c2Design: 2016

Friday, September 30, 2016

Denver Life Magazine Designer Showhouse 2016

For the second year in a row, Interior Designer, Corinne Ekle, was selected to participate in Denver Life Magazine’s 2016 Showhouse! It is a special honor in the Denver area to be one of the 14 designers to transform a newly remolded house into a showstopper home.

Located in Wash Park, this Tudor style home was built in 1930. A second floor addition was added along with modern technologies to bring this period home into the 21^st century. Caliber Construction and Alvarez Morris Architecture kept the charm of the Tudor home while introducing transitional aesthetics for the modern homeowner.

Once the designers are selected, they must give ‘space assignments’ to each of the participants. This process includes designers submitting their top 3 rooms picks. From there, the committee assigns each of the spaces. As you would guess, the living room is a highly requested room that Ekle was thrilled to receive! Next, design boards are submitted to ensure that all the rooms will be unique in style while keeping a consistent flow through the whole home.

The living room is one of only three original rooms in the home. Architecturally, the room has many outstanding features. Vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, exposed beams, a fireplace, and a delicate bell shaped window at the peak of the sidewall.

It was important to Ekle to incorporate a traditional design aesthetic with a modern twist. She chose to use wall paneling as the driving force uniting tradition with modern. She designed the wall to be an oversized square pattern that reached 6’ up the wall! Just the scale and pattern alone propels this classic finish into present time. A dark, rich taupe color adds dimension and a beautiful backdrop to the furnishings.

The focal point of the living room is the grand electric piano, generously donated by Classic Pianos. The sleek, shine of the jet-black piano draws you into the room to be entertained for hours. The nail-head trimmed sofa, by Lexington Home Brands, fits perfectly in the niche of the paneled wall. This offers a wonderful view of the grand fireplace and front row seats to your own private concert. Two contemporary side chairs create juxtaposition with the formal focal point. A stunning wool and silk rug from Artisan Rug Gallery, incorporate slight iridescent blues and grays to tie in all the natural tones.

Lighting is an important element in this living room. Natural daylight is very generous during the day, but it is important to keep it well illuminated at night. Ekle chose a transitional fixture from Urban Lights. The brushed gold finish adds formality to the space. The chandelier is a bold, round fixture that draws your eye up to the vaulted ceiling. Sconces highlight the paneling and add accent lighting at night.

Gold, mirrored-top side tables from HW Home are the perfect compliment to the furniture grouping. It also pairs nicely with the glass table lamp anchoring the corner. The metal gold cubes in front of the sofa act as a coffee table but can be re-arranged to give the space flexibility. The artwork above the sofa highlights the space and holds your attention. Patricia Finely is a talented artist who works with acrylics to create stunning works of art. Her work is showcased at Walker Fine Art.

Custom throw pillows on the sofa and chairs add the perfect punch of teal and chartreuse color to an otherwise natural space. To complete the room, soft sheer drapery with a coordinating teal and chartreuse stripe flank both windows. It adds a fresh pop against the brick wall!

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the 2016 Showhouse, please be sure to pick up a copy of Denver Life Magazine on stands now. They feature each of the rooms and give details about the process. For those of you who were in attendance, 100% of the proceeds from your admission were donated to Habitat for Humanity of Denver. A much anticipated event that is for an outstanding, local cause!

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Friday, July 29, 2016

Wash Park Rustic Basement Remodel

Located in the Denver neighborhood of Wash Park is a newly designed basement that pays attention to the fine detail. Corinne Ekle, along with Ryan Stachon with Alpine Builders, worked together to create a newly rustic basement with modern design techniques.

This basement was half finished before they began work. It had good form with trim, paint and carpet throughout. A designated gym room was already in place. It was just missing that personal touch that every homeowner desires. Upon their first consolation, the homeowners, Ekle, and Stachon came up with a concept to add custom designs with a rustic feel.

When remodeling your home, it is priceless to have your designer and builder collaborating the whole time. Ekle was able to add structural design elements that flow seamlessly through the space. For example, she enhanced the opening to the guest bed and bath with an archway. The elegance and grace of an archway will take your space to the next level of design anytime.

The bar was created to have a soft curve. Rather then a straight, linear bar that causes people to stand in a line, this softly suggests for people to gather and relax. A recessed niche was incorporated to hold a top of the line beverage cooler. This allows for the cooler to be accessible yet, tucked away. Another niche was added on the back wall to hold extra glass wear and liquor. With this area trimmed out with LED rope lighting, the homeowners will have fun displaying and using the extra space for special pieces.

Stone and glass mosaic tile is carried from the niche to the bar backsplash. By repeating tile in one area, it creates a cohesive look. Also, when the same tile is placed in different locations, it will show differently depending on lighting and exposure. New glass pendants were added for additional lighting.

To incorporate the rustic feel, Ekle reached out to Reclaimed Design Works for reclaimed wood planks. They were able to frame out sections of the bar and inlay stacked stone on the front to add character and texture.

Beautiful polished granite countertops and an under-mount bar sink are decorated with oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware. Luxury Vinyl Tile (VCT) flooring was chosen for the bar and gym area area. It resembles wood, but is very durable and won’t expand or contract like real word (super important for basements!).

They carried the same VCT flooring into the gym room. It is very resilient to water and wears well. So while they are working on their strength training, they won’t have to worry about damaging these floors.

New carpet was laid throughout the rest of the basement. In the living room, they chose a beautiful rustic wood beam to cut down to size for a mantel. They were able to hide all the components and wires by recessing the wall behind the tv.

Another part of wood beam can be seen as a floating shelf in the guest bath. Ceramic wood tile was used to continue the rustic aesthetic. The cabinetry was repeated from the bar and a beige quartz as the countertop adds neutrality to the space. Edison bulb sconces really make the reclaimed mirror shine! In the shower it was important to add an accent element to get that custom look. Thin stacked stone mosaic tile covers the whole back wall while a neutral beige natural stone complete the facing sides of the shower. Bronze fixtures and faucet finish off the custom look!

Since Ekle was brought in during the remodeling stage, she was able to give her clients a few key design details that could not have been added later. The archways, recessed areas for appliances, and those finishing touches really make this basement a custom, rustic getaway!

Now that the construction portion was completed, Ekle, is excited to have the opportunity to work on the decor elements for this luxurious space!

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Monday, July 25, 2016

Valley Country Club Remodel

A home for entertaining must be met with design elements that compliment the style of the hostess. Located in Valley Country Club, in Centennial, CO, a family needed a few design adjustments in order make their space a dream!

This family loves to host large dinner parties. For anyone who entertains, they know how valuable it is to have an expanding dining table and a room to accommodate. As it stood (before Corinne Ekle worked her magic!) the dining room was off of the kitchen in it’s own separate space that was operated by 2 arched openings. This created a restricted area and didn’t allow for the amount of people they wished to have at one time.

To remedy this situation, the dining room wall was knocked down to open up the space, allowing for an open floor plan. The kitchen, or the heart of the home, needed some rearranging as well. By picking up the existing kitchen and moving it to the once dining room space, it created a natural flow that every entertainer’s home needs. Electrical and plumbing completed reconfigured new kitchen layout. While the cherry cabinets and granite were maintained, just shifted into the new space, it left quire a bit of space between all of the existing cabinets and comments. This allowed Corinne and Cahen Architectural group to get creative and add a new kitchen island and side buffet to make the new kitchen feel complete and to provide a comprehensive and functional workspace.

Because the new side buffet and island we additions to the existing kitchen, and the existing kitchen cabinets had been discontinued, they were selected in a different cabinet profile. To make this section of the cabinets stand out, it was painted the same color as the trim in the rest of the house. This showcases the modern design of the cabinets and gives the eye a break before entering the cook area. These cabinets also visually pop by the red supporting accent wall. This open counter space can be used as a buffet set up or to display occasional pieces when it's not party time!

Kitchen islands are a wonderful spot to show some personality and to hold those extra perks you wish you had every once in a while. A second dishwasher was placed in the island for any dish overload during parties. An additional prep sink was also included. A prep sink is wonderful as simply a hand washing station or to get guests involved with the cooking! A leathered finish granite slab was placed on both the island and buffet. The "Leathered" technique is the finish on the granite. Typically you see kitchen counters that are posited, as are the existing cabinets. Leathering is a more natural technique that give the stone more of a matte finish and shows the characteristics of the stone. It is still protected so safe to use on counters. Corinne thought in this space, because a different stone was selected of the new cabinet areas, it might as well be showcased and different from the surround perimeter counters.

The existing polished granite countertops are complimented by the new onyx basketweave backsplash.

Moving onto the living room, every detail had entertaining in mind! Custom furniture pieces from Lexington Home Brands can be moved around for different arrangements. One party may focus on the tv while another may be more conversational with the fireplace in the background. Either way, the furniture can easily be re-arrange to the focal point of the night.

Two main fabrics were selected for the upholstery. This allows the client to change the look with the seasons. An eggplant paisley is on one side of the pillows while a gold herringbone is a lighter feel on the back side. With this combination on both the seat and back, there are endless options for design! With Ekle designing the space from the beginning, she was able to match pillows and the red chairs with the slatted wood frame to incorporate the whole design, no matter what fabric is on display!

(hint: look at the pillow combos in the pictures!)

A wool rug anchors the space beautifully. The niche above the fireplace was painted red to add depth and warmth to the living area. Gold and glass occasional pieces add that sparkle and elegance that this home deserves.

The master bedroom was redecorated to reflect the clients personal tastes. The combination of black, gold, and animal print can be stunning and a bold statement if done in the right way. New bedding material and custom window valences mix the elements of neutrals and soft textures.

And no, that is not a stuffed animal…. that’s their adorable dog, Clicquot, looking picture perfect on the new bed!

This home is an entertainers dream. The versatility of rooms allows for ample arrangements depending on the party size and theme. c2Design hopes they enjoy their home for many parties to come!

Always stay connected and up to date with all that we are doing.

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Monday, June 13, 2016

Victorian Meets Modern

Let it be said that modern and traditional homes have room to live in the same town. Let’s take it a step further; modern and traditional architecture can coexist in one home! This 1902 Victorian home was gutted, redesigned, and transformed into a one of a kind: Sloans Lake - a house that melts these two worlds together.

Architect EG Studio, located in Denver, already began working with the investor and client, and had plans to add a very modern addition to the back half of the home and the front would maintain its Victorian facade. The modern addition to the back was not only going to offer more living space inside, but it was going to speak well to buyers that wanted to live in a piece of Denver's architectural history, but also enjoy the modern luxuries of contemporary living.

Designer Corinne Ekle, Principle and owner of c2 Design, was called upon to use her magic to make these two worlds of style come together on the inside. She was there from the very beginning of the process! This allowed her to really put her years of experience to fit together a full service interior design package which included choosing all finish selections, the kitchen layout, bath layouts, and fixtures. She even had the opportunity to see her interior design work until the end by staging the home for sale. This house has so many features and talking points, we thought it would be best to begin the home tour starting with the entry.

Approaching the original front of the house, you would not have known that this porch was once closed off. New TREX flooring was chosen for the porch floor, along with a custom metal handrail and new colors were selected for the exterior of the house. Once you cross the threshold of the Victorian entrance, you begin your journey through a melting pot of modern fixtures with historical grace.

New Engineered, hand scraped, mahogany hardwood floors beautifully set the stage for the home. The walls were given a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore paint while the trim took on a darker tone as a nod to the historical nature of the front.

It was important to Ekle to maintain the original millwork on the stairs. The craftsmanship that is revealed in just that staircase is something you never want to get rid of if you have it. To update the look, the wood was stained a darker finish. The entry also housed a leaded glass window which was preserved during construction. These historical details are ones that can never be recreated and gives the home character.

Moving from the entry, you are welcomed into the formal living room. The original millwork and fireplace surrounding was also stained darker to connect the entry. With the darker finish, the original tile now stands out, accentuated by a new quartz hearth. Originally, pocket doors on two of the walls now hold barn doors which take on the same task of allowing privacy when needed.

Moving your way from the living room through barn doors you could easily sink into the family room. New recessed lighting lights the room. A new modern light fixture hangs gracefully above the dining area.

The modern design of the home can really be seen in the kitchen. It is on every home buyers list to have an open concept kitchen. Since this home was a remodel, Ekle had the opportunity to design a dream kitchen in the large space. Custom cabinets from Kitchen at the Denver offers a wide selection of configurations to fit any space. Tons of storage throughout the space guarantees you will have a problem filling all the cabinets! Open shelving above the sink allows the home owner to display their favorite pieces. Quartz countertops with a waterfall edge elegantly backs up to oversized subway tile on the backsplash. A transom window behind the sink allows for a view and natural light in.

Natural light will never be an issue in this room. The entire back wall leading out to the patio is a Nana Wall system. It is basically an accordion style door that expands across the whole back side of the new addition. This easily offers a room extension from the kitchen to the porch. A modern gas fireplace and new landscaping bring the first floor all together from historical to modern.

Venturing upstairs, new lighting and paint were paired with a durable carpet. Two bedrooms land at the top of the stairs while the master is down the hall in the new addition of the home. The two bedrooms have large closets that match the trim color.

Being that the master bedroom is above the kitchen, the back wall carries the same aesthetic as on the first floor; large windows along the whole wall.

The master bath is Ekle’s favorite part of the whole home! New marble floors laid out in an elegant, modern pattern grace the floor and is repeated again in the oversized shower. "Oversized shower" is putting it lightly. It is a two-person shower with two shower heads, a long bench, and a custom glass enclosure (to keep all that water in!). Vintage inspired fixtures and a new free standing tub sits under a double-sided fireplace. The other half is located in the master bedroom.

Connected to the master bath is the master closet. The homeowners can enjoy a backup laundry area (in addition to the basement) and a full walk in closet. So while getting ready in the morning, you can enjoy a spa day in your master bath, get ready in your master closet, and then lounge by the fire in your bedroom. Nothing is more luxurious than that!

A loft space was discovered which once was once the attic. To make this space more livable, new windows, fresh paint, carpeting and lighting brightened the area. This new found space has many uses such as an office space, kids' hang out, or a reading nook!

There is one detail that we forgot to mention… the house itself was jacked up to accommodate taller ceilings in the basement! A huge undertaking with big reward.

Off of the main level, an original staircase leads down into the basement. What would be considered a ‘mother in-law’ suite or the best hang out spot ever (!) could also be rented out. There is a door that can be accessed through the side of the house, separate from the house making this a secure area. Two bedrooms, one bath, and an open concept living room with kitchen allows for comfortable living. The additional laundry room is also located in the basement.

This home is a stunning addition to Denver. The ability to translate a historical style into a modern appeal is both stunning and inspiring. The home is currently on the market, and we know the new homeowners are going to LOVE it!