Reno, NV March 2024

Mid-Century Modern

What Makes a House a Home?

Can you put your finger on it, specifically? The Scandinavians have a term that may do the trick: hygge, which refers to finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship.

Maybe that’s it, simple, warm touches that create a cozy atmosphere, mixed with a healthy serving of friendship, or at least friendly vibes.

Having collectively been through thousands of homes over the years, it’s surprising how we’re still struck by that special something, that sense of hygge, in some of the most unexpected homes.

I’m continually impressed with the creativity and ability our clients have for transforming OK homes into something spectacular, warm, welcoming, and full of hygge. Special shoutout to Lindsay G. and Melissa O. for your outstanding home transformations, room by room. Netflix would make a killing off of a show based on your ideas and talents.

I asked Natalya Novick, co-owner of The Paloma, (50 South Virginia Street) about little or simple things that can upgrade a space from just functional or good enough, to something with flair, panache, or warmth. Consider this:

1. For a spring refresh - Add some plants. They always recommend growing them in a clear vessel with water, and our favorite is the Pothos. Abloom (also in The Basement) has great options.

2. For a cozy refresh - Add a series of pillows to a sofa. When selecting your pillow series, try to mix colors, textures, and sizes to make sure you have a variety of each.

3. For a warm refresh - Add candles. They do their best to make sure that the candle is chemical free and has a light scent. Their signature Paloma candle makes for a great gift as well!

Pro Tip: When your candle is kaput, freeze the vessel for an hour, tap the bottom to remove the wax, clean out the wick and reuse as a beautiful storage container.

When it comes to attracting the highest and best offer in any marketplace, a home that shows well is a critical component. Staging consultation, with a design professional like Natalya, is just one of the many services we offer our clients to help them enter the market strong.

We look forward to the opportunity to chat with you and guide you through your next real estate purchase or sale and to create your own sense of hygge.

March 2024

Building a Home

Home. So much contained in that little word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the details look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. For each and every one of us, home is our own.

Creating a space to call home can be an incredibly challenging pursuit. Having the fortitude to buck a trend or to take a risk and fear other people won’t embrace your aesthetic can be gut-wrenching. But at the end of the day, taste is a big part of what defines us as human beings and thankfully, most of us are equipped to own whatever it is that makes us happy.

When I sat down to write this letter, it made me think about my personal tastes and, in all honesty, I’d be really hard-pressed to paint that picture very accurately. I know what I like when I see it and I generally know what I don’t like but honing in on a handful of items that might create a starting point for a home or design project? Tough one! Ok, it has to be comfortable and functional. There, that’s what I like.

Home for me is definitely about the roof over my head and creating timeless spaces but honestly, home is so much more. It’s about where we choose to build our lives and most importantly, it’s about the people we surround ourselves with. I love the home I live in but I’m not sure I would if my family didn’t share it with me. Home is about us.

On a somewhat related topic, since we launched, we’ve heard from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or as an accessory.  It makes us both happy and incredibly proud to create something that is valued in our community and strive every month to live up to your expectations. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your home, it sure feels good to be there.

MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO

Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com

Nora Heston Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com

Erin Hanna-Butros Meyering, Angela Rudolph, Nora Heston Tarte

Jenny Anderson, Eric Marks, Angela Rudolph, Rob Simpson Photography

city scene

Want to be seen in the magazine?

1: The Biggest Little Cafe opened in the first-floor lobby at Reno City Hall January 17. 2: Six The Musical graced the Pioneer Center stage January 2-7. 3: Kenan Blackshear poses with a fan after UNR’s huge win over Fresno Pacific December 30. 4: On January 5, The Pioneer Center unveiled an artistic bike rack sculpture on the plaza. 5: Sarah Bear Rively smiles with the hosts of City Talk, Debbie McCarthy and Amber Hale. 6: The Nevada Society of Scottish Clans held the 42nd annual Robert Burns Dinner January 27. 7: The Reno Sheep Show came to town January 18-20.

TOWN DEB

PIONEER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

DOWNTOWN RENO

MIKE ALT

MIKE ALT

MERANDA DARBY

If you own a business and you’re reading this, so are your best customers.

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MIKE.MCCARTHY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

ICONIC,

DESIGN functional

LCDMODERN ELEGANTLY COMBINES DESIGN AND FUNCTION

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA RUDOLPH

Step inside LCDModern for stunning pieces of home furnishings on every surface, from eye-catching wall art to sleek furniture, elegant and functional décor to literature for you and your guests to peruse. A trip to LCDModern helps buyers discover unique pieces that will elevate their home unlike anywhere else. It’s easy to spend hours in store, finding something new with every step.

Owner Linda Cox Demers (LCD) studied interior design at Indiana University and worked for renowned Chicago architect, Stanley Tigerman. She used that passion and eye for design to open LCDModern’s storefront in 2018. “My family moved to Reno in 2011,” says Linda. “I’ve always wanted to be involved with the Reno community in an artistic way and the store has allowed me to do just that.”

Linda has a relentless desire to share and inspire others with beautifully designed elements. She curates items from all over the world but loves to find pieces locally, too. “I find things everywhere I go, particularly in my favorite cities,” she explains. “I found Zafferano lights in a restaurant in Italy in 2016. I knew they’d be popular here!”

Zafferano, one company Linda partners with, creates stunning lighting options for inside and outside your home. Their products range from large to small, including rechargeable, cordless, and portable lamps. “My philosophy is to offer unique and innovative things that will bring joy into one’s home and life,” she says. “From kitsch to classic, iconic to emerging, I believe good design never goes out of style.”

Linda has created not just a store but a place to gather and enjoy elegant design together. LCDModern hosts workshops, gallery nights, and events at least quarterly. Be the first to hear about them via the LCDModern newsletter or on social media; find LCD Modern on Facebook and Instagram @LCDmodern

“I’ve always wanted to be involved with the Reno community in an artistic way.”

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

MID-CENTURY MODERN

A Heavenly Valley home gets a much-needed makeover

Homes built in the 1970s often have good bones and unique character, unlike some of the more cookie-cutter builds on the market today. They also, however, may include dated features such as small rooms, inadequate storage space, and low ceilings. To open up a Heavenly Valley home in southwest Reno, AC Cabinets got to work maximizing space and storage without sacrificing the original architecture and charm.

The home was partially remodeled in the 2000s to open up the living space and remove some unnecessary walls. “Despite its age, the architecture of the house had a very contemporary feel, with clerestory windows flooding the living room with light, and beautiful Brazilian cherry wood floors throughout,” says Carol Duffy, owner of AC Cabinets.

“The overall goal was to update the look of the home and increase its functionality while still paying homage to the age and style of the architecture,” Duffy says. This was achieved mostly through an extensive kitchen and two bathroom remodel.

CONTINUED >

“The master bathroom was divided into three cramped spaces and also had a very low dropped ceiling,” Duffy shares. Some of the other issues had more to do with natural wear and tear, including cabinets that had served their purpose for more than 50 years.

“The clients knew they had a major project ahead of them, but the bones of their dream home were there in front of them. All they needed was a design team to help make it happen,” Duffy says.

For the kitchen, the original five cabinets and awkward pantry weren’t supplying enough storage. With the help of a contractor, hired to oversee the construction, AC Cabinets optimized space by opening up the pantry wall, reconfiguring the kitchen island, and creating more storage space. “The clients now had 50% more counter space as well as seventeen cabinets, including two fullheight pantry cabinets, in place of the five small cabinets they had previously, all in the same space,” Duffy explains.

“The master bathroom was the most changed of all the rooms...  A little bit of exploration revealed that above the dropped ceiling was a vaulted beamed, tongue and grooved ceiling, carried through from the bedroom.”

The bathrooms received similar treatment. Twelve inches was borrowed from the master bedroom to transform three smaller spaces into one flowing area. New, floating cabinets were installed not only to update the overall visual impact, but also to create the illusion of more square footage. “With the help of the contractor, we opened up the master bathroom, adding a window and a huge shower in place of a small tub and shower unit, and replacing an awkward corner cupboard with a tall linen closet and floating vanity,” Duffy says. A tub was also added to the second bathroom.

“We used a floating vanity. These always make the room feel a little larger because you see more floor. We kept the color scheme simple - white and charcoal gray, with a pop of fun color from a full-height, acid-yellow glass tile backsplash.”

AC Cabinets kept the main materials simple, opting for mostly neutral tones. However, touches of color were added with fun bathroom tiles and a soft sea-green mid-century style glass backsplash tile in the kitchen to contrast with the matte white scratch-resistant laminate cabinetry, used throughout. “For the countertops, we chose a softly veined quartzite, with butcherblock as a contrast for the breakfast bar nook,” Duffy says. The overall effect was just what the client asked for—a more intentional space with a minimalist feel.

The last piece of the puzzle was reimagining the master bed. AC Cabinets created a floating style to complement the mid-century design and add a final design piece to tie the home together.

HAPPY. HEALTHY. PETS.

NOT ALL WHO WONDER ARE LOST

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE

WINTERWONDERGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL PLAYS IN TAHOE

WinterWonderGrass, a bluegrass music festival and beer tasting event held in Palisades, is ramping up for its eighth year. The program, led by Scotty Stoughton (the founder, janitor, and financier of the festival), will bring 25 bluegrass artists to the mountains for a three-day weekend, hosted April 5-7. It's the local iteration of a festival that started in Stoughton's home state of Colorado, and to this day only the two linked events exist.

“I just hope to instill in people that have never been that it’s not necessarily about the bands or the brewers, it’s about creating a space where everyone feels kind of connected and honored and seen,” Stoughton says. “You feel this incredible energy that’s created by people that are so excited to be there.”

The family friendly event includes three heated tasting tents open from 2-5 p.m., and three rotating bands creating the day’s soundtrack. It offers a choose-your-own-adventure style where guests can pass from tent to tent to see their favorite artists, 12 of which are new to WonderGrass this year (and 13 that have played the event before).

Once the tastings end, the main outdoor stage opens up, offering four places to take in tunes until 10 p.m. The energy is late-night New Orleans—a little funky, a little moody, but with a backdrop that welcomes the best artist of all to do its work, Mother Nature. After all, where else can you listen to live music surrounded by snowfall?

“You can meet and mingle and it’s just a wonderful way to connect,” Stoughton says. “You leave feeling more inspired and healthier than when you arrived.”

For 2024, there was a lot of emphasis put on bettering the tasting program. In addition to beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing and nearly 20 other vendors, there is also a winery and spirits company joining the mix. The other main focus is on sustainability, creating beauty in a place while simultaneously inspiring others to help that beauty persevere.

As for music, Stoughton is excited to welcome back Paul Cauthen— “that guy puts on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen”—and The Devil Makes Three from Santa Cruz, as well as welcoming newcomer Sierra Ferrell. “Anytime an artist comes for the first time it’s just amazing to watch their reaction.”

Tickets are available at winterwondergrass.com.

2024 Music Line-up

Check out the bluegrass bands committed to play this year’s WinterWonderGrass festival in Palisades. Groups represent both local acts and out-of-area musicians and music will be played across four total stages including both outdoor and tented venues across all three days of the festival.

Sierra Ferrell

The Devil Makes Three

Paul Cauthen

The Infamous Stringdusters

Kitchen Dwellers

Andy Frasco & The U.N.

Sierra Hull

The Lil Smokies

Mighty Poplar

Lindsay Lou

Sam Grisman Project

WinterWonderWomen

Pickin’ on the Dead

Diggin Dirt

Tejon Street Corner Thieves

Two Runner

Clay Street Unit

Shadowgrass

Boot Juice

Caltucky

Broken Compass Bluegrass

RiverWonderGrass All-Stars

Parmesan & Personality

MARCOLINO’S ITALIA IS TAKING ORDERS, AND TAKING NAMES

ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUTROS MEYERING PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS

Meet Marco Brown.

He’s witty, confident, and charismatic. He’s also the owner of Marcolino’s Italia in downtown Reno and for all intents and purposes, he just goes by Marco. From a lifelong dream to fully operational food trailer in 2022 and finally in April of 2023, taking its current landscape by the river, Marco has kept his tastes high in providing quality and tasty Italian food. “Being a frontman is what I’m good at. It’s all I’ve ever known," he says.

In chatting with Billy Green, Marco’s best friend and restaurant manager, he can affirm that Marco at his core is more of a “room service and limo” person, rather than a trailer guy. And with more than 37 years in fine dining—he means it.

Although his tendencies lean towards Italian gourmet, Marco has earned his green, white, and red stripes in the industry. Marco started his career as a dishwasher and now enjoys his name on the building.

And why settle on an Italian establishment? To be closer to his roots and well, because who doesn’t love a hearty Bolognese? As a kid, Marco recalls his grandparents (originally from Palermo, Sicily) barely speaking English but cooking food all day. Although he himself was born and raised in Danville, Calif., he makes it a priority to honor his roots through great food (and perhaps a greater personality).

Marco is all about the experience. While his wife of nearly 30 years, Lynette, was the one to originally encourage him to start a food trailer, he upped the ante by serving over 70 percent of his current menu, his gourmet menu, out of the trailer and not adapting quality for ease.

And now, Marcolino’s.

The intention and passion behind the menu and Marcolino’s suiting logo are true of its location as well. With a current capacity of about 40 people, Marcolino’s Italia is intimate. Upon being seated, it’s as if you’re stepping into a European cafe. Much of the menu is made in-house and the pasta is imported from Italy. There’s a little something on the menu for everyone with some do-not-skips including the fried ravioli and lasagna.

“My favorite is the Vodka Penne, and who doesn’t love bacon,” Marco admits. “But you also can’t go wrong with the Bolognese. Ours has beef and pork, It’s delicious.”

Marcolino’s is reasonably priced with generous portions, which is tricky when you want to try everything on the menu. Near the end of the meal, I had to find my spumoni stomach , just to make room for that extra cherry on top.

While reservations are recommended, if you’re not looking to wait, Marcolino’s offers catering, takeout, and is also on DoorDash, GrubHub, and Uber Eats.

Welcome to the team, and the family.

At Marcolino’s, it’s a team effort. From prep to service, it’s all hands on deck. Marco isn’t a typical fine dining restaurant owner. While the linens are white and the ambiance overlooking the river pristine, he is adamant there isn’t a dress code. It’s fine dining with incredible food (and service) without the stuffy. I can attest as I brought my 13-month-old ham hock of a baby alongside my husband and I to try the food. While we wined and dined, my son indulged in the rich and savory garlic bread.

The family-owned business is as warm as they come. Many of the menu items are named for family members. One of their most popular dishes—the lasagna—after Lynnie, his wife, and the garlic bread for his grandson, Benny. It’s no wonder there are repeat customers, as the food is filling and the experience seamless and joyous.

Business Info:

Marcolino’s Italia

254 W 1st St., Reno (775) 800-1693

marcolinositalia.com

On an average night, you’ll see your two main servers, Marco and Billy, traversing seven stairs from the main dining area to the kitchen and bar back-and-forth with ease. They have a distinct way of handling their tables, too, through communication only honed from working with one another for over 20 years. Although they are juggling plates, eager customers, takeout pick-ups, and phone inquiries, they are both calm, collected, and dare I say, cool?

While Marco does wear a lot of hats, he also believes in letting folks do what they do best, which means he stays out of the kitchen. For your well-cooked chicken parm, you can thank Kassandra Tomasevic, who comes to Marcolino’s highly trained under Chef Gordon Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen in Lake Tahoe. “We’re very blessed to have her,” says Marco.

More Marinara & More Marco To Come

With a great story, and loyal customers, Marcolino’s has been booming. Marco says expanding is in the works. Named Best New Restaurant by Reno’s Yelp in 2023, and nominated for other various awards, Marcolino’s Italia has seen the success Marco and his team not only dreamed up, but also grinded for.

Just as you’d see them in the restaurant, completely in sync: “I’m proud of what we’ve built as a team,” says Billy. Marco agrees, “There’s no end in sight.”

This

Come Sit With Us

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE

BY JENNY ANDERSON

| PHOTOGRAPHY

CULT CLASSIC MEAN GIRLS TAKES OVER BROADWAY IN RENO

Mean Girls is having a moment. The original film that debuted in 2004 has since gotten new life as a musical, and it’s not just set to play at the Pioneer Performing Arts Center in March. The box office record-breaking production is also taking over Hollywood after debuting as a major motion picture at theaters across the world this January, twenty years after its original debut.

While you may have already seen the blockbuster hit, there is still time to purchase tickets for the live-action theater experience, which plays in Reno March 12-17 as part of The Pioneer Center's Broadway Comes to Reno program. It comes from a team of award-winning playwrights, including ninetime Emmy Award® winner Tina Fey, who wrote the original film script. Music and lyrics were written by Emmy Award® winner Jeff Richmond and two-time Tony Award® nominee Nell Benjamin, while twotime Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw imagined the choreography.

Mean Girls is making a name in both venues for its uproariously funny take on high school in suburbia, complete with all of the beloved (or love-to-hate) characters, reimagined for a new generation, and staying close but still taking creative license with the original screenplay.

If you're not already familiar, here's the rundown. Cady Heron, the lead character and an exchange student from Africa suddenly experiencing high school in small-town Illinois for the first time, is simultaneously in cahoots with and at odds with a team of picture-perfect plastic girls and a duo of outcasts as

she rises in popularity and battles with her own moral compass. But who is and isn’t her best friend? Well, I guess you’ll have to see for yourself. And while you may think you know the story already, you've never seen it quite like this. The line-up of original (and very catchy) songs make the perfectly pink and seriously sinister tale even more fun to bop along to. And if you've been watching Mean Girls on repeat for the past two decades, don't fret; your favorite inside jokes hit with just as much spunk as they always did.

The Broadway rendition has been running since 2018 (and graced the stage at the National Theatre in Washington DC in the second half of 2017), but 2024 marks the first time the stage show will land on a Northern Nevada stage, with the same high-level talent that hits other major cities on the North American Tour. The tour also coincides with the film’s release, which means more people than ever are in the know about the totally fetch stage show. And yes, we're still trying to make fetch happen.

Get sucked into the silly antics that New York Magazine dubbed, “hilarious,” and “a smart, splashy new musical that delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” The Chicago Tribune boasts, “Tina Fey writes funnier, smarter, sharper satire than anyone else in the business.”

To see it in person, purchase tickets through The Pioneer Center and get ready to become part of the herd. Tickets are available at the Pioneer Center box office, 100 S. Virginia St., by visiting pioneercenter. com, or by calling 775-434-1050. If you don’t show up, you might just get burned.