When I first read about the 1970s fixer-upper remodeled by Paralympic silver medalist Amy Purdy and her husband, Daniel Gale, I thought about something I believe is true: A home is a three-dimensional reflection of its owners’ personalities and passions. Purdy—whose legs were amputated below the knees after her near-fatal fight with meningococcal meningitis at age 19—is a top-ranked adaptive snowboarder, and an author, inspirational speaker, model, and Dancing with the Stars runner-up. So it’s no surprise that the story of her Silverthorne home illustrates her ability to see the potential in a project that, for others, would have posed too many challenges. With ingenuity, elbow grease, help from professionals, and determination, Prudy and Gale created a sanctuary among the aspens.

This issue is full of interiors that tell stories about their owners. A few examples: Interior designer Nadia Watts gives us a glimpse of her classic-with-a-kick dining room, which suggests to me that she throws a great dinner party. Little Man Ice Cream founder Paul Tamburello shares how his love of whimsy played a huge role in the design of his company’s new headquarters in Sloan’s Lake. And Kimberly and Marke Johnson, owners of design collective the Made Shop—which crafts everything from logos and brand identities to art and objects—reveal how their new home-and-workshop space near Highland Square celebrates the blend of family life and work they’ve always wanted.

5280 Home August/September 2019
More From The Issue

Homes aren’t for show; they’re for daily life. We invest in them for countless reasons, and in return, they help us tell the stories of our lives. What does your home say about you? Email us (include photos!) at home@5280.com.

P.S. That’s a wrap!

For four years, I’ve had the great joy of creating this magazine with a team of whip-smart, creative people. This is my last issue at the helm; I’ll be taking a role as a contributing editor so I can work on additional projects, both journalistic and personal. I’m grateful for every designer, architect, builder, landscape designer, artist, maker, and homeowner who has shared his or her story with us. You’ve inspired me—and reminded us all that great design makes our lives richer.

This article was originally published in 5280 Home August/September 2019.
Hilary Masell Oswald
Hilary Masell Oswald
As the former editor for two of 5280’s ancillary publications, Hilary Masell Oswald split her time between the vibrant design-and-architecture scene in the metro area for 5280 Home and the always-changing field of health for the annual 5280 Health.