Your Space. Your Story. As the season changes, it’s the perfect time to reimagine the place you love most. Light, warmth, and thoughtful design come together to inspire fresh beginnings and effortless comfort. Simple updates can make a lasting difference. Bringing new energy, balance, and beauty into every corner of your home.
Home can mean a lot of different things to people. For some, it's a restful sanctuary where you begin and end each day. For others, it's a common gathering place for friends and family, or a place of recharge between various travel commitments.
For me, it's the hub of a crazy, beautiful life with five kids under ten, but being the cultivator of how our home looks and feels is a privilege, and not one I take lightly. That's because home is where core memories are being made, where deep conversations are held and heart work never ends, where everyone is fed (all. the. time.), where creativity never stops, and all my people feel safe and loved. Every piece of furniture, organizational system, or practical tool matters, because it all lends to the life we live within it.
While the specifics of what “home” looks like vary for each of us, its significance is universal - it is one of the most influential and important places in our lives and requires intentionality. This month, we had the privilege of connecting with local businesses and individuals who are being intentional with their work in our community. We hope that as you turn these pages, you’ll be inspired — whether within your neighborhood or your own walls.
Many of our readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover, treasuring it as a piece of home—whether as coffee table art or a source of inspiration. That’s a tradition we’re proud to uphold, and we remain committed to delivering the value you expect each month.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. We hope this March is a celebration of the spaces and people that matter most.
KELLY BONE, EDITOR
@SNOHOMISHCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amber Dawn Schutheis, Michelle Parnell, Courtney Evans, Chau Sáenz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lawson Coy, Dawning Memories, Chau Sáenz
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
YOUR TRUCK CALLED. IT WANTS THE ALLIED TREATMENT
BIG BUILDS BOLD UPGRADES
Realty One Group is proud to announce the addition of Cora Takamori to their team. Cora is a passionate real estate agent who loves helping both buyers and sellers navigate the process with confidence and ease. She takes great pride in creating an exceptional, personalized experience and making sure her clients feel supported every step of the way. To connect with Cora feel free to reach her at (425) 492-4151.
CEO of Core Contractors, LLC. Anna leads with a strong focus on operations, people, and teamwork. As an Alaskan Native (Aleut) born and raised on a small fishing island, Anna brings over 35 years of customer service and management experience to the company. Anna is known for her enthusiastic, compassionate, and reliable leadership style, along with her genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
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Origins Natural Health & Midwifery has a New Location
As of February 2, 2026, Origins Natural Health & Midwifery will be serving patients from their new location at 1320 7th Street in Snohomish. The team has not changed, so you can look forward to scheduling a visit and visiting their new office.
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Where thoughtful design and careful construction work hand in hand, guided by natural materials and the rhythms of daily life, to support a more grounded way of living. commonformme.com | @commonformme
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMAIRA AMBER
Creating beautiful and healthy spaces comes naturally for Emily Ellstrom, who grew up watching her parents design and build homes, giving life to the dreams of their clients.
“My parents met on a job site in the 80s. My dad was a general contractor and my mom was a high-end designer,” shares Emily. “In the mid-2000s, as they were sitting around a table with clients and the various parties who can be involved in a project, they saw the overlap in roles and the miscommunication that comes with having so many people involved. They wanted to streamline the process.”
As a result, Bradley and Tami Cline opened their own firm to bring everything under one umbrella and offer clients a full-service experience. Now Emily carries on their legacy as the owner and creative director of Common Formme, a locally owned boutique design build firm.
“I started helping on the business side of my parents’ company and about six years ago made that full-time leap into the business,” she says. “I was really on more of the operations and marketing sales side of things, but found that it wasn’t filling my creative cup. So, I started taking on more design projects in the last few years and it has been a natural evolution to move into the role of creative director for the company.”
Common Formme projects range from small to large and can include existing dwellings or from-scratch builds that begin with a tract of land. Clients can choose design-only services and work with their own contractors, or streamline the process and have the team work on all aspects of their project from conception to completion.
“...WE’VE GONE THROUGH ALL OF YOUR FURNISHINGS, STYLED YOUR SPACES...AND YOU WALK IN AND GET TO SEE HOW ALL THE PLANNING COMES TO LIFE.”
“It really does have that moment at the end where we’ve gone through all of your furnishings, styled your spaces, and you walk in and get to see how all the planning comes to life,” says Emily.
Incorporating healthy living into each project is important to Emily, and she does this by offering clients products and using building techniques that promote a healthy environment, from airtight construction to the use of natural fibers and materials.
“It’s a foundational approach to build healthy from the ground up and then bring in all of those layers that affect your environment in different ways. To us, it means a water and airtight structure to avoid any mold and mildew that can intrude into your home and silently wreak havoc on your health and environment without you knowing it. It’s also lighting that is conducive to your circadian rhythm, low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, and insulation that doesn’t have harmful chemicals in it.”
This approach includes educating clients on using naturally certified wood, upholstery that has natural wool and cotton fills or natural latex fills, and being aware of potential toxins being introduced into the home. “I love that I’m able to share my own holistic way of living with clients and show how they can make small changes in their home to ensure that they are creating this beautiful and also healthy environment. It’s really woven into the ethos of everything we do, and I love that I can bridge those worlds.”
A relatively new addition to Common Formme’s repertoire includes creating wellness zones for homeowners that include saunas and plunges, another area that reflects Emily’s passion for healthy living. “A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to help design a community bathhouse experience to include sauna and plunge-led classes. As fun as that sounds, I wanted to be able to impact more people’s personal spaces. So, I took the concepts we developed for these bathhouses and have adapted that
into how we design and build homes,” explains Emily. “In Washington, our codes are changing right now and there are much looser regulations around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs.) It’s really opening up an opportunity for people to create these smaller bespoke spaces on their property, whether it’s a workout space, an office, or a wellness zone.”
Other signature design elements Emily employs are unique to the Pacific Northwest and include use of natural color palettes, stones, and textures to create a collected, lived-in look that reflects the character and lifestyle of her clients.
A great way to get a feel for all that Common Formme has to offer is to stop by the newly completed showroom. “We’ve created the showroom to invite people into this experience and as
you walk through it, it’s meant to feel like a home,” shares Emily. “As you go through a bedroom, living room, sitting room, and office, we want you to see different features that we integrate into our full-service experience. Or, if you live in an apartment or just finished building your home, we offer products at a smaller price point that you can make your space feel unique and special.” The showroom also offers U.S. made natural fiber furniture and collected home accessories, as well as vintage and one-of-akind objects and art, perfect to add a special touch to any home.
To learn more about the company and their offerings, visit commonformme.com , call 206-285-6560, or stop by the Common Formme showroom located at 108 5th Ave South in Edmonds. You can also follow Common Formme on Instagram and Pinterest.
Keeping history alive, one loop at a time
Long before rugs were rolled off conveyor belts and sold online with a click, early Americans stitched, or should I say hooked , together beauty and practicality by hand, loop by loop. Rug hooking, a once essential home craft, is now a nearly forgotten art. But thanks to fiber artists like Jennifer Kaylor of Jenny Lynn Wool Creations, this time-honored tradition is being pulled back into the spotlight, right here in Snohomish.
From her cozy home studio to monthly hook-ins at the Snohomish Library, Jennifer is not only creating beautiful wool pieces, she’s nurturing a community of makers and preserving a piece of American history.
“Rug hooking is a technique of pulling wool through a canvas, usually linen, and creating loops on the front to form a pattern,” Jennifer explains. “It’s similar to creating an old-world rug, where every knot was made by hand, but instead you’re forming each loop yourself, one after another.”
Rug hooking has roots stretching back hundreds of years. In pre-1780 America, imported rugs were an expensive luxury few working class families could afford. In the early 1800s, they turned to their own ingenuity by recycling worn out clothes, fabric scraps, and even feed sacks to create rugs that were both functional and beautiful.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
By the mid-1800s, burlap feed bags became the go-to backing thanks to their loose weave, which made pulling fabric through much easier. Yarn was too valuable to use for rug making, so salvaged fabric strips gave each piece its own homespun charm.
These rugs did more than just decorate a home though. In the summer, they were laid on the floor loop-side down to endure daily wear. In the winter, they doubled as cozy bed coverings. And when company came calling? The rugs were flipped loop side up, showcasing the family’s creativity and care.
Today, rug hooking has evolved from a household necessity into a deeply personal fiber art form, each piece woven with a story. Whether used as rugs, wall hangings, or pillows, hooked pieces often become treasured heirlooms, connecting generations through the warmth of handmade tradition.
Jennifer Kaylor’s love for rug hooking goes beyond personal artistry - she’s helping lead a national movement to keep the craft alive. serving on the local board of directors for Region 11 of the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists (ATHA). This international organization is dedicated to promoting excellence, education, and community within the rug hooking world.
ATHA’s Region 11, covering Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Western Canada, is a vibrant and steadily growing community. Thanks to passionate members like Jennifer, the region is building strong momentum; hosting gatherings, bringing in expert instructors, and inspiring new generations of rug hookers across the Pacific Northwest.
Jennifer also nurtures the local fiber arts scene by co-leading monthly hook-ins at the Snohomish Library, where beginners and seasoned artists alike gather to learn from one another, share stories, and pass down time-honored techniques.
These meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month and are informal, welcoming, and open to all. To confirm the next meeting, call the Snohomish Library at 360-568-2898, or check the events tab in the group’s Facebook page.
Whether you’re curious about trying rug hooking for the first time or looking for a creative outlet with rich roots, Jenny Lynn Wool Creations and the local ATHA chapter offer a warm, woolly welcome. Stop by, pick up a hook, and discover the stories that live in every loop.
For more information, visit www.jennylynnwoolcreations.com.
“My favorite thing is Sunday morning breakfast. I love cooking pancakes and eggs on my outdoor griddle while a soft rain is falling, coffee in hand. My wife, on the other hand, loves being able to invite large groups of family and friends over in the fall and spring.”
After growing up in Snohomish and serving in the U.S. Navy, David Larkin and his wife Hannah wanted to put down roots. “I loved this area growing up, especially the mountains,” shares David. “We have four little girls and being close to family is important to us. We really love it here and enjoy being part of a great community.”
As he pursued various post-military career opportunities, David knew he wanted a position that would allow him to make a difference in the lives of the people he works with and in the lives of the customers he serves. Being General Manager of American Patio Covers Plus was a perfect fit. “Leading teams and having an immediate impact on people's lives was a big draw to small business,” he says. “We have a team of 20 employees, and our mission every single day is providing beautiful, well-structured patio covers so people can enjoy the outdoors year-round.”
Soon after joining the team at American Patio Covers Plus, David installed a patio cover at his home so that his family could experience the product first-hand. “My wife is from Georgia and it's a little warmer there with a little bit more sunshine and fewer rainy days. One of the big questions about moving here was how she would adjust to Seattle weather,” David says. “Having a patio cover has made a big difference. The amount of outside time we get now is incredible. I'm used to being cooped up and stuck inside from October to May, but the cover has really extended our
outdoor time. Through cooler months, we can still go outside, have a cup of coffee, or even cook breakfast on a weekend morning. If it's raining, we're still able to be out there because the cover protects from the rain while allowing a lot of natural sunlight to come through.”
With sleek designs, patio covers offer an open and aesthetically pleasing solution for enjoying the outdoors during all seasons. During warmer months, covers provide shade, protection from UV rays, and reduce the temperature to an enjoyable range. During cooler months, the cover provides protection from rain and snow while still allowing natural light through, making the area feel like an extension of the indoors, but with fresh air and natural sunlight.
Families like the Larkins truly enjoy the many uses and benefits of the additional living space.
"My favorite thing is Sunday morning breakfast. I love cooking pancakes and eggs on my outdoor griddle while a soft rain is falling, coffee in hand,” says David. “My wife, on the other hand, loves being able to invite large groups of family and friends over in the fall and spring without being worried about whether we'll be able to fit everyone. And then my kids love to read books on our super comfy outdoor couches. I don't have to store the furniture in the garage over winter since it's all covered, which is a huge plus."
Patio covers come in several styles and can be customized to fit the needs and structural
“They are truly designed and engineered for the Pacific Northwest to endure the wind, rain, and snow that we get in this climate.”
requirements for each home. “There are two main styles of our patio covers, shed and gable. The shed style cover has a single slope that slopes away from the house. It's simple, very popular, and can be configured to basically any home,” explains David. “The gable style cover is more of an A-frame look. Although it is slightly more complicated to build, it really is beautiful architecturally.”
Some patio covers are adjacent to the home, which means that homeowners get protection from the elements from the moment they step out of the door. However, free-standing patio covers are also an option. “If you have a space that is further away from the house, whether it's a hot tub, poolside area, or really any kind of space that you want covered, we can do that as well with our with our freestanding patio cover,” says David.
For privacy or protection from wind, acrylic side walls can be added to give an extra layer of coverage, or custom railings for elevated covers, such as on second story decks. Patio covers are also low maintenance and made with
aluminum and acrylic, which will not deteriorate and only require a gentle wash once or twice a year.
Because each home is unique, the team at American Patio Covers Plus works with homeowners to find the best solution to fit their needs. “Ron is our estimator and he has been doing this for many years, which means he has extensive knowledge of our products. He does a great job designing the patio cover to fit each space and really captures the vision of what the homeowner is looking for,” says David. “Then our installers, some who have been with us for over twenty years, have the knowledge, training, and experience to successfully and securely install it.”
Working with a local company has many benefits, including connecting with someone local during each interaction and having people who truly understand the climate and weather challenges. “Over the last 30 years, our company has perfected this product,” says David. “They are truly designed and engineered for the Pacific Northwest to endure the wind, rain, and snow that we get in this climate.”
To see and experience patio covers firsthand, stop by American Patio Covers Plus at 5916 195th Street Northeast in Arlington, visit americanpatiocovers.com, or call (360) 658-7281. You can also follow American Patio Covers Plus on Facebook and Instagram.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen
A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”
To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.
The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”
To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.
Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
If you’re a lover of pickley, briny snacks, this tapenade is the perfect addition to your next cheese board. Unlike many olive dips and spreads, this recipe calls for vibrant, green castelvetrano olives keeping it bright and inviting to the eye. Use this as a dip for veggies, crackers, and pita bread or spread onto a turkey sandwich for a bright pop of flavor that will take the boring out of any bite. It’s a guest-friendly recipe - naturally vegan and gluten-free - for anyone to enjoy. Trust the addition of citrus here. You won’t be sorry!
• 3 cups pitted Castelvetrano olives
• ¼–½ cup high-quality olive oil, such as Orange Fused Olive Oil from A Bit of Taste – Snohomish Olive Oil Company
• ¼ cup capers
• 2 cloves garlic
• ⅛ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Kitchen Tools
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or microplane
• Food processor or blender
• Rubber spatula
• Serving bowl
1. Add the olives, capers, and garlic cloves to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until roughly chopped into a coarse mixture.
2. Wash and dry the orange. Using a zester or microplane, remove only the outermost orange layer of the peel until you have about 2 teaspoons of zest.
3. Add the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, and red chili pepper flakes (if using) to the food processor. Pulse a few more times, just until the mixture is well incorporated but still slightly textured.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature alongside your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
• It’s normal for the oil to separate slightly from the olive mixture. Stir before serving to re-incorporate.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!
Amber Dawn Schultheis is our culinary extraordinaire and the talent behind The Host Notes . From casual celebrations to Tuesday night dinner, Amber can help you gather with joy and ease. Find more seasonal, hospitality-focused tips and recipes at thehostnotes.com or follow @thehostnotes on your favorite social channels.
WHERE DANCE BUILDS FUTURES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BACKSTAGE FOUNDATION
Behind every powerful performance is a story unfolding quietly, often far from the spotlight. The Backstage Foundation exists in that space, where movement becomes meaning and dance becomes a pathway to confidence, belonging, and opportunity for young people who might not otherwise have access to the arts.
Founded by longtime dance educator Kari Hovde, the Backstage Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved youth ages 6 to 19 through dance and performing arts education. But this work goes far beyond technique and choreography. At its core, the foundation uses dance as a tool for youth development,
“The Backstage Foundation believes today’s youth are not disconnected or unmotivated. They are creative, driven, and full of ideas, waiting to be nurtured and trusted.”
self-expression, and character building within a safe, inclusive community.
Hovde’s belief is simple and deeply lived: dance is not just an art form or a sport. It is a teacher of life. Through teamwork, discipline, creativity, and problem-solving, young dancers learn skills that serve them far beyond the studio. For many, the dance community becomes a place of stability, healing, and connection. Sometimes, it is the safest space they know.
The Backstage Foundation is guided by three clear values that shape everything it does: experience, community, and opportunity. These values act as a compass, influencing how programs are designed,
how partnerships are formed, and how youth are supported at every level.
Experience means meeting young people where they are, honoring their unique stories and circumstances, and responding with empathy and intention. Community reflects the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and shared voices, creating environments where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Opportunity is about building sustainable pathways that empower youth to grow, dream, and lead, not just for today, but for their future.
Through scholarship programs, the foundation supports dancers locally,
nationally, and internationally who face financial barriers but show passion and potential. It also partners with community centers and Boys & Girls Clubs to provide free dance classes for youth who have never had access to professional instruction. These programs run in sessions, giving students not only training, but performance opportunities at festivals, fairs, and the foundation’s annual showcase.
For older students, programs like Steps to Success bring dance into high schools with a career-focused lens. Youth learn choreography for camera, leadership skills, and how creativity can translate into real-world opportunities. The foundation
“At its core, the foundation uses dance as a tool for youth development, self-expression, and character building within a safe, inclusive community.”
also offers assistant teaching roles, helping young dancers learn how to lead, mentor, and manage classrooms, skills that build confidence and professionalism.
One of the most meaningful initiatives is the Backstage Pass program, a youth volunteer and service pathway open to dancers and non-dancers alike. Participants earn accredited volunteer hours while learning the value of giving back. Youth serve through event support, creative roles like photography and social media, administrative projects, and community outreach. Many go on to apply for Community Service Award Scholarships, reinforcing the idea that service and leadership matter.
Inclusion is not an afterthought at the Backstage Foundation. Adaptive dance programs, partnerships with organizations like Youth for Freedom, and service projects designed for hearing-impaired children reflect a commitment to ensuring that everyone gets to dance. These experiences teach empathy, communication, and leadership, while reminding youth that creativity can bring people together across differences.
All of this work comes together on stage at the In the Spotlight Annual
Showcase, happening Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Kirkland Performance Center. This evening is more than a performance. It is a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the future of dance. Audiences will experience breathtaking choreography by renowned artists, performed by pre-professional dancers whose passion and energy fill the room.
The showcase is also an invitation. An invitation to support the arts. To invest in youth. To witness what happens when talent is met with opportunity and community. Every ticket supports programs that open doors, build confidence, and create safe spaces where young people can thrive.
The Backstage Foundation believes today’s youth are not disconnected or unmotivated. They are creative, driven, and full of ideas, waiting to be nurtured and trusted. Through dance, they learn to show up, work together, express emotion, and lead with heart.
On May 2, the curtain will rise, but the real impact of Backstage Foundation will be found long after the final bow, in the lives of young people who now believe they belong, they matter, and their dreams are worth pursuing.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Wealth Wave and Planswell have partnerned to bring you a powerful financial planning program for free. Follow the QR code to start your plan today!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Architect - Flower Architecture
Designer - Kate Manz
HOSPITALITY AND KITCHEN INSIGHTS FOR EVERYDAY GATHERINGS
AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS is a hospitality and culinary writer, recipe developer, and regular contributor to City Lifestyle. As the voice behind The Host Notes, she shares joyful recipes and thoughtful guidance to help readers create meaningful connection around the table. This month, we decided to “Ask Amber “ some questions about how she cultivates meaningful culinary experiences in her own home.
I’ve noticed we hesitate to bring people into our imperfect homes, especially during challenging seasons. It’s meaningful to be able to host and share delicious food with friends and family in times of celebration, grief, and everything in between. I think we all need a bit more hospitality and authenticity right now. Also, cooking and baking for the people in my life has always been a passion of mine.
So many things! We light a candle at dinner just about every night, even if we’re having take out and half of the dining table is cluttered with homework and junk mail. It’s a simple way to create a feeling of ease and slow things down a bit. We also wait to clear plates until everyone has finished eating. This helps people to not feel hurried or awkward if they’re the last person enjoying dinner or uncomfortable if they gobbled their plate up faster than the rest of the table.
HOW DO YOU UTILIZE LOCAL INGREDIENTS THAT ARE IN-SEASON?
My favorite way to cook is by strolling the farmer’s market and finding colorful fruits and veggies to inspire the week’s menu. We’re fortunate to live in a place with so many amazing local farms and producers. I also live in the same world as you do and buy some things from Costco and Trader Joe’s (especially in the winter months) because it’s impossible to be perfect. It’s a balance, and I prefer to source locally where I can.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO AHEAD OF TIME WHEN HOSTING?
Know the needs of your guests and plan your menu and space set up accordingly. As far as food prep, baked goods, many desserts, even little jars of granola for parting gifts can be made a day or more in advance. Salad dressings, sauces or even batch-cocktails can be prepped ahead as well to simplify the day of your get-together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GO-TO COMFORT MEAL?
It’s tough to beat a good risotto. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, though it takes a bit of time. Served with a side of in-season vegetables that have been roasted to the point of caramelization and a filet of local salmon? Count me in.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PANTRY STAPLES YOU ALWAYS HAVE ON HAND?
My pantry is always packed with an assortment of rice, pasta, beans, nuts, and flours so I can get creative at a moment’s notice. You know I have a growing collection of olive oils and vinegars from A Bit of Taste- Snohomish Olive Oil Company. Everything is top notch from them. I could talk about pantry staples for days!
“It’s meaningful to be able to host and share delicious food with friends and family in times of celebration, grief, and everything in between.”
“My favorite way to cook is by strolling the farmer’s market and finding colorful fruits and veggies to inspire the week’s menu. We’re fortunate to live in a place with so many amazing local farms and producers.”
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR SETTING A BEAUTIFUL TABLE WITHOUT NEEDING ENDLESS BINS OF HOLIDAY-SPECIFIC DECOR?
Having a small, neutral collection of dinnerware and linens really pays off. I use the same simple white tablecloth year-round, letting seasonal produce and flowers do the festive work. An old ribbon tied around a vintage brass candlestick adds just enough charm. I don’t like to store more than I need, so keeping things lean matters to me— and I’ve found that simple, quirky details bring the most whimsy. Lately, rustic brown packing or butcher paper has become a favorite table runner, adding texture and dimension. You can doodle on it for playfulness or leave it beautifully plain.
WHAT’S A HOSTING HACK YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT?
If you love to cook and host, it’s easy to get carried away and think you need to make everything from scratch. I’ve had to re-learn this lesson many times! Make one thing you enjoy making and let everything else be simple. Also, when guests offer to bring something, let them.
On a quiet shelf near a window, a leather handbag rests in the light, its surface softened by time and touch. The leather has deepened in tone, the handles shaped gently by years of use. Nearby, another bag remains tucked away in a dust bag, untouched. Both are well made. Only one is aging as intended.
Luxury handbags are designed to last, but their longevity depends largely on how they are cared for. Fine leather is not static. It is a natural material that responds to its environment, absorbing and releasing moisture, softening over time, and developing character through use. When stored improperly, leather can dry out, lose flexibility, or develop uneven wear. For this reason, prolonged storage in sealed dust bags is not always ideal. While dust bags protect against debris and light exposure, they can also restrict airflow, which leather requires to remain supple.
The best approach is a balanced one. Handbags should be stored in a cool, dry space with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Open shelving or cabinets allow leather to breathe while keeping bags easily accessible. If dust protection is needed, breathable cotton covers or loosely draped cloths offer protection without trapping moisture. Plastic coverings should always be avoided, as they can cause leather to dry or crack over time.
Maintaining structure is equally important. Handbags should be stored upright and supported with acid-free tissue or soft fabric to help retain their shape. Overfilling can strain seams and handles, while leaving bags empty may cause them to collapse. Hardware should be gently wrapped to prevent impressions or scratches on the leather surface. Wiping leather with a soft, dry cloth removes surface dust, while occasional conditioning with a leather-safe product keeps it nourished. Before storing a bag for an extended period, it should always be clean and completely dry.
Proper care does not mean keeping luxury hidden away. High-quality handbags are meant to age, soften, and develop character. When stored thoughtfully and maintained consistently, leather bags retain their beauty while evolving naturally over time.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAU SÁENZ
MARCH 2026
MARCH 7TH
Snohomish Wine Festival
Thomas Family Farm | 12:00 PM
Join the Snohomish Chamber for their annual Wine Tasting featuring 20+ wineries plus beer, spirits and kombucha. Register for the VIP Experience for exclusive tastings, pairings, swag bag and more. Can’t wait to see you there. For tickets and information see www.snohomishchamber.org.
MARCH 10TH
Resin Poured Stemless Wine Glasses Workshop
Wine & Design Unit B, 2701 Bickford Ave. Snohomish | 6:30 PM
Come explore the fun world of resin art and learn how to design a wine glass with YOUR CHOICE of colors! This workshop will show you how to mix and work with resin as you create your own wine glasses. No artistic experience? No problem! This is a fun, instructor-led event. To sign up visit www.wineanddesign.com
MARCH 13TH - 15TH
Quilters Anonymous 44th Quilt Show
Evergreen Fairgrounds Monroe 10:00 AM
Join us for the 44th annual “Surrounded in Color” Quilt Show. This large show features over 400 quilts, demonstrations, and a merchant mall. Admission is $15.00 and is valid for all three days. Detail and Tickets are available at: www. QuiltersAnonymous.org/Quilt-Show.
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CONTINUED
MARCH 14TH
Green Ball Golf Tournament
Snohomish Gold Course
Play More, Score More. & Win More. Gather a 4-person team and prepare to enjoy our Pacific NW spring weather at Snohomish Gold Course. Visit www.snohomishgolfcourse.com for more details and registration.
MARCH 21ST
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, 13.1 & 26.2 Races
2901 Lowell Snohomish River Road 8:30 AM
Bring a friend and join the community for a running event offering multiple distances (5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon). Online registration is required via RunSignup.
MARCH 21ST
Next Stop Comedy
1208 10th St. Suite C, Snohomish | 7:30 PM
Next Stop! - A Comedy Show Near You! Join us at Barley POP! Brewing for a brand new line-up of comedians each month! For Tickets and information go to Eventbrite and enjoy planning your night on the town.
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