Stop and smell the wallpaper
Every room in this historic Denver home tells a story—bold, whimsical, and beautifully intentional. With a focus on playful patterns, rich color palettes, and thoughtful functionality, this renovation reimagines traditional spaces with a wink of charm and a whole lot of heart. From the hand-selected wallpapers to the curated tilework and custom cabinetry, Stop and Smell the Wallpaper is a masterclass in joyful, detail-rich design that doesn't take itself too seriously.
tABLE OF CONTENTS
THE foyer
The entryway sets the tone with a perfect balance of character and charm. We preserved the home’s original bones while layering in design-forward touches that feel both fresh and familiar. A bold wallpaper makes an immediate impression, playing off the home’s vintage soul while signaling the playful spirit that carries throughout the rest of the renovation. Custom trimwork and thoughtful lighting elevate the space, creating a welcoming moment that feels curated, not contrived.
the library
A cozy, moody escape tucked just off the main living area, the library is where saturated color and vintage charm collide. We painted the built-ins in a deep, velvety hue to create a dramatic backdrop for books, art, and collected treasures. Warm wood tones and brass accents layer in texture, while plush furnishings invite you to linger. This space is all about atmosphere—sophisticated, soulful, and just the right amount of theatrical.
the dining room
This room is pure delight. A whimsical wallpaper wraps the space in personality, creating a lively backdrop for gatherings both casual and celebratory. We kept the furnishings classic and clean-lined to let the pattern shine, while a standout light fixture adds sculptural interest overhead. With original trimwork intact and layers of updated detail, this dining room strikes the perfect balance between playful and polished.
the kitchen
This kitchen transformation brought heart and harmony to the home by blending classic elements with whimsical touches. We began by improving the layout for better flow and functionality—removing dated features, opening up sightlines, and thoughtfully reorganizing work zones to support how the family really lives.
Custom cabinetry in a soft, timeless finish now anchors the space, offering generous storage and a tailored look. A handmade tile backsplash brings just the right amount of artisanal texture, pairing beautifully with the warm wood details and subtle stone countertops. Lighting was chosen not just for task performance but for its visual personality—a mix of overhead pendants and under-cabinet lighting that creates both drama and comfort.
From the warm metal hardware to the quietly elegant plumbing fixtures, every detail in this kitchen was selected to feel curated, not cookie-cutter. The result is a space that feels welcoming and elevated, where everyday cooking and weekend gatherings alike are grounded in style and ease.
THE mudroom
Tucked just off the back entrance, this mudroom is proof that even the most utilitarian spaces deserve thoughtful design. We maximized function with custom built-ins for coats, bags, and shoes—designed to handle the daily bustle with grace. A playful patterned tile sets the tone underfoot, while cheerful paint and practical hooks keep the vibe fresh and family-friendly. Every inch was considered to blend utility with charm, making this small but mighty space a hardworking highlight of the home.
BATH 1
This bathroom was our chance to turn up the drama and lean into a moodier, more immersive experience. Inspired by the lush, layered energy of a tropical escape, we embraced a palette of deep greens, warm woods, and natural textures to transform this small space into a bold, jungle-chic retreat.
The star of the show? A wildly charismatic wallpaper—teeming with rich foliage and animal forms—that wraps the room in energy and movement. It’s playful and daring without feeling over-the-top, offering a visual escape the moment you step inside. To balance the boldness, we grounded the space with timeless elements: a warm wood vanity with clean lines, crisp white plumbing fixtures, and soft ambient lighting that casts a gentle glow throughout.
Thoughtful details like matte black accessories, textural tilework, and a framed mirror add layers of interest and ensure the room feels elevated, not kitschy. Every finish was chosen to evoke warmth, wanderlust, and a touch of the unexpected—fitting perfectly into the vibrant spirit of the rest of the home.
This bathroom is a reminder that small spaces can still make a statement—and that design can (and should) be a little fun.
BATH 2
This guest bath is the very definition of sultry sophistication. What began as a dated, cramped ensuite was completely reimagined to become a spa-like experience wrapped in moody tones and glowing metal. From the moment you step inside, your eyes are drawn to the striking TileBar B2W floor tile—a bold black-and-white geometric pattern that grounds the space with graphic flair.
In the shower, timeless Bedrosians Cloe tile in white brings a subtle luster to the walls, contrasted by a classic penny round floor that’s as timeless as it is tactile. Mixed metals bring visual richness, with sleek fixtures from Grohe in matte black paired effortlessly with polished brass accents.
Anchoring the space is the Madrona washstand from Rejuvenation, a minimalist piece that offers elegance without bulk. A matching mirror and Pottery Barn double sconce complete the vignette with warm, flattering light.
THE LAUNDRY ROOM
The laundry room may be one of the most functional spaces in the house, but that didn’t stop us from treating it like a design opportunity. In fact, we believe the most used spaces deserve the most love—and this one delivers.
A showstopping patterned tile from Haus Tile anchors the room with playful sophistication, echoing the circular motifs found throughout the home. Above, deep green Tedd Wood cabinetry offers ample storage, finished with oversized Atlas Dot knobs in brass that feel as chic as they are substantial.
We incorporated thoughtful additions like a hanging rod from Signature Hardware for air-drying clothes, a long quartz work surface in Cambria Inverness Gold for folding and sorting, and an ultra-durable Blanco Silgranit sink paired with a Kingston Brass wall-mounted faucet to keep things clean and stylish. Above, glass ribbed lights from West Elm add just the right amount of sparkle.
