Bee & Pollen

Photo: Sav Klear, Junegrass Florals and Photography

Be. Lifestyled

Photo: Courtesy of Be. Life Styled Gift + Home

Wish Gifts

Photo: Courtesy of Wish Gifts

Happy Canyon Florist and Gifts

Photo: Courtesy of Happy Canyon Flowers

5048 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO

Perfect Petal

Photo: Courtesy Of The Perfect Petal

White Peacock

Photo: Courtesy of White Peacock

The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to find a serving platter that suits all your gatherings. Explore our top picks for inspiration, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious options.

Sofia Home Red Stoneware Serve Platter, $15.26

Mont Blanc Round Tray, $54.95

Snowman Cheese Board, $79.95

Lastra Holiday Handled Rectangular Platter, $159

Country Estate Platter in Delft Blue, $160

Soleil d’Herm`es Tray, Small Model, $255

Photo: Brooke Austin Photography

Beginning from a simple idea to create her own handbag in 2014, owner of BuxieJo Kerrin Pogozelski has taken Denver by storm with wild and adventurous handbag designs that empower women to feel strong and beautiful. We interview her to learn more about the ten-year journey.

1. What inspired you to create your own handbag in 2014?

My husband Ron was learning to make traditional men’s leather dress shoes by hand and had already bought a bunch of leather tools. We started taking classes to learn basic leather techniques together and I bought my first piece of leather to build myself a bag and sold it on social media before I was even finished. I made another, and that one sold, and that is how BuxieJo was born.

2. How did you and Ron meet and begin working together?

Ron and I met online before it was a really big thing and hit it off long distance. We texted each other for months before meeting in person, so it was like an old fashioned courtship, and it worked. Here we are 15 years later. Ron joined BuxieJo is 2019 after spending 20 plus years working in healthcare after his service in the Army. The timing was right, he joined the team, and has since created a few of his own shapes and size designs for BuxieJo. Now, we both travel to shows together, or sometimes separate, when we both have shows the same weekend.

Photo: Brooke Austin Photography

3. Have you always been interested in design/fashion?

No, not always. I lived in a ski town for many years and wore tech and ski gear in addition to athletic gear because I was always on the go. My personal style since starting BuxieJo has really evolved and now is pretty wild. I buy everything but a few pieces a year secondhand and create outfits as adventurous as our bags to express my personal style. I do not buy anything from fast fashion brands and if I don’t keep a piece for years, then I sell it on my neighborhood swap pages or donate it to a thrift shop. Being as mindful as I possibly can and sharing what I’ve learned about the detriment fast fashion has on our planet is very important to me.

4. What is the creative process like when creating your signature handbags?

I used to hand select every piece of leather and materials and made bags that resonated with me based on the shape of the piece. Now, because we have gotten so busy, and since Ron joined the team, it is a collaboration where we both pick leathers and fabrics that we love and then pick a day where we spread everything out on our studio floor and pair the cowhide fronts with the smooth leather backs and match them with a fun fabric for the interior. For my really special Signature pieces, I dig out scraps and leathers that I have (sometimes) held on to for years until the time is right for them to become something that gives with where my head and heart are at in that moment. Ron has started helping with these by adding free form stitching to attach the different elements to the body of the bag, and between the design and materials, and the stitching, each Signature piece is its own amazing work of art.

Photo: Brooke Austin Photography

5. Why is it important that BuxieJo empowers women to feel strong and beautiful?

Style is a wink to our personalities and I love being part of the voice our ladies communicate to the world! Buying a high-quality bag, or piece of clothing, that has some character and allows the woman to feel confident in her purchase and more so, in her personal style is the best thing any woman can do for herself. Women supporting my woman owned business one bag at a time has helped grow my confidence from a really shy girl, to a badass risk-taker that travels the country selling bags in new cities and meeting new friends and customers. When one of our bags can help do that for one of our customers, it makes us feel great too.

6. What’s been the best advice you’ve learned after 10 years in the handbag business?

Learning to have a thick skin and make just a few different shapes and sizes over the years has really helped point the way for our business. I made a few bags and listened to what ladies were looking for when they came into my booth at shows. Zippers on top, no black interiors, pockets on the inside, not too big, not too small, not too heavy were all things I heard over and over again. So we incorporated what we could and didn’t make things that didn’t fit into our more narrow focus, we don’t make dog collars for example, and just focus on making high-quality pieces that last for years and years.

7. Is there anything else you would like to share?

We hear all the time about the bags people with they had bought the first time they saw them. FOMO is real, and sometimes it takes us years to find the right hides to make a collection similar to one’s we’ve done before, so do not sleep on these babies. Treat yourself. Life is short, so buy the bag. Also, people ask us all the time, so we love letting people know that our name comes from combining our two middle names together, Kerrin Buxie and Ron Joseph, to be BuxieJo.

Photo: Brooke Austin Photography

Photo: David Patterson

Creating a cozy, warm and inviting space during the autumn season is currently at the forefront of our minds. The possibilities are endless with seasonal textures, fabrics and color palettes. We’ve curated a list of five home decor shops to visit across Denver this weekend to get started.

The Lark

Photo: Courtesy of @thelarkdenver

Since 1971, The Lark has been a Denver-go-to for traditional home furnishings, designer accessories, gifts, art, and home décor. Find light and bright pieces that accentuate the autumnal season.

Modern Nomad

Photo: Courtesy of @modernnomadhome

Tell a story through unique decor pieces from around the world, including France, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Turkey, India and the UK. Tableware, glassware, photography, art, vintage furniture and more one-of-a-kind items can be found at Modern Nomad’s RiNo district location.

Lolo Gifts & Home Accents

Photo: Courtesy of @thelolocollective

The beauty of Turkish culture and traditions are emphasized with each piece found at Lolo Rugs and Gifts. Hand-woven rugs, textiles, hand-blown glass lighting and ceramics are among the several items to choose from when designing an autumnal space.

Homebody

Photo: Courtesy of @homebodydenver

Dory Pratt, founder of Homebody, aims to connect design enthusiasts with beautifully unique home furnishings and adornments from all over the world. The shop believes in offering handmade items that originate from individual creativity and skill – inspiring a visually pleasing aesthetic.

Bloom by Anuschka

Photo: Courtesy of @bloom_by_anuschka

Let Bloom by Anuschka add a vibrant touch of whimsy to your abode with flora, art, fine furniture, fabrics and pillows. Everything found at its Cherry Creek North location exudes a passion for all things beautiful.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

As the evenings grow cooler, outdoor living spaces become cozy retreats with the right amenities. Outdoor firepits, heaters, and lanterns transform patios and gardens into warm, inviting havens. These elements not only extend the usability of outdoor areas into the colder months but also enhance the ambiance, creating perfect settings for gatherings and relaxation.

Outdoor Fire Pits

Outdoor fire pits are a popular feature for any backyard. They serve as focal points for social gatherings, where friends and family can gather around the flickering flames to share stories and enjoy the warmth even on a crisp Fall or Winter night. Your outdoor season is extended to virtually year round when there is a fire pit. Design styles are infinite too, from live-steel to sleek, artistic powder-coated metal designs, or softer-edged, organic concrete. While some are built-in fixtures, more modern styles are like furniture, offering flexibility to move or change them as needed.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Metal and precast concrete offer a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to enhance any outdoor setting. In some cases, they can even be personalized with artistic cutouts or colors. Additionally, colorful fire glass, ceramic orbs or artistic steel logs can be added as accent toppers to the burner– creating a touch of whimsy. Metal and concrete varieties serve double duty as coffee tables. If the lip area is larger than six inches, a glass or small plate can easily sit on the edge without getting too warm. The addition of a burner lid creates a solid surface when the fire pit is not in use, therefore making it more table-like.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

The benefits of outdoor fire pits go beyond warmth and aesthetics. They can also be used for adding a fun, campfire-like element to outdoor entertaining. Roasting marshmallows, grilling skewers, or even cooking a full meal over an open flame can be a delightful experience.

Outdoor Heaters

When the weather turns chilly, outdoor heaters prove indispensable. They are designed to radiate warmth over a significant area, making them perfect for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces. There are several types of outdoor heaters, including propane, natural gas, and electric models. Propane heaters are portable and easy to use, while natural gas heaters provide a continuous supply of fuel. Electric heaters are eco-friendly options that can be mounted on walls or ceilings for space-saving solutions, or as freestanding lamp-like structures that also provide light.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Outdoor heaters come in various styles, including free-standing units and wall or ceiling-mounted designs. Each type offers different benefits, from portable convenience to permanent installation, ensuring there’s an option for every need and preference. While the freestanding variety offers the convenience of portability, they can only heat small spaces that are close to them. Wall or ceiling mounted styles offer a larger radius of heat and come in various sizes to accommodate either large or small spaces. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the heat intensity. The key is to choose a heater that fits the size of the area and the purpose of the outdoor space.

Outdoor Lanterns

Lighting is crucial in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere outdoors, and lanterns are an excellent choice for adding charm and functionality. Gone are the days of tiki torches to light the night! Outdoor lanterns now come in an array of designs. Contemporary LED lanterns can be hung from trees, placed on tables, or used to line pathways, enhancing both the safety and beauty of the outdoor area. Battery-operated and solar-powered lanterns offer versatility and ease of use, eliminating the need for electrical wiring. They can be strategically placed to highlight features in the garden or to create a cozy nook for evening relaxation. Lanterns with adjustable brightness settings allow for mood lighting, whether for a lively party or a quiet, intimate evening. With so many design styles and sizes to choose from, you are sure to find one that fits your tastes and needs.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

In conclusion, incorporating fire pits, heaters, and lanterns into your outdoor space can significantly enhance its functionality and appeal. These elements not only provide warmth and light but also contribute to a welcoming and cozy environment, perfect for enjoying the outdoors year-round. Whether hosting a lively gathering or enjoying a peaceful evening alone, these amenities ensure your outdoor space is comfortable and inviting, regardless of the season.

Micheline Stone is the owner of Creative Living, the premier source for modern outdoor patio decor. Visit their showroom in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver, view their profile or contact them at 720.222.9509. 

Content and all photography for this article provided by  Creative Living.

SEE

Photo: Keith Lubow

Summer is my favorite time of year to visit Aspen, and I’m already planning my trip to see the new exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum. Staged by London-based artist Allison Katz, the exhibit “In the House of the Trembling Eye” is a display across the entirety of the museum in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. It presents Katz’s paintings alongside more than 100 artworks and objects by other artists—and frescoes from Pompeii—in an effort to reflect on how time and vision accumulate within a frame, while also revealing unexpected affinities between works of art in various times. The exhibition is on display through September 29, and don’t miss the Museum Shop. Far from your typical gift shop, the store is filled with imaginative home goods and curated artisanal finds. Aspen Art Museum, 637 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen.

EAT

Photo: Casey Wilson

Since being named one of Esquire’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America and one of the most anticipated openings in 2023 by Bon Appetit, Sắp Sửa has become a serious player in the Denver dining scene. Although scoring a reservation can be months out, it’s well worth the wait, as the cuisine, atmosphere and elegant space are immaculate. Husband-and-wife team Ni and Anna Nguyen serve “nontraditional Vietnamese” food inspired by Ni’s experience growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese American. There is a complexity to each dish through depth of flavor and texture; Ni has a thoughtful culinary vision that rivals anything in Denver. “We’re reimagining some of the most humble Vietnamese dishes, like the bắp cải luộc (charred cabbage with anchovy breadcrumbs and egg yolk), to portray the first-gen experience without losing the integrity of the original dish,” says Ni. “I’m putting my childhood food memories on a plate while staying true to tradition.” Sắp Sửa, 2550 E. Colfax Ave., Denver.

LOW TO HIGH

Sitting pretty on outdoor poofs.

Better Homes & Gardens Stripe Outdoor Pouf, $49

Kent Outdoor/Indoor Pouf,  $69

Bolé Road Variegated Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Floor Cushion,   $125

Point Outdoor Ottoman by Fatboy, Stripe Azur Olefin fabric, $149

Diamond Navy Indoor/Outdoor Pouf, $248

Moseley Round Outdoor Ottoman, $364

Parkside Pouf,  $548

Surya Dita Knit Outdoor-Safe Pouf,  in aqua, $465

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

The evolution of outdoor entertainment spaces has been building momentum for quite some time. Over the last few years, we’ve seen more homeowners than ever eager to invest in luxury, innovation and unique design to create cutting-edge outdoor kitchens, functional and beautiful dining spaces and super comfortable lounge areas to gather with friends and family. Bold colors, alluring finishes, and professional-grade appliances—these are just a few of the trends we’re seeing. Read on for more, plus tips to help you plan the ultimate outdoor entertainment space for your home.

Optimal Mingling Spaces

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Design a cohesive space that encourages guests to be part of the meal prep process and allows them to socialize with the chef. Add bar or counter stools to the countertop for optimal mingling. Create a lounge area complete with a sofa sectional and stools directly adjacent to the kitchen with cozy chairs and a portable bar cart where guests can mix cocktails or position a bar-height table and chairs close to the kitchen to make it easy for guests to be part of the action.

Stainless Steel Cabinetry

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Built-in masonry outdoor kitchens are a thing of the past. For a more modern look, anchor your outdoor kitchen with commercial-grade 100% stainless steel cabinetry. Finished with a high-quality durable powder coat, these cabinets not only withstand the legendary Colorado weather, they add a modern, timeless look to your space. While you’re at it, go bold! With more than 60 colors and realistic wood grain finishes, as well as a wide variety of new door styles to choose from, you can truly create a one-of-a-kind entertaining space that reflects your personality.

Fancy-Schmancy Appliances

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Go beyond building stainless steel grills and smokers into your outdoor counters and cabinets. Why not enhance your setup to include a wok on your power burner, steamer/fryer in your grill or a flat-top teppanyaki-style griddle. This feature has become very popular in creating what is called “social grilling” where buyers position them on the end of a run of cabinets so multiple people can cook what they want at the same time.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Additionally, keep everything from plates to pool towels warm in a built-in warming drawer. Indulge in a pizza oven and make your backyard home base for the neighborhood pizza party. And for the ultimate entertainment space, add a wet bar, kegerator, ice maker and built-in fridge. Everything you need for entertaining a large crowd will be at your fingertips.

Durable Work Surfaces

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

It’s essential to choose a material for your outdoor kitchen that is built to withstand the elements. Non-porous porcelain from Dekton by Cosentino offers more than 60 colors to choose from and maintains its structural integrity and beauty in an outdoor environment.

Intimate Spaces

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Living

Nothing beats dining al fresco with friends and family on a warm summer night. The size of your space and its proximity to the outdoor kitchen will help dictate the layout and options. With a plethora of choices to choose from, look for dining sets that are not only comfortable but add that wow factor to your space.

Invest in additional furniture like a sectional or lounge chairs for after-dinner socializing. Add a bubbling fountain or cozy fire pit to boost the ambiance and add to the overall experience. Finally, install custom art panels and colorful planters to separate and define spaces.

Planning the ultimate outdoor entertaining space for your home takes thoughtful consideration. But with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to truly customize your outdoor areas to fit any and all of your needs.

Micheline Stone is the owner of Creative Living, the premier source for modern outdoor patio decor. Visit their showroom in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver, view their profile or contact them at 720.222.9509. 

Content for this article was provided by Creative Living.

Colorado Style Home Furnishings & HGTV Rico to the Rescue

Home is where the heart is, but when a home renovation goes wrong this can feel further from the truth. In a recent episode of HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue, a Centennial couple, Kevin and Kristen, found themselves in the middle of a home construction dilemma. Feeling stuck and unable to solve their situation on their own, they turned to Rico León and his team to help finish what their previous contractor started.

From an incomplete kitchen to an empty basement, the Rico to the Rescue team had their work cut out for them and needed to do it fast. That’s when Colorado Style Home Furnishings, a local family-owned and operated furniture store, caught the eye of HGTV producers with its local reputation and selection of in-stock luxury furniture offerings. The team took advantage of special orders for sofas in hundreds of fabrics or leather options and various-sized tables of different shapes, woods, and finishes.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Style Home Furnishings & HGTV Rico to the Rescue

The couple was looking for furniture that was leather, simple and had a bit of rustic to embody the ethos of their newly renovated and designed home. Despite their circumstances, Brent Simon, Owner of Colorado Style Home Furnishings, tells us how he and his team helped make this dream a reality.”You want furnishings that are not only beautiful to look at, and comfortable to enjoy but also functional for the lifestyle of the family living there. We assisted Kevin and Kristen in selecting beautiful furniture that not only matches their style and looks fantastic but also fulfills their family’s practical requirements. Our priority was to find options that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, seamlessly enhancing the home’s décor and atmosphere.”

Going a step further, Colorado Style Home Furnishings generously donated the couch that the couple had picked while exploring over an acre of possibilities at the store with Rico. “We are so proud to be part of the collaboration with HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue, as it shows the power of perseverance and kindness. We love being involved in our neighborhood and are always looking for ways to give back to our community,” says Simon. When asked about what the best part about being featured on Rico to the Rescue was, Simon explained that it was the collaboration with wonderful people and an honor to give back to those in need. “Rico Leon is a great guy. He has a huge heart, is so nice and very engaging. The producers were amazing to work with through the entire project.”

Photo courtesy of Colorado Style Home Furnishings & HGTV Rico to the Rescue

Photo courtesy of Colorado Style Home Furnishings & HGTV Rico to the Rescue

Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

Integral Thread, a local purveyor of avant-garde rugs and textiles for the home, believes that strengthening community is a vital part of their mission. Their vision is to support the local and international communities that enable them to source the highest quality natural fibers, setting the bar for their fine rugs and textiles. They strive to support and maintain the inspirational manufacturing practices that are free of harsh chemicals often harmful to the environment. 

Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

The charities that Integral Thread supports all hold special meaning, and others are encouraged to learn about and support these organizations as they are able. These special nonprofits impact those in need and spread hope and joy in our own communities and around the world.

Denver Human Services

Denver Human Services’ GIVE Center is a local organization that Integral Thread has been donating to for several years. By taking part in the annual School Supply Drive, and other seasonal giving opportunities, they help fund children and adults fighting financial hardship and homelessness. By donating time, goods, or financial support, the Give Center finds many ways to provide services to others right here in Denver.

Integral Thread’s blanket distribution for the community of Bhadohi, India. | Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

Nivas Safe Shelter

Nivas and their Safe Shelter program is one that Integral Thread discovered through work in their showroom. When the charity’s founder and visionary, Lindsey Kruger, introduced the nonprofit, Integral Thread knew they wanted to help. This organization serves underserved communities in the Solukhumbu and Dhading districts of Nepal in their quest for safety and empowerment. A deep connection to the weaving communities in Nepal makes this a perfect giving opportunity for Integral Thread.

Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

The Glioblastoma Foundation

Support of The Glioblastoma Foundation began after a family member of the Integral Thread team succumbed to this aggressive form of brain cancer. The foundation mission is to transform the standard of care through supporting the development of new drug therapies and treatment options to prolong the comfort, quality, and lives of glioblastoma patients.

Blanket distribution in Bhadohi, India.| Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

STEP Fair Trade Initiative

Knots Rugs is one of the curated collections carried by Integral Thread and is deeply involved in the STEP Fair Trade Initiative. STEP partners commit to the industry’s most comprehensive social and environmental standards monitoring working conditions, practicing eco-friendly production, and prohibiting the use of child labor. The initiative provides educational programs for weavers covering topics such as health, safety, and financial literacy. A Knots Rugs manufacturer in Nepal operates a childcare center, offering its facilities and utilities at no cost.

Photo courtesy of Integral Thread

Be a Giver

To learn more about these organizations, or to donate, please visit the Integral Thread ‘Community’ page on their website.

Photo PAULIG

Jeff Deutsch, founder of Artisan Rug Gallery, has been scouring the globe for over two decades to procure the finest hand-woven rugs made with the highest quality materials. He has traveled from the Andes to Central America and the Middle East to search for rugs woven with wool and silk. Today, Deutsch and his wife, Tiffany, continue to travel to learn about the art of making fine artisanal carpets and rugs. They have established Artisan Rug Gallery’s three locations in Denver, Crested Butte, and North Carolina as the best in the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

Photo Jaipur Rugs

Each handcrafted rug at the gallery is individually selected for its superior quality and color mix from the creators of the rugs themselves. Deutsch says he sees a trend toward the traditional and vintage rugs in urban areas, and rugs with contemporary flair as a prominent choice for mountain homes. “That said, there are a lot of crossovers,” he points out. “All of our selections are high end wool and silk rugs, so the quality and craftsmanship are impeccable no matter the style.”

Photo Lacey Land

The gallery offers personalized attention to every client ensuring that distinction and size make each purchase a client’s ideal choice. Bespoke rugs are available, and a gallery consultation is the first step toward a custom design. The gallery carries styles that include modern, classic, vintage, tribal, and authentic Moroccan to name just a few. Vintage rugs are reworked by artisans to adapt colors and pile height to complement modern aesthetics. An array of rug sizes, shapes, and color combinations can give your room its own personality. A fine rug can tie together a room’s décor in a unique and unexpected way.

Photo Dane Cronin Photography

Each brick-and-mortar store location offers personal attention from staff to guide and educate customers, helping them to keep their rug as beautiful as the day it was purchased. Daily care and cleaning guidelines are available in-store and online along with tips and instructions to preserve the beauty of a purchase. The shops can also provide guidelines for repair if needed. Visit a store location to see the abundant selection of meticulously crafted rugs in-person—or go to the Artisan Rug Gallery website to learn more about their inventory and purchasing criteria.

Courtesy Of Artisan Rug Gallery