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Senior Editor

Michelle Shortall

Senior Editor

Michelle Shortall is 5280‘s senior editor. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Shortall earned her degree in journalism at Ball State University before moving to Colorado in 2013. She nixed her original plan of only staying in Denver for a couple of years and has spent the past decade defending her indifference toward skiing and snowboarding.

Before joining the 5280 team in 2019, Shortall was the senior editor at Colorado Homes & Lifestyles and Mountain Living magazines and worked for various marketing agencies. When she’s not whipping up stories about stylish homes and hotels or local businesses, she’s likely exploring new-to-her mountain towns or contemplating paint colors for her townhouse in Englewood.

Articles By Michelle Shortall

5 Tips for Finding Secondhand Home Goods That Aren’t Garbage

Local thrifting guru Katie Reinhart of Refound Goods shares her sage shopping advice.

A skier in a Teletubbies costume pond skimming

Finish Ski Season With a Splash by Pond Skimming

Closing-day competitions will soon take over resorts all over Colorado. Do you have what it takes to ace a slush cup?

Paul Kirby stands next to his robot inside his Longmont studio

Meet Paul Kirby, the Loveland-Based Artist And “Fusioneer” Who Creates Abstract Paintings With a Robot

The scientist and painter has spent decades forging together his varying passions—and his new book is a guide for how you can do the same.

Dog lays on a couch in a sunlit living room

A Denver Design Power Couple Takes Us Inside Their Hilltop Home

Devon and Caleb Tobin opted for coziness and charm over excessive square footage.

Tour an East Boulder Home That Captures Colorado’s Natural Splendor

Plus, 10 lessons for connecting your interior spaces to the great outdoors.

A clothing laydown from Coco & Grace

How To Revamp Your Wardrobe for Spring

Longtime Larimer Square boutique owner Grace Buttorff shares her tips for saving your closet from the post-COVID slump.

Illustration of a woman and man on a date

5 Expert Tips for Finding Your Match via Dating Apps

Unlucky in love? Heather Henning of Denver Online Dating says your Hinge profile may be to blame.

a fresh white-painted exterior of a recently renovated home, with a bright green front door

This City Park West Home Sat Vacant for Decades. Then, a Local Designer Flipped It for Nearly Double Its Purchase Price.

Jordan Bagus of Larapin design studio shares before and after photos, the biggest challenges of the project, and why she’s committed to preservation-based real estate in Denver.

Scenic of resort with mountains in background

What $700 per Night Gets You at the New Kosmos Stargazing Resort

The luxury villas provide a front-row seat to starry skies near Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Ice climbing in Ouray Ice Park

Ouray Ice Park Is 30 Years Old. Can It Survive Another 30 Years?

The ice climbing mecca beckons mountaineers from around the world, but rising temperatures and limited resources threaten its future.

A teal velvet sofa snakes around the interior of Sorry Gorgeous.

10 New Denver Restaurants with Stylish Interiors

Enjoy a feast for the eyes at these hot spots, which serve up inviting ambiances and inspiring design details.

Lady Justice Brewing in Englewood

5 New Businesses You Need To Check Out in Englewood

Rising rents have motivated several Denver companies to reroot in the southern suburb.

Creative Garland Company Colorado garland

Deck the Halls With These Festive Garlands Made in Crested Butte

Carolyn Huresky’s laser-cut paper garlands celebrate life in the Rockies.

Stoneware platter stands on a table

The 10 Best Gifts for the Home, Handpicked by Local Shop Owners

We asked the pros to point us to the prettiest gifts—from dinner-table decor to Denver-made candles—for our favorite hostess with the mostest.

The Thanksgiving ramen at Osaka Ramen.

8 Ways To Ensure Your Thanksgiving Meal Is Anything but Boring

Make this year’s Thanksgiving one to remember with the help of these local foodie establishments.

Outdated Laws Forced Nadine Bridges To Marry Her Wife 3 Times—a November Ballot Initiative Could Finally Seal the Deal

As the executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization One Colorado, Bridges is working to ensure that all Coloradans have the right to marriage.

These Ski Outfits Designed in Littleton Are Made for Fun

Look good, ski good in Hoohah’s collection of bold, playful bibs, balaclavas, and base layers.

How Urban Cowboy Preserves a Piece of Denver History

The new Capitol Hill hotel is the fourth location from the New York–founded boutique lodging brand.

GetRights' pain au chocolat

5 Cool New Spots To Check Out in Wheat Ridge

With bakeries, pickleball courts, and even a cyclery, the western suburb is beginning to appeal to a younger crowd.

5 Things to Add to Your Staycation Itinerary at the Recently Renovated Mining Exchange Hotel

Old-meets-new design, wellness amenities, and exclusive entertainment come together at the revived Colorado Springs hotel.

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