Stop and smell the wallpaper

Every room in this historic Denver home tells a story—bold, whimsical, and beautifully intentional. With a focus on playful patterns, rich color palettes, and thoughtful functionality, this renovation reimagines traditional spaces with a wink of charm and a whole lot of heart. From the hand-selected wallpapers to the curated tilework and custom cabinetry, Stop and Smell the Wallpaper is a masterclass in joyful, detail-rich design that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Entryway with wooden door open, black coat and brown purse hanging on hooks, window with view of trees, staircase with black steps, and wood trim around doorway and window.

tABLE OF CONTENTS

THE foyer

View of a small entryway with an open wooden door, a window, a coat rack with a black coat and brown purse, black stairs, hardwood flooring, and decorative wood trim.

The entryway sets the tone with a perfect balance of character and charm. We preserved the home’s original bones while layering in design-forward touches that feel both fresh and familiar. A bold wallpaper makes an immediate impression, playing off the home’s vintage soul while signaling the playful spirit that carries throughout the rest of the renovation. Custom trimwork and thoughtful lighting elevate the space, creating a welcoming moment that feels curated, not contrived.

the library

A yellow bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, beside a pink armchair with a patterned pillow, in a cozy living space with a dining area in the background.
Colorful living space with yellow walls, bookshelves, a dining table with candles, and decorative art and plants.

A cozy, moody escape tucked just off the main living area, the library is where saturated color and vintage charm collide. We painted the built-ins in a deep, velvety hue to create a dramatic backdrop for books, art, and collected treasures. Warm wood tones and brass accents layer in texture, while plush furnishings invite you to linger. This space is all about atmosphere—sophisticated, soulful, and just the right amount of theatrical.

Yellow built-in bookshelf dividing a living room and dining area, with books, plants, and decor items on the shelves, and a pink armchair with a patterned pillow nearby.

the dining room

Dining room with a table decorated with pink, blue, white, and green candles, and a pink vase with green plants. A floral mural wall and a glimpse of a kitchen with patterned tile backsplash and green cabinets are visible.

This room is pure delight. A whimsical wallpaper wraps the space in personality, creating a lively backdrop for gatherings both casual and celebratory. We kept the furnishings classic and clean-lined to let the pattern shine, while a standout light fixture adds sculptural interest overhead. With original trimwork intact and layers of updated detail, this dining room strikes the perfect balance between playful and polished.

Dining room with a wooden table, beige chairs, colorful floral wallpaper, green plants, and a modern chandelier.

the kitchen

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, and a colorful patterned wall. A black decorative doorway frames a small sitting nook with shelves, plants, and hanging towels. A green island with gold handles is in the foreground, decorated with lemons and books.
Modern kitchen with dark green cabinets, white marble countertops, and a ceiling made of wooden beams. There's a large stainless steel refrigerator, a window above the sink, and a decorative tile wall on the right. A white island with a vase of purple flowers and three lemons nearby is in the foreground.
Modern kitchen with green and white cabinets, a white island with gold accents, tan cushioned bar stools, a vase with flowers on the island, patterned tile backsplash, open shelving with cookbooks and dishes, stainless steel refrigerator, and wooden ceiling tiles.

This kitchen transformation brought heart and harmony to the home by blending classic elements with whimsical touches. We began by improving the layout for better flow and functionality—removing dated features, opening up sightlines, and thoughtfully reorganizing work zones to support how the family really lives.

Custom cabinetry in a soft, timeless finish now anchors the space, offering generous storage and a tailored look. A handmade tile backsplash brings just the right amount of artisanal texture, pairing beautifully with the warm wood details and subtle stone countertops. Lighting was chosen not just for task performance but for its visual personality—a mix of overhead pendants and under-cabinet lighting that creates both drama and comfort.

From the warm metal hardware to the quietly elegant plumbing fixtures, every detail in this kitchen was selected to feel curated, not cookie-cutter. The result is a space that feels welcoming and elevated, where everyday cooking and weekend gatherings alike are grounded in style and ease.

Kitchen with a decorative tile backsplash, dark green cabinets, white marble countertop, and modern black faucet. A white pot with a lid and a large decorative plate are on the counter. Hanging from the ceiling are black and gold light fixtures, and a gold range hood is above the stove.

THE mudroom

Entryway with white cabinetry, wooden countertop, black window and door frames, wall hooks with bags and scarf, wooden shelves with basket and potted plant, abstract wall art, pairs of brown shoes on the floor, leafy plant, and patterned tile floor.

Tucked just off the back entrance, this mudroom is proof that even the most utilitarian spaces deserve thoughtful design. We maximized function with custom built-ins for coats, bags, and shoes—designed to handle the daily bustle with grace. A playful patterned tile sets the tone underfoot, while cheerful paint and practical hooks keep the vibe fresh and family-friendly. Every inch was considered to blend utility with charm, making this small but mighty space a hardworking highlight of the home.

View of a corner of a kitchen with white cabinets, a wooden countertop, a window with black trim, a potted plant, and decorative wall patterns. An adjacent room with green cabinets and wooden ceiling touches is partially visible.

BATH 1

This bathroom was our chance to turn up the drama and lean into a moodier, more immersive experience. Inspired by the lush, layered energy of a tropical escape, we embraced a palette of deep greens, warm woods, and natural textures to transform this small space into a bold, jungle-chic retreat.

The star of the show? A wildly charismatic wallpaper—teeming with rich foliage and animal forms—that wraps the room in energy and movement. It’s playful and daring without feeling over-the-top, offering a visual escape the moment you step inside. To balance the boldness, we grounded the space with timeless elements: a warm wood vanity with clean lines, crisp white plumbing fixtures, and soft ambient lighting that casts a gentle glow throughout.

Thoughtful details like matte black accessories, textural tilework, and a framed mirror add layers of interest and ensure the room feels elevated, not kitschy. Every finish was chosen to evoke warmth, wanderlust, and a touch of the unexpected—fitting perfectly into the vibrant spirit of the rest of the home.

This bathroom is a reminder that small spaces can still make a statement—and that design can (and should) be a little fun.

Modern bathroom with a shower area featuring leaf-patterned glass doors and black tiled walls, a white toilet, a wooden vanity with black fixtures, plants, and artwork on the white wall.

BATH 2

A bathroom with dark green walls, a white marble sink, black trim, a large window with black molding, and a patterned black-and-white tile floor, illuminated by wall-mounted lights and natural light from the window.

This guest bath is the very definition of sultry sophistication. What began as a dated, cramped ensuite was completely reimagined to become a spa-like experience wrapped in moody tones and glowing metal. From the moment you step inside, your eyes are drawn to the striking TileBar B2W floor tile—a bold black-and-white geometric pattern that grounds the space with graphic flair.

In the shower, timeless Bedrosians Cloe tile in white brings a subtle luster to the walls, contrasted by a classic penny round floor that’s as timeless as it is tactile. Mixed metals bring visual richness, with sleek fixtures from Grohe in matte black paired effortlessly with polished brass accents.

Anchoring the space is the Madrona washstand from Rejuvenation, a minimalist piece that offers elegance without bulk. A matching mirror and Pottery Barn double sconce complete the vignette with warm, flattering light.

A modern bathroom vanity with a marble countertop, gold fixtures, a large mirror, and green walls. Decor includes a candle, a gray soap dispenser, and a vase with eucalyptus leaves. Two gold and white wall sconces are mounted on either side of the mirror.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

A laundry room featuring a window with black trim, stacked silver washer and dryer, dark green cabinets with gold knobs, a small black framed picture, a white countertop, a white vase with dried flowers, a wall-mounted black faucet, and a woven laundry basket with a white towel inside. The floor has patterned black and white tiles.

The laundry room may be one of the most functional spaces in the house, but that didn’t stop us from treating it like a design opportunity. In fact, we believe the most used spaces deserve the most love—and this one delivers.

A showstopping patterned tile from Haus Tile anchors the room with playful sophistication, echoing the circular motifs found throughout the home. Above, deep green Tedd Wood cabinetry offers ample storage, finished with oversized Atlas Dot knobs in brass that feel as chic as they are substantial.

We incorporated thoughtful additions like a hanging rod from Signature Hardware for air-drying clothes, a long quartz work surface in Cambria Inverness Gold for folding and sorting, and an ultra-durable Blanco Silgranit sink paired with a Kingston Brass wall-mounted faucet to keep things clean and stylish. Above, glass ribbed lights from West Elm add just the right amount of sparkle.

Interior of a laundry room with green cabinetry, black faucet over a white marble countertop, hanging black and white shirts, a small framed landscape painting on the wall, a black trim around the door, patterned floor tiles, and a small basket on the overhead shelf.