Window Treatments and Art in Wash Park

The delightful owners of this brand new, contemporary home were in dire need of some privacy, and for someone to help them update, place, and install their wonderfully eclectic art collection. The stunning quantity of windows in the space definitely made for a light and bright environment, but also left the couple exposed. The trick was to select a window treatment that suited the clean-lined interior, and the unpretentious nature of the clients, while still allowing light and nature in. The solution came in the form of a soft, combination sheer/semi-opaque shade with adjustable vanes so both their privacy/view and the amount of sunlight entering the space could be controlled. As for the artworks, several desperately needed re-framing/re-matting in order to bring them up to date, and a couple of pieces already had great frames that merely needed re-finishing. After establishing the primary art locations and putting the works into different and intriguing groupings, we created a refreshing new fusion that allowed the clients to fall in love with their art collection all over again!

Denver Children’s Advocacy Center Expansion

Jennifer served as the Design Project Manager for the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center expansion from June 2009 – June 2010. During that time she was able to provide 1,000 hours of pro bono design work. The DCAC is a non-profit organization that serves and supports traumatized children. They had been operating out of a Victorian home off of 21st & Federal, and then they purchased another Victorian right next door. That addition doubled the size of their campus and was where the bulk of the new design work took place. The project was/is entirely funded by the generous monetary, product and service donations of various members of the community. Jennifer’s role was to help coordinate all of the contractors, vendors, clients, staff members and volunteers, so that the project moved ahead smoothly and without too many hiccups. She took part in developing the interior design plan for the new space, and in making sure that the various aspects of the plan were implemented accurately, efficiently and sustainably. This was truly a wonderful project that involved many lovely and dedicated individuals. If you would like to learn more about the DCAC please visit www.denvercac.org.

Making the Most of a Small Space in Lakewood

A family of 4 wanted to move to a larger home because their existing one was bursting at the seams; however, they weren’t quite ready to make the switch. So, this project was all about maximizing the efficient use of space so that they, and their frequent house guests, could have more room in the interim. On the “to do” list: creating more sleep space for overnight guests, creating more seating areas for everyone, finding/creating more storage space, updating the look and feel of the home to make it more inviting and cohesive, and all on a shoestring budget so that as much money as possible was reserved for the eventual move.

Demolishing a 50+ Year Old Pool and Building New in Cherry Hills

This project involved the complete demolition of a 50+ year old Paddock kidney bean swimming pool and it’s associated decking, and the installation of a brand new rectangular shaped pool with a paver surround and a solar heating system. This required a complex analysis of whether it was more environmentally sustainable and affordable to to keep the old pool and refurbish it, or to demo and build new. Having a pool isn’t the most environmentally friendly/inexpensive thing one can do, but if it is desired, then there are ways to reduce it’s negative/wasteful/costly attributes. The new pool has a UV/salt chlorination system that is just as hygienic as a chlorine tablet system, but with less negative environmental impact. And, the solar system heats the pool naturally without having to rely on either gas or electric power for the boiler. In addition, an automated pool cover was installed that keeps evaporation to a minimum, helps retain heat, keeps the pool cleaner, and provides a safety barrier for children and pets. Finally, the contoured paver surround provides a permeable surface to help mitigate/direct drainage and keep water away from the structure of the pool. Now the family has a beautiful backyard getaway that won’t be as costly for their pocketbook or for the environment!

Converting a Pool House into a Guest House in Cherry Hills

This family desired a separate living quarters for extended family/guests that would feel like a home away from home. The project involved taking a 750 sq. ft. pool house with minimal amenities and converting it into a fully functioning living space complete with kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, utility room, and two bathrooms. They also wanted to make it as sustainable as possible, and to keep it functional as a pool house as well. The outcome was a very contemporary, inviting and flexible space well suited for living, relaxing and entertaining.

Light Fixture Rescue in Cherry Creek

This client had two irreplaceable International style light fixtures that were in need of some TLC. The first was a clear acrylic torchiere that had been knocked over during a routine carpet maintenance resulting in the conical glass shade being shattered. And, the second was a beautiful glass table lamp that had a white fabric shade that had yellowed over time. Since replacement glass was unavailable for the torchiere, a new glass attachment needed to be re-blown by hand by a glass artist. The result was spectacular! And, the uniquely shaped, yellowed fabric shade was expertly disassembled and recovered by a lampshade artisan. Again, with stellar results! The lesson here is that sometimes you have to go to special lengths to save fabulous pieces that you know you won’t be able to replace…

Art Install in Edwards (West Vail)

An avid art collector needed assistance with the purchase and install of two sculptural artworks for her second home in Edwards. Seemingly simple, this project included the transport and install of two rather precarious pieces. One was a three-dimensional outdoor water feature consisting of a heavy stone base with a poured concrete vessel to balance on top. This piece had to be personally installed by the artist to ensure its proper placement, stability and function. The other piece was a large, two-dimensional, mixed-media beauty that needed to be properly anchored and hung on the wall. Hard to say which was more breathtaking, the installed artworks, or the ride up to and back from the mountains!