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ST YLE ISSU E S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Style, the Durango Way I’ve always thought style is most interesting when it doesn’t appear to be trying too hard. Durango may be especially good at that. Here, getting dressed often means preparing for several versions of the same day. Work might lead to a walk along the river, dinner downtown, or an unexpected change in the weather. A favorite jacket may be faded, boots may be dusty, and the nicest outfit in the closet may still be paired with something practical. Somehow, it works. That is what I enjoyed most while putting together this Style Issue. The theme reaches well beyond clothing. Style can be found in a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a frame chosen for something meaningful, or the thoughtful restoration of a vehicle filled with family memories. It appears in the colors, textures, and objects we choose—and in the way we make them our own. Durango has occasionally been teased for its fashion sense, but perhaps we simply have a different definition of style. Ours is useful, individual, and rarely too precious. It leaves room for mud, dogs, changing seasons, and real life. And when an occasion calls for “Durango Formal,” we know exactly what that means—even if no two of us interpret it quite the same way. DENISE LESLIE, EDITOR @DURANGOCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kalista Peña | kalista.pena11@gmail.com, Kathleen O’Connor | kathleenoconnor11@yahoo.com, Jenny Mason | jen.michelle.mason@gmail.com, Denise Leslie, Allison Bankston, Shannon Roberts C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Andy Wingerd, Kathleen O’Connor, Deb Wolf, Allysia Brooke Edwards, Jonas Grushkin, Carl Lindley, Durango Outdoor Exchange, YUK Custom Designs, Hal Lott Real Estate

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Durango City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Durango area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Durango City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

12 Featured

12 16 24

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Style with Altitude

Durango’s Outdoor Life Became Its Defining Look

Fire Up Your Engines Custom Design and Concierge Vehicle Services Come to Durango

A Style All Its Own

Custom framing connects an artwork’s character with a home’s style

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Auto Club AUTO + MARINE

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette LOCAL SERVICES

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Events

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On the Cover Cover photography featuring metal clay pieces handcrafted by Allysia Brooke Designs. See the story on page 22. Photography: Allysia Brooke Edwards

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SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Local street artist Ron Matson on Main Street in downtown Durango. 2: KSUT Four Corners Public Radio celebrates 50 years with headliner March Fourth, and Durango was rockin’. 3: Cherry Odelberg, a pianist, hiker, and author of several books, playing at Jean Pierre’s Bakery.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

LePlatt’s Pond at L-J Ranch: Where Community Gathers

Artesanos Design Collection: Crafted for Inspired Living

Hal Lott: Investing in Homes, Arts and Community

LePlatt’s Pond at L-J Ranch combines ranch life with memorable Colorado gatherings. Located on a family-run, 100-acre working cattle ranch in Bayfield, it hosts lakeside weddings, community events, Locals Night, and overnight stays. Through thoughtful land stewardship, Hereford cattle, premium beef offerings, and genuine hospitality, the Black family preserves the Pine River Valley’s ranching heritage while welcoming neighbors and visitors to celebrate, connect, and make lasting memories together. Visit www.leplattspond.com.

Founded in Durango in 1991, Artesanos Design Collection brings global craftsmanship and mountain-inspired style home. This family-owned business offers heirloom-quality furniture, handcrafted copper tables, lighting, décor, and complimentary design services. Its renovated 1898 livery showroom blends historic character with modern beauty, while trusted artisans and white-glove delivery serve customers nationwide. Discover thoughtful design, personal guidance, and enduring pieces created to make every space feel distinctly yours. Visit www.artesanosdesign.com today.

Durango Realtor Hal Lott understands that a thriving community is built through more than real estate. Licensed in Colorado since 2015 and serving as vice president of the Durango Arts Center board, Hal supports the people and organizations that make Southwest Colorado special. September 19–20, he invites the community to experience the 32nd Durango Autumn Arts Festival, celebrating creativity while supporting DAC’s year-round mission. Learn more at hallottdurangorealestate.com and durangoarts.org.

Photography Courtesy of LePlatt’s Pond @ L-J Ranch

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Photography Courtesy of Hal Lott Real Estate

Photography Courtesy of Artesanos Design Collection

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STYLE WITH Altitude How Durango’s Outdoor Life Became Its Defining Look ARTICLE BY KATHLEEN O’CONNOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHLEEN O’CONNOR, DURANGO OUTDOOR EXCHANGE

For years, Durango carried the tongue-in-cheek reputation of being one of America’s “worst dressed” towns, a label most in town actually find quite humorous. Durangoans understand that style, while important to a degree, should follow function. Today, that mountain-inspired look has become one of the town’s notable characteristics. But it’s not the only one, as influences from the Front Range and classic western wear converge with the current local flavors. Spend an hour on Main Avenue during the various seasons, and you’ll get a sample of the diverse Durango closet. Technical outerwear, hiking boots, plaid, flannel shirts, puffy jackets, and sustainable outdoor apparel are commonplace, while river shoes (think Chacos) and flip-flops prevail in the warmer seasons. Various hats also hold their ground here. The five-panel cap is close to standard issue on anyone between twenty and forty. Others, especially the gals, seem to prefer the trucker hat with various artistic depictions of the great outdoors- sunsets, mountains, wildflowers, or maybe just the Colorado flag. A range of widebrimmed sun hats is another common observation. In 2017, the “fashion” world seemed to take notice of the outdoor style when a writer at New York magazine coined the term “gorpcore” for the collision of recreational clothing and everyday dress. Durango had been doing it accidentally for decades, though here the clothes actually get worn even after they’re a bit worn out. Call it gorpcore meets dirtbag. “Westslope style” is how Jen LaCroix, owner of Durango Outdoor Exchange, puts it. “Outdoor active lifestyle wear that can make you feel put together at work

Lizard Head Trading Company- Inside the Shop.

Durango Sustainable Goods with Caroline Golarz

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Durango Outdoor Exchange on North Main.

but is casual enough for meeting friends for a hike or after work at the brewery,” she says. It’s a little bit western and a lot of outdoor lifestyle. “You’ll not find high heels anywhere.” LaCroix then made a remark that encapsulates the feel of the entire town: “We are using our clothing, not just wearing it.” What sells to locals tells the story. “Plaid button-ups never stop moving,” LaCroix says, but lately workwear beats everything. “A pair of Carhartt or Dovetail overalls will sell the same day they hit the shelves,” she says. Yoga leggings, however, have been demoted. “It seems they have moved from an everyday essential to actually just being used for yoga.” CONTINUED >

Durango Outdoor Exchange's Recurring Employee of the Month

A Vast Array of Wide-Brimmed Hats at Durango Sustainable Goods. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

Downtown, you’ll find numerous clothing boutiques with offerings for other Durango clientele. At Durango Sustainable Goods, owner Claire Attkisson calls local dress “element-based” and driven by playing outside, or by farming and ranching, which is why so much of it arrives in the colors of blue sky, green timber, and red dirt. Her best sellers aren’t shells. A linen A-line skirt moves for its breathability, worn to work, to the weekend, or into January over alpaca leggings. Sturdy blue jeans also have their place. Caroline Golarz, who works the floor there, pushes back gently on the worst-dressed thing. “I look around, and everyone’s wearing something different.” Not anti-fashion, she says, but something else. “Embracing whatever they want as their own personal style.” What is converging, she remarks, is what people want that style made of. Customers keep asking for cotton, wool, the materials that breathe. Colorwise, her own preference runs to greens and terracottas, what she calls “Taos tones,” though she notes there’s a spectrum: earth tones by day, neon and sparkles by night. Thrifting around town is another popular aspect of the Durango aesthetic that appeals to all ages. At Lizard Head Trading Company, you’ll find rows and rows of colorful dresses for a cool summer evening or outerwear that has aged into a vintage treasure. In Durango, sometimes the most sought-after jacket or popular band t-shirt in the room is one somebody else wore decades ago. Ultimately, Durango’s style comes down to functionality over form, interwoven with personal expression. Here, almost anything goes as long as it’s comfortable. Sure, we’ll dress up when the occasion calls. As long as it’s “Durango Formal.” And as for the one accessory everybody here agrees on? Well, that would be our dog, of course.

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Inside Durango Outdoor Exchange

Durango Style Once upon a time, Durango was named one of America’s worst-dressed towns. Decades later, the joke looks more like a compliment. From puffy jackets and five-panel caps to linen skirts and thrifted vintage, the local wardrobe follows two rules: it has to work, and it has to be comfortable. Local retailers weigh in on how an outdoor town dresses itself, why substance keeps beating style here, and why almost every outfit in this town is finished the same way: with a dog by our side, thoroughly unbothered by what anyone is wearing.

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F IR E UP Y OUR

E NGIN E S DURANGO’S CUSTOM DESIGN AND CONCIERGE VEHICLE SERVICES

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD, YUK CUSTOM DESIGNS

AU TO C LU B | AUTO + MARIN E

Seduction begins with a wink. For Carl Brucher, it was the glint of polished chrome in the sunlight. Impossible to miss when he and his mother arrived at the fire station where his dad and uncle served long shifts as firefighters. “The fire engines—they were spotless! And they were always cleaning them,” Brucher recalls. Oh, how he revered that pristine gleam of the big red truck! He loved when the firemen would let him help wash and polish because afterward, they’d flip the hood forward, cracking the vehicle open like a treasure chest. Then they’d show young Carl how to maintain all the mechanical components.

“That car or truck is more than just a machine. They create a lot of memories for families.”

CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

“My uncle was quite a car mechanic, and he built cars,” Brucher says. He inherited his uncle’s passion for hot rods and would go on to own a Shelby Mustang, a Dodge Challenger, a Plymouth Road Runner, and a Chevy Corvette. In 2019, after spending his first career in corporate printing and publishing, Brucher shifted gears and built a new business focused on vehicles. After all, romance runs on obsession. YUK Custom Designs services, details, and upgrades cars, trucks, and SUVs. But YUK is not an automotive repair shop.

AU TO C LU B | AUTO + MARIN E

Picture instead a concierge—the kind that works at luxury hotels, anticipating clients’ needs, tracking down wish list items, tending to the minutiae they’d rather not do. Brucher is on hand to be a consultant for all things vehicle-related. Whether restoring a family heirloom vehicle, tracking down and buying a vintage Porsche, or determining if the iconic yet slightly rusty nostalgia-mobile in the garage could fetch a decent sales price with the right upgrades, Brucher is there to help. Can he also keep a car detailed, immaculate, and up to date on all its

maintenance schedules? Absolutely. Can he repair seat covers, replace old seat cushions, and restyle a vehicle’s entire interior, from the carpet to the roof liner? You betcha. And his specialty is leather. “I work with two leather manufacturers here in the U.S. One is more fine Italian leather so it’s more what I would consider boutique. I’m a certified restyler/installer for [both],” he explains. Brucher’s swatch wheel showcases an endless universe of leather samples in a vast array of colors, textures, and embossed designs. He has more swatch

YUK’s persistent success arises from Brucher’s meticulous attention to details, which is at the core of both the name and the unusual logo.

wheels organizing the many thread colors for the stitching options. He zips through byzantine websites loaded with custom stitching design options—think geometric or scalloped patterns. Although the many choices can be overwhelming, Brucher makes the process manageable by getting to know a client’s preferences and lifestyle. Brucher sees his work less as auto care and more as caring for people. He explains, “That car or truck is more than just a machine. They create a lot of memories for families. They could be the beginning of a vacation. Or, they go back and forth to work in them every day and that’s their sanctuary. A vehicle’s not just transportation; your kids learn to drive in that vehicle.” YUK began on the East Coast where Brucher and his wife had built their lives, but after decades recreating in and around Durango, they realized the local community was too enticing to pass up. “In a lot of ways, Durango’s community is very attractive. Everybody knows one another. People are invested,” he says.

YUK’s persistent success arises from Brucher’s meticulous attention to details, which is at the core of both the name and the unusual logo of a puckered face. YUK—said “yuck”—references the old poison control stickers. The brightly colored icons screamed: Pay attention! And the logo speaks to all the yuckier facets of vehicle ownership and upkeep. For instance, a worn interior: yuck. Having five different people involved in an upgrade: yuck! Brucher aims to remove the yuck while placing attentiveness at the center of his services. “I want to be known within the community as somebody that can be a trusted advisor that you can come to. Let me help you solve your problems, or if you’re looking for vehicle care solutions, come talk to me. This [business] really is about relationships.” In other words, devotion arrives by design—through the consistent, deliberate act of paying close attention to the little details.

Carl says, "Pick your leather"

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

Wearable Stories The Timeless Artistry of Allysia Brooke Designs

Durango attracts all walks of life, from Olympic athletes to soulful musicians to business professionals and more. Everyone has a unique sense of style, amplified by their accessories and choice of jewelry. Local silversmith Allysia Brooke Edwards has seen it all. She owns Allysia Brooke Designs and can be found at the Durango Farmers Market most Saturdays throughout the summer selling gorgeous handcrafted jewelry. Her pieces include pendants, rings, earrings, cuffs, bolos, and more. Jewelry can complete a look, adding a certain sparkle that speaks louder than expected. It’s one of the easiest and most versatile forms of self-expression. Thoughtfully chosen jewelry becomes wearable stories, snippets of life, or treasures for generations to come. Regardless of what comes to ensue, each person’s jewelry is wholly unique and personalized.

ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD, ALLYSIA BROOKE DESIGNS

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Allysia’s artistic style is boldly beautiful. Reminiscent of the Southwest, her pieces are sure to catch attention. They are distinctly memorable and recognizable by her use of stark contrasts, stunning stones, mixed metals, and natural elements. These factors further demonstrate Edwards’ incredible work ethic and impeccable grit, transforming what was once a hobby into a successful creative career. A lot of Edwards’ work is inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau, blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistry. She said, “I love the sharp, clean lines of Art Deco architecture just as much as the flowing, whimsical curves of Art Nouveau.” She’s also drawn to heavy contrast, noting that most of her work features dark backgrounds that illuminate the rest of the design, such as carefully chosen stones and detailed metal embellishments.

When asked what “timeless” means to her, Edwards said, “Something that never goes out of style. Something you can throw on with anything.” Reflecting upon her own art, she said, “Some of my pieces could be considered timeless, while others are statement pieces.” They are timeless in the sense that some have minimal designs leaning toward an Art Deco look, which works well with most outfits. Her other statement pieces speak loudly with bold elements and eye-catching details. These aspects create a timeless appeal, as they are truly unforgettable. In both cases, the high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in her jewelry make her pieces wonderful additions to any personal collection.

Edwards shared a memorable story about a ring that traveled through many hands. She made this ring for herself originally but later decided to pass it along to a store in San Diego called La Loupe. La Loupe holds a special place in her heart, as it was the first store to support Edwards and her small business. The store owner loved this ring and wore it often—until one day, a gentleman came in looking for a non-traditional engagement ring. He was enamored by the store owner’s ring. He saw it on her finger and knew immediately it was exactly what he’d been searching for. She kindly agreed to sell the ring to the gentleman, and the rest is history. Edwards said, “That story will always stick with me. Moments like that where I get to be a part of someone else’s [stories] are very cool!” Jewelry can tell meaningful stories, especially when it comes from small businesses like Allysia Brooke Designs. Each one-of-a-kind piece is crafted with great pride. Shopping small not only supports the artist and her craft but also strengthens the community by keeping dollars local. Visit www.allysiabrookedesigns.com to explore her handcrafted jewelry and discover the story behind each piece.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

A STYLE ALL I T S OW N CUSTOM FRAMING CONNECTS AN ARTWORK’S CHARACTER WITH A HOME’S STYLE.

ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DWOLF DESIGNS FINE ART & CUSTOM FRAMING

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Style often lies in the details—the color drawn from a favorite painting, the warmth of weathered wood, or the clean lines of a frame chosen for a contemporary room. For Durango artist and custom framer Deb Wolf, those details transform meaningful artwork, photographs, and keepsakes into thoughtfully designed pieces for the home. At Dwolf Designs Fine Art & Custom Framing, framing is more than a finishing touch on a picture. It becomes part of the interior design, complementing both the piece it holds and the home where it will live.

Wolf’s collaborative process begins when a customer brings a piece to her shop. After laying it out and taking measurements, she explains what sets her approach apart from many frame shops: every frame is built to order. The artwork itself often guides the design. Wolf considers the type of wood, frame style, and stain color that best suit the piece. She also determines whether matting will enhance the finished presentation, noting that not every piece needs a mat. When a mat is appropriate, she often selects a less dominant color from the image so the mat complements the artwork rather than overshadowing it. The same principle guides her choice of frame. Her catchphrase—“Rustic to contemporary and anything in between”—captures both the variety of her work and her belief that a frame should feel personal. Repurposed wood can add warmth, texture and a distinctly Southwest character to a piece while giving discarded material a beautiful second life. For a clean, contemporary look or a simple floater frame, Wolf carefully selects wood from local lumber mills. Each decision is guided by the artwork and the customer’s preferences, allowing the finished piece to feel at home in its surroundings without competing for attention. Every frame is handcrafted in Wolf’s garage workshop, equipped with a chop saw, router table, table saw, power sander, and other woodworking tools. She works in the shop Monday through Saturday and builds frames on Sundays, completing most orders within a week.

That personal attention has helped Wolf build a loyal base of repeat customers who trust her with one project after another. Getting to know them and understanding their individual preferences is one of the aspects of the work she values most. Each project is treated as her own, with Wolf imagining the finished piece and how it will look in the customer’s home. Keeping custom framing approachable is central to Wolf’s work. She takes pride in offering reasonable framing options for clients and gallery buyers, guided by the belief that original art and thoughtfully handcrafted frames should be accessible to everyone. By bringing together personal collaboration, carefully selected materials and handcrafted construction, DWolf Designs creates more than a frame. Each project becomes an expression of the artwork, the home and the people who live there. Visit DWolf Designs Fine Art at 925 Highway 3 in Durango or online at dwolfdesigns.net.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

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DWolf Designs Fine Art & Custom Framing Affordable As It Should Be

Proudly recently nominated for "Best of Durango" in the Art Gallery Category dwolfdesigns.net | 503.314.3596 | 925 HWY 3, Durango, CO 81301

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A LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL TREAT

APPLE CIDER

sangria

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

As the season transitions into fall, it still features the warm, sunny days of summer but nights start to drop into the crisp temperatures. That leaves us in the limbo of wanting cool, refreshing drinks part of the time but also craving the deeper, spice-infused flavors of autumn. This recipe for apple cider sangria is the perfect blending of the seasons, leaving you feeling both refreshed and warmed through the deep flavors and interesting hints of spice. It’s a great drink to add to any dinner party, cocktail gathering, back deck after-hours get-together, or birthday bash. Here’s what you need to make the perfect mid-season cocktail to enhance whatever event you have planned.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON BANKSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • • •

Combine all ingredients together and stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer) before serving. The drink can be enjoyed immediately, if desired, but the longer you let the ingredients sit and mix, the deeper the flavors will be. Giving it time to develop will make the drink more captivating and interesting.

1 bottle, standard size, of pinot grigio 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider 1 cup club soda 1/2 cup ginger brandy 3 Honeycrisp apples, chopped 3 pears, chopped

NOTE: Regular brandy can be used, but ginger brandy gives it an extra kick of flavor.

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Styling your Bookcase Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase. Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.

Step 1 Strategically Place Books on the Bookcase While Incorporating Decorative Elements. When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.

Step 2 Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements. Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.

Step 3 Create Zones and Add Personal Touches. If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.

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Four Corners Motorcycle Rally Durango, CO 81301 Colorado’s longest-running motorcycle rally brings riders together for four action-packed days of scenic rides, live music, racing, entertainment, vendors and community. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, this celebrated gathering captures the freedom of the open road while showcasing motorcycle culture, regional character and unforgettable camaraderie. Enthusiasts can connect, explore and share their passion for riding. Visit https://fourcorners motorcyclerally.com/ for details. SEPTEMBER 4 TH-6TH

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Explore the fascinating world of fungi during a three-day culinary adventure for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Follow expert mycologists on a guided mountain foray, learn professional techniques in an intimate cooking masterclass, and savor locally foraged mushrooms through chef-led dining experiences with thoughtfully selected wine pairings. Individual tickets and festival passes offer customizable experiences. For more information visit www.purgatory.ski SEPTEMBER 11TH-13TH

Durango Parade of Homes 2615 Main Ave Durango, CO 81301 Experience the best in luxury living, architecture and design during an exclusive three-day showcase of exceptional residential properties. Tour beautifully crafted homes while discovering the latest in custom design, inspiring interiors, outstanding craftsmanship, and modern living trends. A limited number of VIP tickets provide access to an exclusive CONTINUED >

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events

CONTINUED First Look Friday experience. All proceeds benefit local community programs. www.durangoparadeofhomes.org SEPTEMBER 19 TH-20 TH

Home is a sense of inclusion. Home is a sense of place. It is where you can be yourself. It is where our dreams begin and where we celebrate when they come true. From all of us at Legacy Properties West Sotheby's International Realty, we'd like to thank all of the families across Southwest Colorado who trust us daily with the places they call home.

Durango Autumn Arts Festival Durango Arts Center 802 East 2nd Avenue Durango, CO 81301 Celebrating 32 years of creativity, this nationally recognized festival showcases exceptional fine art and handcrafted work by makers from across the country. Set against brilliant autumn colors in a charming historic district, the event welcomes approximately 8,000 visitors annually. Participating artists praise its thoughtful organization, warm hospitality, and steady crowds of friendly, enthusiastic art lovers. Visit durangoarts.org SEPTEMBER 25TH-27TH

San Juan Songwriters Festival Durango, CO 81301 Hall of Fame songwriters, chart-topping hitmakers and rising voices come together for a multi-day celebration across multiple venues. More intimate than a traditional concert, each performance reveals the stories, inspiration, and creative process behind beloved songs. Audiences can experience music in its rawest, most personal form while discovering acclaimed talents and exciting new artists alike. For details, go to www.sanjuansongwritersfestival.com SEPTEMBER 3 0 TH-OCTOBER 4 T H

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Cowboy poets and musicians from across the West gather to celebrate the stories, songs and traditions that define Western life. Recognized as one of the region’s top annual events, this acclaimed gathering offers afternoon and evening performances filled with humor, history, and heartfelt storytelling. Audiences can experience authentic voices, vivid poetry, memorable music and enduring cowboy culture. Visit www.durangocowboygathering.org

T he

L UXE Mountain H O M E

What "Finished" Really Looks Like The best mountain homes feel relaxed, textured, and beautifully appointed. Layered fabrics, warm woods, soft colors, and tailored furnishings come together to create spaces that feel collected over time rather than overly designed. The result is a home that feels luxurious, inviting, and ready to be lived in. This is what Mountain Luxe Interiors delivers. Not a house full of nice things, but a home where every room feels cohesive, and completely yours

Meet the Designer with 25 Years Behind Every Detail Christine Heartsill is the founder and principal designer of Mountain Luxe Interiors, a full-service interior design studio based in Southwest Colorado. With over 25 years of experience in renovations, furnishings, and whole home design, she helps homeowners across the Durango, Telluride, and Pagosa Springs create mountain homes that feel as good as they look. Her approach is hands-on and detail-driven, with one goal: making the entire process feel easy for her clients from the first conversation to the final reveal. design@mountainluxeinteriors.com 970-880-4648 mountainluxeinteriors.com @mountainluxeinteriors