Small Denver Lot Transforms Into A Bright City Oasis

Details

modern exterior entry brown

modern great room staircase neutral entry door

modern living room fireplace brown wool rug

Designers Eric Mandil and Sean Hughes gave the living room fireplace, built by McKee Woodcraft, a distinctive look with a brown cashmere-lacquer finish and satin-etched back-painted glass by Denver Glass Interiors. A wool rug from Floor Coverings By CPA anchors a pair of leather-upholstered Leolux sofas, which the wife selected from Studio 2b.

modern dining room LED chandelier brown leather chairs

In the dining room, a whimsical LED chandelier by Zaneen illuminates a table and leather-covered chairs, all by Cattelan Italia from Studio 2b. Artwork by Mary Jane Schmidt hangs above a buffet by Bulthaup.

modern living room bar white glass window shades

The homeowners worked with Bulthaup on the living room's bar, which is marked by sleek white glass and Caesarstone. The bar chairs are by Bonaldo from Studio 2b, and the window shades are by Insolroll.

modern kitchen aluminum stainless steal cabinetry white countertops

In the kitchen, custom aluminum-and-stainless-steel Bulthaup cabinetry and Caesarstone's Pure White countertops underscore the home's modern feel. The island's cooktop is by Gaggenau, and the faucets are by Gessi.

modern glass skylight clear glass railings staircase

A skylight in the ceiling and clear glass railings let light flow through the upper level. Mandil and Hughes placed a trio of sculptural Bocci light fixtures from Studio Como in the open space.

modern opening for light sliding door sitting area

The architect created a long opening in the second-story floor to allow light to flow through the different levels of the home. A shoji-inspired sliding door encloses a seating area, which can serve as a guest bedroom when needed.

modern outdoor pool and sitting area orange accents

A marble wall extends from the living room outside to help define a patio; a 20-foot-wide sliding door system by Fleetwood Windows & Doors further connects the two spaces. Landscape designer Troy Shimp created the concrete flooring that surrounds the pool.

modern bedroom neutral glass windows balcony

High windows that frame treetop views and a private cedar balcony accessed by sliding glass doors allow the spacious upper-level master bedroom to enjoy a strong connection to the outdoors. A Roche Bobois bed rests on a rug from Shaver-Ramsey Fine & Custom Rugs.

Good architecture turns limitations into opportunities.

Such is the case with the bright and airy dwelling that architect Brian Ojala designed for empty nesters on a tight urban lot in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. “You’re not walled up anywhere in the house,” Ojala explains. “Every space has a relief to the outside where there is a private grotto.”

Eric Mandil and Sean Hughes designed the fixed finishes of the interior, using texture and sheen to add sophistication to the marble-clad walls and complementary tile floors. “Even though the house is sleek,” Hughes explains, “there are many warm and cozy elements that balance out the stark contemporary language.”

The owners are thrilled with their new dwelling and can often be found lounging around the pool and fire pit just off of the living room. “We were so blessed to have a great architect and interior designers,” the wife explains. “This experience was uplifting and enjoyable every single step of the way.”