An “Ever Evolving” Classically Modern Reno

Name: Hannah and Brandon Proff and (Scottish Terrier) Remington
Location: Curtis Park; Denver, Colorado
Size: 1,000 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Owned

Many of us have come to appreciate that really special aesthetic that comes to life when a historic building is renovated. That wonderful juxtaposition of the old and new, right!? But every once in a while or perhaps more often than not some cosmetic renovation choices tend to lean in favor of the taste of the renovator and not to the future home owner. So what do you do then? Like Denver newlyweds, Hannah and Brandon, you take it one step at a time and slowly make it your own.

Hannah, a criminal defense attorney and grassroots Colorado rights organization co-founder, proudly purchased her home in the up and coming historic neighborhood of Curtis Park before meeting Brandon. The ten foot ceilings, original pocket doors, exposed brick, and amazing natural light made this 1900s charmer simply irresistible. It was exactly what she had been looking for in a first home. However, the beige colored walls, tuscan inspired vibe and endless brushed nickel fixtures were not. Shortly thereafter she meets Brandon, a graphic designer/ craft brewery owner, where have you been all my life, red headed, dreamboat, Brandon. It didn’t take long (5 months to be exact) before it was clear to them and all their friends and family that they had finally met their match. In their “new” home, Hannah immediately welcomed Brandon’s designer eye, but secretly hoped her beloved pink sofa could stay. Fortunately their styled meshed perfectly and together they have been able to create a home filled with personality and charm suited to both their liking.

Hannah and Brandon cleverly used mid century inspired furniture and large fine art pieces (many created by friends and family) to create small pockets of visual interest throughout the space. Their home creatively trains the eye to focus on elements of the space they love and directs attention away from elements they feel should still be on the renovation to do list. After incorporating a warm color pallet, even the traditional beige colored walls (so famously loved by contractors) feels more modern. The modern gray and white West Elm graphic rug not only anchors the main living space, but also reiterates a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new. I’m sure Brandon and Hannah’s to do list will always create something for them to put their hands to as the years go on, but in the meantime, they have successfully made this home their own so beautifully.

My Style: Classic, simple, comfortable with a bohemian edge.

Inspiration: Lust worthy mid-century modern furniture stores, Scandinavian homes, design blogs and our friends, including our talented friend Martha Stoecker who is always there to help with design decisions

Favorite Element: The neighborhood (Curtis Park), the exposed brick, the natural light and the original pocket doors in the living room.

Biggest Challenge: When I bought the house it had just been flipped, so everything was brand new, unfortunately, not everything the contractor did matched my style. There was a Tuscan vibe throughout the house that was just awful. We have slowly been replacing the light fixtures and, we hope to replace the kitchen cabinets in the near future.

What Friends Say: “I love all the exposed brick!”

Biggest Embarrassment: The kitchen cabinets and the paint color.

Proudest DIY: The pot rack, we were searching for months for a streamline pot rack that would not overpower the brick wall. We could not find anything we liked. So my we built one ourselves, and we love it.

Biggest Indulgence: Our dinning room set. We love the mix of leather, stone and metal paired with the Eames chairs.

Best Advice: Don’t invest in furniture you feel ambivalent about, buy quality furniture that you love and will use for years to come.

Dream Sources: Design within Reach, Paris Flea Market, Mod Livin and a credenza by Fin Art.

• Brass Elephant Door Knocker: this door knocker is a family heirloom
• Yellow Outside Chair: estate sale
• Plant stand: thrifted
• Vintage Coat Rack: thrifted
• “Rome” painting by Victoria Seigel
• Drawing in entryway by Paul Michael of Mountain versus Plains

LIVING ROOM

• Vintage Brass Swan Bookends: estate sale
• Vintage Brass Owls: Hazel and Dewey, Denver
• Couch and Chair: Room and Board Reese (Color Spice)
• Coffee Table: West Elm
• Rug: West Elm
• Painting over sofa painted by my mother (Victoria Seigel) it is a recreation of Max Beckmann’s Woman at her Toilette with Red and White Lilies. This painting hangs in the permanent collection at the SFMOMA
• Painting behind living room chair by Michelle Torrez of Denver. Purchased at Abend Gallary
• Faux Antlers above living room chair by RoyceHunt
• Initials above mantel: Vintage/Thrifted
• Charcoal nude drawing over TV is by Brian C. Lo
• Small Painting in the living room by friend, Tamara Brink
• Bigg Dipper Arc Floor Lamp: CB2
• Lamp next to living room chair: estate sale

DINING ROOM

• Dining Room Table: Room and Board Rand with gray quartz table top
• Bench Seats: Room and Board Parsons Leather Dining Benches (black leather)
• Dining room chairs: Eames (in lime)
• Tabletop Terrarium by Ironwood Collection, Denver
• Slate tray on table top from Hazel and Dewey, Denver
• Painting in dining room recreation of a Monet “Still Life with Three Vases” by Victoria Seigel
• Other painting in dining room (by pocket door): thrifted
• Thermostat Nest
• Counter Stools: Cost Plus World Market

• Painting by counter: by friend, Tamara Brink
• Bar: West Elm

• Bed: Ikea
• Dresser: Ikea
• Bedding: West Elm
• Heart throw pillows: homemade
• Photograph above bed taken by Brandon Proff printed on bamboo by PLYWERK

Thanks, Hannah & Brandon!

(Images: Kathryn Bacalis)

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