Fresh Air and Fab Homes

We live in Colorado because we love to be outside, and so much of the year, nature complies.

Thankfully, the current state of quarantine does not prevent us from enjoying our open spaces, and it’s such a privilege to be able to take advantage of longer daylight hours and spend time lounging on the deck or patio or even just plopping yourself on a patch of grass. I love sipping my morning coffee and doing nothing but watch the 32 (!) species of birds we’ve been fortunate enough to attract to our feeders. I urge you all to mindfully spend some time outside while our boundaries are limited.

This month, our outdoor-living issue highlights homes that offer plenty of opportunity for delighting in the outdoors—from a revived ranch to a posh Denver estate to a Boulder lakeside hideaway.

Market Editor Eliza Karlson has pulled together an ooh-and-ah-worthy array of furniture that’s built for the open air. We’ve got some gorgeous gardens and tips for making your own that way. Plus, outdoor-kitchen advice from the Stone family and paintings, prints and etchings from Boulder art teacher Susanne Mitchell.

I hope you have a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy.

WHAT I’M LOVING

These super-lifelike Plantillo Pillows captured my eye the minute I walked into Creative Living’s 2,500-square-foot showroom (see page 31 for more of their products). The pillows feature digital images printed on cotton canvas and come in four gorgeous designs. They look so real that, until you pick them up, it’s tough to believe they’re actually on a flat surface. $82 each, clden.com.

Ruggable’s Instagram ads have long captured my attention, because I love the idea of a home-machine-washable rug. I was curious to see one closeup, so the folks at Ruggable sent a sample, which I passed on to CH&L publisher Holly Scott, who has young boys and a goldendoodle, Buddy, above. Her verdict: “We love it! We have it in our entryway, so it gets lots of use. After I washed it, it was as clean as the first day.” My verdict: Awesome for high-traffic spots and folks with shedding pets; not, however, a substitute for unique, handmade rugs. Ruggables come in six sizes and a zillion style options. A two-piece set includes a nonslip rug pad. Rugs start at $109 for a 3’ x 5’; ruggable.com.

Gestalten Books’ Wanderlust USA offers a compilation of breathtaking hikes across the country, 30 in all. Longdistance adventurer Cam Honan is your guide, from sea to shining sea. He walks you through history, ecology and of course the trail itself. The book includes day hikes, longer treks and loads of specific info, from maps to where your nearest water source is. Superhelpful, inspiring and, of course, packed with great pics. $33.94, amazon.com