A Lesson in Style – By Heather Shoning

Like pages out of a textbook, this Denver home offers lessons in elements of great design that anyone can incorporate into their own home.

Let’s face it: People have complex and changing tastes in everything from wines to home design. With wine, you simply choose a new one, but it can be a bit tricky with something as large-scale as construction of a new home or a remodel of an existing space. One of the most difficult things about designing a home that truly reflects your personal taste and style is learning to blend all of the styles you love without the end result being “eclectic.”

This Denver home is a beautiful and functional example of how to create a space that blends design styles, offers opportunity for change with the season or your mood and is a luxurious livable retreat. Designer Andrea Monath Schumacher, owner of O Interior Design, followed a couple hard-and-fast rules in creating this comfortable home with a blend of traditional and mid-century modern elements.

“It’s important to create simple, clean lines in neutral colors,” Schumacher says. “From there you add color and complexity in layers.” In this home, that meant dark wood floors throughout the majority of the space, gray walls and solid color furniture pieces. To this base, Schumacher added punches of color and dramatic design elements.

1. The family room has two focal points, the television and the fireplace. To create a line of sight that would work for both, while also designing a more formal setting, Schumacher incorporated a sofa and two-way chaise. Both pieces are neutral colors, but finishing them in different colors adds another dimension to the design. The traditional lines of the fireplace and coffered ceiling are softened by the flowing lines in the artwork and the organic texture of the window coverings. Shapes, as well as pops of color, in the lampshades and pillows can easily be changed.

2. Classic white cabinetry and subway tile in the kitchen sets the tone for this simple palette. The oversized black island paired with contemporary barstools adds a sleek twist. “The light fixtures are a classic style, but the finish adds a bit of ‘bling’ to the space,” Schumacher says.

3. Some rooms call for a departure from the design rules followed in the rest of the home. The music room incorporates the same basic color palette, but punches it up with the bold trellis-patterned wallpaper. The pattern is simple and classic, but its grand scale creates drama.

Personal spaces are meant to reflect your style and incorporate elements of color, texture and lines that make you feel at home. According to Schumacher, building in layers upon a basic foundation is the key to creating a dramatic space that incorporates your complex personality and allows for evolution of the original design.