Steal These Decorating Ideas From Denver’s New Maven Hotel

Life House, a tech-driven hotel brand, distinguishes itself through a core philosophy of celebrating neighborhood heritage and identity through design, a strategy evident in its new Denver Lower Highlands (LoHi) property. This marks Life House's first expansion outside the eastern seaboard, following locations in Miami and Nantucket. The company’s in-house studio manages all creative aspects, from interior design to branding and digital content, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtful narrative. VP of Design Jenny Bukovec outlines their three-part approach: developing a locally rooted architectural story, creating a local character as a protagonist, and incorporating spirited cultural references to define the property’s personality. For the Life House Lower Highlands, the design draws inspiration from a 19th-century pioneer’s dwelling, juxtaposing Victorian-era opulence with contemporary industrial elements, mirroring LoHi's historic character. The hotel's exterior, a five-story building, leads into an interior that exudes a homey ambiance. The color palette features muted dusty grays, mustards, rusty reds, and saturated bluebell hues. To further evoke the homestead theme, the design incorporates honey-hued leathers and cowhides, parquet flooring, textured amber glass, and subtle nods to Colorado wildflowers. Throughout the hotel, vintage objects add whimsical touches. A notable piece is a Victorian three-panel leather screen from the late 1890s, hand-painted with motifs of the American Wild West frontier. Bukovec emphasizes the effort to infuse soul into the space, noting that some millwork and furniture, such as banquettes and bed frames, are custom-produced in Colombia. Walls are adorned with illustrative textiles, including wallpapers and murals hand-drawn by Lei Xing, an artist within the Life House team. A salvaged Victorian-era walnut armoire in the lobby features a curated selection of goods from Colorado vendors and candles with the hotel’s signature scent. The bespoke fragrance, a blend of bergamot, fig, vetiver, and cedar, permeates from the lobby and bar to the guest rooms. The 17-key hotel offers various room configurations, many specifically designed for group stays. Options include full-sized bunk chambers, king suites, and combined rooms accommodating up to eight guests. This innovative bunk layout, unique to Life House, provides privacy curtains and staircases instead of ladders, catering to adult travelers seeking communal yet personal spaces. Wildflower, the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar on the ground floor, offers a seasonal, vegetable-forward menu that blends Italian and Mexican flavors in tapas-style dishes, reflecting LoHi's history as an immigrant enclave. Desserts are presented on Victorian trolleys, accompanied by homemade lavender limoncello, amaro, and Colorado meads. Although indoor dining was restricted at the time of publication, Wildflower provided delivery, takeout, and in-room service. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel implemented safety protocols, including temperature checks for guests and staff, mandatory masks in public areas, and socially distanced seating, aiming to enhance Lower Highlands' hospitality scene. #HotelDesign #BoutiqueHotel #DenverTravel #InteriorDesign #Hospitality #ArchitecturalNarrative #VictorianEra #ColoradoCulture #GroupTravelAccommodation

Abigail Plantier, chief experience curator at Maximalist – Experience Design, emphasizes the often-missed opportunity for bars and restaurants to make their restrooms stand out through bold design. She advocates for treating these small spaces as canvases for creativity, stating that "the crazier, the better," and notes her enjoyment in observing guests' reactions to unique bathroom designs. Plantier, an interior designer and brand strategist working with hospitality clients, finds designing restrooms to be one of her favorite aspects of her work. A memorable bathroom design can involve various elements, such as the vibrant flamingo and palm wallpaper at Brasserie Brixton, which encourages mirror selfies. Other establishments employ unexpected details to spark conversation, including Postino’s custom-stamped toilet paper, the mob-themed posters in Gaetano’s, or the Porta-Potty-mimicking exteriors of Bang up to the Elephant's bathrooms. These creative approaches transform utilitarian spaces into noteworthy attractions. Glo Noodle House offers two distinctive restrooms, reflecting a Tokyo alleyway theme. Co-owner Ariana Teigland designed one to resemble an arcade with a custom-built cabinet around the sink by her father. The second bathroom is a bodega replica, filled with Japanese snacks, a floral display, and cigarette boxes, all for visual appeal rather than sale, encouraging interaction and selfies. This creative approach extends the restaurant's atmosphere into an unexpected space. B&GC;, a Cherry Creek speakeasy, features a high-design restroom that complements its exclusive ambiance. The bathroom, designed to entice selfie-takers, includes a gold geometric mirror and artistic wallpaper depicting bare legs with a kaleidoscope effect, contributing to its sophisticated and alluring aesthetic. Sắp Sửa, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, contrasts its minimalist dining area with a celebratory bathroom design. General manager Heeji Kim adorned the ceilings with approximately 60 silver disco balls of various sizes, creating a shimmering effect under midnight blue lighting. The bathrooms also feature Kim's framed dog drawings, adding a personal and whimsical touch. The Family Jones Spirit House in LoHi incorporates its unique design elements into its bathroom. The tasting room, known for its 17-foot copper still and vertical planters, extends this attention to detail with custom-made black-and-white wallpaper in the bathroom. The wallpaper features vintage images, evoking the nostalgia and intrigue of old family film reels. FlyteCo Tower, an entertainment venue housed in the former Stapleton International Airport control tower, pays tribute to aviation history throughout its establishment, including the restrooms. The stalls are decorated with a collage of vintage flight maps, neon bag tags, and safety brochures from historical airlines like Pan Am. Additionally, live air traffic control broadcasts from DIA are piped into the sound system, enhancing the immersive experience. Room for Milly, a LoHi bar, maintains its Baroque-inspired aesthetic, characterized by velvet curtains, terrazzo floors, and hand-painted wallpaper, into its bathroom. The design features subtropical floral elements on the walls and a playful ceiling monkey lamp, which designer Phillip Hua-Pham of Mainspring highlights as a key attraction. The bathrooms also provide special hand soaps, lotions, and diffusers with notes of rose, tobacco, and jasmine. Hey Kiddo's kaleidoscopic bathrooms are considered highly selfie-ready due to their vibrant design. Designer Kevin Nguyen of Regular Architecture used multi-hued tiles to cover the walls, creating a playful and colorful backdrop. The small square mirrors are ideal for framing faces, leading to numerous social media posts by patrons. The Art, a Hotel, functions as a museum, and its fourth-floor bathrooms outside the Fire Restaurant offer an artistic extension of the hotel's theme. The men's restroom features a mosaic of a man that, when reflected in the mirror, completes his face, while the women's restroom showcases a similar mosaic of a woman. Both artworks are composed of individually arranged, single-colored tiles, demonstrating a clever visual trick. Bar Dough's re-design, executed within a seven-day deadline, reflects a cozy, Italian home aesthetic. The custom wallpaper in the restrooms, inspired by trinkets found in a curio cabinet such as butterflies, birds, and flowers with an Italian flair, contributes to this theme. Vintage Italian frames serve as signs for the restrooms, further enhancing the authentic atmosphere. Cabrón Carbón, a taqueria and tequila bar, features bathrooms that double as art galleries. Denver artist A. Michel Velázquez Rosas created glow-in-the-dark murals. One mural honors Mexican movie star Maria Felix with a quote about the complexity of women, while the other pays tribute to Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez. These murals transform the restrooms into culturally rich spaces. TrashHawk Tavern, a Broadway dive bar, decorates its bathrooms with thrifted finds, including vintage magazine ads for products like Schmidt beer and Marlboro cigarettes, creating a unique and nostalgic environment. This theme extends to the bar's holiday decorations, where empty beer cans adorn the Christmas tree, consistent with its eclectic aesthetic. #DenverBars #RestaurantDesign #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #UniqueRestrooms #DenverRestaurants #MaximalistDesign #CreativeSpaces

This article highlights five new restaurants in Denver that offer not only delicious food but also captivating interior designs, making the dining experience a feast for both the palate and the eyes. For those who prioritize aesthetics alongside culinary delights, these establishments provide inviting ambiances and inspiring design details. The piece emphasizes that while convenience dictates some dining choices, special occasions call for an atmosphere that enhances the meal. First, Catira, located in Greenwood Village, transports diners to Venezuela with its vibrant, Caribbean-inspired decor. Opened by Manuel and Clare Sucre, the restaurant’s design draws heavily from Clare's observations during her first trip to Venezuela in April 2024. Instead of literal interpretations of the Venezuelan flag or landmarks, the interior focuses on creating an immersive experience reflecting the country's lively surroundings. Key design elements include rattan pendant lights, aqua-blue wall tiles, hot pink vinyl booth seating, and a banana leaf mural. A hallway features framed photos of Manuel’s family and vintage Venezuelan scenes, aiming to showcase the country's vibrant past when it was a premier Latin American destination from the 1950s to the 1980s. This design choice provides a different narrative of Venezuela than what is often heard in the news, celebrating its cultural richness. Next, Bar Amorina, a chic cocktail bar in the Clayton Hotel & Members Club, aims to transport patrons to the Amalfi Coast. Opened in January by the Culinary Creative Group, this establishment was designed by Maximalist, a local hospitality design studio. The goal was to transform the previously dark space into a bright, Mediterranean-inspired lounge, reflecting chef Max Mackissock’s affinity for Italy. The design features buttercream yellow interior walls and exterior brick for a sun-kissed glow, Italian marble bar and tabletops, velvet-upholstered barstools with scalloped details, and amber glass chandeliers. The patio is adorned with striped awnings and Parisian-inspired bistro seating to complete the coastal theme. Roman bust planters, colorful art with brass gallery lighting, and modern fluted-wood details further enhance the elegant, contemporary interpretation of Italian aesthetics. Magna Kainan, situated in RiNo, offers a contemporary Filipino menu by James Beard finalist Carlo Lamagna, complemented by an equally vibrant interior design. The restaurant's decor draws inspiration from the colors of the Filipino flag, which is prominently displayed. The space is filled with bold art, including a trio of paintings and a large mural by Denver artist Nikki Cruz, depicting people, animals, and plant life from the Philippines. A striking feature is the cluster of oversized woven pendant lights hanging above a communal table, designed to evoke the spirit of kamayan, a traditional Filipino feast. The atmosphere is crafted to encourage gathering, sharing, and an approachable yet celebratory dining experience, reminiscent of home. Tamayo, a long-standing restaurant in Larimer Square, underwent a significant overhaul to blend its rich history with a modern, vibrant, and elevated atmosphere. Re-opened in March after a two-month closure, the redesign by Denver’s DeLorenzo Productions incorporates Mayan artistry and the Mexican landscape. The main dining room features playful tassel chandeliers, ceramic flowers, and handwoven wall coverings. The upstairs dining area and patio were brightened with blues, pinks, and yellows, directing attention to city and mountain views. A preserved tile mural behind the main bar serves as a visual link to the restaurant's past, symbolizing continuity amidst modernization. Finally, Alteño, Chef Johnny Curiel’s fourth restaurant, is a deeply personal venture inspired by his father’s food traditions from the Jaliscan Highlands of Mexico. Located in Cherry Creek North’s Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Alteño’s design, by Agatha Jane Interior Design, reflects the region’s natural bounty. The interior uses handmade Tonalá ceramics, leather details, and earthy tones like butter yellow, charcoal black, and muted Mayan blues to mimic Jalisco’s landscape. Decor includes leather fringe from a mariachi uniform and doilies and handwoven tortilleros sourced from Mexico, evoking a sense of home. A vibrant mural on velvet by Denver artist Delton Demarest hangs above the bar, making it an ideal spot to enjoy Alteño’s extensive selection of agave spirits. These five restaurants collectively demonstrate how thoughtful interior design significantly enhances the overall dining experience, turning a meal into a memorable event. #DenverRestaurants #InteriorDesign #RestaurantDesign #CulinaryExperience #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #DenverFoodScene

Denver's home decorating scene is experiencing a renaissance, with a diverse array of locally owned boutiques catering to every design preference, from traditional to midcentury modern and beyond. This curated guide spotlights 13 distinct shops, each offering unique items and shopping experiences. Bloom, with locations in Cherry Creek North and Union Station, offers an enchanting, fantasy-like atmosphere. Owner Anuschka Pashel sources unique items globally, such as Balinese stone sculptures, European art, and Brazilian quartz clusters, along with Moroccan wool rugs. The Lark, a long-standing establishment in Denver Country Club since 1970, embodies a classic aesthetic, featuring items like ginger-jar lamps, fox figurines, and Simon Pearce glassware, alongside new offerings like refillable liquid paraffin candles. Eron Johnson Antiques in Athmar Park, founded in 1972, is a treasure trove of salvaged architectural elements and unique antiques. The vast collection, available by appointment, ranges from a 16th-century oak-paneled room to early 20th-century streetlights and pieces by renowned designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Lulu’s Furniture & Décor, led by Christy Brant and Caitlin Marsh, relocated to Englewood, where its floor-to-ceiling windows showcase hand-picked items like salvaged copper windows and modular sectionals by Robin Bruce. The shop emphasizes functional and affordable design, introducing lines such as Canadian furniture from Sunpan and Colorado-based Zents toiletries. Homebody in Cherry Creek North, opened in 2017, caters to well-traveled design enthusiasts. Owner Dory Pratt curates finds from around the world, including Parisian abstract paintings and mother-of-pearl caviar spoons, and offers amenities like a complimentary coffee bar and gift wrapping. The store also features Swedish Byredo fragrances and Astier de Villatte ceramics. Watson & Co. on South Broadway, established in 1991 by Chris Watson and Kyle Pastrano, offers an eclectic mix of Victorian-era taxidermy, Milo Baughman furniture, Art Deco lighting, Edwardian objets d’art, and one of the largest cufflink collections in America. Known for its “Old School. New Rules.” motto, the shop provides items across all price points, with new additions including a wholesale catalog and a life-size Adam and Eve topiary form for 2019. Scandinavian Antiques on South Broadway, founded in 1994 by Henrik Follin, features a 25,000-square-foot showroom with nearly 70% of its furniture imported from Scandinavia. The collection includes rare items like 19th-century inlaid mahogany Empire secretaries and whimsical copper baking molds, alongside custom-made maple-wood tables from salvaged boxcar floors. Old Glory, also on South Broadway, appeals to fans of rustic Americana and farmhouse style. The 100-year-old storefront offers a mix of antique and new finds, such as a 1900s French baker’s cabinet and Sugarboo & Co. quote cards. Owner Holly Kuhn, with roots in Texas, brings her passion for Americana to the shop, with a forthcoming decorating book in 2019. Design Wright Studios in RiNo, opened in September 2017 by Mary Wright, is housed in a former refrigeration unit with high ceilings and large windows. The showroom features furnishings from contemporary designers like Kelly Wearstler and classic manufacturers such as Stanley Furniture. It also offers Ralph Lauren Home products, filling a void left by the brand's Cherry Creek location closure. The space is shared with Artisan Rug Gallery. Studio Como Showroom, a 20,000-square-foot space in RiNo, is a destination for Italian-modern design, offering kitchens, closet systems, and high-end furniture like Minotti sectionals and Moooi lamps. Founder Brad Fentress aims to integrate Italian design with the mountain lifestyle, showcasing a modern aesthetic with steel beams and concrete floors, along with lighting from Santa & Cole. Modern Nomad in RiNo, opened by Becky Miller in November 2017, is a home-goods collective housed in a former auto-body shop. It hosts nine tenants, including the namesake boutique, which sells items like cashmere-wrapped pendant lights, vintage Congolese Kuba masks, and an international textile collection. New offerings include vintage rattan furniture and jewelry by Navajo and Zuni artisans from Trade Roots Collection. Mod Livin’ on East Colfax, established in 2001, specializes in midcentury modern design, offering Technicolor furniture and a collection of Knoll pieces. The store features a subterranean Bargain Basement with discounted vintage and new finds. They recently expanded their collection of leather furniture from Blu Dot. 20th Century Interiors on South Broadway, opened by J. Kendel Johnson, is a haven for midcentury modern enthusiasts. It offers expertly restored pieces such as George Nelson for Herman Miller dressers and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed Barcelona chairs. The store also features local artisan-made objets, including Danish-style turned-wood candlesticks from Cream Modern. The Denver Design District, a large complex with 34 showrooms, provides a resource for both professional designers and the public. Visitors can browse without an appointment, and a complimentary designer is available to facilitate purchases at net price plus a 20% fee. The district offers access to over 1,400 manufacturers and is undergoing expansion, with new showrooms like Circa Lighting and Mod Design planned for 2019. The district is also home to Herbert Bayer’s "Articulated Wall," an 85-foot-tall canary-yellow sculpture that is part of the Denver Art Museum’s outdoor collection. #HomeDecor #LocalBusinesses #DenverShopping #InteriorDesign #Antiques #ModernDesign #MidcenturyModern #HomeFurnishings #DesignDistrict

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek celebrated its 30th anniversary with a significant top-to-bottom renovation of its lobby and bar areas, aiming to transform these spaces into a luxurious, yet welcoming, mountainside home environment. Premier Project Management, a Dallas-based hospitality-project-management firm, spearheaded the design updates. The objective was to create a residential and inviting 'living room' atmosphere for guests. Key elements of the renovation included the installation of a dramatic new chandelier featuring 175 hanging pendants, a faux fireplace surrounded by a cantilevered, live-edge wood bench to draw guests in, and two additional fireplaces in the bar area to encourage social interaction during après-ski. The design incorporated practical changes such as relocating the reception desk to include chairs for guest comfort during check-in. Lighting was given significant attention, with a dimming system implemented to adjust brightness throughout the day, enhancing the mood and functionality of the space. A central bar was designed to function like a kitchen island, acting as a natural gathering point, with all equipment, glassware, and bottles concealed to maintain the pristine mountain views. The entire renovation was guided by the principle of creating a luxurious and authentic mountain-style experience. The designers from Premier Project Management shared several tips for individuals to incorporate similar elegant mountain styles into their own homes. One suggestion involves utilizing dark colors strategically. The existing knotty pine walls in the lobby were re-stained with a layered black and brown finish, effectively transforming the space without requiring extensive costs. This darker coloring was also applied to trim and the ceiling to frame the room's focal point, the mountain view, guiding the eye without overwhelming the space. This technique demonstrates how darker tones can enhance and define architectural features. Another design tip emphasized enlivening neutral color palettes through colorful pillows. The designers encouraged personalization by suggesting individuals craft their own pillows from vintage or specialty textiles or add appliqués and trims to store-bought options. This approach allows for easy and cost-effective changes to a room's aesthetic. Selective decoration was also highlighted as crucial; shelves were intentionally left partially empty or filled with thoughtful, context-matching accessories to create a meaningful and curated collection rather than a cluttered display. This approach focuses on quality over quantity, making chosen items stand out. Effective lighting was presented as a key mood-setting element. The renovation used LED lights at the back of metal-framed floating shelves to create a glowing effect, a technique that can be replicated at home with LED tape lighting. The article also advised mixing various metals and materials, specifically mentioning antique brass accents used throughout the Park Hyatt’s lobby, chandelier, fireplaces, and on furniture elements like bar stool legs and table lamps. The importance of deliberate mixing was stressed, ensuring balance so that no single material overwhelms the design. Lastly, the article pointed out that changing a light fixture can drastically alter a room's overall feel, citing the replacement of an antler chandelier with a modern, art-inspired canopy designed to evoke falling ice crystals, complementing the surrounding landscape and providing an energy-efficient solution. #HotelRenovation #LuxuryDesign #MountainStyle #InteriorDesignTips #HomeDecoration #LightingDesign #ColorPalette #ResidentialDesign

This comprehensive guide highlights Denver's top home design resources, based on both Editors' Choice and Readers' Choice awards. The article identifies 46 premier shops and services, spanning various categories from home furnishings and kitchenware to architectural firms and landscape design. This is the fifth installment of the annual Top Denver Design contest, with this year introducing the dual recognition system. In the 'Shopping' section, the guide begins with 'Home Furnishings,' featuring CODA Studio, a Cherry Creek North showroom recognized for its bespoke modern pieces, excellent craftsmanship, natural textures, and exotic woods. CODA Studio, the Malibu-born company's first outpost, offers quick customization and design services. Design Wright Studios is noted as the Readers' Choice in this category. For 'Kitchenware,' White Peacock in Cherry Creek North is highlighted for its broad and stylish inventory of tabletop items, including china, crystal, glassware, flatware, and textiles from around the world, encouraging unique combinations. Peppercorn is the Readers' Choice. The 'Home Decor' section spotlights Miller Lane Mercantile in the Berkeley neighborhood, praised for its curated selection of small-batch goods, ceramics, candlesticks, and tableware, primarily from independent makers. Homebody receives the Readers' Choice. 'Antique & Vintage Furnishings' features Eron Johnson Antiques in the Valverde neighborhood, a sprawling showroom offering over 3,500 pieces, including furniture, lighting, accessories, and architectural salvage from various centuries and origins. Capsule is the Readers' Choice. For 'Lighting,' Circa Lighting in the Denver Design District is recognized for its timeless designs and offering of decorative fixtures from notable designers, accessible to both trade and public. Ultra Design Center is the Readers' Choice. 'Rug Shop' highlights Integral Thread (formerly Organic Looms Denver) in the Denver Design District, specializing in hand-knotted, natural-fiber, and custom-designed rugs with a focus on modern, tribal, geometric, and transitional styles. All products are environmentally sustainable and biodegradable. Artisan Rug Gallery is the Readers' Choice. 'Garden Shop/Nursery' features Birdsall & Co., with locations in Englewood and RiNo, offering an expansive inventory of plants, pots, fountains, garden accessories, and seasonal home decor, aiming to make gardens a comfortable extension of the home. City Floral Greenhouse & Garden Center is the Readers' Choice. 'Tile Shop' points to Julep Tile Company in Louisville, known for decorative tiles with a modern-vintage aesthetic, inspired by textile and wallpaper patterns. Decorative Materials is the Readers' Choice. 'Outdoor Furniture' showcases Creative Living in the Art District on Santa Fe, providing clean-lined modern furnishings from brands like Loll Designs and Cane-Line, alongside sculptures, fire pits, and minimalist fountains. HW Home is the Readers' Choice. For 'Household Supplies,' Joy Fill in northwest Denver is commended for its eco-friendly, non-toxic home and body products available for refill, promoting a reduction in plastic waste. Homefill Co. Refill Station is the Readers' Choice. Lastly, for 'Host Gift,' Bloom by Anuschka in Cherry Creek North is recommended for its lush floral arrangements and vibrant accents for home and wardrobe, including unique candles and exotic baubles. Homebody is also a Readers' Choice in this category. The 'Services' section begins with 'Architecture Firm,' recognizing Boss Architecture for its client-focused approach and diverse portfolio of residential and public projects, emphasizing refined spaces that balance form and function. Unum Collaborative is the Readers' Choice. 'Flooring' features Arrigoni Woods, a Colorado-based firm importing high-end European hardwoods with a focus on sustainable harvesting. T&G Flooring is the Readers' Choice. 'Custom Millwork/Cabinetry' highlights Kremer Inc., led by German-born fine woodworker David Kremer, known for custom cabinetry and furnishings inspired by European design's minimalism and traditional techniques. Bulthaup Denver is the Readers' Choice. 'Decorative Painter' showcases Magpie Painting, a one-woman company creating statement-making murals and intricate motifs for residential and commercial spaces, reflecting clients' stories. Pamela Grace (Coloured Paint) is the Readers' Choice. 'Landscape Design' features Elevate By Design, which creates residential landscapes designed for living, bringing innovation and site-sensitivity to projects from sprawling estates to urban lots. Design Workshop is the Readers' Choice. 'Interior Design Firm' highlights Cook Design House, known for creating approachable, stylish spaces with a nod to classic design, emphasizing collaboration and making the design process enjoyable. Inside Stories by Duet Design Group is the Readers' Choice. 'Florist' recognizes Sacred Thistle, a Golden Triangle boutique specializing in unusual and beautiful floral arrangements inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, incorporating unexpected elements and seasonal blooms. The Perfect Petal is the Readers' Choice. 'Design/Build Firm' features Chalet, admired for creating homes that resonate with their location and convey a sense of timelessness through a creative, story-driven approach. Christie's Design/Build Remodeling is the Readers' Choice. Finally, 'Kitchen/Bath Design' highlights Exquisite Kitchen Design, led by Mikal Otten, known for incorporating precisely engineered details and unexpected materials into artful and functional kitchen spaces. Kitchen Distributors is the Readers' Choice. The 'Art' section covers 'Artist,' featuring Detour (Thomas Evans), known for his commanding urban murals that pay tribute to victims of racial injustice, using abstract portraiture and vivid hues to give a voice to the voiceless. Michael Dowling is the Readers' Choice. 'Art Consultant' recognizes Nine Dot Arts, a Denver-born consultancy that transforms various spaces into vibrant, art-filled environments, exemplified by the Dairy Block pedestrian alley. Ann Benson Reidy is the Readers' Choice. Lastly, 'Art Gallery' highlights K Contemporary, an innovative LoDo gallery that, despite challenges, engaged the public with initiatives like the #ArtFindsUs project and live performances. Walker Fine Art is the Readers' Choice. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Denver's vibrant home design and art scene, providing inspiration and resources for various home improvement and aesthetic needs. #DenverDesign #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #Kitchenware #HomeDecor #AntiqueFurnishings #LightingDesign #RugBoutiques #GardenDesign #TileShops #OutdoorFurniture #SustainableLiving #ArchitecturalFirms #LandscapeDesign #ArtScene

The article highlights six innovators in Denver who are using design ideas to address problems and foster significant developments within the city. These individuals and firms represent diverse fields, including real estate development, museum direction, furniture design, and home technology, all contributing to Denver's evolving aesthetic and functionality. Mike Blea and Breton Lujan, co-founders of Raw Creative, are presented as pioneers in a comprehensive design-build-fabricate model. Their firm handles architectural design, construction, and custom furnishing fabrication, creating unique commercial spaces like Señor Bear and Morin restaurants. Their integrated approach allows them to maintain control over design concepts, pushing boundaries that might challenge others unfamiliar with fabrication. They emphasize their hands-on involvement, from architectural planning to the actual building process, which they find rewarding. The co-founders recall solving budget constraints at Table 79 by manipulating inexpensive materials to achieve a high-end Scandinavian look and meticulously designing hair-cutting stations for Elle.B Salon Central based on observed stylist movements. Looking ahead, Raw Creative is exploring micro-housing concepts to address Denver's affordability issues and expanding into residential projects, focusing on modest, comfortable, and sustainable designs, particularly in areas like Aspen. Alex Capecelatro, co-founder and CEO of Josh.ai, introduces Josh, an AI-powered home assistant designed to understand natural human speech and control home automation systems. Unlike other voice assistants, Josh integrates advanced intelligence to monitor various home aspects, including energy usage, weather patterns, and even specific room locations to tailor responses. Josh Micro, the hardware component, is designed with aesthetic appeal, featuring a concave shape inspired by Richard Serra sculptures and an invisible LED ring that indicates listening and touch controls. The device primarily processes data locally, ensuring customer privacy. Capecelatro envisions future home technology focusing on health and wellness, with products monitoring indoor air quality, water quality, and sleep patterns to improve residents' lives. Jonathan Alpert, a partner at Westfield Company, discusses his firm's contributions to Denver's development, including the Mission Ballroom, Stanley Marketplace, and S*Park, a sustainable condo community with an urban farm. He explains how Westfield Company collaborated with AEG to develop the Mission Ballroom as part of the larger North Wynkoop project, which includes offices, retail, and future residential and hotel components. Alpert defines sustainable development as encompassing environmental, social, and economic viability, exemplified by S*Park's urban farm. He acknowledges the challenges of Denver's growth, particularly regarding housing affordability, and advocates for public-private partnerships, expedited permitting for affordable housing projects, and increased efforts to build more financially viable affordable homes to ensure Denver remains an inclusive and thriving city. Nora Burnett Abrams, the new director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA), shares her vision for the institution. Having previously worked at prestigious New York museums, Abrams highlights Denver's unique culture of risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit, which allows for greater artistic experimentation. She aims to build upon MCA's strong foundation, prioritizing support for local artists and expanding outreach to teen and young adult audiences, offering free admission for teens. Abrams also plans to embed the museum more deeply within the city through partnerships with other organizations, exploring topics beyond aesthetics, such as environmentalism, social justice, and mental health. She envisions MCA as a versatile space for both social gatherings and intellectual discovery, fostering curiosity and appreciation for contemporary culture. Richard Shirtcliffe, co-CEO of Noho, a Boulder and New Zealand-based furniture company, details his innovative approach to furniture design rooted in sustainability and human physiology. Motivated by the pervasive plastic pollution in oceans, Shirtcliffe co-founded Noho to create good-looking furniture from sustainable polymers and upcycled ocean plastic. His collaboration with Formway, a company known for dynamic comfort in commercial furniture, led to the development of chairs that support blood flow and improve cognitive function. Their first product, the Move Chair, is designed to flex and move with the body, made from repolymerized plastic, and features interchangeable wool toppers. Shirtcliffe emphasizes Noho’s mission to build a thriving business that positively impacts the world and individual well-being, starting with significant steps towards addressing environmental challenges through commerce. #DenverDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #HomeAutomation #UrbanPlanning #ContemporaryArt #FurnitureDesign #AffordableHousing #CircularEconomy

The article explores the transformation of a 1910 Denver Square home into a functional and vibrant space for a family with twin boys, while meticulously preserving its historical character and managing the budget. Interior designers Katie Schroder and Erika Rundiks of Atelier Interior Design spearheaded the project, focusing on a harmonious blend of original details and contemporary design elements. From the exterior, the house maintains its classic appeal, but the interior reveals a surprising infusion of modern color and pattern. Key original features, such as leaded glass windows, the fireplace, and entry woodwork, were retained and highlighted. The designers even fought to keep an original Greek key pattern inlay in the wood floor, emphasizing the importance of preserving the home's intrinsic character. The renovation strategically targeted specific areas, including a full remodel of the dining room, kitchen, and family room. The kitchen, initially small for the house's size, underwent a significant transformation, involving the relocation of walls and the introduction of a substantial island to accommodate a tall family. A custom breakfast-nook banquette was added, designed with Old World-style paneling to seamlessly integrate with the home's existing historical casework. This approach ensured that new additions respected the architectural integrity of the original structure. Other design elements that were preserved include the wainscoting in the powder room and additional leaded glass panels throughout the house. The designers advocated for a balanced approach to renovation, advising against the need to match every new element to existing historical details. They encouraged homeowners to embrace unique features without feeling constrained by them. A notable aspect of the project was the client's openness to bold design choices, particularly patterned drapes, which introduced vibrant aesthetics into the home. The designers successfully blended different patterns, ensuring that scales and types (e.g., curvy organic with linear) complemented each other rather than clashing. The kitchen, despite its all-white cabinetry, was invigorated with pops of color from the backsplash, soapstone countertops, and purple Arborline stools, alongside modern pendant lights. A significant takeaway from the project is the emphasis on strategic renovation decisions. The designers advised tackling projects in stages and being selective about changes to avoid emotional and financial burnout. For instance, the master bath and bedroom's existing color palette was maintained because the designers and homeowners appreciated it, allowing resources to be allocated to other areas. The article also provides practical tips for homeowners dealing with older homes, such as embracing quirks like old hardware and plaster walls, which contribute to the home's character rather than being perceived as flaws. It suggests creative ways to update without major overhauls, like leathering granite countertops or using traditional pieces with organic touches to bridge historical and modern aesthetics. Furthermore, the designers recommend a mix of high-end and DIY art, emphasizing quality framing for all pieces, and splurging on statement elements like a distinctive backsplash to add personality without excessive cost. Custom built-ins are also presented as a cost-effective alternative to finished furniture, offering perfect fit and design flexibility. Ultimately, the project exemplifies how a historic home can be modernized for contemporary living while honoring its past, demonstrating that careful preservation, strategic updates, and a willingness to embrace unique design elements can result in a functional, vibrant, and character-rich space. The success of the renovation lies in the designers' ability to merge eras, creating a home that feels both timeless and current, all while keeping budget considerations in mind and respecting the existing architecture. #HomeRenovation #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #DenverSquare #ModernTraditionalMix #BudgetFriendlyDesign #AtelierInteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ResidentialArchitecture

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.

In May 1960, Denver witnessed the grand opening of the Diplomat Motor Hotel at 1840 Sherman Street, a property marketed as "dramatically distinctive." This three-story, $1.5 million establishment was strategically built in Capitol Hill, on a site previously occupied by old tenements. The hotel aimed to offer tranquility and urban convenience, situated in a quiet neighborhood but within walking distance of major convention hotels and downtown department stores. Designed by the renowned Denver architect Richard L. Crowther, the Diplomat epitomized "luxurious informality." Its architectural layout featured a U-shape design, enclosing a central patio court that boasted a unique concrete and white marble "hanging" swimming pool. A key innovation for the time was its exceptional accommodation for automobile travelers, with an "auto lobby" where valets would park guests' cars in a 200-car underground garage, addressing the growing prominence of car travel in the 1960s. The interior design, orchestrated by the Los Angeles firm Albert Parvin Co., known for its work on famous Las Vegas hotels like the Flamingo and Sands, blended sophistication with comfort. Design elements included rosewood paneling, putty-colored textured vinyl walls, and white quartz terrazzo flooring. Custom carpeting in shades of brown, gold, and apricot, along with coats of arms and metal wall insignias, contributed to an ambiance that mirrored "early European diplomatic corps headquarters." The lobby, dining, and cocktail areas were integrated into an open-concept floor plan, fostering a sense of spaciousness and modern luxury. The dining experience at the Diplomat was a significant draw, overseen by Chef Everett Sisson, who had previously cooked for President Eisenhower, and Greek maitre d' Chris Leventis. Menus were presented as parchment scrolls, offering unique dishes such as the "flaming ring" steak, a tenderloin prepared with a special wine sauce, charcoal-broiled, and served on a wooden plank with a "flaming ring" mechanism. This attention to detail in both cuisine and presentation further enhanced the hotel's distinctive character. Although the Diplomat Motor Hotel no longer stands, its legacy as a pioneering concept in hotel design and hospitality is preserved through historical photographs and archival records available at the Denver Public Library's Western History and Genealogy Department. The hotel's transformation into the Quality Inn Motel in 1969 and its eventual demolition, likely between 1979 and 1980, marked the end of an era for this unique Denver landmark. However, its innovative design and luxurious offerings remain a notable chapter in the city's mid-century history, reflecting the architectural and cultural trends of the 1960s. #DenverHistory #MotorHotel #MidCenturyArchitecture #RichardLCrowther #HotelDesign #DenverLandmark #HospitalityInnovation #CapitolHillDenver

Dell Anno Denver has opened its doors, showcasing a sophisticated range of cabinetry and custom solutions for kitchens, closets, and living spaces. The brand, which originated in an Italian community in southern Brazil in the early 1900s, has grown to include 50 monobrand stores and dealers across 10 countries, with this new Denver location representing its continued expansion. The 2,500-square-foot showroom is designed to offer an immersive experience, featuring various lifestyle vignettes that allow visitors to visualize products within realistic settings. These curated displays highlight a diverse array of textures, finishes, and configurations available for kitchens, closets, living areas, and bathrooms, guiding guests through a comprehensive tactile and visual journey. According to CEO Joe Bertola, Dell Anno Denver caters to the city's growing design community, which increasingly favors modern, globally inspired interiors. The brand distinguishes itself through a unique combination of customization, expert craftsmanship, and innovative design, appealing to architects, interior designers, and discerning homeowners. These professionals and clients seek luxury cabinetry and furniture solutions that are both highly functional and aesthetically artful, a demand Dell Anno aims to meet with its distinctive offerings. The company has ambitious plans for its future in the Denver market, intending to expand its presence within the luxury residential sector. This expansion will be achieved through strategic partnerships and collaborations with prominent figures in the design industry. In the upcoming months, the Dell Anno Denver showroom will serve as a venue for exclusive product showcases, seasonal design events, and special collaborations with renowned designers. These initiatives are designed to solidify Dell Anno's reputation as a premier destination in Colorado for contemporary luxury cabinetry, reinforcing its commitment to high-end design and client engagement. #DellAnnoDenver #LuxuryCabinetry #CustomKitchens #ClosetSolutions #InteriorDesign #DenverDesignCommunity #HomeDecor #ModernInteriors #ShowroomExperience

The NoMad Hotel, located in Manhattan, offers a unique blend of Old World charm and modern-day influences, making it a distinctive destination for travelers. The hotel opened in a fully restored, turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building, with interiors designed by French designer Jacques Garcia. Garcia is renowned for his ability to integrate 17th- and 18th-century European aesthetics with contemporary design elements, a style evident throughout the hotel. Upon entering the guest rooms, visitors find reclaimed maple hardwood floors adorned with handmade vintage Heriz rugs, complementing French mahogany writing desks. The emphasis on luxurious comfort is further highlighted by linens, bedding, and bathrobes supplied by Sferra and Frette, along with Argan bath amenities. Many rooms elevate the bathing experience with the inclusion of freestanding, clawfoot bathtubs, offering a touch of classic indulgence. Art plays a significant role in the hotel's ambiance, with each room featuring pieces from a carefully curated art program. This collection includes vintage correspondence, antique travel collectibles, and original sketches and photography by contemporary artists, designed to immerse guests in a journey of discovery and intimacy. The aesthetic extends to common areas, where opulent textiles provide a rich and inviting atmosphere, and the staff's uniforms, designed by Bespoken, a New York-based menswear collective, reflect English tailoring traditions. A notable feature of The NoMad Hotel is its two-level library, which is connected by an original spiral staircase imported from the South of France and includes a mezzanine catwalk. This space provides a tranquil retreat for guests. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the hotel experience, with the restaurant managed by Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara, both acclaimed for their work at the three-Michelin-star-rated Eleven Madison Park. The stately dining room is characterized by dark oak furnishings and richly textured fabrics, creating an elegant setting. An original fireplace, sourced from a French château, adds historical grandeur to the common areas. The bar area features a dramatic 24-foot-long mahogany bar, and guests can enjoy a unique beer crafted exclusively for The NoMad by brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. A sunlit atrium dining space is created by natural light filtering through a glass roof, offering a bright and airy environment. The architectural firm Stonehill & Taylor played a crucial role in the historical renovation and conversion of the 1903 Johnston building into The NoMad Hotel. Beyond its design, the hotel is praised for its prime location at 1170 Broadway & 28th Street in New York City and its exceptionally friendly staff. The hotel's design highlights include European-style bathrooms with free-standing tubs and the distinctive curated artwork, all contributing to a memorable stay that blends historical elegance with modern comfort. #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryTravel #NewYorkCity #HistoricRenovation #BeauxArtsArchitecture #FrenchDesign #BoutiqueHotel #ManhattanHotels

This article details the design process and outcome of a new home in University Park, Denver, which successfully blends modern and traditional design elements to create a transitional style. The homeowners, relocating from Florida, had differing preferences: the husband desired a hip, modern aesthetic, while the wife favored classic, traditional design. Residential designer Stephen Hentschel of Mandil Inc. and interior designers Angela Coleman and Cassy Kicklighter Poole collaborated to achieve a harmonious balance. Hentschel began the architectural design by drawing inspiration from the Denver Square style, a choice that allowed for maximizing the footprint on a narrow city lot and ensured the home would blend seamlessly into the established neighborhood. He incorporated subtle classical details on the exterior, such as cast-stone window headers and a barrel-vaulted front porch, while hinting at modernity with contemporary windows and light fixtures. Inside, Hentschel deviated from traditional layouts by shifting the central staircase to one side, creating an open-concept floorplan that directs flow towards the kitchen, breakfast nook, family room, and outdoor living areas. The second level features a 21st-century master suite with a hidden walk-in closet and an exaggerated cove ceiling. A modern, glass-railed staircase connects the two floors, signifying a clear departure from purely traditional design. Coleman and Poole then further refined the interior, carefully integrating elements from both modern and traditional styles. To satisfy the wife's preference for softer, curvier lines and classic touches, they incorporated traditional millwork, including coffered, beamed, and coved ceilings, paneled walls in the master suite, and kitchen cabinetry with beveled doors and furniture-style bases. For the husband's modern preference, they added contemporary wood accents such as walnut-wrapped door jambs and walnut floors with a custom gray-black finish. The kitchen exemplifies this transitional approach, featuring a classic combination of white countertops, subway tile, and cabinetry with brass accents. A standout feature is the raised walnut bar top, which appears to float above the island. While the master bathroom exudes elegance with Statuario-marble floors and a walnut vanity wall, the powder rooms showcase a more modern aesthetic with floating vanities and sleek finishes. Poole's furnishing choices continued this balancing act. In the breakfast nook, a mid-century modern tulip table is paired with more traditional upholstered chairs and a bench. The living room features a tailored Chesterfield-style sofa contrasted with a sculptural modern chair upholstered in deep-teal mohair. For the master bedroom, where the husband favored boldness and the wife preferred soft romance, Poole designed a custom rug in a shimmery beige to complement the upholstered bed, alongside two masculine wingback chairs in deep indigo. Across the home, a quiet palette of creams, beiges, and golds is punctuated with pops of rich blues and grays, creating a cohesive yet varied aesthetic. The designers emphasize that this consistent color palette was crucial in unifying diverse textures and patterns, such as the six different fabric patterns and a bold artwork in the dining room. The success of the project is attributed to the homeowners' trust in the designers, allowing for creative freedom and a truly personalized style. #HomeDesign #TransitionalStyle #UniversityPark #DenverArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ModernTraditionalBlend #OpenConcept #CustomCabinetry #LuxuryHome

Hotel Julie, a new nine-room hotel in Stratford, Ontario, showcases a unique approach to hospitality design, where each suite is conceived to function as a self-contained apartment. Property developers Jake Tayler and Paula McFarlane enlisted Autumn Hachey of You Should Stay Here and Jillian Smith-Moher of Twenty-Two Twelve to bring their vision to life. The collaborative design process, documented in a 10-episode CTV Life series, focused on creating distinct, bold personalities for each space, moving away from conventional, uniform hotel aesthetics. One innovative design solution is found in Flat 4, a smaller suite where a traditional door between the bedroom and lounge was not feasible. The designers incorporated an oversized keyhole-shaped opening, custom-made by Hemme, adorned with velvet curtains. This feature not only serves a functional purpose but also adds significant visual impact, paying homage to Stratford's rich theater history. In Suite 6, the designers challenged conventional material application by extending diamond checkerboard travertine and marble tile from the floor to the upper half of the walls in the kitchen, creating a wallpaper-like effect. To manage costs without compromising aesthetic, they specifically chose a cross-cut travertine, a less popular but equally effective style, which blended seamlessly with the burl wood furniture used elsewhere in the suite. Flat 3 presented a design challenge with its deep violet and dark chocolate color palette for a galley kitchen. To counteract the potential for a dark and dismal feel, a round peephole was carved into one of the walls, introducing an unexpected source of light and visual interest into the enclosed space. The design duo also masterfully integrated a striking burgundy and blue color combination in Flat 7, a scheme that designer Smith-Moher realized mirrored elements in her own home. The choice of Rosa Levanto stone, a more budget-friendly alternative to Calacatta Viola, was instrumental in achieving this luxurious look without overspending. Calacatta Viola was used sparingly for accents. Furniture selection emphasized customization and creative repurposing. Many pieces were reupholstered, such as a vintage sofa covered in House of Hackney’s Artemis Moss velvet, and bespoke wavy headboards were crafted by Kara Shuster from And Once We Were. A notable example of this ingenuity is the transformation of a CB2 outdoor dining table for Suite 4; its original top was replaced with a green marble slab, initially intended for a coffee table, which significantly elevated the table's appearance and the overall aesthetic of the suite. The article concludes by listing the specific Benjamin Moore paint colors used throughout Hotel Julie, offering readers practical inspiration from the hotel's diverse palette. #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #PaintColors #HomeRenovation #CreativeSolutions #BoutiqueHotel #DesignInspiration

The article showcases 53, an Asian-fusion restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, designed by ICrave, led by founder and CEO Lionel Ohayon. Located at the base of Ateliers Jean Nouvel’s 53 West 53 residential tower, adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the restaurant aims to provide an immersive dining experience that transcends mere culinary satisfaction. Ohayon emphasizes the concept of a “yummy” room, where a harmonious blend of lighting, acoustics, materiality, layout, visual impact, and a sense of discovery compels diners to return. The restaurant was recognized as a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Fine Dining. The 11,000-square-foot space is divided into a street-level bistro and a subterranean main dining room. Jean Nouvel’s architectural design, characterized by angular beams, allows for expansive column-free areas and intimate dining zones. Given its proximity to a world-renowned contemporary art museum, ICrave approached the project not as traditional interior design but as a sculptural or painterly endeavor. This artistic philosophy is evident in the restaurant's most prominent feature: three dozen giant curving fins that span the entire width of the space. These fins emerge from the street-level ceiling, cascade down in front of the bistro, sweep underneath, and wrap around the ceiling of the main dining room. Each fin is edged with a bright stripe, featuring nine neon-like colors derived from the Nine-Dragon Wall reliefs found in Chinese imperial palaces. These hues also subtly reference the diverse Asian cultures represented in the menu and the modern art displayed at MoMA. The restaurant plans to host a rotating selection of fine art in collaboration with the Friedrich Petzel Gallery. The fin installation, glossy black on one side and sepia-toned on the other, creates a lenticular effect as guests move through the restaurant or view it from the sidewalk. Ohayon describes the installation as both a loom and a veil, with its vibrant colors attracting attention from passersby and directing their gaze to the aerial arrangement of tables, banquettes, and chairs set on an ink-wash carpet, which features subtle smokey grays echoing Nouvel’s steel construction. Ohayon highlights the importance of creating a unique piece of the city's landscape, fostering memories for visitors and a sense of place for residents. The sculptural architectural gesture draws inspiration from the Chinese artistic principle of xieyi, emphasizing broad, expressive strokes and representing the chi or energy flow within 53. In contrast, the principle of gongbi, which focuses on realism and fine detail, guided the selection of decor elements. For example, the colors from the fin edges are subtly echoed in the precious stones used as chopstick rests. Lighting, a critical component of the "yummy" atmosphere, was developed in collaboration with Licht, ICrave's in-house studio. The main dining room features cove lighting, slender cylindrical pendant fixtures that adjust with ceiling height variations, and circular sconces softly illuminating the ecru suede-like walls. An ethereal cluster of small LEDs forms a twinkling cloud above the bar. All lighting elements emit 2,600 Kelvins, complemented by rechargeable Japanese table lights, creating a warm, cinematic glow. The material palette emphasizes honesty and natural finishes, including stone bar counters, white oak paneling, leather banquette upholstery, and wool rugs. The deliberate juxtaposition of warm and cool tones reinforces the duality of hard and soft, grand and humble, evident throughout the design. Lionel Ohayon personally led the design of this project, finding it a creatively cathartic and rewarding opportunity to shape New York City's landscape. He aimed for an expression that aligns with its location next to MoMA, showcasing exuberance with mature restraint, moving away from what he perceived as a "Brooklyn-ification" of Manhattan's design aesthetic. ICrave's extensive experience in hospitality design, spanning over 20 years, allowed them to create a restaurant interior that honors its cuisine without resorting to pastiche, understands its contextual importance, and is as delightful as the food it serves. #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #MidtownManhattan #ICrave #FineDining #ArchitecturalSculpture #LightingDesign #AsianFusion #LuxuryHospitality