12 Apr From the Editor: Inspired by Place

For those fortunate enough to live in the Rocky Mountains, “home” is likely resonant with the rugged alpine, deep timber, blankets of snow, crisp fresh air, sagebrush steppe, and diverse wildlife that define this special place and our experiences within it. In honor of these relationships, Western architecture and interior design is grounded by the use of natural materials, relatable scale, and an intrinsic connection to the outside world. Big Sky Journal’s annual HOME issue celebrates this unique approach by exploring the work of talented architects, builders, interior designers, and artisans.

Producing this issue comes at a particularly potent time for me personally, as my husband and I usher along the construction of our own home. It’s an inspiring meditation to read this issue’s stories and think about the regional homeowners who have ventured to create spaces they truly love and that complement the places where they live. It’s humbling to flip through this issue and see the mastery of architecture and design — the Rocky Mountains are chock full of craftspeople who are not only tremendous at what they do but also are deeply passionate about their work.

This issue honors the marriage of form with function, exploring how homeowners are expressing their unique takes on Western living. Whether it’s a new approach to kitchens or integrating books into a home, there is an increasing demand for spaces that provide intimacy and authenticity. In this issue, you can read about these trends, and find a heartening story of goodwill, as nine Bozeman, Montana interior designers donated their talents to help develop a local domestic abuse shelter.

You’ll also catch glimpses into the lives of a few families who dwell here. Read about an international family’s take on Western living and how a slide that connects three floor levels contributes to the house’s story; explore how architects, builders, and interior designers work together to construct a timeless addition or complete a full remodel; or learn how different build teams take their cues from the land. Hear from those who have been inspired, and perhaps find your own inspiration here — after all, as architect Kevin Burke of CLB Architects says in Michele Corriel’s article, “There’s something magical about living in the West and being outdoors.” This magic manifests itself in the design of our homes, a reflection of our own forms of Western living.