Mid-Century Modern Renovation in Denver

I finished this project over a year ago and waited until Modern in Denver published it this Fall to show you.  At first it was hard to wait, and then I forgot about it.  I think that describes a lot of waiting on things that you think you want.  At first it’s hard and then you just forget.

This project was an architect driven project.  I designed the kitchen and other pieces in the interior with his concept in mind.  When I work on a project with an architect, I am always interested in their vision for the home so that I can support and reinforce that vision with the interiors.  I think that collaboration is makes a good project great but many times, due to budget reasons, I get the floor plan and a few elevations but never get the chance to meet or communicate with the architect.  It’s almost like a baton is passed in a race when really I think design should a team sport.  This client involved me right from the start – we all met in their old dining room which became their living room and discussed all aspects of the design.

I would show you before photos, but the home changed so dramatically on the interior that the photos are meaningless.  This was a typical late 60’s ranch with 8′ ceilings, a formal living room at the front and a small, enclosed kitchen at the back of them home.   The architect was Ernest Cordova and the general contractor was JZ Construction.   Take a look at the finished product!

The kitchen is located at the front of the home now and new windows became the backsplash.  We tucked the electrical into the bottom of the cabinets.  The countertops are Absolute Black, polished.  The soffit that encircles this room is a “cloud structure” devised by the architect to enclose and define the space.  I clad it in the same wood as the cabinets to warm up the space and add to the drama.

The wife has a Japanese heritage and that drove the slatted screen design above as well as the design of the front door.  I love when I client comes to the table with an idea or a design sensibility that is unique to them and their home.

The style of this home is different than what I am usually asked to do and I absolutely loved diving into the mid-century world with my clients and the architect.

”We shape our homes and then our homes shape us.” – Winston Churchill