A ’70s-era Aspen townhome gets a stunning 21st century redo that puts Mother Nature front and center.
The master bedroom boasts a custom platform bed, a floating dresser and built-in closets, all by BenchCraft Custom Woodwork.
The owner saw great promise in this cozy townhome tucked away in an inviting grove of trees on the east end of Aspen—as did David Kaufman of Kaufman Segal Design, who collaborated with Colorado-based architecture firm Rowland + Broughton to give the ’70s-style townhome a completely contemporary makeover.
A Kravet Jazz sofa adds serious comfort factor to the living room, where Shepard Fairey’s “Damaged Wrong Path Mural” is a visual focal point.
“Clean, light, sleek and uncluttered were important to me,” notes the client, who directed KSD to bring the outdoors in with lots of natural light. “I also wanted the space to feel much bigger than before.” With such incredibly picturesque surroundings, KSD’s strategy was clear: Invite Mother Nature into the space by adding entire walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, replacing the ’70s red brick accents and dark paneling with white plaster to open the space and reflect the natural light from the windows.
A Calligaris table and Montage Galleries chairs with Misia upholstery beckon to the dining room.
The previously cramped kitchen was a nonstarter for the client, a passionate entertainer who loves cooking with friends, so KSD faced the task of moving the existing stairs 42 inches to make way for more cooking space. Indeed, notes Kaufman, “Every inch of space was taken into account” throughout the home. “Creative ways of providing storage were an absolute must, from hidden spice racks in the kitchen backsplash to bed cabinetry surrounds and under-bed storage drawers. Negative space in such a small environment was premium real estate, but it proved to create more volume. Thus, [implementing] floating stairs and cable railings with leather-wrapped handrails was one method to achieve that goal. Typical of all small interiors, the challenge of furnishings was solved with proper scale, floating cabinetry and simple, elegant design,” he adds, noting that having Rowland + Broughton architect Carol Way Cisco on-site made the job flow much more smoothly.
An untitled work by artist Doyle Gertjejansen and a Quad Pod bench by Global Views highlight the entry to the home.
According to Kaufman, “using materials and finishes that are not typically used for most Aspen homes but still speak to their setting” was the most satisfying aspect of the completed project. “We were able to create a respite from Chicago city life that rejuvenates, relaxes and calms.”
“The results completely dovetailed with my goals,” enthuses the owner. “The before and after transformation is unbelievable, and I simply love coming home.”
Architecture Rowland + Broughton (Sarah Broughton, principal; Carol Way Cisco, architect)
General contractor/builder Decatur Wilkie Inc.
Interior Design Kaufman Segal Design
Millwork BenchCraft Custom Woodwork
Plasterwork Aspen Drywall LLC, 970.366.1808
Paint Swedish Painting Co.
RESOURCES
Cumberland Furniture Kitchen bar stools
The Fine Line Various flooring and tile
Global Views Entry bench
Holly Hunt Various textiles
Knoll Various textiles
Kravet Living room sofa, various textiles
Lightology Various lighting
Oscar Isberian Rugs Living room rug, media room carpet
Pauline Grace Media room sofa and ottomans, dining room chairs
Porcelenosa Tile feature wall in media room
Photography by: Brent Moss
