Behind the Design of a Colorado Home Where Plaid Has Never Looked Cooler

This article showcases four distinct Colorado home design projects, highlighting the collaborative efforts of talented architects and interior designers in bringing homeowners' visions to life. Each project emphasizes unique design philosophies, material selections, and functional considerations tailored to individual needs and the Colorado landscape. First, the 'Longshot Ranch' in Eagle County is presented as a modern rustic barn designed by Forum Phi for a couple with contrasting aesthetic preferences. The husband desired a contemporary, modern aesthetic and a working ranch, while the wife preferred a rustic style and connection to civilization. The resulting 3,763-square-foot, two-bedroom barn, completed in 2021, successfully integrates residential living with agricultural space on a 35-acre plot. It features reclaimed white oak floors, oil-rubbed bronze, natural stone, and stainless steel in its interiors. The exterior utilizes reclaimed barnwood siding and wire-brushed Douglas Fir trim, complemented by a rusted metal roof. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates passive solar gain through southeast orientation and steel solar shades, along with a 12 kW photovoltaic system. This project demonstrates a minimalistic approach to a rustic modern ranch, designed for environmental engagement and longevity. Next, 'Funk It Up' describes a whole-home remodel in Littleton’s Bowmar neighborhood, undertaken by Kimberly Timmons Interiors, Gruber Construction, and Red Pencil Architecture. The homeowners, Julia and Sam Wilder, sought a fun, functional, colorful, and sophisticated space for their three children, reflecting their personality. The original 1970s midcentury-modern ranch, characterized by a choppy floor plan and dated decor, underwent a complete transformation. The main living space was opened up, ceilings were vaulted, and the staircase was reconfigured to create an open and airy feel. The design maintained the home’s midcentury-modern architecture while incorporating bold color pairings like brushed gold accents, moody matte black wall coverings and cabinets, and pops of burnt orange and cool blue. Unique functional built-ins were integrated throughout the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence. The third project, 'Mountain Modern,' features a 7,500-square-foot Aspen home designed by Chicago-based architect Celeste Robbins of Robbins Architecture. This home is highlighted in her monograph, _The Meaningful Modern Home: Soulful Architecture and Interiors_. The design goal was to create a home that possessed scale, strength, and permanence to harmonize with the mountainous terrain, while also reflecting the quiet elegance of the valley's natural elements. Robbins drew inspiration from the Clyfford Still Museum for the facade, utilizing vertical board-formed concrete to create a textured pattern that complements the snowy peaks. This material is juxtaposed with expansive glass walls, including a 32-foot-wide motorized glass wall in the great room, which blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Shawn Henderson curated the interiors, combining custom, vintage, and contemporary pieces to achieve sophisticated yet comfortable living spaces. Finally, 'Buckhorn Ranch' showcases a luxurious, modern-meets-rustic home in Crested Butte, designed by Susie Ver Alvino of Blank Slate & Co. for the Hunter family. Completed in 2022, the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 5.5-bath home by architect Daniel J. Murphy and builder Ian Mason blends contemporary furnishings with comfortable accents. The interiors feature Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound paint, Bianco Montcarte marble countertops, and a custom steel hood in the kitchen. Thick wooden beams of locally handcut, raw-knifed, and burned Douglas fir adorn the kitchen and living room. Custom rugs, upholstery, and furniture are used throughout, with matte black painted window interiors to enhance visual impact. Design details include handcrafted marble mosaic bathroom tiles, plush Overland sheepskin rugs, and a 550-pound concrete bathtub in the primary suite. Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings and natural stone elements integrate the home with its Colorado surroundings. The home also incorporates practical amenities like a soaring refrigerated wine wall and features unique artistic touches such as a vintage chairlift seat from Crested Butte’s Teocalli lift on the front porch. #ColoradoHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernRustic #SustainableDesign #MidcenturyModernRemodel #LuxuryInteriors #MountainModernArchitecture #ResidentialDesign

This article details the restoration and renovation of a historic Spanish Revival home in Montecito, CA, originally designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff in 1922. The recent renovation, led by interior designer Bridgid Williams, focused on peeling back previous unsympathetic changes to highlight the home's period details and original character. The redesign emphasizes a transitional scheme rich in warmth and character, achieved through a blend of beautifully crafted new and old furniture, exquisite details, and specific finishes. Key elements of the restoration include preserving unique and handcrafted decorative details. The entryway, for instance, features original handmade terracotta tiles, which informed the home's overall color palette. The decision to reinstate soft white plaster walls, characteristic of Spanish colonial revival architecture, helps accentuate the decorative tile details on the stair risers and ironwork. The renovation also saw the reintroduction of bullnose corners and the elimination of baseboards, allowing plaster walls to meet the flooring directly. A notable detail in the terracotta floors is a century-old dog paw print, which was intentionally preserved, symbolizing an appreciation for imperfection and adding a unique narrative to the home. The kitchen and dining areas showcase a thoughtful combination of heirloom pieces and well-crafted new furniture. In the kitchen, a vintage Welsh potboard is paired with a custom-built island designed to resemble a furniture piece, serving as a focal point for displaying the homeowner's collected treasures. Classic details were reinstated, such as replacing a stainless steel extractor hood with a traditional-style white plaster one and incorporating a warm Tadelakt plaster backsplash. The original terracotta floors dictated the design, with sophisticated navy cabinetry (Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue) chosen to complement their rich rust color, benefiting from ample natural light. The dining room, merged with the kitchen, features vintage pieces like visually lighter wicker dining chairs to prevent overwhelming the space. An architectural intervention involved creating a thick three-centered arch between the kitchen and dining room, opening the space for entertaining while reintroducing a softness lost in previous remodels. This arch now acts as a central axis for the rear of the house. Custom furniture, such as a white oak racetrack dining table by Petersen Antiques and a Linear chandelier from Currey & Co, complete the setting. The living room retains unique original details, including an orchestra balcony that once hosted performers, adding an unexpected layer of interest. The original fireplace, iron railings, and stairs leading to the balcony remain intact, contributing to the home's charm. The restoration emphasized highlighting vaulted ceilings and arched openings, though the goal was not to create a museum-like environment. Instead, the focus was on incorporating living finishes and materials that would age and patina over time. The long living space was divided into two sitting areas, unified by identical jute rugs and infused with pops of green through various decorative elements. Bedrooms feature earthy tones that reflect Mediterranean hues, aligning with the relaxed California style and traditional Spanish aesthetics. An original corner bedroom fireplace, with its rounded profile and stucco chimney breast, serves as a charming focal point in the guest suite. In the primary bathroom, waterproof plaster walls create a spa-like, calming retreat, allowing elements like a chandelier and custom reeded cabinetry to stand out without competition. Texture is used to add depth, as seen in the custom double vanity with its reeded detailing. For the grandkids' room, bobbin beds, refinished in Benjamin Moore Galapagos Green, provide a contemporary yet traditional touch. Custom pieces were commissioned when vintage options were unavailable, such as a barley twist leg vanity in the grandchildren's en suite from Paul Smith Studios, which maximizes space and adds nostalgic character. The exterior landscaping, designed by Alexander Champagne Landscape Design, integrates seamlessly with the architecture, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience and providing a perfect finishing touch to the meticulously restored home. #HistoricHomeRenovation #SpanishRevivalArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BridgidWilliams #MontecitoCalifornia #TerracottaTiles #VintageFurniture #CustomCabinetry #PlasterWalls

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

This article offers an exclusive tour inside the extensively renovated Dallas home of interior designer Mary Beth Wagner. Situated in University Park, a neighborhood known for its blend of cafes, boutiques, and architectural appeal, the 6,800-square-foot, five-bedroom residence exemplifies modern luxury while retaining classic elements. The home underwent a comprehensive year-long renovation, transforming it from a dark, traditional 1990s structure into an open, light-filled space. This involved reconfiguring the entire interior, moving and adding doors and windows, removing and relocating walls, installing a covered patio, and redesigning the pool area. The exterior remained largely unchanged, save for a fresh coat of paint, but the interior was stripped down to the studs, effectively making it a ground-up build. Mary Beth Wagner collaborated with Christy Blumenfeld of Blume Architecture, Blake Evenson of Hudson Construction Group, and Design Consultant Curtis Burlbaw to bring her vision to life. Designing her own home presented unique challenges for Wagner, given her exposure to diverse design styles in her professional work. However, she embraced the opportunity to be highly creative, as the house's original lack of a specific style provided a blank canvas. The resulting aesthetic is described as traditional yet eclectic, emphasizing comfort and functionality over rigid formality. The home features a mostly traditional layout, with the dining and living rooms greeting visitors upon entry. A central study was intentionally opened up to improve flow for entertaining, yet it retains the flexibility to be closed off for more intimate gatherings. Throughout the home, thoughtful design choices are evident. Limestone floors were installed in the central hallway and family room, while other areas feature hardwoods, contributing to a cohesive yet varied floor plan. Wallpaper plays a significant role in defining individual spaces, with distinct patterns chosen for rooms like the dining area, which features a feminine touch, and a powder bath, adorned with a unique 'Good Fortune' wallpaper by Ferrick Mason. This particular wallpaper was a deliberate replacement for an earlier, overly bright choice, reflecting Wagner's careful curation of elements. The living room showcases vibrant peacock blue velvet couches, a boldly patterned rug, and traditional furnishings, creating a dynamic space. The home is designed with multiple living areas, catering to both family life and entertaining. Ample seating arrangements are a recurring theme, encouraging gatherings, reading, or quiet relaxation. A quaint rose-colored table in the breakfast area serves as a spot for backgammon or reading, while a modern light fixture adds whimsy to the kitchen. The butler's pantry, with its clean lines and a touch of color from its wallpaper, demonstrates an evolution from its previous dark, built-in heavy iteration to a more open, bar-integrated space. The primary bedroom combines simplicity and practicality with an interior archway, exposed brick, and classic furniture, while the master bath features another striking wallpaper surrounding a freestanding tub. An innovative adaptation of the original architecture led to the creation of a functional third floor, now housing a home gym, an office, and a guest bedroom, adorned with playful pink and purple wallpaper and a lucite chair at a small desk. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DallasHomes #LuxuryLiving #EclecticDecor #PastelInteriors #DesignInspiration #UniversityPark

This article provides an exclusive tour of Dallas interior designer Roz Murphy's personal residence, located in the University Park neighborhood. The home, a 3,500-square-foot property with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was originally a ranch-style house built in the 1950s, with a second floor added in the 1980s. Murphy and her family purchased the home in 2010 and embarked on a comprehensive renovation and design process that spanned 13 years, with the project finally reaching completion in 2023. The gradual, room-by-room approach allowed for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each space reflected the family's personality and style. Murphy's design philosophy, characterized by a love for color, pattern, and unexpected elements, is evident throughout the house. The interior, despite the cottage-like exterior, surprises visitors with whimsical elements and vibrant aesthetics. The renovation scope encompassed significant updates to the kitchen, bathrooms, and patio, transforming the original structure into a personalized sanctuary. The kitchen, for instance, features ornate wallpaper, dark wood floors, and fabric-covered stools, creating a playful yet elegant atmosphere. A cozy breakfast nook bathed in morning sunlight further enhances the charm of the space. The sitting room showcases an Art Deco-leaning pink-and-green combination, evoking a sophisticated Miami-inspired vibe reminiscent of 1920s Palm Beach hotels. This space incorporates bold colors, intricate patterns, plush fabrics, and an artistic area rug, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. Murphy explains that the home's design prioritizes comfort and family gatherings, with a layout that includes a formal dining room, study, sunroom, family room, and kitchen downstairs, and the primary suite and additional bedrooms upstairs. The covered patio is also highlighted as a frequently used living area, demonstrating the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. One of the primary motivations for purchasing the home was the need for more space for their two daughters, a requirement that led to the extensive modifications. The master bedroom offers a tranquil retreat with varying shades of blue, complemented by meticulously monogrammed pillows. The bathrooms maintain a clean aesthetic, featuring fresh flowers and thoughtful details. The family room, while grounded in light neutrals, incorporates pops of color through chevron drapery, chinoiserie dragon fabric on swivel chairs, and cantaloupe accents on the ottoman and game chairs. Murphy's favorite space, the dining room, is designed for dramatic flair with tropical wallpaper, a silk background, and bright chartreuse accents. It is further enhanced by an Oushak rug, lavender silk draperies, a custom-designed buffet reflecting Neoclassical style, and champagne metallic wallpaper on the ceilings, adding a glamorous touch. The designer faced challenges during the renovation, particularly in managing scale due to the home's low ceilings, emphasizing the importance of preventing overcrowding while still incorporating beloved furniture and collectibles. The exterior, with its inviting covered patio, outdoor dining area, pool, and lounge space, complements the vibrant interior, creating a cohesive and delightful living environment. The home is a testament to Murphy's ability to blend bright colors, memorable collectibles, and antiques into a warm, cozy, and eclectic space. Each room features unique vignettes, such as floral arrangements, design books, and vintage elements, contributing to the overall charm and character of the residence. #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #ColorfulInteriors #PatternMixing #DallasHomes #RozMurphyDesign #HomeRenovation #EclecticDecor #LuxuryLiving

This article details the design process and key takeaways from a California home renovation, designed by Corine Maggio for Elaine and Jeff Burrell. The couple, inspired by 'Classic European and Luxury California' aesthetics and Elaine's background in luxury hospitality, sought to create an elegant, monochrome, and highly functional home suitable for entertaining and a growing family. The project began with the primary bedroom and family room, later expanding to include the kitchen and entryway, guided by the homeowners' desire for a 'wow' factor while maintaining comfort and practicality. The entryway was designed to make a strong first impression, featuring black and white checkerboard floor tiles, full-height dramatic paneling for a classic European feel, traditional sconces, a crystal flush mount, and a console table with a mirror, all contributing to a hospitality-inspired aesthetic. The hallway extension, overseen by Jeff Burrell's architect father, created a dedicated entrance space, maximizing impact within a small area. The monochrome theme extends into the kitchen, where a deliberate choice was made for dark cabinetry balanced with a white island. This decision was driven by the kitchen's ample natural light and the desire to differentiate it from common all-white kitchen designs, while the white island ensures a dynamic feel in the not-so-large space. Unique details were incorporated to add character, such as a custom-designed bronze hood with a brass and bronze finish, and distinctive pendant lights over the island that blend modern and traditional elements. An unlacquered bridge faucet and ogee edge counter detail further enhance the traditional aesthetic, complemented by coffered ceilings that add height and sophistication. The family room, described as both formal and inviting, presented a challenge due to its long and narrow shape. Maggio addressed this by strategically arranging seating zones to foster intimate yet connected conversation areas, using a chaise lounge to bridge the main sitting space and chairs by the window. The primary bedroom was conceived as a hotel suite, incorporating hotel-inspired bedding, pillows, and lighting. A black four-poster bed was chosen for its dramatic and stately presence, even in a moderately sized room, with cost-saving paneling on one wall. A Greek key rug pattern and tufted bench connect the room to the broader European aesthetic of the home. The article emphasizes the importance of softening rooms with elements like off-white curtains, which, though not always closed, add height and warmth, providing a necessary relief from the predominant black and white palette. Finally, the design leveraged architectural quirks, transforming a recessed alcove in the hallway into a functional and aesthetic feature for hosting, complete with a black sideboard for glassware, Art Deco-style gold details, and contemporary leaning artwork, ensuring the home is always ready for social gatherings. #CaliforniaHome #MonochromeDesign #InteriorDesignTips #LuxuryInteriors #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #EntrywayIdeas

This article details the design and aesthetic choices made by designer Lindye Galloway for a contemporary ranch house in California, focusing on achieving a balance between coziness for a family of five and spaciousness for entertaining guests. The seven-bedroom, eleven-bathroom home is divided into two distinct wings, one for children and one for adults, with the primary kitchen acting as a central hub for social gatherings. The kitchen features a double island for cooking and dining, complemented by a butler's and walk-in pantry to maintain tidiness and provide ample storage. The home also includes a breakfast nook for relaxed mornings and a sleek bar for evening drinks. A key design objective was to blend the family's preference for an earthy, streamlined style with maximum functionality. Galloway aimed to create an inviting atmosphere that avoids the sterile feel of a museum, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical use for everyday living and hosting. A neutral color palette, inspired by the surrounding natural landscape, was applied throughout the property, establishing a calming ambiance and allowing the outdoor views to be a focal point through large windows. The interior design incorporates a mix of custom-made furniture, such as a family-sized sectional, and vintage pieces like planters, which contribute character and charm. Durable materials, including marble kitchen counters and limestone bathroom flooring, were selected for longevity and to develop a timeless aesthetic. Beyond the main residence, the property extends its entertaining capabilities with a pool cabana and an outdoor kitchen, offering spaces for dining and relaxation by the pool. A private, detached two-bedroom guest house further enhances the property's suitability for hosting, making it a comprehensive gathering spot for family and friends. The article provides a detailed room-by-room breakdown, beginning with the entry, where glass-and-steel doors open to a limestone patio, adorned with vintage planters. The family room features neutral furnishings with varying textures to enhance coziness without distracting from natural light and backyard views. The kitchen's design includes black powder-coated metal elements contrasting with light oak and marble, and a custom raked plaster range hood adds texture. Practical spaces like pantries are equipped with custom cabinetry and fluted glass doors for organization. The breakfast nook is designed for comfort with a custom banquette, while the bar features dark walnut cabinetry and Noir Francia marble for a bold, moody effect. The primary bedroom prioritizes tranquility with a neutral palette, rich accents, and blended textures, including a custom headboard and specialized lighting. The primary bathroom serves as a spa-like retreat with white oak cabinetry, a fireplace framed by Calacatta Paonazzo marble, and a large soaking tub, alongside his-and-hers vanities. The daughter's bedroom incorporates muted pink tones through artwork and fabrics, maintaining an age-appropriate yet sophisticated feel. Guest bedrooms in the detached house reflect the surrounding olive grove with neutral palettes and touches of green, taupe, and brown, featuring custom beds and carefully selected lighting and furniture. The outdoor kitchen is equipped with a trough sink and high-end appliances, while the pool area offers multiple seating arrangements, emphasizing both sun exposure and shaded comfort, all within a cohesive and thoughtfully designed environment. #CaliforniaRanch #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #LindyeGalloway #NeutralPalette #CustomFurniture #EntertainingSpace #OutdoorLiving

This article showcases a Los Angeles home meticulously designed by Betsy Burnham, where Moroccan motifs are ingeniously integrated to bring vibrancy to a predominantly neutral black and white palette. The design strategy emphasizes defining details and a careful selection of materials and furnishings to create a unique and sophisticated interior. The tour begins in the entryway, where a vintage mirror is strategically placed above a custom console, immediately setting a tone of elegant eclecticism. Instead of conventional runners, Burnham chose to "carpet" the entry with inlaid mosaic stones from Country Floors, demonstrating a creative approach to flooring that adds a distinctive Moroccan touch from the outset. The living room exemplifies the designer's philosophy of "defining details." Here, the plaster-relief ceiling has been hand-painted, adding an intricate layer of artistry to the space. Custom furniture pieces, including a sofa covered in Holly Hunt leather with Pindler fabric cushions and an ottoman in Clarence House's Bukhara Crewel, are thoughtfully combined with swivel chairs in Rose Tarlow Melrose House's Canvas Cloth and armchairs in Rogers & Goffigon's Bechamel. Fritz side tables by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams complete the sophisticated arrangement. In the dining room, Burnham expertly balances white floors and black accents with feminine elements. Key pieces include a Montalvo chandelier by Dennis & Leen, Windsor Smith's Scalloped Antique mirror, and chairs upholstered in Le Gracieux's Kirachi linen. Vintage Baguès sconces further embellish the space, adding a touch of whimsy and historical charm. The powder room showcases Ann Sacks's Maghreb 4 tiles on the walls, creating a striking Moroccan-inspired backdrop. Arturo sconces by Paul Ferrante, a Forbidden City mirror by Bunny Williams Home, and a Mehraab sink by Viya for Stephanie Odegard with THG's Versailles fittings contribute to a luxurious and exotic atmosphere. The master bedroom's design is inspired by a 19th-century Indian rug from Rugs & Art, which dictated a soft, serene color scheme. The room features a bed by Posse Furniture, sheets by Deborah Sharpe Linens, a throw from Jayson Home, and a vintage lamp from Downtown. Curtains in S. Harris's Tibet silk with Lee Jofa's Vintage Link trim add texture and elegance. Throughout the house, walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's White Dove, providing a consistent, clean canvas. The guest bedroom is designed to "pop" with color and pattern, incorporating a vintage suzani headboard and Moroccan rugs to create a vibrant and inviting space. The staircase is transformed into a graphic installation with patterned tiles by Country Floors, including a Moorish mosaic, Country Floors' Nabeul Noir, mixed with diagonal striped flooring, making a strong visual statement. Outside, the patio is outfitted with Kingsley-Bate's Southampton seating and cushions in a Perennials fabric. An Indonesian daybed is enlivened with vintage textiles and a seat cushion in Great Outdoors' Fresh Canvas. An etched-brass tray table adds historical depth to the outdoor seating area. The infinity-edge pool, flanked by urns transformed into fountains, offers a breathtaking view that, according to Burnham, blurs the lines of geographical location until the Los Angeles skyline is visible. Southampton woven-wicker chaise longues by Kingsley-Bate complete the outdoor retreat. #MoroccanDesign #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #CustomFurniture #TileWork #OutdoorLiving #BetsyBurnham

Interior designer Rachel Hills, founder and creative director of Rachel Hills Design Co., and her architect husband, Paul, principal of the Hills Group, have collaborated to create their modern California home. Completed in 2024, this new-build residence, located on a street named Tesoro, meaning “treasure” in Spanish, reflects the couple’s three decades of design experience. The project was conceived with a clear objective: to downsize thoughtfully and design a space that is both intuitive and refined, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Every element in the house serves a purpose and contributes to its overall feeling. The home’s architecture and interior design were meticulously handled in-house, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious flow. The exterior features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, softened by organic materials and a natural color palette that seamlessly transitions to the interior. A key design element throughout the house is the thoughtful integration of accent walls. These walls, rather than being overtly dramatic, are subtly impactful, contributing to the home's nuanced texture and visual interest. For instance, the kitchen showcases richly patterned marble paired with two-tone cabinetry in spruce green and light oak. Honed black soapstone countertops, with their delicate green veining, subtly echo the cabinetry, while a gold metallic backsplash from Artistic Tile adds a touch of glamour. Hills emphasized the importance of tactile quality, ensuring surfaces were interesting without overwhelming the space. This emphasis on tactile richness extends to other areas of the home. In the living room, a linear fireplace from EcoSmart is integrated into a concrete tile wall, creating a sculptural contrast to the smooth wooden floors. Curved ceilings, ranging from 14 to 17 feet, are highlighted by custom steel I-beams that align with the architectural design. The ground floor features an open layout that offers views of an internal courtyard, a central element of the home. This courtyard, designed around a century-old olive tree and framed by glass walls, serves as a serene focal point, bringing natural light and a sense of calm into multiple rooms, providing a rhythmic and contemplative space. Art and personal history are woven into the interiors. A large painting of an Egyptian queen, salvaged and painted on tile, is a dramatic feature in the living room. Rachel Hills’s own artwork is also displayed, including an ocean-inspired canvas in the hallway and a floral painting in the guest bedroom, which introduces a softer, more traditional accent wall concept. The bathrooms also feature distinct surfaces; the primary suite includes softly textured wallpaper and an en-suite with metallic Italian stone-look flooring and charcoal tiles from WOW Design. The guest bath combines white marble with deep charcoal accents from Ann Sacks, demonstrating careful composition and visual variety while maintaining overall design consistency. Practicality was a significant consideration in the design. The home includes two separate kitchens: one for entertaining and another specifically tailored for the husband's weekly cooking routine. Hills underscores that functionality does not necessitate compromise but rather encourages intelligent design. The home, therefore, is not primarily intended to impress but to genuinely reflect the couple's current lifestyle, focusing on efficiency, clarity, and thoughtful living with fewer but more intentional possessions. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AccentWalls #ModernHome #CaliforniaLiving #Texture #NaturalPalette #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHomes

The article showcases the winning designs from the 2023 Top Denver Home Design Contest, featuring a range of residential projects that highlight innovative architectural and interior design solutions. The projects demonstrate how designers approach challenges such as maximizing views, addressing light limitations, integrating sustainable features, and preserving historical elements. One featured project, a "whole home" winner in Boulder's Chautauqua neighborhood, was designed by architect Ken Andrews. The design is inspired by the geologic forces that formed the Flatirons, incorporating the concept of "vergence." The home features quarter-inch-thick premanufactured limestone panels, allowing the entire house to be covered with material from a single quarry block, which reduced structural and shipping costs. These thin slabs also act as a rainscreen, managing heat gain and loss. The home includes a 13-kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic array and a ground-source heat pump for energy efficiency. The interior boasts an origami-like staircase, creating a dramatic focal point within a stone-clad void that extends from the basement to the top floor. Interior designer Kristin Wynne selected a minimal material palette of wood, wool, alpaca, velvet, and leather in soft grays to complement the architecture and emphasize natural light and views. Another project addresses a windowless powder room in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood. Designer Jamie Nusser of J Designs transformed a 1990s space into a sophisticated area. She incorporated alabaster orb sconces, 3D ceramic wall tiles from Japan, and a graphic, textured wallpaper on the ceiling to add visual height and texture, creating a moody yet chic atmosphere. The article also presents a study designed by Kim Blankenburg and Molly Bevan of Layers & Lines for recently retired homeowners in Observatory Park. The room was specifically created for playing chess, with a focus on comfort. They used a painterly wallpaper on the ceiling to contrast with existing charcoal walls and selected a graphic linen-blend velvet upholstery for the settee, balancing it with a tranquil landscape painting to create a calming and functional space. For a Bow Mar Tudor, Kaleidoscope Design and KGA Studio Architects collaborated to open up a ranch-style home by pitching the kitchen ceiling to 14 feet and adding vaulted windows to maximize sunlight and views of the backyard. Cassy Kicklighter Poole, principal designer at Kaleidoscope, incorporated timeless, nature-inspired materials such as leather-backed bar stools, quartzite countertops, and concrete-domed pendant lights to ensure the new finishes felt authentic to the space. Andrea Schumacher Interiors revitalized a 1909 Denver Country Club Tudor’s living room, which initially suffered from excessive natural light. Designer Andrea Schumacher opted for a palette of chocolate browns and true blues, applying a graphic, bamboolike pattern to the ceiling, walls, and draperies to create a "cocooned and cozy" feeling. A gold-gilt palm tree pendant lamp serves as a dazzling centerpiece. A historical renovation in the Montclair neighborhood involved updating a 1910 Tudor while preserving its original character. Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories highlighted the foyer’s existing architectural details by adding graphic wallpaper between ceiling beams, an animal-print runner on the original staircase, and a modernist bubble chandelier. A notable design element includes a secret powder room cleverly concealed behind a wall panel in the entry, demonstrating thoughtful integration of modern functionality with historical preservation. Finally, a home in Salida, located in the shadows of the Collegiate Peaks, was designed by Mike Piché of Studio B Architecture & Interiors. The goal was to integrate the house seamlessly with its natural surroundings along the Arkansas River. The design features a flat, unobtrusive roofline and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize panoramic views. Energy efficiency was achieved through light-transmissible glass and deep overhangs. The exterior stucco features a hand-troweled pattern intended to evoke the organic qualities of the river and its sediment, further connecting the structure to its environment. Another project for a University home’s primary bathroom, designed by Dain Carlson of Factor Design Build, features an oak vanity, handmade blush-hued zellige wall tiles, graphic black-and-white floor tiles, and gold hardware, creating a striking blend of masculine and feminine elements in a personal space.

The article details the renovation project of an interior designer, Steph Schlegelmilch of Studio Seva, who transformed a bland new-build home in Westport into a charming family residence. Despite the house being sold at teardown value in a foreclosure auction, Schlegelmilch recognized its potential, especially its English Tudor-style architecture, which was uncommon in the area dominated by modern farmhouses. The initial vision for the renovation was to create a comfortable, elevated, and timeless home with a strong European influence, achieved by selective changes and preserving original features. The renovation began with addressing the home's initially cold and uninspired interior, described as a "builder special." The existing lighting was seen as wasteful and bland, lacking soul. Significant landscaping work was also necessary, involving the removal of almost four hundred yards of ledge, which caused a three-month delay. The exterior transformation included a backyard retreat with a pool, multi-tiered patios, gardens, retaining walls, and mature landscaping, designed to enhance the property's European country home feel. In the kitchen, minimal structural changes were needed, but extensive upgrades for functionality were carried out. Outdated, undersized, and awkwardly configured appliances, such as a left-hinged fridge and freezer positioned side-by-side, were replaced. The original range was upgraded to a Lacanche, a new plaster hood was installed, and lighting was updated, featuring Matthew Cox island pendants from England as a key design element. The dining room was conceived as a dark and sultry space, leveraging its large size and high ceilings. Plaster was used on the walls to add warmth and align with the European style, and a darker finish was chosen to create a bold yet sensible ambiance. This darker tone was subtly echoed through accents in other rooms to maintain continuity, especially since the dining room is not immediately visible upon entering the house. The family room emerged as the designer's favorite space, serving as a daily gathering and unwinding area. It is strategically located adjacent to the kitchen but designed to feel distinct, avoiding the common issue of modern open-plan homes where dining and living areas blend too much. Special design details in this room include an arched niche with custom-stained oak millwork, the addition of symmetry around the fireplace, and the conversion of the fireplace to gas with a reclaimed beam mantel, enhancing its coziness. Throughout the home, Schlegelmilch emphasizes collecting unique items and incorporating pieces from favorite brands like Verellen to create a lived-in, comfortable, and soulful environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WestportHome #EuropeanInfluence #TudorStyle #FamilyHome #KitchenDesign #DiningRoom #FamilyRoom #LandscapeDesign

This article features the insights of Alexandra Gove, co-owner of Hygge Life, on where to find unique home decor in Colorado's High Country. Gove and her husband, Koen van Renswoude, established Hygge Life five years ago, introducing a Scandinavian-inspired design aesthetic to the Vail Valley. Their boutique, known for handcrafted ceramics, shearling, candles, and classic Scandinavian design, has recently expanded to include more furnishings, lighting, and home decor, along with interior-styling services. The physical space of Hygge Life in Avon is designed to emulate a serene residential home, characterized by plaster walls, soft lighting, and constant candlelight, embodying Gove's vision of a retail store as an artist's personal curation. The article highlights three specific high-country home goods boutiques recommended by Gove, offering diverse styles and product selections. The first recommendation is Vintage Magnolia, located in Riverwalk at Edwards. Gove describes it as an "eye candy" experience, emphasizing its blend of a popular floral studio with a warm, bohemian home decor and gift assortment. She particularly appreciates the shop's unique and artistic offerings, which stand out from commonly repeated products seen on social media. The store features a wide array of pillows, blankets, planters, and various textures, alongside floral designs that exhibit a loose, organic style. A notable aspect is the visible worktable where florists assemble arrangements, contributing to the shop's transparent and engaging atmosphere. The second featured destination is Collective Design + Furnishings in Frisco, described as a hub for "mountain-modern" design. Gove notes a growing trend away from traditional mountain aesthetics, and Collective is presented as a resource for those seeking a fresher yet still inviting look. The showroom is characterized by its spaciousness and beautifully arranged furnishings and accessories for every room. Additionally, it offers a full-service design team to assist customers in bringing their design visions to life. The article implies that this store caters to a clientele looking for contemporary and sophisticated design solutions for their mountain homes. Finally, Gove recommends R|D Home in Steamboat Springs, an establishment affiliated with the local design firm Rumor Design + ReDesign. Her discovery of this shop during a stroll impressed her with its size and beauty, including a chic coffee bar and a communal table, encouraging visitors to linger and appreciate the space. The store offers an extensive collection of furniture, lighting, and decor, featuring many unique and playful items, from sculptural lounge chairs to decorative objects and special upholstery fabrics. Gove specifically mentions finding a roll of Kelly Wearstler wallpaper and an antique dresser there, underscoring the shop's eclectic mix of old and new pieces, which makes for an engaging shopping experience and allows customers to find distinctive items. #HomeDecor #ColoradoDesign #HyggeLife #RetailTherapy #InteriorDesign #MountainModern #ScandinavianDesign #HighCountry

Jenn Chiarelli, alongside her husband Pete and children Amelia and Theo, embarked on a journey to construct a new residence in Los Angeles, desiring a departure from their previous home's subdued aesthetic. Their prior dwelling featured a vintage grain-sack style characterized by creams, beiges, and navy tones. For their new home, Jenn envisioned a vibrant, cheerful space that genuinely reflected their family's personality. To achieve this, she enlisted the expertise of designer Alison Kandler, renowned for her use of cheerful checkered floors, colorful kitchen islands, and intricate patterns. Architect Joan Swartz also contributed to the project, culminating in a "polished farmhouse" design. While the exterior of the house evokes an understated Cape Cod charm, the interior seamlessly blends rustic elements such as exposed beams, vintage furniture, and extensive collections with a refined and radiant color scheme. The inspiration for the home's vibrant palette originated from a bold chinoiserie motif wallpaper swatch that Jenn discovered. This single piece served as the foundational design element for the entire house. In the serene sitting room, a unique approach to color selection was employed. Alison Kandler tasked Jenn and Pete with independently choosing paint chips that resonated with them. Jenn's selections predominantly featured corals, yellows, and pinks, while Pete gravitated towards whites and various shades of blue. Recognizing their shared appreciation for sky blue, Alison decided to incorporate this color throughout the design. In the sitting room, sky blue appears on wingback chairs, complemented by bright orange window cornices and ivory sheers. The bookcase in this space is lined with blue-and-white wallpaper, showcasing blue and green Bauer pottery, red vintage encyclopedias passed down from Jenn's great-grandparents, and a vintage portrait acquired from a local flea market. The kitchen design involved a collaborative effort between Jenn and Pete to select an island color. After initial differing preferences, they settled on a yellow-green blend, resulting in a kitchen that incorporates almost every color of the spectrum, with the exception of purple. The citron island is topped with honed statuary marble, and woven stools provide a grounding element. White custom cabinets offer a visual contrast to the colorful kitchen, accentuating striped Cornishware and jade and lemon Bauer pottery pieces. The kitchen's focal point is a stunning Delft Blue French range, adding a touch of sky blue to the space. For the pantry, Alison painted a salvaged screen door kelly green, matching a vintage breakfast table. The breakfast nook features a banquette adorned with light green, navy, and fuchsia throw pillows made from outdoor fabrics, and neutral wallpaper balances the bold furnishings. Tolix-style chairs are powder-coated in sky blue to complement the range. The living room integrates two tailored navy sofas and two pink wing chairs, all upholstered in durable outdoor fabrics, surrounding a distressed green coffee table crafted from a repurposed dining table. This combination epitomizes the "polished farmhouse" aesthetic. Throw pillows in bright yellow, navy, and multicolored block prints add layers of pattern. A citron side table echoes the kitchen island, and indigo curtains frame a backyard with artificial green grass. The home office features a pocket door painted in the same orange hue as the front door. The stairwell is adorned with a collection of vintage portraits, reflecting Jenn's diverse interests. In the children's area, comprising Theo and Amelia's bedrooms, bathrooms, and a playroom, Alison unified the spaces with a turquoise-and-lime painted floor. Amelia's bedroom has peach walls, a yellow bed, marigold window treatments, an orange-red side table, a coral chair, and pink, red, and navy linens. A blue lantern with scalloped trim adds a whimsical touch. The kids' bathroom includes a custom pomegranate-colored tub and a light blue, green, and orange patterned wallpaper. In the playroom, French doors are painted bright yellow, and bookshelves with navy wallpaper are illuminated by red sconces. The article concludes with an image of Jenn Chiarelli and her children at their vibrant front door. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FarmhouseStyle #WallpaperInspiration #CustomInteriors #CaliforniaHome #AlisonKandler #FamilyHome

Stacey-Ann Blake, a self-taught interior stylist and designer, has transformed her Fayetteville, North Carolina home into a vibrant and unique space, where bold colors and unexpected patterns are the norm. Her approach to design is deeply influenced by her Jamaican heritage and a meticulous process of envisioning and sourcing quality pieces. Rather than conforming to traditional neutral palettes, Blake embraces a prismatic aesthetic, making hot pink and neon coral function as neutrals within her lively interior. Blake's passion for design blossomed while living in Italy and was further cultivated during her maternity leave in 2008, when she discovered the world of blogging. As a military wife, often alone during her husband Andre's deployments, she developed a keen interest in interior magazines, leading to frequent home makeovers. Her home became a creative laboratory, showcasing joyful DIY projects like a patchwork ottoman and whimsical light fixtures, eventually attracting partnerships with major brands such as Target and Universal Studios. In 2010, Blake took charge of designing her family's ranch-style home, prioritizing an open layout with cathedral ceilings and dormer windows to maximize light—essential for her extensive plant collection. This design facilitated easy supervision of her young children and fostered a bright, airy atmosphere. Her most prized plant, Glory, a fiddle-leaf fig tree, even gained its own social media following, reflecting Blake’s belief in the positive impact of plants on a home's vibe and overall health. Her green thumb also extends to a backyard garden, a nod to her Caribbean farming lineage. The children's spaces are designed to encourage self-expression. In her sons Zion and Ian’s bedroom, a world map mural serves as an educational tool and a way to connect with their deployed father, transforming bedtime routines into geographical lessons. An adjacent gallery wall proudly displays their artwork alongside pieces by renowned artists like Joan Miró and Ed Heck, fostering a sense of accomplishment. For Zion, who is autistic, Blake carefully selected calming paint shades, like the mellow blue now gracing their serene play zone. Throughout the house, Blake's bold paint choices serve as striking backdrops for her art collection. The hot pink foyer, for instance, features works by Jonathan Green and Erin Robinson, complemented by artifacts from Jamaica and Italy. The main bedroom boasts abstract art by Justina Blakeney and digital prints from EdB & Paprika, all inspired by Blake’s travels and diverse cultural experiences. Her living room’s expansive bookcase, adorned with a geometric orange overlay—her favorite hue—is a testament to her creative flair. This Technicolor library, filled with color-coded books and hidden toy cubbies, truly embodies the heart of their home. Blake consistently designs with her children in mind, ensuring uncluttered, safe, and flow-conscious spaces where every room is accessible and inviting. She emphasizes respect for furniture but also encourages playful activities like fort-building. This family-centric approach has instilled a love for design in her children, as evidenced by her son Zion's request for a bathroom renovation after seeing the main one completed. The article concludes with Blake’s recommendations for six books that promote social awareness in children, reflecting her role as a schoolteacher in an international system. #HomeDesign #InteriorStyling #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsRooms #DesignInspiration #StaceyAnnBlake #NorthCarolina #DecoratingTips

This article showcases a 7,448-square-foot ranch home in Lake Jackson, Texas, designed by Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design. The homeowner desired a dream house that was a welcoming gathering place for family and friends. The design's guiding force was the local landscape, characterized by moss-draped oaks and winding waterfront, aiming to create interiors that seamlessly flowed with the outdoors. This connection is immediately apparent upon entering the home, with uninterrupted views bringing the outside in. To manage the expansive scale of the house and ensure livability, Elias implemented her "three purposes" philosophy, meaning each room serves multiple functions. The nearly 22-foot great room exemplifies this approach, featuring distinct zones: two corner sofas for television viewing, a 17-foot banquette for family game nights, and clusters of swivel chairs offering lake views for conversation. Given the vastness of the walls, an 11-foot bookcase was incorporated as a prominent display unit for heirlooms and commissioned art, preventing the space from feeling cavernous. Elias emphasized that scale was crucial, as smaller pieces would have been dwarfed. While gathering spaces are vibrant, private areas prioritize tranquility. The primary suite is adorned with hand-painted wallpaper and coordinating drapery in calming watery blues. A guest wing on the opposite side of the house mirrors this serenity with a suite featuring leafy patterns. Moving down the hall, a bunk room designed for young visitors bursts with vibrant theatrics, including stage-like curtains for impromptu performances, offering a stark contrast to the quiet sophistication elsewhere. Throughout the home, lively colors and layered patterns are consistently used. Examples include lemon-printed tiles in the laundry room and plasterwork branches on the kitchen hood. The article highlights specific rooms and their design elements: The entryway features Aux Abris wallcovering, Oomph consoles, and custom House + Town ottomans. The great room boasts custom sectionals by House + Town in Kravet fabric with Brunschwig & Fils trim, along with M&M Lighting chandeliers. The dining room includes chairs from House + Town with Fanny Shorter and Holly Hunt fabrics, a Doorman dining table, a Stark rug, and Currey & Company chandeliers. The bar, a converted storage space, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Inland and Jocular Green, complemented by jewel-toned glassware. The kitchen features House + Town stools in Ferrick Mason fabric and a chandelier from The Urban Electric Co., with a custom Segreto Finishes plaster hood. The pantry, designed for entertaining, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Broccoflower with Morris & Co. wallpaper on the ceiling and Schumacher fabric-fronted cabinets. The guest suite incorporates Voutsa wallpaper, a Stray Dog Designs sconce, and Sherwin-Williams paints in Faded Flaxflower and Restful. The primary bedroom utilizes Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue paint, Gracie Studio wallpaper and drapery, and Doorman nightstands. The primary bath showcases Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures and Designer Stone Center stone, with a Statuario marble shower facade. The closet, a "ladies’ lounge," is lacquered in Sherwin-Williams Lighthearted Pink and features Olivia + Poppy wallpaper. The bunk room includes Serena & Lily bedding, Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, and a Wildwood chandelier. The kids’ bath features Anna French wallpaper, Julian Chichester sconces with House + Town shades, and Ferguson Home faucets. The kids' shower has red-and-white striped walls and blue hex-tile floors. The laundry room, a multipurpose space, has a desk nook, a Grow House Grow lemon-print cement tile floor, and is painted in Sherwin-Williams Blissful Blue. The veranda, an outdoor living area, includes a custom coffee table, Serena & Lily sofas, and swivel chairs in Harlequin fabric, all chosen for durability in the Houston climate. Carrera Custom Homes and Rice Residential Design contributed to the home's construction. #HomeDesign #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #CreativeTonicDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ColorPalette #PatternPlay #TexasHomes #MultipurposeRooms