Home & Design
THE MARIANO FAMILY ON CAREER PIVOTS, CHANGING THE REMODELING INDUSTRY, & FAMILY BUSINESS
A Closer Look at Home
Home is one of those words that, while it has a technical definition and a technical part of speech—noun— it has multiple definitions personally and culturally. Home is a place, but it could also be a person, a city, a secondary place that brings us comfort. Home is a word of ever-changing meaning.
Yet we all understand the varying definitions. We can relate to the feeling of home and the relief coming home can bring. Poet John Howard Payne once said, “Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” It’s more than the feeling of walking through the front door at the end of the day. It’s also the feeling of comfort when you see the aerial desert views from an airplane when you’re flying home from a trip. We can always leave, but coming home always holds a special feeling.
This month we’re focused on what makes home special. We’ve talked with local businesses that work hard to give you the home you’ve dreamed of. We’ve talked with creatives who create pieces inspired by this very city we call home. Most importantly, we’ve put together an issue that will hold inspiration and the feeling of home long after the month is over.
Here’s to home, every definition of it, and making it special. Thank you for welcoming us in.
With Love,
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Skye Wagner skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonja Stafford hello@sonjastafford.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
B-Real Media
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Shannon Roberts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit, March 2026
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
1: First Impression Ironworks joined the Veterans recognition event at State Farm Stadium. 2: First Friday Event at Booch Haus 3: Local artist working during Booch Haus's First Friday
"Selling a home is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. It isn’t just about paperwork and prices; it’s about saying goodbye to a chapter of your life. For us, the process felt overwhelming, and at times, the weight of the move felt like it was too much to carry. Then we met Lorraine.
From our very first meeting, we knew we weren't just "another listing" to her. She looked at our home and saw the years of memories we’d built, and she treated our transition with a level of grace and empathy that I didn’t know existed in this industry. There were moments when the stress of the market and the logistics of moving kept us up at night, but Lorraine and her incredible team were always there. She has this rare ability to be a fierce, professional advocate in negotiations while being a calm, steady hand for her clients to hold when things feel chaotic.
-Cory LAS SENDAS- $795,000
Her team is the gold standard. They were professional, proactive, and handled every single detail before we even had to ask. Because of them, we didn't just sell a house— we closed a chapter with our dignity and peace of mind intact.
I’m writing this because I truly don’t know how we would have made it through this without her. If you are looking for a realtor who is a master of her craft but also a person of immense heart and integrity, look no further. Lorraine doesn't just sell houses; she takes care of people. We are forever grateful.
CONCIERGE REAL ESTATE
Cleaner Air is in the Air
As spring approaches, check in with Norris Air for indoor quality air products. Norris Air’s indoor air scrubber neutralizes dust and improves comfort and well being. Plus, it kills 99% of mold, fungus, bacteria, and viruses including SARS-COV2. Right now they are offering 20% off indoor air quality products, making this the perfect time to improve the air in your home.
First Impression Ironworks Partners with Maricopa Trailblazers
First Impression Ironworks recently welcomed the Maricopa Trailblazers 4-H Club to their Gilbert headquarters for a hands-on learning visit. Students explored how their custom iron doors and gates are designed and built, getting an up-close look at the craftsmanship and tools behind the work. The Trailblazers program focuses on youth leadership and skill-building. First Impressions Ironworks is proud to support their mission by opening our doors and sharing what we create here in Arizona.
SUNMED Wellness Weekend
SUNMED Modern Wellness wants to give back to the community for their support over the past five years. They will be giving free gift bags with some of their best-selling products March 12th-15th. This is their way of saying thank you to Mesa for voting SunMed CBD Best of Mesa for the past four years. Please call the store to reserve your free gift bag.
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Desert Pups is Expanding
Your pup’s second home is getting an upgrade! Desert Pups is expanding this summer. They’re not moving, only getting bigger. They are able to stay in the same complex but they are getting a stand alone building. Keep an eye out on the progress, we’re sure the pups can’t wait to see their new space.
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MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT
There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”
Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.
THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
MATERIALS:
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
In large rooms, architectural details like niches, built-ins, or material changes can create visual rhythm while giving meaningful objects a true home.
Santa and Cole Tekió Light, Vintage Rainer Draumiller Chairs, American Leather custom couch in Bison Butterscotch, Flos Bellhop lamp, BZippy Vase, Plush Moroccan rug
ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME
The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
MATERIALS:
Luca split stone pavers, Vintage Turkish rug, Plants, Virginia Sin Wall hook
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
An entryway doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. Combine tactile materials with one or two meaningful elements to create an instant emotional connection.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”
LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH
Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.
Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.
MATERIALS:
Virginia Sin pendant light, In Common With sconce, Arté Oblong wall covering in Ochre, Particular Tile in Vapor, Custom sage velvet sofa, Plush Vintage Moroccan rug
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
When a room serves many purposes, let texture and tone create cohesion. A restrained palette with varied finishes keeps the space flexible and serene.
POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
MATERIALS:
Particular Tile in Satin Terracotta and Vanilla Bean, Arté Wallcovering Shards in Brick Red, Red travertine sink, Rachel Donath chunky mirror, Playful art work by Olivia Fields
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
Small spaces are ideal for experimentation. Mix patterns, finishes, and textures within a tight color family to create depth without overwhelm.
At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
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REIMAGINING THE HOME REMODEL
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD & PROVIDED
How a local contractor and his family is changing the way we view home renovations
When it comes to home remodeling, there are countless stories that would lead most to hesitate to consider a remodel or any sort of addition to their homes. Most of us have seen HGTV shows, while each episode includes happy endings, the process to the final beautiful reveal usually involves a huge budget hit, unexpected costs, and delays. Never mind almost always finding something a previous contractor has done wrong and needs to be remedied. Even without the help of the biggest home TV network, we can probably think of stories from friends and families about contractors ghosting projects, doing shoddy work, or even leaving a bigger mess than what they started with. It’s almost enough to convince some to just sell and buy a new home when issues arise instead of trying to solve the problem.
Mariano & Co., is changing that, one project at a time. They have a proven process—one unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Sometimes, moving is simply not an option but what about an addition? What about a casita? What about a remodel? These are the questions homeowners find themselves asking but Vic, owner and founder of Mariano & Co. has a different approach. The first question isn’t what do you want to remodel? The first question is: what’s the problem?
Vic Mariano
Vic Mariano isn’t your typical home renovator or even your typical contractor. He’s an engineer who has spent decades of his life working at companies familiar to most of us, like Motorola and Texas Instruments. Through a series of unfortunate events — some would call, or God’s intervention and moving as Vic tells it — he found himself in Arizona working with a friend, an expert in cabinetry, on the courthouse steps grabbing up foreclosures for fixing and flipping. Eventually, he would start Mariano & Co. in 2009.
Not only does Vic want to help solve your problems, but he also wants to be your go-to for any building and remodeling needs for life. Mariano & Co.’s tagline is “your contractor for life.” It’s not just a catchy motto or some good sounding phrase designed to trick you. It’s a promise. It’s a promise to be the contractor you would want to call for each project. It’s all a part of the process that Vic, probably thanks to his engineering background, has designed to stand out from the industry of home remodeling. It’s a promise that is working, if you peek at all the five star reviews Mariano & Co. holds through different websites.
The process is called the “Roadmap to the 5-Star Experience.” It’s a tried-and-true process that has led to the success Mariano & Co. experiences today. It’s a process that brings the motto “contractor for life” to reality with over one hundred and sixty clients with at least two projects done with Mariano & Co. This process includes communication (like nightly communication during a project) and a focus on building relationships that end up becoming friendships by the end of the project.
It all starts with the first step—understanding. At Mariano & Co., you’re not getting a salesman who just wants to get you into the door so they can pass you onto the next step. You’re getting an advocate who is about to walk through the whole process with you, from start to finish. It’s just the start of what makes Mariano & Co. different.
completed project by Mariano & Co.
Lucien Mariano (center), with his wife, Lauren (left), and sister Ashton (right), the next generation of Mariano & Co.
INSPIRED by Mesa
How a local artist finds inspiration in his new hometown
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Local artist, Matthew Pinkus, is inspired by the desert that surrounds us. As a California transplant, the desert landscapes we take for granted are something of beauty to Pinkus, allowing him to take inspiration photos on his bike rides as he travels around the valley and turning the photos into beautiful paintings. It reminds even the most seasoned desert native that the plants, the browns, and even the dirt we take for granted (and maybe even complain about) is a work of beauty. A natural beauty that is seen as something special to those who haven’t been around it for years.
Matthew didn’t always want to be an artist. Coming from parents who are artists he fell into the stereotypical trope of wanting to step away from the path his parents walked. If you’re familiar with the Port Charles backdrops from the daytime soap, General Hospital, you might have been some of Matthew’s father’s work. While he always doodled on papers and things, he didn’t consider himself an artist and it wasn’t a title he was reaching out to snatch up anyway.
Instead, he picked up music. He was in two bands while living in L.A., spending a significant time with each band before the pandemic really closed down the music scene. In early 2021, thanks to a dating app with mixed geographical information, Matthew would start talking to a woman in Arizona. By the time they realized they weren’t in the same city, Matthew knew location didn’t matter. He was interested in her and started visiting Arizona before finally moving to the East Valley and marrying her.
"Wasteland Rose" inspiration photo
"Wasteland Rose" painting by Matthew Pinkus
Matthew holds a unique perspective about art, as in there are multiple facets and methods to creating it. Art isn’t just paintings according to Pinkus. Music is art, writing is even art. To Matthew it’s all a way of being a creative. In fact, during our conversation that’s how he referred to himself, not only as an artist, but as a creative. Creating is an urge, a desire, he has had his whole life and has pursued. “Everybody is born with something they have to do. I have to create.”
"Conjoined" painting by Matthew Pinkus
"Cojoined" inspiration photo
Local artist, Matthew Pinkus:
The title “artist” is one that Matthew is picking up and holding onto now that he has found his love for it. For Matthew, one of the best things about being an artist is the freedom of expression he enjoys. He recognizes the need inside to create, and he is happy to have found another way to fulfil that. “I can think of something in my head, and I can bring it out physically.”
You can find Matthew on Instagram: @mpinkusart or his website: matthewpinkus.com . He can be reached via email at matthewpinkus@gmail.com
Matthew Pinkus's Art Studio
The pandemic allowed him the opportunity to start investigating art and start growing in his artistic skills. His wife, encouraging the investigation, got him an oil painting kit for Christmas. Matthew calls it kismet, the way that everything came together for him to start painting. When he first moved to Arizona, he was still playing and working with recording with his bandmates through internet applications that allowed collaboration. Once he had the oil painting kit and started painting, he knew right away he wanted to focus on painting.
“There’s a mystery about art,” says Matthew, “it’s different for everybody. It’s a place I can be alone with my thoughts.” Which is something he hopes viewers and collectors feel themselves when they look at and purchase his paintings. He hopes we can look at the paintings, and even if it’s only for a moment, we can be a little more introspective. It can feel like a “time-out” in a way (a good kind of time-out, where you can take a breath).
Coming from artist parents, one might think that Matthew naturally fell into his oil paintings and beautiful art walked out. He’s no prodigy though, he learned through YouTube videos and books. When asked about the expert teachers he had a direct relation to, he admitted that his father is a brilliant artist, but not the best teacher. His parents are rooting for him, and his mom loves every single painting.
Matthew’s inspiration comes directly from Mesa and the natural beauty that surrounds our amazing city. Matthew’s love of photo composition helps him nab slivers of time, like a time capsule, taking photos of things he likes and then translating it to paintings. The result is beautiful art that we all have an opportunity to enjoy.
When We Say We Travel, We Mean It!
Whether it’s setting up your wedding in a serene forest or by a picturesque river, we’ll be there to make your special day unforgettable. No destination is too far for us to bring our exceptional service to you.
“We got married 10.07.2023 in Strawberry Arizona at the Rim! Josh & Kasandra went up & beyond to make our day SO special! We got married in the woods with a limited power supply and limited notice for the exact location of our wedding! (Because it’s the middle of the woods and you never know!)
They took the time to meet us at our wedding location on the Rim days before the wedding! They took the time to ensure we were happy with the food and if we had enough to eat! Their crew was so helpful in arranging the tables and even table settings! They even packed our leftovers which we are still enjoying today!!
A huge shout out to Kasandra who took the time to help me breathe, take a moment to myself, and let me know it was my turn to walk down the aisle from afar! Thank you both so much! Our day wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you guys! We would %100 recommend The Local Catering company as your choice for catering!!!” - Olivia Hammond
Inspired Design
Bookcase Styling your
Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
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.
realty report
A PLANT FOR EVERYONE
We chatted with Booch Haus owner, Sonja Stafford, about the best plants to have in your home no matter your plant skill level.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
FOR THE PLANT SAVANT—ALOCASIA
A beautiful species of plants that can be a little tricky, but the results are thick beautiful leaves and interesting stems. These plants are perfect for those who are familiar with plant care and the special needs of different species. These plants need filtered water, humidity, and to be damp but not wet. Alocasia plants require the right amount of light in order to thrive. These plants are poisonous to furry friends so be sure to keep them away from your pets.
FOR THE PLANT ENTHUSIAST—MONSTERA
A thick, luscious plant with unique leaves that have beautiful slits and grow up. These plants are great for those that know how to keep the easier plants, like succulents and spider plants alive and are ready for a challenge. These plants are the most popular plants at Booch Haus. They are lovely but require things like filtered water, a schedule, and appropriate lighting.
FOR THE PLANT NOVICE—POTHOS
It’s common knowledge that cacti and succulents are plants that require little maintenance. Perhaps you want something a little bigger than those tabletop beauties. Perhaps you want something with leaves. For those of us that struggle with plants, meet the pothos species. These plants have a few varieties but all of them are low maintenance, can handle a little neglect, and will grow with beautiful vines and trailing leaves. Just be sure to give them water and some sunlight.
“Plants have many benefits outside of being beautiful. They clean the air, have health benefits, and bring warmth into the home. Each species is unique.”
Arizona Pristine Roofing
Pristine Results You Can Trust
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Serving homeowners and businesses across Arizona with integrity and care.
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service. Low costs. No trade-offs.
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Give us a call.
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3204 N Recker Rd, Suite 103 Mesa, AZ 85215 480-240-9371 schwab.com/EastMesa
While consultations are complimentary, the implementation of any recommendations made in the course of these services may result in trade commissions or other fees, charges, or expenses. There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated representative. Go to schwab.com/representative-compensation for compensation information.
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MARCH 2026
MARCH 4TH
Lance Burton Master
Magician & Friends
1452 S Ellsworth Rd Mesa, AZ 85209 | 4:00 PM
Lance Burton is widely considered the 20th century’s greatest stage magician. Having headlined the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino for a record-breaking 31 years, Burton performed over 15,000 shows for audiences from around the globe. He is the first and only American to be awarded the “Gold Medal of Excellence” from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Online tickets at cal-am.com/lance-burton/
MARCH 7TH
First Fridays
708 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203 | 6:30 PM
Booch Haus & Budda’s Brew Coffee House are bringing a First Friday event to Downtown Mesa. Join local artists, food truck vendors, and a DJ for a night of fun, shopping, kombucha on tap, and great coffee.
MARCH 12TH
SunMed CBD
Wellness Weekend
345 S Power Rd #104, Mesa, AZ 85206 | 10:00 AM
SunMed Your CBD Store is hosting a wellness weekend! As their way of saying thank you to the Mesa community, they are giving away a free gift. Call the store to reserve yours and join them for their wellness weekend from March 12th-15th.
When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?
This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed.
you are Aging. miss taking Medications. Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation,
Baseball Returns to Mesa This Spring!
CONTINUED
MARCH 13TH
Tasty Nights
Street Food Festival
6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 | 2:00 PM
Tasty Nights is a traveling national food festival designed to bring communities together through flavor, culture, and good energy—featuring a curated lineup of food vendors serving street food, desserts, and specialty drinks. With live entertainment and a curated maker market, every stop is built to be shared— friends, families, and first-timers welcome. More information, including tickets at www.visitmesa.com/events/ tasty-nights-street-food-festival/
MARCH 17TH
Roots & Boots
Queen Creek
20464 E Riggs Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 | 7:00 AM
One of Mesa’s signature events, come celebrate Arizona heritage at this spring event. Bring the family and experience authentic southwest culture with barrel races, a rodeo dance, Mutton Bustin’ ride, and a special show put on by the Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters. Get more information, including ticket sales and performance times, at rootsnboots.org.
MARCH 20TH
Los Angeles Angels VS Chicago Cubs
2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 | 1:05 PM
It’s Spring Training Season! Come see the Chicago Cubs play against the LA Angels at Sloan Park! You can get your tickets to this game and other spring training games at www.mlb.com/ cubs/sloan-park/tickets/single-game
