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This Townhome Built in 1886 Is a Playful Mix of “Dark Academia” and “Rule-Breaking Energy”

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
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published Oct 23, 2024

This Townhome Built in 1886 Is a Playful Mix of “Dark Academia” and “Rule-Breaking Energy”

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
Follow
published Oct 23, 2024
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About this tour
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Home Type

Townhouse

Location

City Park, Denver, Colorado

Style

Eclectic

Maximalist

Bedrooms

1

Square feet

1000

Sq ft

1000

Hayley Hufendick and her partner have been renting this 1,000-square-foot townhome in Denver’s City Park neighborhood for just over two years. “Our home is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of our lives — my partner, our very evil little angel cat named Gustav, and me,” Hayley begins. “Nestled in a beautifully updated 1886 building on the lively 17th restaurant row, we’ve created a cozy haven that’s as eclectic as it is inviting. With 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and original hardwood floors, each corner tells a story, reflecting our unique design styles.”

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Credit: Hayley Hufendick
Hayley says she sourced the tallest floor-to-ceiling curtains she could find on Amazon, "which really enhance the room’s height. The lampshade and couch pillows are from World Market, adding a touch of whimsy and warmth to the overall design. Each item in this room tells a story, making it feel like a true reflection of us!"

“We made a deliberate effort to blend our aesthetics—my penchant for dark academia and vintage pieces meets my partner’s love for playful, maximalist decor. The result? A delightful mix of animal prints, industrial lamps, and rich colors paired with bright, unexpected patterns. Each piece we’ve chosen carries history and meaning, whether it’s a quirky thrift find or a cherished heirloom,” Hayley continues.

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Credit: Hayley Hufendick
"The last thing I found for my home was a wonderfully quirky, old painting of a nature scene featuring a deer. It’s quite the story — while at a random campground outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming, I stumbled upon this painting hanging in the bathroom. It was clearly aged and full of character, and I couldn’t help but wonder about its history," Hayley writes. "Intrigued, I asked the campground owner if there was any chance I could take it home, and to my delight, they agreed! Now, it proudly hangs as part of one of our gallery walls. Being from Cheyenne, it holds a special significance for me, and the bizarre bathroom backstory just adds to its charm. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of that unique adventure and the little treasures that come from unexpected places!"

“In our space, there are no design rules; instead, we embrace whimsy and comfort, crafting a playful atmosphere that invites creativity and conversation. Living here makes it easy to socialize, with restaurants just steps away and the farmers market and park nearby. It’s the perfect blend of coziness and vibrancy—just like Gustav, our little feline overlord, who rules the roost with a mischievous flair. Our home is a sanctuary where every detail brings joy, making it a true reflection of who we are.”

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Credit: Hayley Hufendick

“My best decorating advice is to never be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Your space should be a unique reflection of who you are, not a cookie-cutter version of current trends. Focus on the items and decor that you’re naturally drawn to — those pieces that make your heart sing or spark joy,” Hayley explains.

Resources

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Credit: Hayley Hufendick

LIVING ROOM

  • Blue Velvet Couch — Wayfair
  • Orange Chairs — Family Heirloom
  • Coffee Table — DIY
  • Curtains — Amazon
  • Lampshade and Couch Pillows — World Market
  • Sewing Table — Family Heirloom
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Credit: Hayley Hufendick
"The standout feature is the peel and stick wallpaper, which I found on the Rifle Paper Company’s website. Putting it up was quite the adventure—lots of beer and ladders were involved to tackle those high ceilings!" Hayley describes. "For ambiance, I love using candles from Anthropologie that add warmth and character to the room. The wooden bar is a vintage find, contributing a touch of nostalgia. Each piece in this dining room comes together to create a lively and inviting atmosphere!"

DINING ROOM

  • Peel and Stick Wallpaper — Rifle Paper Company
  • Cow-print Rug — Amazon
  • Chandelier — IKEA
  • Candles — Anthropologie
  • Wooden Bar — Vintage
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Credit: Hayley Hufendick

BEDROOM

  • Couch — Craigslist
  • Bed — Wayfair

Thanks, Hayley!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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