SubscribeCurrent Magazine Cover

Michelle Shortall

Michelle Shortall is the home editor at 5280, curating content that highlights the most stylish spaces in Denver. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Johnson 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, Johnson was the senior editor at Colorado Homes & Lifestyles and Mountain Living magazines and worked for various marketing agencies. When she’s not whipping up dreamy home content, she’s likely exploring new-to-her mountain towns or contemplating paint colors for her 1920s bungalow in the Cole neighborhood.

Articles By Michelle Shortall

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.

South of Denver or South of France? This Sprawling Home in Sedalia Is Designed To Look Like a French Château.

Warm, moody hues and natural materials give this 13,500-square-foot mansion a time-worn feel.

The Waldo Canyon fire swept from the mountains above Colorado Springs, CO into some of outlying communities forcing the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents. 346 homes were destroyed by the fire resulting in insurance claims of more than $453 million. The fire happened in June of 2012.

3 Easy Ways To Help Protect Your Home From Wildfire Damage

Choosing the right building and landscaping materials can make all the difference.

A Massive Accordion Door and Heated Patio Seamlessly Connect This Hilltop Home to the Outdoors

A tear-down and rebuild results in an easy-living four-bedroom where East Coast style meets California casual influences.

The 11 Coolest Colorado Airbnbs to Plan a Summer Vacation Around

You don’t need to go far to get gone. These short-term rentals promise multimillion-dollar views, amenities, and most importantly, solitude.

Is This Old Church the Coolest Apartment in Denver?

Meet the 22-year-old content creator who’s gained a massive following by sharing videos of her digs inside a converted church building.

7 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.

How a Boulder-Born AI Service Can Help Your Garden Grow

If Denver’s dry climate and clay soil dampen your gardening dreams, you might lose your gourd over Flora.

Kolby & Alyssa, co-owners of Treehouse Cyclery

The Best Denver Services and Shopping of 2024

We know where you should get your bike tuned and your muscles massaged. Plus, where to buy your next TBR.

two people stand under several colorful mechanical flower sculptures

What Is Biophilia and Why Do We Keep Hearing About It? Denver Design Experts Weigh In.

Contrary to one 5280 staffer’s assumptions, it’s not a disease.

Granby house exterior with 2 people on porch

How To Land a Mountain Home in Colorado (Even if You Aren’t Rich)

From building a classic A-frame cabin to splitting a ski condo, there are plenty of creative ways to own at least a part-time high-country getaway.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay at the New Trailborn Rocky Mountains Hotel

The stylish staycation spot in Estes Park encourages guests to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts.

3 Tips for Building a Sensory Gym for Neurodivergent Kids, From the Experts

Jarz Design Studio in Denver offers tips for building a soothing space in your home.

Rowdy Poppy bouquet

Meet the Denver Florist Who Is Saving the Planet, One Flower at a Time

Rowdy Poppy, a sustainable floral design house, is opening its first brick-and-mortar shop in RiNo this spring.

Owners

A Local Designer’s Top 4 Tips for Surviving a Home Renovation

Studio Mesa’s Cameron Shepherd shares the lessons he learned while remodeling a 1980s fixer-upper in Evergreen.

big photo of bed

Tour a Peaceful Mountain Retreat Designed for Trauma Victims

With the help of local designer Caitlin Pappas, two Denver-based plastic surgeons created an Aspen Valley getaway to share with their patients.

How Denverite Rico León Became an HGTV Star

Get to know the local construction consultant ahead of the season two premiere of his hit show, Rico To The Rescue. Plus, León’s tips for avoiding a home renovation nightmare.

front exterior straight on

Tour the Winning Spaces From Our 2023 Top Denver Home Design Contest

From muted and minimalist to dramatically daring, these living spaces represent the pinnacle of residential design in Denver and beyond. Step inside for brilliant inspiration for your own domain.

6 Local Instagram Businesses You Should Follow for Vintage Home Goods

Looking to add originality to your living spaces? Allow these online sellers specializing in fun, funky, and effortlessly chic furnishings to help.

Sign Up For Our Newsletters

All things Colorado delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign Up