Boise, ID March 2026

Tree

care for longevity & legacy

A Closer Look at Home

Home isn’t a formula. It’s personal.

It’s the colors you choose, the way light moves through a room, the chair everyone ends up in, and the spaces that make you feel comfortable and happy. Interior and exterior. Big gestures and small details. Homes that evolve as life does.

This Home issue looks at that process from a few angles. You’ll find stories about design as feeling, not rules. Color as mood. Spaces shaped around real lives, not perfection.

We also spend time in both familiar neighborhoods and places just beginning to take shape. New communities, like older ones, start with ideas about how people want to live, gather, and feel at home. Watching that early chapter unfold can be just as interesting as seeing a space once it’s fully settled.

Beyond the home itself, we step into music, food, and everyday experiences that continue to shape life here in Idaho.

If something in these pages makes you pause, rethink a space, or appreciate your home a little more, then we’ve done our job.

VINCE GEWALT, PUBLISHER @BOISELIFESTYLE

Boise Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Boise Metro Chamber, 1101 W. Front St.

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Vince Gewalt | vince.gewalt@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jill Trotter | jill.trotter@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Martha Channer, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Tammy De Weerd, Denise Llorente, Dana Biberston, Sean O’Keefe, Angela Broockerd, Rhiannon Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tammy de Weerd, Sean O’Keefe, Tony Moody, Robin Charlesworth, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

inside the issue

Wine Storage Design

Thoughtful design choices that integrate wine naturally into

When Winter Lingers Music Takes Over

Snowfort blends skiing days with mountain concerts as Tamarack settles into its late-winter rhythm season

Harmony Begins With Color Choices

Color functions

unifying

Bachman Custom Homes’ first estate residence in Valnova introduces a refined foothills home that reflects the land itself, blending expansive views, thoughtful architecture, and outdoor living within one of Eagle’s emerging master-planned communities.

Valnova

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER

Noteworthy in Idaho

Pink With Purpose

The third annual Make It Pink Gala returns May 2, 2026 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, supporting scholarships and kindness initiatives through an elegant evening of auctions, performances, and community impact. madewithkindnessfoundation.com

Tacos Underground

Toros Tacos opened its first Boise brickand-mortar inside Shrine Social Club, bringing late-night street tacos, burritos, and classic LA-inspired comfort food to downtown during live shows and evening hours. theduckclub.com

Year of Riesling

Idaho names 2026 the Year of Riesling, spotlighting a versatile grape that has shaped the state’s wine history for decades. From dry to sweet styles, winemakers celebrate its range and food-friendly appeal. idahowines.org

Snowfort 2026

March 6–7: Two nights of live music at Tamarack Resort blend winter days on the mountain with evening performances by national and regional artists, followed by late-night village afterparties. treefortmusicfest.com

Construction continues at The Village at Meridian, with a six-building expansion adding shops and restaurants. Planned tenants include Alo Yoga, Vuori, and Kendra Scott, reshaping the Eagle Road entrance. thevillageatmeridian.com

PURPOSE BEYOND BUILDING

DESIGN, COMMUNITY COMMITMENT, AND GLOBAL IMPACT SHAPING EVERY PROJECT

ARTICLE BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY MOODY AND ROBIN CHARLESWORTH

Justin Reynolds bought his first home when he was 23. It was not long before he began remodeling it, learning through trial and error what worked and what did not. The changes caught attention. Neighbors started knocking on the door, asking if the house was for sale. “People kept asking to buy it,” he recalls. “I guess I did a good job.” What began as a personal project soon became something more serious.

That early experience led Reynolds toward building homes rather than simply owning them. Today, through Sunrise Development LLC and Moderna

Design + Build, he focuses on custom residential projects shaped less by trends and more by the realities of everyday life. His approach begins with how clients move through their homes, how they work, gather, rest, and adapt over time. Design decisions grow out of those conversations rather than a fixed template.

Each home reflects different priorities. Some clients want open layouts that encourage entertaining and connection. Others need quiet separation for remote work, or spaces that accommodate multigenerational living. Reynolds pays close attention to transitions between rooms, natural light, and how spaces feel throughout the day. He describes the work as a balance between flexibility and intention, where no square footage exists without purpose.

Location, however, remains the most challenging variable. Reynolds evaluates sites through the same lens as his clients. Proximity to schools, work, and services matters, but so does access to trails, rivers, and open land. Boise’s appeal, he says, lies in that intersection. The city offers urban convenience without losing touch with the outdoors, a quality that continues to shape both his projects and his long-term commitment to Idaho.

Reynolds moved to Idaho in 2002 after years of research and has never reconsidered the decision. He points to the pace of life, access to recreation, and sense of community as defining characteristics. “There are not many places where you can ski and golf in the same day,” he says. “Or raft in the morning and be back for a meeting in the afternoon.” That closeness between commerce and wild land, he believes, will continue to draw people and businesses to the region.

Outside of work, Reynolds spends time exploring the Treasure Valley with his wife Christine, their children, and grandchildren. The family often builds entire

afternoons around small discoveries. “It could be a waterfall, a trail, or a restaurant we had not tried,” he says. “It is all close enough that it does not feel planned.”

Community involvement remains an understated but consistent part of his work. Whenever possible, materials are sourced locally or regionally. Excess building supplies are donated rather than discarded, supporting organizations that redirect materials back into housing and community projects. Reynolds has also tied his work to a broader humanitarian effort. For every custom home completed, he funds the installation of a water well in Africa, extending the idea of shelter and access beyond local boundaries.

Looking forward, Reynolds is developing a new residential community influenced by the modernist desert architecture of Palm Springs. The project will feature clean lines, airy interiors, and strong indoor-outdoor connections through expansive windows and minimalist forms. Rather than representing a shift, the project builds on themes that have defined his work from the start. Design, for Reynolds, remains rooted in place, people, and the quiet details that shape how a home is actually lived in.

ARTICLE AND

SEAN O'KEEFE

RECHARGING YOUR SOUL IN

Travel is no longer just a luxury, it’s an investment that has the power to enrich our lives in ways that traditional financial investments cannot. It broadens our horizons, enhances personal and professional growth, and allows you to recharge your mind and body.

Crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.

Cancún is known around the world as one of Mexico’s finest tourist destinations. Steeped in the rich history of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún offers visitors the best that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer. Whether you are coming for the all-inclusive resort experience or are looking to enjoy the seemingly never-ending gorgeous beaches, Cancún has it all. Unbelievably fresh and delicious seasonal cuisine, great weather, a rich cultural history, exquisitely clear turquoise blue Caribbean waters, and vibrant coral reefs are all waiting for you to explore when you arrive.

Nature lovers, environmentalists, thrill seekers, and luxury destination travel enthusiasts all have a place to call home in Cancún. Boulevard Kukulkan, more commonly known as the Hotel Zone, is home to Cancún’s most luxurious all-inclusive hotels and boasts some of the city’s finest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers. This fifteen-mile-long sand bar separates the Caribbean Sea from the Laguna Inchoate. The brackish waters of

the lagoon’s nature reserve and Mangrove ecosystem offer an exciting, ecologically friendly look into the rich natural history of Cancún. On the other side of the boulevard, crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.

The JW Marriott Resort and Spa is the place to stay while in Cancún. You'll be met by the most gracious of staff and a high level of service is standard across the property. This impeccably designed resort features multiple pools, an incredible spa, countless delicious restaurants, and a delightful lobby bar featuring over 150 signature margaritas.

Caring for the mind and body should be an essential part of everyone’s travel. A little physical exercise is a necessary element of any vacation for me. Puerto Maya Cancún combines a look into the historical Mayan culture of the Yucatán followed by an amazing speed boat tour of both the lagoon and the sea. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s time to jump in and swim around. Snorkeling on the vibrant coral reefs and visiting MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, absolutely recharges the mind, body, and soul. It is an incredible workout!

If you care to go a little further out of the city, Cenotes Zapote Eco-Tour awaits. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose cool, refreshing, groundwater

that is both invigorating and spiritually refreshing at the same time. There are over 6000 cenotes on the Yucatán, each one is unique and otherworldly. Floating or frolicking in the cool waters inside the earth is the ultimate spa experience. There are zip lines or diving platforms at most cenotes and they are well worth experiencing.

While it is nice to explore the “Hotel Zone”,  you don't have to leave the hotel to experience fine international dining at its best!

Sacbé Beach Shack, located in the adjoining Marriott property was beyond belief. Situated directly on the sandy beaches beneath the hotel, the "beach shack" is a whimsically designed bar and dining room offering a perfect oceanside culinary experience. The freshest local ingredients were artfully combined to create a scrumptious offering that highlights regional Mexican cuisines. The mezcal lab experience with famed Master Mezcalier, Chef Benjamín Nava Vargas was an unexpected treat and opened a door to a delicious understanding and appreciation of small-batch mezcals.

Other JW Marriott Resort and Spa culinary treasures include Hana Polynesian Grill’s themed dining room. Perfectly crafty cocktails paired wonderfully with the authentic Polynesian Islands menu. The evening’s festivities were highlighted by a completely themed costumed troupe of singers and dancers performing time-honored Polynesian fire dances. While visiting, be sure to explore Kasai Izakaya, Club 91, and Bravo, a very fresh take on modern Spanish cuisine.

And, when it feels like it’s time to leave the hotel again, check out Chambao Cancún. Just think of it as an interactive curated dinner theatre experience with pop-up music, dance, fashion, and acrobatic activations staged throughout the evening.

Cancún should be at the top of everyone’s travel list. Trust me, you can thank me later.

JW-Marriott.marriott.com PuertoMayaCancun.com CenotesZapote.com ChambaoRestaurant.com

Wine StorageDesign

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN CHOICES THAT INTEGRATE WINE NATURALLY INTO EVERYDAY LIVING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY TAMMY DE WEERD

Designing with wine in mind doesn’t necessarily require an expensive cellar or a perfectly staged room. More often, it’s a series of thoughtful decisions—made over time—that shape how wine fits into your lifestyle and budget. When wine is considered during design, it’s about creating spaces that invite people to gather and connect. In our own home, wine storage evolved gradually. Initially, we simply stored our wine in our refrigerator. Later, a small under-counter work station was reconfigured to make room for a specialty-sized wine refrigerator—bringing wine officially into our

GOOD WINE DESIGN DOESN’T COMPETE WITH THE HOME—IT SUPPORTS

IT.

living space. If we were to do it again, we would create more space for a standard-sized wine refrigerator. Much better value for the money. It was a small lesson learned, but an important one. Good design balances functionality and cost.

Elsewhere, wine storage grew as needs changed. In our home office, wine refrigerators were added one at a time in an open closet with doors removed, allowing for proper air circulation. The result feels intentional, not overdesigned. Wine became part of the space.

A poured concrete “root cellar” beneath the house, originally intended for food storage, now quietly holds wine beneath the pantry floor, blending seamlessly into daily life. Cool, functional, and hidden.

Good wine design doesn’t compete with the home—it supports it.

In one residential build, an underutilized space beneath the main floor was intentionally reclaimed as basement wine storage—demonstrating how planning can transform overlooked areas into functional design features. Rather than adding square footage, the design focused on improving adjacent unused space within the home’s existing footprint, opening a vast area for a growing wine collection. Natural temperature stability and limited light made the space especially well suited for wine, illustrating that thoughtful design doesn’t always require more room—just better use of what already exists.

That same mindset is echoed by John and Michelle MacArthur, who integrated a wine cellar during a major home remodel. Rather than treating wine storage as an afterthought, they considered it early—thinking carefully about where it would best fit, how it would be used, and how it would work naturally into the flow of the home.

“We knew once we bought the house that we needed to plan for wine storage right away,” John said. “It wasn’t about adding something later—it was about figuring out where it would fit into how we live.”

Having designed wine spaces in previous homes, the MacArthurs were especially intentional this time around. Accessibility mattered. So did integration. Their goal wasn’t just proper storage, but a space that connected easily to the kitchen and dining areas—where food, people, and conversation naturally come together.

Together, these examples highlight an important point: wine spaces are personal and come in many sizes. They are shaped by individual needs, priorities, and budget.

“IT WASN’T ABOUT ADDING SOMETHING LATER—IT WAS ABOUT FIGURING OUT WHERE IT WOULD FIT INTO HOW WE LIVE.”

As life evolves—children leaving, rooms changing purpose, workspaces emerging—wine storage often evolves alongside it. A former bedroom might become a dedicated storage room. An office might quietly absorb a few racks or refrigerators. A forgotten corner might finally find its purpose.

Designing with wine in mind isn’t about how many bottles you store or where. It’s about recognizing opportunity, planning thoughtfully, and creating spaces that support how you actually live.

Because at its best, wine design isn’t only about storage. It’s about slowing down, welcoming conversation, and staying awhile.

Tammy de Weerd is a contributing writer for Boise Lifestyle and Meridian Lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of Spoken Wines.

Music Takes Over WHEN WINTER LINGERS

Snowfort blends skiing days with mountain concerts as Tamarack settles into its late-winter rhythm season

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER

By early March, Tamarack feels different. The crowds thin just enough, the snow settles into a reliable rhythm, and the mountain seems to exhale. It is the moment when winter locals linger a little longer, knowing the season is rounding a corner. Snowfort has learned to live comfortably in that space.

Returning March 6 and 7, 2026, Snowfort brings its fourth year of live music to the Village at Tamarack Resort, folding evening concerts into days spent skiing, riding, or wandering the trails. The concept is simple and largely unchanged since its start. Music happens after the lifts slow down. Boots replace ski boots. The mountain becomes a backdrop rather than the main attraction.

Friday night belongs to Blu DeTiger, whose bass-heavy pop leans into funk and movement. Her rise has been steady rather than sudden, built on groove, stage presence, and an ability to hold a crowd without spectacle. It is the kind of set that works outdoors, where people are bundled up, dancing more for warmth than performance. Boise bands Mondo Pondo and Sheep Bridge Jumpers open the night, keeping the evening rooted in the regional scene before the music drifts toward a late afterparty at Seven Devils Taphouse.

Saturday shifts the tone without losing momentum. NEIL FRANCES brings a DJ set shaped by sleek rhythms and melodic restraint. Their sound favors atmosphere over volume, creating a steady pulse rather than a peak-and-drop frenzy. Portland’s Glitterfox adds glam and edge, while Deep Heaven and Red Caroline continue Snowfort’s tradition of giving Boise acts a central role.

Snowfort works because it resists overstatement. Sets run from early evening into night, leaving daylight for the mountain itself. There is no pressure to choose between skiing and music, between winter and culture. The weekend moves easily between both, shaped as much by the setting as the sound.

Snowfort unfolds at Tamarack Resort, a four-season destination, blending skiing, golf, lake recreation, lodging, dining, and year-round programming. Since new ownership took full control in 2021, more than $200 million has reshaped the mountain into a destination. TamarackIdaho.com

ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON

Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES

It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way to create a sanctuary that combines all the elements of your dream home is by immersing yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.

Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.

Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present. You can then combine this global range of influences, unique perspectives, and aesthetic applications to create your own original design plan.

Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!

Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.

LEARN HOW TO INTEGRATE elegant timelessness, AND celebrate BOLD COLORS AND eclectic patterns, OR embrace THE PAST WHILE LIVING IN the present.

Home:

THE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON

Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant Englishmanor-inspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.

Our Way Home:  REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE

The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.

CONTINUED >

COMBINE THIS global range OF INFLUENCES, unique perspectives, AND aesthetic applications TO CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN.

Villa d’Este:

LEGEND ON LAKE COMO

In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Vila d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.

Palm Beach Style: THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK

In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.

HARMONY BEGINS WITH COLOR CHOICES

Like varied musical instruments in an orchestra, a design palette must be replete with high notes, deep sounds, and rhythms. Musical scales make reference to volume in much the same way that we physically define spatial parameters; Like architecture, music is spatial in how it affects the listener’s senses, creates ambiance, and makes textural definition through rhythms. Comparatively, all design and decorative styles affect the emotions and comfort levels through spatial proportions, volume, and color. The correlations are endless and sometimes obvious, so how is this a useful tool in creating design plans that truly sing in harmony?

The first step is color. Color is the glue of the symphonic collage. Even neutral palettes require color theory. As in music, there are scales - color scales are value and hue; value is the scale from light to dark and hue from bright to dull. Because color is spatial it will change the feel of a plan according to the intensity or its placement in a space. What that means is the same

Color functions as design’s connective thread, unifying diverse styles while shaping perception through value, hue, contrast, and placement

ARTICLE BY MARTHA CHANNER

room or exterior of a house will look totally different depending on color choices that rely on the ratio of value to hue and the position where the color is applied. Even disparate styles of furniture or decorative detailing can be brought into harmony with a coordinated palette, which is why color is the glue.

When choosing color start with three midrange tones that work well together and that respect the volume of the intended space. The brighter (louder) or darker (deeper) the color the more room it will need to not overwhelm the space. Then find the darkest and the lightest version of those colors and the brightest and most dull version of the same. Accent areas, like one wall or an alcove, can be the brightest or darkest versions of a general wall color and will flow naturally into harmony. Spatially, similar values or hues will flatten out a space that has too many angles and conversely mixing up values and hues will create depth and visual dimension.

The next consideration is scale and spatial lay-outs. This ratio is probably the most difficult to reconcile. The key note here is to start with the largest feature in the space and work down to the smallest. Furniture or architectural features such as windows and doors must fit the volume in complexity of detail as well as actual size. Each element adds volume, which is good when needed and not so good when it creates crowding. It also depends on the style and the feel that you are after; an economy of notes works for Bartok, but Mozart would not be Mozart with fewer flourishes. Decide on how you want the plan to feel: open and airy, formal, modern or traditional and keep that theme running through all of your choices. Like a musical motif, the concept should remain characteristic of the composition. Too many variations on this

overarching theme will create discord. Space your space accordingly; layouts depend on how you want to use the space and what is realistic. Color is a great way to enlarge or decrease the feel of a space and so are patterns and textures.

Music is a doorway to the emotions and symphonic compositions are the mansions of that trade. Even that which appears simple in

a design context requires the concise and skillful orchestration of complex realities - especially those intended, in their final form, to produce effect on the space and its inhabitants. If you enjoy orchestral music, you will surely see the similarities between the two art forms and apply them generously. Gorgeous design begins with  a vision and a plan the color of the music is up to you!

PREMIER BUILDER AT VALNOVA

~ Travis Perry, Owner

Designed For Life Over Time

VALNOVA EMERGES SLOWLY IN EAGLE FOOTHILLS, SHAPED FIRST BY INFRASTRUCTURE, LANDSCAPE, AND LONG-TERM PLANNING

North of Eagle, beyond established neighborhoods and toward the foothills, a new residential community is gradually taking form. Valnova stretches across roughly 6,000 acres of rolling land at the edge of the Treasure Valley, an area long designated for future growth but only recently beginning to change in visible ways.

The property was annexed into the City of Eagle in 2007, yet development did not move quickly. Ownership changed hands more than once, and for years the land remained largely untouched. That shifted in 2022, when Clyde Capital Group

acquired the property and began work that focused less on homes and more on what would support them. Roads, utilities, water storage, and wastewater infrastructure were built first, with multiple access points designed to accommodate a community expected to grow over decades rather than years. Today, early signs of daily life are beginning to emerge. Paved pathways and natural trails run through sections of the foothills, some complete, others still bordered by construction fencing. From higher points, the views extend toward Bogus Basin and across the valley. Nearby, the Eagle Regional

You notice it in the mornings and at night: less noise, more sky, and a pace that feels intentionally unhurried.

Athletic Park has already become part of the area’s routine, drawing families and activity to the surrounding landscape.

For Jacie Mustafić and her family, choosing to build in Valnova was less about marketing materials and more about watching the groundwork take place. They reserved a homesite in early 2024 and followed the progress closely as roads and utilities were installed around them. “We knew what we wanted,” Jacie says. “We saw the development come to life with infrastructure as our home was being built. We wanted the dream home and the dream lifestyle. We found it all in Valnova.”

Several months after moving in, what stands out to her is not a single amenity but the pace of the place itself. Mornings begin with light coming over the hills. At night, the stars are visible in a way that feels increasingly uncommon. She describes a sense of quiet that comes from being far enough removed from the city to notice the absence of traffic and background noise. “There’s just a sense of calm living in a place where the noise pollution from the city cannot be heard,” she says.

Valnova’s long-term plans reflect its scale. At full build-out, the community is expected to include as many as 7,100 homes, along with land set aside for schools, emergency services, and neighborhood centers. Recreation is a central part of the design, with plans that include lakes, pools, fitness spaces, courts, and trails intended to serve both structured activities and everyday use.

Housing options are varied, ranging from townhomes and duplexes to custom homes built into the foothills. Additional plans include an active adult community in the coming years. The intent, according to those behind the project, is to allow residents to remain in the same community as their needs and stages of life change.

For longtime Treasure Valley residents, Valnova reflects broader shifts already underway across the region. Population growth continues, outdoor access remains a priority, and new developments are being asked to think beyond housing alone.

For those considering Idaho as a future home, the project offers a look at how growth is being approached in places where land, infrastructure, and time are treated as long-term investments.

As construction continues and more residents arrive, Valnova will ultimately be defined less by plans and renderings than by routine. School mornings, evening walks, weekend games at the park, and the small patterns that shape everyday life will determine what the community becomes. In a region still adjusting to its own growth, that slow accumulation of lived experience may prove to be the most meaningful measure of success. Select Valnova model homes will be open to the public during a Spring Parade of Homes event on May 2.

VALNOVA NEIGHBORHOODS AT A GLANCE

Valnova is taking shape as a series of thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, each defined by how it connects residents to the land, the foothills, and a growing network of shared spaces.

Kirkhills rests along the Eagle foothills, where broad views and open skies set the tone. The neighborhood is marked by unusually flat homesites, some as large as half an acre, offering flexibility for semi custom and fully custom single family homes. A neighborhood park and immediate access to surrounding open space give Kirkhills a relaxed, outdoor oriented character without feeling remote.

Higher in elevation, Glenview leans into a quieter foothills experience. Every homesite backs to open space, creating a strong sense of privacy and uninterrupted views toward Bogus Basin. Lots here reach up to an acre, appealing to those who value space and seclusion, while remaining close to Glencara Recreation Village and the future Town Center. Homeowners work with a curated group of builders to shape homes that reflect both place and lifestyle.

Lindale offers a more compact and connected option. Townhomes, duplexes, and smaller single family homes sit within easy reach of parks, trails, and Glencara Recreation Village, making it an accessible choice for active, walkable living.

At the heart of Valnova, Muirhaven centers on connection. With direct access to Glencara Recreation Village and the Glencara Pathway, the neighborhood blends townhomes, paseo homes, and cottage style residences into a close knit, village inspired setting.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

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.

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:

Santa and Cole Tekió Light, Vintage Rainer Draumiller Chairs, American Leather custom couch in Bison Butterscotch, Flos Bellhop lamp, BZippy Vase, Plush Moroccan rug

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.

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:

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.

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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.

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.

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.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior ArchitectFlower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

for every adult entrée purchased. For kids 12 and under. Sundays only. *Offer good on dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Boise + Eagle Events

MARCH 2026

1-7 — THE LION KING!

Morrison Center: The return of Disney’s THE LION KING! morrisoncenter.com

3 — PRESCHOOL ZOO

Zoo Boise, 9 AM: Animal encounters for adults and preschoolers. zooboise.org

5 — AMERICA 250 JUMP, 5 PM: Boise women shaping change and lasting legacies. cityofboise.org

5 — TOBYMAC’S TOUR 2026!

ExtraMile Arena, 7 PM: Sing, dance, and celebrate with your favorite hits live. extramilearena.com

5-8 — CAF-IDAHO WINTER SPORTS APEX WEEKEND

Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse: Three days of snow sports fun! challengedathletes.net

6–7 — SNOWFORT 2026

Tamarack Resort: Featuring Blu DeTiger and  NEIL FRANCES, plus regional acts. treefortmusicfest.com

7 — 32ND ANNUAL FRANK AND BETHINE CHURCH GALA

Boise Centre, 5:30 PM: A celebration of progress, community, and supporting Idaho Democrats. fb.com

7 — EAT, DRINK, SHOP IDAHO

370 S 8th St suite: Discover local artisans and foods every Saturday. eatdrinkshopidaho.com

7 — MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR

The Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: Inspiring adventure and culture through documentary films. showclix.com

7-8 — WINTER WINE WEEKENDS

Garden City: Sip and snack your way to a tropical escape. idahowines.org

7-11 — BIG SKY BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Idaho Central Arena: Championship basketball with NCAA spots on the line. bigskyconf.com

9 — SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

The Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: A fairytale ballet filled with magic and beauty. grandkyivballet.com

12 — BAD TIME RECORDS TOUR 2026

Realms Arcade, 6:30 PM: KILL LINCOLN + JER + BAD OPERATION w/ Sorry Sweetheart. realms.life

14 — ST. PATRICK’S DAY BAR CRAWL

Downtown Boise, 4 PM: Green drinks, shamrocks, and St. Patrick’s Day fun with friends. crawlwith.us

14 — JEFF DUNHAM: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOUR

ExtraMile Arena, 5 PM: Live with all your favorite characters. extramilearena.com

14 — FOOD TRUCK RALLY GOES TO THE DOGS

Lloyd Square, 12 NN: Food, music, and fun supporting local dog parks. idahohumanesociety.org

14-15 — CARMINA BURANA

Morrison Center: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of BPMC. boisephil.org

15-28 — 42ND ANNUAL CAPITOL ROTUNDA ART SHOW

Idaho State Capitol: View watercolor art and vote for your favorite. fb.com

16-20 — SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Idaho State Museum: Hands-on fun, creativity, and exploration for kids. downtownboise.org

20 — COMMUNITY SQUARE DANCE

Idaho Outdoor Association, 7 PM: Every 3rd Friday for beginner-friendly square dancing with live music. visitboise.com

21 — ATSUKO OKATSUKA: THE BIG BOWL TOUR

Egyptian Theatre, 7 PM: Smart, fearless comedy with inventive crowd work. atsukocomedy.com

21 — A PSYCHEDELIC COMEDY SHOW

The Olympic Venue, 7 PM: An immersive comedy experience that bends the mind. thedosecomedyshow.com

25-29 — TREEFORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Downtown Boise: Five days of music, art, and unexpected experiences.  treefortmusicfest.com

27 — THE SECRET SHOW

Liquid Lounge, 8 PM: Share secrets and hear others, anonymously. broadwayworld.com

27-29 — BOISE FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Boise Centre: Kick off spring surrounded by blooms, beauty, and inspiration. iblevents.com

27,29 — THAÏS: MASSENET’S GRAND FRENCH OPERA

The Egyptian Theatre: Dramatic opera exploring desire, redemption, and transformation. operaidaho.org

28 — CARS & COFFEE

Indian Creek Plaza, 9 AM: Cars, coffee, and morning vibes for all. indiancreekplaza.com

28 — HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Morrison Center, 1 PM: See the story unfold as a full orchestra plays the score live. boisephil.org