Welcome Home!

Last week, during the height of the U.S Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, I spent a lot of time looking at the city the way a visitor might see it. And I liked what I saw. We’re lucky enough to live in a place that enjoys four seasons and an excellent quality of life for many of its residents. We’re also house-proud.

People in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and the surrounding area are working to create beautiful homes by either renovating existing structures or building new. Entire blocks are being spiffed up by hard-working homeowners. New neighborhoods are developing in unexpected places.

It’s an exciting time to live here.

The skaters have all gone home, but the glow of their visit remains. People from all over the country got a peek at a very special place last week, the place we call home.

The party may be over, but I think that’s a perfect opportunity to look around and feel proud of what we see.

This week in Home

Late last year, when I noticed a new house being built near Manito Park in Spokane I was fascinated by the sight of straw bales stacked to create exterior walls. I wanted to know more about the designer and the homeowners.

As this week’s cover feature, Amy Klamper brings us a wonderful profile of John Brinton and Frieda Morgenstern’s collaboration with Spokane-based architect Kelly Lerner.

It’s a great story and after reading it you’ll look at your own home with new eyes.

For this week’s Beautiful Home, we meet another couple who looked at a dated cabin near the Little Spokane River and saw the potential hidden beneath tired fixtures and a dated décor. Cindy Hval is always looking for the next beautiful home. If you’d like to recommend yours, give us a call.

As an added feature, we’ve got a story about a Spokane woman who is working from her home to reinvent that most basic of parenting necessities: the diaper bag.

Cherie Kellilea is the queen of cottage industry. A talented seamstress, Killilea has made a name for herself locally by creating custom slipcovers and upholstery. I think you’ll find her new venture interesting.

Every week, in each issue, you’ll find stories about fascinating people, and interesting places around the area.

A place we’re proud to call home.