Classic. Modern. Sophisticated. Casual. Daring. Timeless. Achieving an ideal harmony between all of these elements was a unique challenge in one recent West Boulder home renovation. But through the joint efforts of the teams at Cottonwood Custom Builders, Sopher Sparn Architects and Red Pepper Kitchen + Bath, it’s a feat that resulted in a stunning abode that at once honors its historic character and locale while functioning as a contemporary living and design marvel.
Completed in the fall of 2019, this 1910 home renovation involved undertaking design endeavors large and small—from room overhauls, reorganizations and additions to the preservation of the home’s historic elements. The extremely complex project involved not just incorporating a modern, steel-framed addition into the existing 110-year-old building, but also preserving as much of the historic exterior as possible.
“The big idea for the design was to remain true to the historic charm in the front renovation and then progressively evolve to a more contemporary architectural style as we went south to the rear of the building,” says Stephen Sparn, principal at Sopher Sparn Architects.
It’s a progression that imbues an enticingly unpredictable, yet immensely comforting feel to the home in which exciting design details, modern features and playful pops of color abound around every corner. While original front window details bring even further character to the charming front façade, colorful modern tiling and a luxe modern palette give the home a bright, bold energy.
The kitchen in particular is a sterling instance of reworking one of the home’s original spaces—both in function and design—to make it immeasurably more practical and enjoyable. A geometric Popham tile floor featuring eight different colors marks the space formerly occupied by the kitchen, while the new kitchen area—connected to the family room and full of abundant natural light—features a pristine marble backsplash from Waterworks, quartz countertops from Cambria and custom Plato Woodwork cabinetry in a lovely yellow hue.
“The homeowner loves color and is adventurous, so that needed to be reflected in her home,” says Margie McCulloch, owner of Red Pepper Kitchen + Bath, longtime collaborator with the homeowner and designer responsible for all of the home’s interior finishes. “I look to nature for inspiration, as I find that natural colors are more enduring. Although the yellow cabinets might be considered an unusual color, it is an easy color to live with and we took a lot of time to get it exactly right.”
A more prominent connection with nature was likewise a goal of the home renovation project given its ideal location at the base of the foothills.
“The previous design really didn’t take advantage of the home’s amazing view,” says Kimberly Neill, project manager and estimator at Cottonwood Custom Builders. “We wanted to not just maximize its space, but also make it much more open to the outdoors.”
The south façade is a master class in allowing glorious natural views to permeate throughout the home. At the ground level is the connected kitchen and family room area seamlessly integrated with the outdoor patios with options for outdoor dining or private relaxation. Above, the master suite and its dedicated balcony open to gorgeous Flatirons sights. Vaulted ceilings further the space’s welcoming loft-like feel, and it at once feels like a cozy personal retreat and a stunning mountain oasis.
“More than any single element, I love how it feels to be in the home,” McCulloch says. With an inimitable sense of place, character and comfort, it’s a unique property that marks a true achievement in blending ample historic charm and peak contemporary elegance.