If you’ve ever gone house hunting, you have probably encountered phenomena that prompted ask-out-loud questions such as, “Why would someone have an interior staircase that leads to the ceiling?” or “Who in their right mind would have shag carpeting in a bathroom?” or “Lava rock?” Touring dwellings that other humans have made their own opens the door to a cavalcade of curiosities. Of course, beauty is subjective. One person’s castle is another’s “Are you kidding me right now?” and conversely, “I could live out the remainder of my days here and not change a single thing.”

For as long as I can remember, I have been curious about how people feather their nests. I have friends who latched onto college-dorm living and embraced it for life, and, at the other end of the spectrum, loved ones who ask you to take your shoes off at the door, and please be careful where you sit—no, not on that chair, anywhere but there.

In this issue, we take you inside the cribs of some of the Valley’s brightest talents. When interior designers—who have the skills, vision and access to virtually anything they can imagine—do their own homes, what drives their decisions? When an architect builds for his own family, how does he express comfort, functionality and style? From new builds to complete remodels, these questions are answered on the pages ahead by creatives who have graciously allowed us to barge in with our cameras and are eager to share their stories with you. 

Come see what “home” looks like for some of the best in the business. There’s not a macramé owl, beer-can pyramid or “Live, Laugh, Love” plaque in the mix.

John Roark
Editor in Chief

A lot of time and consideration goes into selecting our covers, but ultimately it comes down to just one. As our art director, Len Loria, always says, “The cover chooses itself.” Here’s a look at this issue’s contenders.