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Intentional, Timeless, and Sustainable

Elisa Yip discusses her knitwear brand and the ideals that shape her business and design choices Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Phillip Bailey and Jessica Garcia Born and raised in New York City, Elisa Yip had been in the fashion world for over 20 years before launching Sskein (pronounced skan) in 2020. "I left Nordstrom during Covid and this was the perfect opportunity to finally create my own brand," she says. Yip runs the company from Bellevue now, and has built up a devoted...

Home + Design

Statement in Structure and Style

Vision, precision, and quiet boldness Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by Matthew Gallant of Clarity NW Photography In a market where luxury can sometimes feel predictable, true distinction is rare. One newly completed residence stands apart, not because it is louder or larger, but because it is intentional. At the center of that intention is Max Rombakh, the number one real estate agent in Kirkland, whose role in this project extended far beyond representation. The land has been in...

Food + Beverage

Gluten-Free Granola

A wholesome, simple treat that will make your home smell heavenly Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories This Gluten-Free Granola recipe will fill your home with an amazing fragrance of toasted oats, pecans, and vanilla and is sure to please even the pickiest breakfast guests.  The best part of making homemade granola is knowing exactly what's in it, how long it's been stored, and you can feel good about indulging in something wholesome and delicious. Also, it's...

Home + Design

Built for Ease

How John Buchan Homes Creates Custom Residences That Perform Quietly Every Day Article by Susie Naficy You have spent your career designing systems that are elegant under pressure. You value clarity, reliability, and solutions that disappear into the background because they work exactly as intended. A strategically designed home can deliver that same effect. When done well, it amplifies your energy, simplifies daily routines, and turns ordinary moments into seamless experiences. This...

Home + Design

COMMON FORMME

Where Design Meets Wellness Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Sumaira Amber Creating beautiful and healthy spaces comes naturally for Emily Ellstrom, who grew up watching her parents design and build homes, giving life to the dreams of their clients.  “My parents met on a job site in the 80s. My dad was a general contractor and my mom was a high-end designer,” shares Emily. “In the mid-2000s, as they were sitting around a table with clients and the various parties who can be...

Home + Design

Architecture with Intention

Inside AVI Design Studio’s rapid rise and its approach to shaping spaces for life, work, and everything in between Article by Taylor Robinson Architecture is often judged by what we see clean lines, thoughtful materials, a sense of balance. But at AVI Design Studio, architecture begins long before form takes shape. It starts with understanding how people live, how businesses function, and how space quietly influences daily behavior. Founded as a natural evolution of more than two decades spent...

Food + Beverage

Green Olive Tapenade

A savory, briny, versatile dip for your next gathering Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories Green Olive Tapenade Recipe Serves 6-8 If you’re a lover of pickley, briny snacks, this tapenade is the perfect addition to your next cheese board. Unlike many olive dips and spreads, this recipe calls for vibrant, green castelvetrano olives keeping it bright and inviting to the eye. Use this as a dip for veggies, crackers, and pita bread or spread onto a turkey...

Food + Beverage

Sweetheart Brownie Bites

A fun twist on the classic Valentine's Day treat Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories Sweetheart Brownie Bites Serves 10–12 A freshly baked pan of rich, chocolatey brownies may be the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. When baked on a large baking sheet, this recipe delivers a relatively thin bite, perfect for cut-out hearts and cutesy shapes for all the sweethearts in your life. Box them up in pink pastry boxes for thoughtful gifting or serve on a platter with...

Arts + Culture

Backstage Foundation

Where Dance Builds Futures Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by Backstage Foundation Behind every powerful performance is a story unfolding quietly, often far from the spotlight. The Backstage Foundation exists in that space, where movement becomes meaning and dance becomes a pathway to confidence, belonging, and opportunity for young people who might not otherwise have access to the arts. Founded by longtime dance educator Kari Hovde, the Backstage Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of France

L'Experience Paris delivers authentic French dining Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Dawning Memories A native of France, Julien Hervet brought a love of his home country with him when he came to the United States more than twenty years ago. After moving to the west coast and launching a successful career with Microsoft, Julien noted that accessing his favorite French wines proved more difficult than he wanted. So he began exploring importing the wine himself. “I initially...