Architecture & Interiors

When the design challenge is  to build a new home that shows off a historic style—and puts a fresh spin on the look—finding the right team of people to do the job is essential.

When Doyle Svenby hauls the bins of Christmas decorations in from the garage for his wife, Melissa, the week before Thanksgiving, the holiday season officially begins in the Svenby household. Soon the southwestern-styled stucco house—a contemporary, minimalist space the other 10 months of the year—is bedecked, festooned and embellished inside and out, with all manner of holiday finery.

After the Peterson family adopted this spec home, designed by architect Scott Turnipseed, they turned to Vail-based Slifer Designs’ president Yvonne Jacobs and design associate Audrey Barriault to make it their own. A Colorado native with 20 years of design experience, Jacobs knew how to create a space that’s just right for its alpine setting: add comfort and style with nature-inspired touches.

We asked CH&L readers to share their favorite design sources, local gems and mountain hotspots—and added our favorites to the mix. The result: a lively guide that’s chock full of the best people, places and things state-round.

Click here to download the State of Design guide.