Stop + Smell the Wallpaper: AN interior story rich in color, character, and creative expression

Welcome Home to Whimsy

There’s something undeniably special about a home that lets you feel every room. That’s what drew us to this project—a historic gem nestled in Denver’s Baker neighborhood, owned by two wonderful clients who had a clear vision: a house that reflects their love of character, creativity, and comfort. From the beginning, it wasn’t about gutting the past—it was about celebrating it, layer by intentional layer.

Each room in this home holds its own personality. They don’t just flow—they flirt with you. Every color, pattern, and texture was chosen with care to elevate the everyday, surprise and delight, and bring a smile to those lucky enough to walk through. Whether it’s the leafy greens of a mural-tiled bathroom, the golden glow of a custom library nook, or the wild wonder of a floral mural dining room—this home invites you to stop, look around, and really smell the wallpaper.

This was a collaboration rooted in trust and joy, and we’re so proud to reveal the result.

A Foyer With Flair

A moody mix of matte and gloss star-and-cross tile in black from The Tile Shop grounds this cozy entry in boldness. A warm wood door, black-painted stair railings, and a Pottery Barn flush mount make the space feel layered and luxurious. We even leveled the floor to improve the flow into the main living space.

The Library: A Golden Embrace

What was once a blank canvas in the living room has now become a warm and energizing focal point. Our clients, lovers of literature, needed a home for their beloved book collection—and we delivered a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful. A full wall of custom built-ins now houses a thoughtful mix of open and closed storage, perfect for books, games, and personal treasures.

But this isn’t just a bookcase. It’s an experience. By using the depth of the shelves to frame the passage into the dining room, we created a dramatic, immersive portal that draws you through the home. The shelves wrap you in a golden hug, painted in Sherwin-Williams Quilt Gold—a late-in-the-game color decision that ended up being one of the most joyful in the house.

We paired Tedd Wood cabinetry with Amerock hardware to bring a polished, heritage feel to the built-ins while honoring the old-world charm we envisioned. It’s a nod to the classic libraries of another era, but with a vibrant twist that invites you to linger, explore, and get lost in a good book.

Dining Room: A Bloom-Filled Moment of Magic

What used to be an awkward dining pass-through with a misplaced bathroom is now one of the most beloved rooms in the house. The dining room is where the magic truly blooms—anchored by a breathtaking York Pop Floral Mural that feels like it was plucked from a fairytale garden.

We leaned into the room’s natural light and airy flow, adding Sherwin-Williams Moscow Midnight paneling for a dose of rich, moody contrast. A thoughtfully added picture rail sits just below the crown molding, allowing art to be hung without harming the wallpaper—a detail as beautiful as it is functional.

At the center of it all hangs the Galileo chandelier by Worley’s, casting a warm, artistic glow over a table that now comfortably seats eight. This space is designed not just for dinner—but for memories, connection, and long, laughter-filled evenings spilling out to the patio beyond.

Kitchen: Function + Drama

This kitchen is the soul of the home—an artful blend of beauty, warmth, and workhorse practicality. Designed with intention, it had to solve for a tricky layout, with three doorways and plenty of household traffic, all while creating a central gathering space our clients would love for years to come.

We began by reimagining the flow, carving out generous stations for prep, cooking, and casual gathering. A large center island—complete with seating and hidden ovens—acts as the kitchen’s command post. On the range wall, Fireclay’s Perian Star tile brings a jolt of joy and movement, playing perfectly against the stunning brass hood from CopperHoods.

Layered lighting, rich materials, and tonal contrasts keep the space feeling grounded yet special. Tedd Wood custom cabinetry is rendered in both soft Pumice and Sherwin-Williams Rock Garden—a pairing that balances earthy calm with playful personality. Cambria Inverness Gold quartz countertops pull it all together with subtle shimmer and warmth.

It’s a kitchen designed to feel vibrant and lived in, with details that elevate the everyday—like appliance garages, open shelving for cookbooks, and Brizo fixtures that deliver beauty in every function. Finishing touches like Restoration Hardware lighting and Cedar & Moss sconces help define each moment within this layered, luminous space.

Mudroom: What a Swirl

The mudroom may be the most unexpected delight in the entire house. It’s a moment of true creative expression—a space that welcomes utility but doesn’t compromise on joy. Wrapped in Rebel Walls' Stripes in Graphite, the walls feel like a playful nod to the rest of the home's bold design direction. But it’s the combination of color, contrast, and function that makes this room shine.

Fireclay Tile brings it all together underfoot, with a border in Tidewater and a classic field tile in Tusk—an echo of the palette found in the nearby kitchen. A custom butcher block bench offers seating and warmth, while closed cabinetry provides smart storage for dog gear, coats, and those everyday items that always need a home.

And let’s not forget the ceiling—vintage magnolia blossom lights from Shades of Light cast whimsical shadows across the space, making even a quick trip to grab the keys feel like an occasion.

Bath 1: Jungle Luxe

This powder bath proves that small spaces can make a major statement. Tucked just off the kitchen, this leafy retreat is a lesson in layering texture, color, and pattern for maximum personality. At the heart of the design is a showstopping mural tile from TileBar, splashed across the shower wall like an exotic painting come to life.

To support this wild botanical centerpiece, we selected a richly hued green tile from Glenrock and a whimsical black-and-white flower-patterned hex tile from The Tile Shop for the floor. Together, they ground the space while allowing the mural to truly shine.

A warm wood Wayfair vanity adds modern structure, while the wall-mounted mirror and sconce from Worley’s Lighting introduce a bit of sculptural flair. Matte black plumbing fixtures from Delta and a clean-lined Kohler toilet finish the space with crisp, functional contrast.

Bath 2: Deep Green Glam

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.

Laundry: Luxe in Every Detail

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.

The Takeaway: Joy in the Journey

This project isn’t just about beautiful rooms. It’s about connection. It’s about designing with feeling, creating spaces that not only look incredible—but feel like home to the people who live there. Every decision, every color, every curve of a cabinet or flick of a tile pattern was rooted in our clients’ stories, their humor, their warmth, and their vision for a space that felt uniquely theirs.

We believe good design should invite you in, guide you through, and surprise you at just the right moments. And this house does exactly that—from joyful wallpaper and jewel-toned paneling to practical touches that make everyday living easier and more delightful.

At its heart, this home is a love letter to living colorfully and authentically. It’s a reminder that every space—no matter how functional—can be thoughtful, expressive, and filled with soul.

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