Breathing New Life Into a Denver Craftsman Home
- Form Studio
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
At FORM, I love the challenge of helping homeowners see just how much design magic can happen without tearing down walls or breaking the bank. Recently, I worked with Mindy, a Denver homeowner with a charming Craftsman-style house, to make meaningful updates while keeping the integrity—and personality—of the home intact.
Honoring Character While Making it Fresh
The dining room’s built-in bar is a hallmark of Craftsman design. At one point, removing it to open up more kitchen space was on the table. But we knew better—this piece had too much character to lose. Instead, it became an anchor for the room, a reminder that the home’s history and charm could live beautifully alongside modern updates.
A Palette of Fresh Color + Pattern
Paint is one of the simplest ways to make a big shift. We used Sherwin Williams Dover White to brighten and balance the home, while Shade Grown, a deep green, added depth and warmth. In the dining room, wallpaper became the standout feature. We selected Cole & Son’s Thistle print—a nod to the era when the home was built, but refreshed with a modern sensibility that feels perfectly suited to Mindy’s style today.
The Power of Furniture
One of the most overlooked aspects of design is furniture. The size, shape, and even the way it’s placed in a room has enormous impact. A rug that’s too small, a sofa that’s too bulky—these details can make or break a space. At FORM, I'm often called in just to consult on furniture styling, and this project is a perfect example of why.
Dining table (West Elm) paired with Uttermost dining chairs brought balance and durability.
A Hudson Valley Lighting Group chandelier created a stunning focal point above.
In the living room, Uttermost swivel chairs, a coffee table, and a handmade rug from Etsy layered in texture and comfort.
Each selection was made with scale, proportion, and flow in mind—ensuring the spaces felt cohesive and welcoming.
The Details That Tell a Story
Accessories and personal touches are what make a house feel like home. For Mindy, we mixed pieces from Rogala Design (vases, candles, pillows) with her own collected treasures. A throw blanket purchased during her travels in Peru became a keynote item—a reminder of why I always encourage clients to collect meaningful pieces when they travel. They bring stories, memories, and authenticity into the space in ways that store-bought décor never can.
Other details included:
Mirrors sourced from Etsy, Tennyson Street Warehouse, and Anthropologie.
Books from New Americana and a local Denver shop, styled into the living spaces.
Framing from Accessory Warehouse (Another designer only shop adding to the reasons why you want to work with an interior designer for your project) and West Elm, elevating Mindy’s existing art and travel finds.
Plants and pottery from Birdsall, adding life and movement.
A playful pink side table from Arteriors for a pop of personality.
Why Work With a Designer?
The truth is, even small updates can be overwhelming when you’re trying to do it all yourself. Designers bring expertise, experience, and access—whether that’s trade-only furniture lines, knowledge of the best materials, or connections to local contractors and installers. We also know how to maximize a budget so you don’t spend on the wrong pieces, and we save you time by narrowing down the overwhelming number of options to the best ones for your home.
Mindy’s project is proof that you don’t always need a renovation to love your home again. Sometimes, the right mix of paint, wallpaper, furniture, and personal details can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to transform your Denver home—without losing its character—FORM is here to help.
Feeling stuck with your home? Whether it's about making more space, updating old features, or doing a complete overhaul of a space so it feels like and works for you, I'm here to help. From a single hour consult to helping you through your entire project from start to "home sweet home." Schedule your first consult here.