixture and ottoman infuse a hunter-green hue into the otherwise stark space. On the ottoman, a custom orange upholstery stitch acts as a nod to the family’s love of automobiles. Durable melamine cabinets surround the room, each custom designed inside for storing specific items. Between the kitchen and great room, a Holly Hunt dining table is crowned by a custom John Pomp light fixture, meticulously measured to ensure no views were blocked. Surrounding the table, custom-upholstered chairs feature a Pierre Frey fabric that encapsulates the full color palette of the home’s decor.
Just outside the kitchen, a serene great room and high-style dining area both inject additional colors into the palette, culminating in a perfectly matched Pierre Frey fabric on the dining chairs. “That fabric features every single color of the house,” says Chappelle.
In the great room, hip hues of mustard yellow and cool purple infuse the swanky gathering area, complemented by a hard-working fireplace. “The plaster surrounding the fireplace has almost a sueded finish that softens its enormous scale in the room and ensures the design isn’t overwhelming,” Chappelle says.
Though the home’s views are breathtaking enough, this family has a robust art collection they were dying to display. And as art lovers themselves, Hunt and Chapelle couldn’t resist opportunities to show pieces off in unexpected ways. In the upper powder room, for example, a brazenly colorful wallcovering matches minimal orange details in an abstract painting. Down a hallway, a blue-drenched artwork pulls the tones from the kitchen further through the living area.
Even the home’s multi-level steel stairwell, crafted by Lightning Forge in Murray, is a perfect microcosm of the home’s architectural artistry.
“The stairwell was fully fabricated off site, then craned in from the street above,” explains Hunt. “It is beautiful and truly sculptural—it’s like the backbone of the home.”
With spectacular vision from designers and homeowners alike, this home emerged as an impressive collage of color, pattern and sleek spaces—a departure from the expected mountain home fare, but a beloved respite for its fun-loving inhabitants.
To showcase the family’s personality, Chappelle and Hunt enlisted graffiti muralist Champ Styles to tag the entirety of the home’s elevator shaft in colorful symbols of travel, rock music and ski culture to be viewed through the cab’s glass walls. “We love when clients fall in love with special, unusual things we can design a room around,” says Chappelle. In the upper-level powder bath, a bold Hygge & West wallpaper is the star of the show, supported by white oak cabinetry and fired-clay pendants. Tadelakt plaster encloses a wet room in the primary bathroom. A neutral palette connects the space to the adjoining bedroom and allows the distinctive tiled floor to stand out as a showstopper. Aged brass fixtures lend formality, and a transom window invites natural light and mountain views to fill the space. A massive custom pivot door in the entry combines the natural materials of the home’s exterior with a contemporary profile to match the modern touches within. The art and entry rug coordinate in color and introduce visitors to the full-bodied personality that the family’s unique touches and the designers’ talents. Echoing the hues from a glass tile backsplash, Allied Maker pendants, velvet bar stools and stately black counters make the home’s pub space a true entertainer’s bar. “Luxury and fun and games don’t need to be mutually exclusive,” Chappelle explains.
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From cozy textures to fresh scents, Cosy House owner Nancy Van Matre offers simple ways to keep the summer vibe alive at home
By Brad Mee (Photos by Brad Mee)
There’s a certain kind of summer style that doesn’t shout—it whispers. At Cosy House in St. George, owner Nancy Van Matre captures that quiet, effortless magic with a decorating style that feels as timeless as a linen dress on a breezy afternoon. Her approach is relaxed yet intentional, inviting the season indoors through textures, tones and small details that speak of slow mornings, open windows and barefoot ease. It’s summer, easy—and utterly livable.
NATURAL WICKER AND RATTAN
Nothing captures the spirit of summer living quite like wicker and rattan. For Van Matre, these natural materials are seasonal staples—woven into nearly every corner of her shop and home. A vintage chair, a basket by the door, a tray on the coffee table—even the shades of a chandelier and the basket on her retro Schwinn bike—each piece adds texture and breezy, laid-back charm. “Wicker and rattan are timeless,” she says. “Forever pieces that bring that quintessential East Coast summer vibe to any space.”
SLIPCOVERS
“I’m the biggest fan of slipcovers,” Van Matre says. For summer, creamy white slipcovers strike the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity. She embraces their relaxed appeal, letting soft, lived-in upholstery invite you to sit down, sink in, and stay awhile. They’re not fussy—and that’s exactly the point. “Slipcovers let you change the look and feel of a favorite chair, bench, stool, or sofa,” she adds.
BREEZY BEDDING
In the bedrooms, layers of soft, breathable linens and cottons create a cool, airy vibe that’s easy on the eyes—and even easier to relax into. Pale neutrals and light textures evoke sun-dried sheets and lazy afternoon naps, with beds that look—and feel—like a gentle summer breeze. Van Matre’s tip? “Take out your heavy comforter from your duvet and swap it for something lighter.” Then layer it all loosely—mixing solids with soft patterns for a casual, effortless look. “I’m a big fan of stripes—they’re classic like wicker and never go out of style. Plus, they play well with just about any other pattern.”
GREENERY AND FLOWERS
Fresh greens and seasonal blooms bring a quiet vibrancy to Van Matre’s summer spaces—whether real or carefully crafted artificial pieces that feel just as alive. From a sprig of rosemary in a simple glass jar to garden clippings in vintage vases, the greenery is always loosely arranged, never overdone. “I absolutely love daisies,” she admits. Van Matre also has a soft spot for Queen Anne’s lace. She often gathers flowers or branches to place loosely around the home—a bud vase in the bathroom, a fresh stem by the bed—embracing a fresh-picked, informal feel that invites the outdoors in with effortless charm.
CURATED BOOKS
“I love books,” Van Matre says with enthusiasm. It’s no surprise that carefully curated stacks—featuring titles on art, interiors, food and travel—are thoughtfully placed on tables, benches and open shelves throughout Cosy House. During the summer, she refreshes her collection both at home and in the shop. “Bring out your garden books and remember cookbooks,” she suggests. “People really enjoy browsing summer recipes.” But don’t stop at the content—pay attention to the covers, too. “Beneath their glossy dust jackets, some of the most beautiful books have linen covers that feel soft and lived-in—more comforting than photo-laden jackets,” she explains. “While many dust jackets are stunning, some can feel a bit too commercial.”
FRESH SCENTS
Scent is an essential layer in Van Matre’s seasonal story. “ I love fresh and clean scents for summer,” she exclaims. Light and nostalgic, her summer favorites include the clean calm of Fresh Linen, the earthy brightness of Lemon & Oak and the floral citrus lift of Orange Flower Water. And she adds, go for the real deal. Get a big bag of fresh lemons or limes and put them in a bowl in your kitchen. They are instant summer—they’ll last for weeks, are pretty and you’ll use them while you enjoy them.”
Turn your campfire into a five-star feast with elevated outdoor dining ideas from Culinary Crafts.
Campfire Hors D’oeuvres
Who says roasting sticks are just for marshmallows? Try spearing a round of Brie, mozzarella or cheddar instead. Once it’s gooey inside, wrap it in a slice of Creminelli salami or prosciutto, then place it on a cracker for a smoky, savory bite. Craving something sweet? Add a square of local artisanal chocolate from Ritual or Amano for an indulgent twist.
A Healthy Treat
The fire’s heat will start to caramelize the natural sugars in sliced peaches, pears, carrots, zucchini, apples, watermelon, pineapple and strawberries. You can roast your fruits and veggies on a skewer, or wrap them in tinfoil and set them in the coals. When they’re ready, drizzle them with a little bit of olive oil and sea salt.
Custom Kabobs
Once your fire reduces to glowing embers, set a grate over the coals and get ready for smoky meats and veggies. Any meat works—just avoid cuts that drip too much to prevent flare-ups. Add limes, salsa, garlic butter or other toppings, and voilà: a build-your-own feast that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat.
Don’t Forget the Bread
Roll your favorite dough into snakes, wrap them around skewers and roast away. Parbake beforehand for that perfect crispy-chewy bite. When they’re done, brush with garlic butter and parsley—or honey or your favorite dessert topping. Or skip the fuss and just bring a giant can of Nutella.
And for Dessert…
Besides the traditional s’mores, try roasting Starburst candies, Reese’s cups or cookie dough egg rolls (raw cookie dough wrapped in a wonton). For even more decadence, it’s hard to beat the traditional Dutch oven peach cobbler. Layer in your fixings, find an evenly-heated area in the coals, and let it work its magic for 45 minutes to an hour.
An East Coast couple swaps the bright lights of the big city for lake views and slow living in idyllic Eden
Photos by Lindsay Salazar Photography
In a world driven by the perpetual sense of rush—same-day delivery, fast food, high-speed internet—it turns out there’s nothing more refreshing than life in the slow lane. Just ask Scott and Kim Best, who moved their family from the frenetic energy of the East Coast to the pristinely peaceful mountain town of Eden, Utah.
Located in Eden and surrounded by bucolic views, the Ogden Valley home features a traditional gambrel roof and symmetrical center section.
The couple, who met in Boston while Scott attended MIT and Kim attended Harvard, (their roommates were dating, and the rest, they say, is history), yearned for a calm retreat far from the hustle and bustle of Wall Street, where Scott worked as a bond trader. Their first child brought about a move to New Jersey, but ultimately, they wanted to be closer to family—and farther from the sound of wailing sirens.
While the family often spends summers vacationing in Scott’s birthplace in the UK, Kim (who grew up in Bountiful) deemed it too rainy for permanent residence. Instead, the couple fell in love with Eden’s serene landscape: “It reminded me of the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District where I grew up,” recalls Scott. “The lake, the rolling hills, the rocky outcroppings, the trees…I thought, okay, I could move here.”
The driveway curves to create beautiful glimpses of the home along with peek-a-boo views of Snowbasin Resort. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.The entry door was custom designed around the antique lion brass door knocker. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.The homeowners, with Derek Mecham, designed the entry staircase. The oak handrail and round balusters were designed to specifically fit the owners’ hands. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.Across from the kitchen is the family room, a cozy space with a traditional brick wood-burning fireplace is surrounded by custom built-in cabinets. The plentiful seating includes traditional tufted leather sofas and swivel chairs in Morris & Co. “Sweet Briar” fabric—the textile’s subtle red flowers match the red AGA Range in the kitchen. “Everything in this home was designed for comfort and dogs,” says Kim. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
After securing their patch of pastoral land, eight acres adjacent to Pineview Reservoir, they embarked on a new build—but one that would evoke an established air. “We wanted to build a brand new ‘old’ home,” Kim explains.
They were enamored with Dutch Colonial style, popularized in New England where the couple spent their university days. To help bring their gambrel-roof dream to fruition, they teamed up with Derek Mecham, a local designer who specializes in historic design.
“Derek is brilliant and has an incredible eye,” says Scott, a fellow history buff with a passion for restoration. “He is such a rarity.” They had worked together previously to restore the old J.M. Wilbur Blacksmith shop in town (built in 1895) and its neighboring storefronts. The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Choosing to work without an architect, the couple and Mecham designed the nearly 6,500-square-foot house themselves and hired general contractor Justin Pack of Ogden Valley Homes for the five-year project.
“Justin was maybe the only contractor in Utah with the creativity, tenacity and attention to detail needed to bring the highly bespoke design to reality,” says Scott, who noted Pack had also worked on the Wilbur Blacksmith project.
The mudroom walls are covered in Morris & Co. “Blackthorn” wallpaper. This antique hall tree fits perfectly. Chris Timm Furniture restored the hall tree and built the matching stool. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. The home’s design shines in the details, from carefully selected hardware to thoughtfully chosen doorknobs throughout. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. In the powder bath, a CrossWater Waldorf pedestal sink sits against a wall clad in Morris & Co “Strawberry Thief” wallpaper. The gilded mirror is a family heirloom, flanked by Oslo Wall Sconces in burnished silver leaf. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
The couple designed the house around the spectacular views, as seen through the large dining room picture window flanked by two doors with wood-mullions. Handmade Windsor chairs by Jock Jones surround the 18th-century Belgian monastery table. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
The Bests partnered with Euclid Timber Frames in Heber for the timber framing and engineering of their project, where they discovered the innovative Interlocking Cross-Laminated Timber (iCLT) construction. This method, according to Euclid, offers superior structural integrity while being free from mold and condensation. iCLT combines 100% solid wood with interlocking dovetail joinery, allowing the walls and roofs to “breathe” and enhance indoor air quality.
Not only do solid wood homes tend to have less household dust, but they are also shown to be significantly more energy-efficient and manage temperature naturally. There are additional claims that living in solid wood environments fosters tranquility, lowers heart rates, boosts immune function and improves sleep quality.
In the Eden abode, the exterior walls are constructed from twelve-inch-thick solid wood and assembled without the use of glue or chemicals. There is no sheetrock or oriented strand board (OSB) present, which results in a completely VOC-free home, down to the paint. The roof insulation consists of natural sheep’s wool, and the home operates on a geothermal system. “We don’t use any fossil fuels to maintain warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer,” Scott emphasizes.
The homeowners fell in love with Cape Cod shingle-style while living in Boston and later in Chatham, New Jersey. They recreated the look for their Utah home. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. Positioned in front of a view-laden window, a nickel Waterstone wheel faucet fosters the kitchen’s charming style. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. A red AGA Range serves as a vibrant focal point in the kitchen and matches the front door’s bold shade. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. A bright and cheerful pantry next to the kitchen serves as the perfect area for the family dog, complete with a dutch door. The paint is Farrow & Ball’s “Yellow Ground,” the apron sink is outfitted with a Waterworks regulator faucet in unlacquered brass, the cottage drapes are made from Morris & Co. “Bellflowers” fabric and the handmade floor tiles are from Tabarka Studio. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. To foster the kitchen’s cozy English farmhouse style, details include a tea prep area, traditional AGA Range, Ralph Lauren flush mount lights, Ann-Morris New York Pendants, an antique oak trestle table and Windsor chairs handmade by craftsman Jock Jones in Spring City. Paint is Farrow & Ball “Parma Gray.” Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
The interiors are cozy and timeless, with a cottage-like, Cotswolds-inspired aesthetic. “If we lived back in England, we would live in the Cotswolds,” Kim explains. To realize their vision, the couple worked with local interior designers Emily Hogg of Iris and Emily and Lauren Oviatt of Lauren Oviatt, Inc.
Elements throughout the home pay tribute to Kelmscott Manor in the UK, the historic estate where 19th-century designer William Morris resided. As the founder of the Arts and Crafts British heritage brand, Morris & Co., his former home—now a museum—has been a continual source of design inspiration for the couple.
English farmhouse details flourish throughout the Best’s home: a traditional AGA Range in a rich red hue that matches the red front door; cheerful shades of paint such as the pantry’s butter yellow from UK-based Farrow & Ball; hand-pressed tiles from Devol Kitchens in England for the laundry room; and furniture and walls dressed with fabrics and wallpaper by, of course, Morris & Co.
These days, the only thing that moves fast in their neighborhood is Scott’s beloved red 1964 Jaguar XKE. It’s slow living indeed, and the couple couldn’t be happier in their quiet little slice of paradise.
The master shower and expansive windows make a stunning statement with floor-to-ceiling Calacatta Classico marble. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. The guest en-suite bathroom sits on the back side of a chimney, providing a beautiful brick backdrop for the pedestal sinks, gilded mirrors and Ralph auren Xaviar Pendants. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. An extra attic space was turned into a whimsical room with low dormer windows and eaves for the grandkids to sleep and play in. It was designed with a nautical nod to the East Coast where the homeowners first met. The attic’s door-latches and strap-hinges were made by Aaron Richardson, the village smithy in Eden. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. The breezeway, which connects the garage to the home, is made from reclaimed Utah pink brick and features cast iron window frames and doors with mullions. The antique carriage light at the end of the breezeway is from an early brass car and is a family heirloom— Kim’s father displayed it in his study. Photo by Lindsay Salazar. The garage was inspired by a Viking great hall which uses a king/queen post truss running north/south and a hammer truss through the center gable. It could pass for an old barn or carriage house and connects to the home via a breezeway. “Cars have only been around for 100 years, so if you put a garage in a home you can immediately tell it’s a newer home,” explains Scott. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
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Hopping on the latest wellness trend, contrast therapy, Zion Canyon Hot Springs comprises 50 geothermal pools—including cold plunges and freshwater family pools. Photo courtesy of Zion Canyon Hot Springs
The country’s largest hot springs operator, WorldSprings, opened their newest location in La Verkin, Utah on Tuesday, July 16th. Hopping on the latest wellness trend, contrast therapy, Zion Canyon Hot Springs comprises 50 geothermal pools—including cold plunges and freshwater family pools. The destination also showcases specially formulated mineral waters, sourced from both local springs and crafted to emulate the therapeutic properties of renowned international waters like the Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and Japan’s Hokkaido Hot Springs.
While hydrotherapy is experiencing a resurgence in Western wellness circles, the practice of soaking in mineral baths—known as balneotherapy—has deep roots in cultures around the world. Water has long been used for cleansing, spiritual purification, and therapeutic healing. The Ancient Egyptians developed elaborate bathhouses featuring steam rooms and soaking pools, and used water in religious ceremonies to connect with the spirit world. The Ancient Romans built grand thermae, where bathing in mineral-rich waters became central to hygiene and healing rituals. Japan’s onsen culture is deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and the country’s unique geothermal landscape. Onsen bathing was popular among nobility, monks and even samurai warriors, before the therapeutic practice spread to the common people. And here, in the U.S., indigenous Native American communities regarded hot springs as sacred places for physical and spiritual rejuvenation—long before founding father George Washington established a public mineral water spa in what is now called Bath County in West Virginia.
Photo courtesy of Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
All that’s to say—humans have always had an intrinsic connection to water, it is our life source after all. Now, Zion Canyon Hot Springs offers a modern approach to balneotherapy in a stunning redrock setting. Just minutes from Zion National Park, the wellness retreat comprises two freshwater pools, natural spring pools and worldspring inspired pools (there are even pools marked 21+ for the ultimate promise of respite). Partnering with the Utah Water Conservancy District, the mineral pools utilize water from the legendary La Verkin Sulphur Springs (Pah Tempe)—a source used for centuries by the Ute tribe, and later discovered by Mormon settlers.
Zion Canyon Hot Springs also integrates WorldSprings’ signature mineral pool formulas designed to mimic some of the world’s most iconic waters. Their Dead Sea pool, for example, offers a high salt and mineral concentration that has been known to provide psoriasis and eczema relief, not to mention hydration and exfoliation. The property’s Blue Lagoon pools emulate Iceland’s iconic azure waters and utilize geothermal seawater to promote relaxation and improved skin conditions.
The addition of Zion Canyon Hot Springs to Utah’s wellness culture marks a new dawn for balneotherapy in our community. Visit their website for more information on pricing and amenities.
Each place setting features a mix of natural materials like rattan and terra cotta with modern elements like sleek black cutlery. Photo by Sparkle Photography.
Expert event planner Irene Katzias of Irene + Co transports guests to a vibrant Spanish market with an innovative spread of tabletop designs
Each place setting features a mix of natural materials like rattan and terra cotta with modern elements like sleek black cutlery. Photo by Sparkle Photography.
Summer markets in Utah and across the globe burst with color and energy, offering a feast for the senses. Vibrant stalls overflow with sun-ripened tomatoes, golden peaches and leafy greens, while fragrant herbs and baskets of wildflowers add to the seasonal charm. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Spain, Irene Katzias of Irene + Co Events embraced a carefree, farm-to-table spirit as she staged a market-inspired party capturing the joy of the season—relaxed, flavorful and bursting with summer’s best. Here’s how she did it:
COLORS
Inspired by the open-air markets of Spain, Katzias employed a palette of warm tans, earthy terra-cottas and vivid reds to anchor her place settings. Paired with sleek black cutlery and chairs, and composed on a simple backdrop of a white tablecloth, natural rattan chargers and earthenware plates echo the traditional market vibe in a modern setting full of surprises.
PRODUCE
Katzias captured the abundance of a Spanish market by fashioning mounds of summer produce in a range of shapes, sizes and seasonal hues, delivering a punch of color and scale to the setting. It’s a mouth-watering addition to the more conventional floral fare. For contrast, she teamed the bold reds of peppers and tomatoes with aromatic, neutral-toned garlic and earthy mushrooms. Richly-textured Brussels sprouts delivered the expected punch of greenery in unexpected fashion.
Each place setting features a mix of natural materials like rattan and terra cotta with modern elements like sleek black cutlery. Photo by Sparkle Photography. Event planner Irene Katzias of Irene + Co. Events. Photo by Sparkle Photography. Crimson tomatoes, rosy berries and purple grapes deliver extra color to a basket arrangement. Photo by Sparkle Photography.
FLOWERS
Classic florals aren’t forgotten in this vignette, but rather make a freshly fashioned addition. Richly hued reflexed tulips, ranunculus, montbresia and pepper berry arranged by Kaitlynn Putnam of Sweet Afton Floral ease the edges of the centerpiece. Arranged in minimal ikebana style, the centerpiece’s florals seem to sprout directly from the table, matching the organic mood of the design. Nearby, woven baskets generously filled with flowers and produce celebrate the abundance of the summer growing season.
SPARKLE
To balance the relaxed charm of summertime flowers, fresh produce and woven wicker accents, Katzias introduced sparkling glass elements. Crystal-clear stemware reflected the light, adding a sense of refinement, while glass hurricane candle holders cradled slender black tapers, their flickering glow enhancing the ambiance. The interplay of textures—sleek glass against rustic wicker and vibrant blooms—created a table that felt both elegant and effortless.
In a delicious departure from typical floral fare, bunches of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, mushrooms and Brussels sprout act as tabletop decor at a market-inspires luncheon. Photo by Sparkle Photography. Kaitlynn Putnam of Sweet Afton Floral lends her designer’s eye to this garden-themed get together. Photo by Sparkle Photography. Striking reds are the hero color in this event design. Here, chili peppers and ripe tomatoes set the tone. Photo by Sparkle Photography.
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