ikea furniture and home accessories: [New post] Behind the Design of a Drab-to-Fab Home Makeover in Boulder

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Behind the Design of a Drab-to-Fab Home Makeover in Boulder

by Sea Point Realtors

features

A late, beige house is getting a colorful makeover that's perfect for a family of five.

By Cheryl Meyers
5280 Home August / September 2021

The owners of this artisan-inspired home in Boulders Newlands are not afraid of a bold design, but when interior designer Susan Hall first met them, she had to do some creative research to find out. "The owners had just moved here from California, and I came to the house to tour," recalls the director of Susan Hall Studio. "I looked everywhere for clues – anything that would help me understand their tastes. But you know how it is here in Boulder, everyone wore sportswear. "Not exactly helpful, the house, which was built in 2007, was beige from top to bottom, builder quality. The tour offered no inspiration.

An atmospheric blue loloi rug and a round-edged Kelly Wearstler Rousseau statement chandelier create an elegant moment in the dining room. "Chopped Beets", an art photograph by George Lange, creates visual interest. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
The homeowners found Pat Hobaugh's "Nirvana With Sprinkles" breakfast nook painting while on a weekend trip to Santa Fe. "This painting makes me happy every time I look at it," says the homeowner. "It has pop culture references" [if you look closely, you'll see Homer Simpson] and donuts. Who doesn't love donuts? "Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
A spacious veranda is the perfect play space for the homeowner's little daughters. The exterior is painted in Benjamin Moore's Alligator Alley with Farrow & Balls Clunch on the molding. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
The entrance area offers plenty of storage space and drop zones as well as a touch of design magic: the Bumble Bee wallpaper by Farrow & Ball, a Schoolhouse Fuller trailer and a commissioned weaving workshop by boulder artist Darcie Shively, which make the usable space more interesting. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
An accent wall covered in Petal Pusher wallpaper from Hygge & West sets a bold tone in the master bedroom, while Sienna linens from Citizenry and a botanical print HW Home rug warm the space. Hanging Radiohus pendants from Design Within Reach flank the bed. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
The newly added bar area in the renovated kitchen shows off the bright blue Benjamin Moore color of the cabinets (which happens to be called Gentleman's Gray). The artwork "Topo Chico and Geranium" by John Woods rests on one of the floating shelves. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
The wallpaper Chiang Mai Dragon by Schumacher in aquamarine sets a playful accent in the guest toilet, while the Broomley pendant lamp by Corbett Lighting and a slim, individual MTI washbasin enhance the overall look. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
A calming blue-gray lacquer color (Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore) and a light pink Carl Hansen & Son chair form a gentle counterpoint to the beautiful HW Home desk. "Ocean" by David Linn hangs over a walnut cabinet by Design Within Reach. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield

That is, until they went into the master bedroom. "I saw all these unpacked boxes on the floor and I knew I should ask about them," says Hall. It turned out to be filled with dresses and handbags from the days of the homeowner who worked in the London and California fashion industry for designers like Stella McCartney – items she hadn't found any use for in Boulder. "I asked if I could open a box and pulled out this beautiful leopard print coat," says Hall. At that moment she knew that they would have a lot of fun with the house.

5280 Home August / September 2021

The homeowners' love for design was shown again and again at their first meeting, says Hall: "She wanted a more atmospheric atmosphere and loves rich colors – not pastel tones. He collects records and has a great eye for art. The style we landed on is a lush, modern, yet classic, English influenced feel. Definitely a twist on the traditional. "The look is heavy on flashy art and well-curated vignettes. And because this house is home to three young children and an 11 year old dog, it works in real life too.

The bones of the house were strong enough that the renovation did not require a whole belly but the tunnels; a few interior walls went up and some came down. The biggest change took place in the combined kitchen and great room, which featured an awkward layout that prevented casual gatherings and outdated surfaces that made the space uninviting. "The original kitchen was industrial and cold with cheap, flat white cabinets," says Hall. "An oversized, sterile, restaurant-style kitchen island flanked by 90s pillars dominated the space on one side and a crazy, diagonally oriented living room dominated the other."

Making "another giant island" doesn't make sense, says the designer, who instead opted for two narrow, parallel islands that make efficient use of every space. The homeowner explains, "I can prepare dinner on the first island while the baby is playing on the floor. Bernie the dog is sitting on the couch so he can see the garden better. And on the second island, my husband and the children can make Lego sets or puzzles. "Benjamin Moore's Gentleman's Gray paint on the new cabinets, scalloped backsplash tiles from Fireclay Tile and geometric accent tiles on the island give the room a fresh atmosphere.

"The choice of furniture in the living room feels increased by beautiful fabrics, but the girls also climb and jump over the couch and turn each other on the chairs," says the homeowner about her Precedent sofa (covered with green velvet) and the Enzo Swivel chairs. The walnut turntable sitting on a Palecek console is possibly the most used device in the room. "My husband is a huge music lover, and the turntable is up for bedtime dance parties with the kids on most nights," says the homeowner. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
A clever kitchen layout with two cooking islands creates one room for cooking and another for eating. The scalloped Fireclay tile (in two glazes for added interest) contrasts visually with the rich blue cabinets, while the patterned tile on the front of the island provides another playful spot for the eye. Circa Lighting pendants hang over the head. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield

Throughout the house, Hall added surprising and intriguing elements with bold wallpaper and rich hues. In the guest toilet, Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon wallpaper satisfied the homeowner's desire for eye-catching patterns. "Susan found this newspaper and I fell in love; it allowed us to make a statement without looking crazy, "she says. In the master bedroom, burgundy linen bed linen and an accent wall with gray and gold Hygge & West wallpaper create a cozy accent. And in the newly designed office, a gray paint job and a pink upholstered Carl Hansen & Son Lounge Chair create the perfect place for brainstorming the next best idea.

"In the end, we found a family-friendly home where adults can also chat," says the homeowner. And thanks to Hall's eye for exactly the right maximalist moments, you will still find plenty of design surprises – without any detective work.