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! 



c2

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