Name: Daniel
Location: Denver, Colorado
Apartment Size: 1150 sq. ft.
Years lived in: 9

Though Daniel's Denver home was featured on (geographically closer) AT:LA as part of the 2007 I've Got Color! Contest, he believes his hometown has more in common with cities further north along the West Coast. Either way, we certainly see the connection across the Pacific in the artwork found on his extensive travels, joined by his own and that of his friends. His three-bedroom apartment, built in 1927, is home also to his art studio, where he practices printmaking. Pack your bags and join us on Daniel's world tour, through the lens of his home!

My style: Most people describe my style as eclectic. My mother once told me I am her eccentric child. I would agree both assessments are correct, but neither describes any of the actual influences to my style. I love Craftsman/Mission architecture and interiors, although I don’t own a single piece of Stickley or Mission furniture. I believe the style, however, is evidenced in my choice of contemporary furnishings from the clean lines of my dining set and china cabinet to the craftsman influenced entertainment center in my living room. The Craftsman/Mission style was heavily influences by Asian furnishings, which I’ve also included alongside my contemporary pieces. Add to all the above my heartfelt belief that you should surround yourself with the things you love and that bring a smile to your face. Because of this, I think my style also includes a certain youthfulness and whimsy.

The inspiration for my home: The Architecture of my home has been a strong inspiration for me as well as my love for traveling. I also love the domestic architecture and interior design of Thailand. My color palette is probably influenced by living in Colorado although I hadn’t realized this until viewing the many great house tours that Apartment Therapy has to offer.

Favorite element: The fact that there are only two units per floor and every room has large windows located on three of the four sides of my home. Living in my apartment feels as if I’m living in a single family detached home. The wood in the front “public” rooms of my home has never been painted and has developed a lovely patina albeit some signs of neglect in the past; although every flaw adds character and I am reminded of my home’s 80 year history.

Biggest challenge in designing my home: Incorporating modern electronics and conveniences into an older home has been a challenge. My living room was certainly not designed to contain a television as the focal point was certainly intended to be the massive fireplace and all other walls have either windows or doorways except the wall directly opposite. After years of arranging and re-arranging my living room furniture I finally eliminated my sofa in exchange for two comfy club chairs which allowed the fireplace to still play a dominate role in the room while allowing a comfortable focus towards the entertainment center on the opposite wall.

What friends say about my home: Friends and family refer to my home as a museum, probably because there is a lot to look at and take in during a single visit. I collect so many things. Add to that the fact that I regularly rotate my collections; with each visit there is always something different that grabs someone’s attention.

Biggest embarrassment in my home: Small closets and limited storage are a challenge although I feel I’ve made the best of everything.

Proudest DIY: Other than keeping up with maintaining an 80 year old home, I’ve done relatively few DIY projects other than painting, furnishing and decorating. I would have to say my biggest DIY project has been acquiring my collection of artwork. I consider this a DIY project because I have paid for relatively little of the work on display; most of which was acquired by trading my own work with artists that I knew early in my career and exhibited with in the past. The added benefit of this approach is that every piece has a personal history and story behind it.

Biggest indulgence with respect to my home: I consider my entire home an indulgence. I am lucky to own this amount of space in a beautiful, older, centrally located neighborhood where single family home prices are well out of my reach.

Best advice given or received: Whether you furnish and decorate your home yourself or hire a professional, there is no substitute for adding that personal touch. If you love something and include it in your home it will not only make you happier but will never go out of style.

Dream source for stuff: If I could afford it, I would love to furnish and entire home from the furnishing selections at Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok! Closer to home in Denver, there is Source which sells great Asian architectural salvage pieces which are sure to spark your imagination. They also make unique custom furniture. Room and Board and Crate and Barrel are favorite sources for contemporary furnishings.

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