Spaces Denver

DENVER

Live it Up with Color A Congress Park bungalow gets a fresh & fab new look PLUS

• Cool outdoor style • Bedtime splendor • Fun shopping, dining & more!

Summer 2009

Pract Practii cal cal Innovat Innovation ion

Godden|Sudik Godden|Sudik Godden|Sudik A R C H I T E C T S A A R R C C H H II T T E E C C T T S S

6025 South Quebec Street, Suite 375 Centennial, CO 80111 ph 303.455.4437 www.goddensudik.com 6025 South Quebec Street, Suite 375 Centennial, CO 80111 ph 303.455.4437 www.goddensudik.com 6025 South Quebec Street, Suite 375 Centennial, CO 80111 ph 303.455.4437 www.goddensudik.com

contents

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Volume 1 • Issue 1

spacesmag.com

Publisher James Diaz

Summer 2009

Advertising Director Bud Simon

spacesmag.com

Editorial director Denise Gee Managing Editor John Cargile

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Yashpal Singh CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ryan Peacock Caitlin Kelly CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Jennifer Harlow Marissa Ayres

Call Today for a FREE In-home Estimate!

PHOTOGRAPHERs Don Riley Emily Minton-Redfield

303-694-6847

www.sunsaverawnings.com THE 2009 DENVER LUXURY HOME TOUR

1UALITY !WNINGS 3INCE 3ERVING !LL OF #OLORADO AND THE &RONT 2ANGE

OFFICE MANAGER Theresa Hall

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ellen Schneeweis Tony Sollenbarger Char Stunkel Venna Hillman James Lawn

8 Outside ‘In’ Kick back with our picks for the sleekest looks in outdoor living.

Spaces is Produced By

13 Intelligent Design Talulah Jones treats shop visitors to the greener side of life.

3801 East Florida Avenue, Suite 100 Denver, Colorado 80210

14 The Root of the Matter

Phone: 303.954.3456 Fax: 303.758.3378

Savor the lowdown on Root Down’s vintage style and modern food.

e-mail: editor@spacesmag.com Visit us on the Web: spacesmag.com or metmtn.com Metro Mountain Media also publishes Mountain Vacations, EDU Colorado, Front Range Family Living Healthy and Shopping Sense magazines.

cover story

Color plays a starring role in a revamped Congress Park bungalow designed by innovative designer Laurel Quint.

Spaces is produced by Metro Mountain Media.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Spaces is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork even if it accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.

EPA

18 Strokes of Genius

28 Luxe Linens Ensure your crib wears nice threads with this informative primer on premium bedding.

United States Environmental Protection Agency

31 High-Tech Home Get hip to some cool products geared toward smart living.

Spaces is printed by American Web on FSC-certified paper.

It contains fiber from well-managed forests and meets EPA guidelines that recommend a minimum 10% post-consumer recovered fiber for coated papers. Inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) standards.

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ON THE COVER/ABOVE: A vibrant mix of color and modern remodeling touches serves as a new start for both a Congress Park cottage and its owner. Photos by Emily Minton-Redfield. TOP RIGHT: Root Down’s transformed service station setting is drawing in local crowds with its revived 1950s style and eclectic menu. Photo by Don Riley.

34 Finishing Touch Artist Judith Babcock brushes up on her love of Colorado.

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editor’s letter

Brighter Days

homes 5 2 n a th e r o m g verthorne il S Featurin d n a e g d ri n e ck per, Bre

W

Denise Gee

Onward and upward,

contributors

A

fter graduating with a B.A. in psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1988, photographer Emily Minton-Redfield (“Strokes of Genius,” page 18) traveled around much of Asia for five months, documenting diverse cultures with camera in hand. It was then the Texas native realized that taking photos was more her calling, so she returned for a photography degree from Atlanta’s Southeastern Center for the Arts. For four years afterward, she worked as a staff photographer for Southern Living magazine, and from there began a freelance career, shooting for House & Garden, Veranda, Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Western Interiors & Design, Southern Accents, and Coastal Living magazines—as well as for many home and garden design books. She now calls Denver home. To learn more about her, visit emrphotography.com.

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yan Peacock (“The Root of the Matter,” page 14) is a Minnesota native who went west to Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in marketing in 1998. Five years later, he decided to switch from ocean views to rugged mountains, and moved to Colorado to get his master’s in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Since then, he has written about everything from retired professional wrestlers to the history behind Colfax Avenue for publications such as 5280, Denver Business Journal, Boulder Weekly, and Colorado Daily. Prior to joining Metro Mountain Media, Peacock was managing editor for Weaver Multimedia Group, a local firm that produces travel guides for tourism bureaus around the country. He currently lives in Denver and spends his weekends exploring Colorado’s urban and outdoor landscapes, always looking for new stories.

in Keystone, Copp

Photo: Robert M. Peacock

ith the state of our current economy, I’ve noticed a pattern. We’re no longer aiming for pie in the sky. We’re wanting to refresh, reinvigorate, and re-appreciate what we already have. That’s especially true when it comes to our nests. Instead of re-doing the entire kitchen, for instance, most of us are hoping for more doable fixes—fresher paint or hipper artwork, creative backsplash tile, a new countertop, maybe a spiffy sink and faucet—all of which translate into more distinctive style. (And essentially, a little bit of sunshine.)

That’s just the case with the cover story for our premiere issue of Denver Spaces. I first met designer Laurel Quint when I was a senior home design editor at Better Homes and Gardens, and while scouting Denver locations I became immensely impressed by her forwardthinking design. Then, fast forward to last year, when I became national editorial director of the Spaces brand (published in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul and beyond)—and then, to this spring, when our team was encouraged to create this edition for style-savvy readers in Denver (the hub of Metro Join us as Mountain Media/MediaNews Group).

Accordingly, when it came to finding a place exemplifying a we look to lively, well-crafted style, Laurel was the first person I thought of.

And I’m so glad. Did she ever have a cool place to show us. Using summer— a lot of homeowner Jennifer Potts’ furniture from a previous home, Laurel reinterpreted and re-enlivened Jennifer’s new, smaller and always, home in Congress Park with complementary pieces and materials, creating something altogether new and exciting (see the story that the bright begins on page 18). That’s smart design. And frankly, that’s Denver Spaces. In this issue and future ones, you’ll find brilliant spaces of side. every kind—modern and historic homes, inspiring gardens and museums, sleek restaurants, fun shops, you name it.

SAVE THE DATES!

al The 15th Annuolo rado Summit CountyHC Parade of omes September 19th September 20th September 26th September 27th

com at mountainliving.

Tickets available ybuilders.org www.summitcount Brought to you by

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style watch

Outside ‘In’

t Warm Feelings

t Smart Pavers Belgard’s Subterra permeable pavers are the newest thinking in environmental stewardship and style. They allow surface water to drain through each paver (made of concrete with polymeric sand), letting it get directly absorbed into the soil beneath. That keeps it from making its way into the streets and mixing with motor oil and other toxins before flowing down storm drains. Other pluses: The pavers’ interlocking design allows them to stay stable in shifting soils; they’re sustainable (lasting for up to 30 years); and slip-resistant. About $4/sq. ft. (uninstalled); belgard.biz or 800/899-8455.

p Sail Worthy Keep your cool with this nautical-style 54-inch Sanibel ceiling fan from the Hunter Fan Company.

It’s rated for damp environments like covered porches and features washable offwhite sailcloth. It also promises a quiet motor and wobble-free performance. In both bronze and white finishes; about $200; hunterfan.com or 888/830-1326.

For a built-in look of a fireplace without the built-in price, consider one you can have without a lot of masonry fuss.

This wood-burning Stone Grey Large Fireplace, in a sandy texture that ages well over time, is made from a patented concrete blend that’s lighter and stronger than concrete.

It features a spark arrester (to keep hazardous sparks from leaving the hood), as well as a firebox and a grate.

The three-piece interlocking unit (42”W x 72”H x 28”D), is touted as easy to assemble; $2,199; smithandhawken.com or 800/940-1170.

From lighting to flooring and everything in between, kick back with our picks for the coolest goods in outdoor living

By Denise Gee 8

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u Grow Up

u Flower Power

This cedar Large Vertical Garden (22”W x 59”H x 6”D) is beautiful in so many ways: It can be combined with others to form a partition around an outdoor living area or hung on a wall to bring natural beauty to a small space, outdoors or inside (thanks to water collected within a removable tray at the bottom). Two planting panels allow for both sides to come alive.

Just add soil, small plants, water, and sunlight; $399; smithandhawken.com or 800/940-1170.

Sure, the bold colors and modern floral prints are fun, but the true power of these Flower Plates is rooted in their construction of lightweight, practically indestructible melamine. Another plus: They’re 11-inches wide, the ideal size for presenting whatever you’re serving, with all the sides. In a variety of patterns; $6.95; crateandbarrel.com or 800/967-6696.

u Nights in White Canvas The Loxley Bed, designed

by Philippe Starck for Sutherland Furniture’s RobinWood Deluxe Collection, is the picture of medieval romance and elegant outdoor style. The soft landing pad (84”W x 105”H x 87”D) is made of natural teak, with polished aluminum detailing and washable outdoor fabric choices. Available to the design trade; sutherlandfurniture.com or 800/717-8325.

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style watch

t At Your Feet

q Linear Thinking

Outdoor rugs can look as good as indoor ones, as is the case with the Persimmon Area Rug from Home Decorators Collection, available in terra cotta, cocoa, or sage green with a natural leaf pattern.

(Yes, friends, that’s the shape of a persimmon leaf.) It offers the look and feel of natural fibers, but the durability of synthetic fiber, which makes it easy to clean as well as stain- and mildew-resistant.

Eleven sizes are available; prices range from $19 to $299; homedecorators.com or 877/537-8539.

Richard Schultz’s Wing Collection of openminded aluminum chairs and tables aims to allow cool breezes, refreshing pool water, or the warmth from fire pits to really reach us. Plus, they’re just really good looking, in powder-coated finishes of pearl, blue, yellow, red, green, light bronze, and dark bronze (with tabletops available in porcelain, teak, or bamboo). Chairs, available with or without pads, start at $3,150; richardschultz. com or 215/679-2222.

p Green Light How fitting that this light fixture actually looks like it belongs outdoors. This custom-crafted, six-light Twig Chandelier (38”W x 36”H), developed by Adirondack Mountain artisans for Meyda, can be used within covered patios (it’s rated for damp locations) or customized for wet areas. A flush-mount version is also available. About $3,300; meyda.com or 800/222-4009.

If you haven’t noticed, red is the hot new appliance color this year, and that goes for outdoor ones, too. Here’s a great-looking, great-cooking grill from Char-Broil that cooks with evenly distributed infrared heat to get its message across. Because of that, it uses one-third less gas and won’t catch fire from dripping food juices (there’s no open flame, which also helps keep food moist).

The grill, with rotisserie and 13,000 BTU side burner, offers a wide temperature range for everything from slow-cooking to intense searing. Includes storage underneath; $599; charbroil.com or 866/239-6777.

u Two-Timer

q Bathing Beauty

Target calls this the Orbit Lounger, perhaps for its circular Atomic Age styling. This all-in-one set features two chaise lounges, a retractable umbrella, reclining cushions, two toss pillows, and a tabletop made of tempered glass—a nice spot to place a refreshing sipper while you chat faceto-face with a fellow lounger; $400; target.com or 800/440-0680.

One of the sleekest, deepest whirlpool tubs to be had is the new Blue Moon by Duravit. At 55”W x 21”D, it’s nearly twice the standard depth of other contenders, and is likened to a mini pool. The relaxation unit can be adjacent to a wall or left freestanding (perfect for an indoor-outdoor bathroom). It features inspection-friendly acrylic or teak inserts and 10 LED spotlights inside (with colored LED lighting options available). From $8,500; duravit.com or 888/387-2848.

p Star Power The portable Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope features 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optics and has all the bells and whistles you’d want in a deep-space viewer. It includes an F10 focal ratio, the ability to find a specific star or planet (there are 40,000 objects in its database), a digital hand controller, plus PC-operation and GPS compatibility; $1,400; telescopes.com or 800/303-5873.

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p Hot Topic

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Are you ready to be energized?

Looking for new perspectives?

Tired of being alone at the top?

• Certified Business/Life Coach • National Speaker • Meeting Facilitator

I bring 25 years of sales and management experience to the mix AND I raced cars for twelve years! You will get the opportunity to reconnect with your values and soul.

People pay me to tell them the truth, are you ready for it?

Sherry Ray, CPCC Ray Consulting Services, Inc. Centennial, CO • (303) 796-9066 www.yellyeehaw.com

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shop treatment

Intelligent Design

Photography by Don Riley

R

obin Lohre thinks of work as selling a sense of fun.

Make that smart fun. That’s why her Curtis Park shop, the bubbly Talulah Jones, is increasingly going green—and officially certified as one the few shops in Denver doing so, according to RedirectGuide.com.

Lohre’s organic journey toward owning a progressive business all began with the vision of a quilted felt tree, one that’s now come to fruition. The enchanting bit of décor, reaching skyward in a corner of her 2,000-squarefoot shop, commands a sunny place where children like to gather—by books, sparkly costumes, toys, and imaginative objects galore.

The idea of such a tree—and a business that could thrive—occurred to her six years ago, not long after the San Francisco Bay Area native had moved to Denver to be with her future husband. “I already had one shop doing

well (Miss Talulah’s, in the Ball Park neighborhood), and it was a beautiful space, with mostly girly stuff,” Lohre says. “But I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with it.

That’s when the idea of a tree sprang up. And beneath it I could see something like a mini general store, like a little department store. I knew I had to make it happen.”

Style aficionados in Denver are glad she did. It’s one of the must-visit places for whimsical home décor, fashion accessories, and children’s goods. The shop’s quirky collection is just like the store’s name, which has no family connection. It, like everything else, is all in fun.

“It occurred to me one night on a drive home,” she says, during a time when she was working two part-time jobs.

“I craved having a business of my own. Something fun.

And just like that, the name popped into my head,” she says. “I didn’t second-guess it.”

Such confidence and creativity is true to her creative bent. Before she opened the store, for example, “I found an old mattress box spring in an alley, and I ended up using it as a card rack. I’ve always looked at things like that.”

That mindset jibes nicely with the green scene Lohre has going. She recycles all her boxes and packing popcorn, taking it to a nearby package-shipping outlet instead of throwing everything in the large trash bin out back. She also uses green-certified cleaning supplies and light bulbs. And now she has a little section of green living wares, where shop visitors can find some of Lohre’s favorite goods, including the eco-friendly PlanToys.

Besides sustainable and stylish goods, the notion of something being handmade is important to Lohre.

“We might have handmade glasses that are etched and hand blown—pieces that offer something more special, something that will always be a treasure. One customer told me once, ‘These are the kinds of things that make a house a home.’ I take that to heart.” — Denise Gee Talulah Jones, 1122 E. 17th Ave., Denver 303/832-1230, talulahonline.com

“There are just so many green alternatives now. It’s nice to be a part of that,” says Robin Lohre (above left) of Talulah Jones (left).

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dining seen

The Root of the Matter Justin Cucci’s LoHi restaurant revives 1950s design

Spotlight Justin Cucci/Root Down Hometown: New York City Age: 40 Location: 1600 West 33rd Ave., Denver Phone: 303/993-4200 Web site: rootdowndenver.com Architect: Ted Schultz of Agency CTA

that was green, had a story behind it, and a corner location so I would have light all around.”

Cucci knows the restaurant world well. His family owned the famous Waverly Inn in New York City, and he spent the late 70s and early 80s growing up there and learning the business. After the Waverly Inn was sold in 1997, Cucci moved to Key West and opened two new restaurants, Willie T’s and The Café, which were eventually sold when he made the move to Denver. “In New York City after 27 years, I was overwhelmed. And after 10 years in Key West, I was underwhelmed. Denver whelmed me, it was a happy medium. I could have a city with great restaurants, culture and music, yet I could have a backyard, a parking space and walk my daughter to school,” he says.

In June 2007, after two months of searching, Cucci found his space in the unlikely location of a closed auto service station on a Lower Highlands corner overlooking the downtown skyline. The 1955 service station turned out to be a central influence for the mid-century modern design Cucci chose for the restaurant.

Not only was the basketball court (below) a creative solution, it was affordable at $1 per square foot for a two-layered, pre-finished wooden floor. “My creative strength is being open to the moment and keeping my eyes and ears open to new possibilities. To me, things dictate where they want to go if you listen,” Cucci says.

(ctagroup.com)

By Ryan Peacock Photography by Don Riley

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ost restaurant owners prefer to avoid conflict, and instead, seek to establish a sense of balance in their places. But for Justin Cucci, owner of Root Down, the notion of contradiction is something to embrace—an idea that fuels his creative vision and one he hopes connects in unique and unforeseen ways with his patrons.

“Sometimes I see restaurants and I see no relationship between the owner and the restaurant because he or she had so many people take it over,” says Cucci, who knew that wouldn’t happen in Root Down’s case. “I had a sketch and some ideas on how my restaurant would be, but it was really going to be dictated by the space. I wanted something

Design Consultant: David Schaich of Shike Design (shikedesign.com) Why the name “Root Down”?: “It’s a jazz term that means to get back to the simplest element of something. Music is a big influence, especially in my business philosophy, and jazz is all about being in the moment with the improv and creative flow that happens.”

How he saved money on artwork: Cucci’s artist friend offered to do art-by-the-yard and created paintings out of 40 yards of canvas. The results included colorful, abstract interpretations of album covers from the Beastie Boys to jazz performer Jimmy Smith.

Why a beet for the restaurant’s logo: “It’s a rustic ingredient that at one time was considered a low-end food, like potatoes, but now it’s sophisticated and chefs in top restaurants are using it because of its color, flavor, and taste.”

How Root Down is green: The restaurant is 100% wind-powered, 70% of the materials used during construction were reclaimed, recycled or reused, and there are two on-site gardens used to grow herbs.

What happened to his family’s restaurant in New York City?: The Waverly Inn is now

owned by Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair, and is a you-need-to-know-somebodyto-get-in place that the A-list crowd frequents (getting a reservation there was a recent challenge on “Celebrity Apprentice”).

Construction began in July 2007 and Cucci partnered with local architect Ted Schultz, who oversaw other projects such as Little Man Ice Cream (the giant replica of a metal milk can) and Vita Restaurant, both in the Highlands neighborhood. They decided to preserve parts of the service station and designed a new building that would be constructed around it.

In picking out items for the restaurant’s décor, Cucci didn’t seek help from a designer; instead, he searched online to find nostalgic objects and distinctive relics from the 1950s. The bar area is now outfitted with a collection >>

The bar (far left) is made from a reclaimed bowling alley, and behind it, vintage photo booth images decorate the shelf ends.

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dining seen

Since opening in December 2008, Root Down's interior (right) has captured the attention of Denver residents by resurrecting the space’s history and interpreting it in an innovative, modern way.

Roasted Beet Custard Serves 4

1 cup heavy cream 3 eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 ounce balsamic vinegar 3 beets, cubed and roasted Arugula Ewephoria cheese Puree roasted beets. Whisk together all other ingredients and mix with beet puree.

Pour the puree mixture into lightly greased 4-ounce cups (oven proof) and place in a water bath. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until completely set. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the newly formed custard from the cups and set on plates. Place about 6 leaves of arugula on top of custard and some shaved Ewephoria cheese. Lightly drizzle olive oil and a balsamic reduction on plate around custard.

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of brightly colored rotary telephones, a bar top made of a wood reclaimed from a bowling alley, vintage black and white photo-booth shots, and tabletops covered with classic cookbook pages. In the dining room, the main floor is made of an old basketball court, the seats are Knoll conference room chairs from a Michigan office, a giant wooden Buddha wall from India stands near the bathroom, and stained-glass window panels from a local home hang in a front window.

Elements of the building’s past were preserved as well: Original service hoses are attached to the bar ceiling, the hostess stand is made from an old air compressor, and the station’s office was converted into a private dining room.

As the space developed, Cucci brought on executive chef Ryan Leinonen (formerly of The Kitchen in Boulder) to create a menu that also embraced the concept of contradiction. Cucci has a preference for vegetables and world food, while Leinonen’s expertise focuses on meat and French cuisine. Emphasizing a “field to fork” approach, the restaurant offers a menu based in natural, organic, and local ingredients. Signature items include a organic carrot and red curry soup, and Long Farm pork chop with Irish Cheddar polenta.

Cucci sums it up this way: “I wanted the food to be like a Beatles song, something your older aunt listens to on the radio and loves, but then you’ve also got a hardcore Beatles fan who listens to the same song and realizes that there’s layer after layer of creative genius that went into it.”

“I hope when people come here that they ask questions,” Cucci says. “I think people are intrigued with the food, lighting, design, or the actual building and how it all comes together—and is open to interpretation.” n

cover story Color Connection: “This is a more feminine and modern look than what she had,” Quint says of the living room (right), where the rug, sofa, and draperies came from Jennifer’s other home.

The designer replaced the fireplace’s ceramic pillowed “Santa Fe bleck” tile with 1-inch x 4-inch glass tiles in a bamboo pattern. She also added color to better define the nooks, which now spotlight faux coral casts, reflecting Jennifer’s organic style and linking to touches of white throughout. She found a vintage Paul Laszlo coffee table at an antiques shop and had it lacquered.

Warm Welcome: “There really wasn’t much of an entry. There were just steps.

It was blah,” Quint says of the home before the redo (far right). “We needed something with punch.”

To get that, Quint added a colorfully lined Missoni carpet to the stairwell. “But having the carpet lines run vertically didn’t seem right on the wide steps, so we re-oriented it to run horizontally.” Pop art

by Rex Ray was added and works nicely with the look.

Strokesof GENIUS

By Denise Gee Photography by Emily Minton-Redfield

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A Congress Park homeowner boldly reinvents her life, and her surroundings, by ushering in color

ennifer Potts was heading in a new direction. The modern house she’d lived in was clean-lined and subdued, restrained even—perfect for the suburban life she’d previously led. She knew going solo meant downsizing, but it was designer Laurel Quint who helped her see that downsizing didn’t have to be a downer.

Quint had worked with Potts on her first home, and was familiar with its furnishings. The trick would be taking some of those pieces and complementing them with new ones, all while achieving the bold new look Potts desired. The canvas would be a 1910 Congress Park cottage, about a mile away from the sommelier school Potts was attending (yet another new chapter in life). >>

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cover story

“Congress Park is great. It’s very urban, but also quiet and family-oriented,” Potts says. “It’s within walking distance to everything I want to do.” What wasn’t so right? Her home’s interior. “It was very plain,” Quint says. “Good bones were here, but the paint colors were very vanilla.”

And that just wouldn’t do. “I’ve always been happiest around color,” Potts says. “In my other house, the walls were huge, so we had to do a lot more understated design. When I got divorced, though, I wanted to do everything the way I wanted.

The other house was beautiful—quiet and ethereal,” she says about the neutral colors that reflected her more measured life then. To control the new home’s boldness, Quint worked with three main >>

Jazzy Style: To add effervescence to the kitchen (left), Quint designed the circular backsplash tile to bubble up in blue, cream, and brown. The tile was supposed to go all the way to the top, but as it was being installed, Quint realized the look might be too domineering, so they broke it up in a creative way. A lack of wall space didn’t hinder the hanging of art—in this case over the kitchen sink window, where Buddy Holly helps keep the décor’s beat. A dark, 3/4-inch thick wenge wood (imported from Africa) helps define the room’s flooring, while the lighter cabinets link to the fir in other rooms.

Comfy Corner: Quint erased the back room’s former life as a junk room by creating a vibrant space for living and entertaining (left). She found the table and chairs at an 80-percent-off sale and went from there, finding, in true yin-yang style, a complementary Schumacher fabric to jazz up a lampshade. She linked the sitting area next to it with fitting colors. A durable plynyl mat is perfect for lots of indoors-and-out movement. (Especially from dog Layla.)

Delectably Chic: Deep plum wallpaper with salmonhued leaf outlines give the longest dining room walls (right) definition, while at either end, salmon-hued paint breaks up the wallpaper’s dark weight. “We continued the paper under the bar so there wouldn’t be a break there, as though the space were separate from the room,” Quint says. “Jennifer loves to entertain so we needed to bring everything all together.” A walnut buffet was stripped to show off a more natural looking cerused grain. Longhorn sections top the dining table.

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cover story

colors—orange, pink, and blue—and used the hues as a design thread throughout the house. She also worked within Potts' fixed budget, finding furniture on sale or pieces from Asian import and antique shops, then re-interpreting them with a new finish or unexpected use.

To keep from having the color scheme go overboard, Quint toned down the décor throughout with balancing notes of white and black, and brought in touches of nature to keep things grounded. “I’m a gardener, I love the outdoors, and I’ve traveled everywhere, so this feels natural to me,” says Potts, who also loves to add fresh-cut flowers to rooms when the mood often strikes. As for the vivid scheme, she’s not sure why her home’s core trio of colors jumped >>

Laurel’s Muses Here’s what’s currently inspiring Denver interior designer Laurel Quint, who, as she notes on her Web site (QInteriorDesign. com), “actively absorbs impressions from travel, fashion, nature, music and cultural phenomena to augment an internal mosaic that informs her aesthetic sensibilities.”

Alexander McQueen’s springsummer fashion collection. “There’s a conservativeness paired with its extreme elements, making it very wearable. It reminds me of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

AlexanderMcQueen.com Grosfeld House modern antique furniture. “It’s so feminine and sculptural and modern. And very pleasing.” 1stDibs.com Kehinde Wiley art. “It’s so edgy (such as this image of rapper L.L. Cool J) but it’s classic, socially cultured, and very aware.”

KehindeWiley.com The music of Neko Case. “I like how poetic her lyrics are. They reflect angst— but not teen angst. The emotions are relatable.” NekoCase.com

Masterful Looks: In Potts' bedroom (far left), an ottoman from her first house wears new upholstery.

Quint chose a low bed because of the slanted shape of the room, which is beautifully lit with large crank-out ceiling windows. A nearby mirror, a reproduction of Venetian glass, has an aged, timeless look and “helps the room seem more expansive,” Quint says. Potts loves the new space. “I feel very Marie Antionette, very feminine, very enveloped,” she says. The adjacent bathroom (above) required very little changing, just some accessorizing. “The guy who owned the house before did this bathroom vanity,” which was kismet, considering Potts' passion for Asian style. “The red is really invigorating,” Quint says.

Small Space, Big Look: In the upstairs landing (left) near the master bedroom, a Le Corbusier chair in deep orange leather makes a strong focal point.

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cover story

out at her, but “they feel feminine to me,” she says.

“There’s a natural progression to them similar to a rainbow, and I like that.” Maybe it’s because the house, one she shares with 16-year-old daughter Mary Claire, cat Squeak, and dog Layla, “goes from energizing to relaxing in a flash,” she says.

As a whole now, the home “has a procured feel to it, as though Jennifer has been collecting all of this for years,” Potts says. “But that definitely wasn’t the case.

All of it was shot from the hip—very quickly we’d find something here, another something there—and it all worked perfectly. The truth is, more than any other client I have, Jennifer just has good karma. >>

Little Wonder: “I don’t know how I could ever get across how bland this room was,” Quint says of the powder room (right). Since Potts loves Eastern philosophy and Asian décor accents, Quint selected a grandly appropriate wallpaper while having an inexpensive cabinet made into a vanity. In the room’s sitting area (below), Quint added a cowhide Holly Hunt rug, “which helps define the space but doesn’t seem formal.”

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cover story

Things just always seem to work out for her, no matter what obstacles she may face.�

Potts looks at it as simply the power of positive thinking. “I think people are afraid to go for what they want. I wrote down my goals on a piece of paper and in six months I left a counseling career, bought a house, bought a store, and went into the wine business,� she says. “It’s about charging ahead.� And certainly getting a charge out of your surroundings while doing so. n

Pillow talk: Quint added new pillows (below) with an ikat pattern “pulled throughout the house to connect everything,� she says.

Get the Look Interior designer: Laurel Quint, Q Interior Design (qinteriordesign.com or 303/778-7072).

Stairwell: Missoni Venezia (missonihome.it) carpet installed by Synergy Floor Covering (synergyfloorcovering.lbu.com or 303/399-2940).

Living room: Silk ikat pillow fabric by Kravet (kravet.com).

Fireplace tile (bamboo pattern) by Water Works (waterworks.com or 303/399-2920). Black cabinet from Oly (olystudio.com), table lamps by McGuire (mcguirefurniture.com) and vintage floor lamp from Town (denverdesign.com or 303/282-8696).

Dining room/sitting area: Table from HW Home (hwhome.com or 303/394-9222). Vintage sideboard from Q Interior Design (see above). Leather rug is Holly Hunt (hollyhunt.com) from Kneedler-Fauchere (denverdesign.com or 303/744-7474). Bar stools are Calligaris (international.calligaris.it/company.asp) from Charles Eisen and Associates (eisenassociates. com or 303/744-3200). Wallpaper (Larsen) from Egg & Dart Ltd. (egg-and-dart.com or 303/744-6472).

Kitchen: Tile from Angela Adams for Ann Sacks (annsacks.com or 303/282-9300), installed by Rick’s Custom Tile (720/252-3654). Wenge flooring from Rock Solid Hardwoods (rocksolidhardwoods.com or 303/572-1234).

Breakfast room: Calligaris (see above) table and chairs, Stonegate Designs (stonegatedesigns.com) lampshade and blue rug (Surya Goa) from Charles Eisen and Associates (see above). Lampshade fabric (Chiang Mai Dragon) and pillow fabric by Schumacher (fschumacher.com).

Plynyl rug by Chilewich (chilewich.com). Sofa from Cassina (cassinausa.com). Rag rug pillow fabric from Talulah Jones (talulahonline.com). Side table from Greystone, discontinued.

Powder room: Wallpaper (Lampas Chinois) from Schumacher (see above). Vanity base from Foreign Accents (foreignaccents.com or 970/927-6556). Sink (Porcher) from Eurobath (eurobath-tile.com or 303/298-8453).

Upstairs sitting room: Le Corbusier chair for Cassina (see above).

Master bedroom: Ottoman upholstery (A Touch of the Bubbly) from Tiramisu by Pollack (pollackassociates.com). Bed and black leather chair from Cassina (see above). Dresser

by Calligaris from Charles Eisen & Associates (see above). Vintage side table from Town (see above).

Master bathroom: Shower curtain from The Brass Bed (brassbedofdenver.com or 303/322-1712).

Outdoor living: Chairs from Emu (emuamericas.com); table from Design Within Reach (dwr.com or 720/407-0001).

Faucet from Newport Brass (newportbrassfaucets. com). Mirror from Metropolitan Frame Company (metropolitanframe.com or 303/350-4766).

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decorating

Y

Luxe Linens High thread-count sheets don’t always add up to premium bedding

By Wendy Neri

ou’ve just returned from a luxury resort or cruise, and there’s one thing you can’t get out of your mind: those sheets! If the hotel was a Ritz-Carlton or a Four Seasons, the sheets were likely Frette, the venerable Italian company known for its premium linen.

If you were aboard a Regent Seven Seas cruise, the sheets likely were Anichini, another Italian purveyor of luxury linens. But thankfully, you don’t have to travel afar to cocoon yourself in such serene luxury.

Although most high-end sheets come from overseas, there are specialty shops and boutiques all over the country (and the Web) that specialize in them. All it takes is a bit of research, some knowledge of the lingo and perhaps more than a bit of discretionary income, and you’ll be sleeping like kings and queens in no time.

Although some purists will sleep only on silk, linen, or even cashmere, the majority of luxury bedding is made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton. And while the world’s finest cotton is grown in the rich soil around the Nile, Egyptian cotton doesn’t necessarily have to come from Egypt. Of more importance than its origin is the length of the individual fibers, or staples. Generally, the longer the staple, the better the feel, or “hand,” as they say in the industry.

Cotton that complies with the Egyptian standards of quality results in the softest, most lustrous sheets you can buy. In fact, just one sweep of your hand across these comfy confections will tell you these aren’t the sheets your mother stocked up on at the department store white sales. That’s not to say that you can’t get a set of quality sheets at department stores, like Macy’s or Bed, Bath & Beyond, but for true luxury sheets, you need to go to a specialty store. That said, the first thing you need to do when shopping for high-end sheets is put to rest any notions about thread counts. Contrary to popular belief, a higher thread count does not necessarily mean higher quality.

“In the true luxury market, thread count has never meant much of anything,” says Jennifer Marks, editor-in-chief of industry publication Home Textiles Today. “What makes a fine sheet is the quality of the cotton, the craftsmanship of the weaving, and the manner of the finishing process,” she says. “Thread count as we’ve come to know it is basically a marketing ploy that came into play once sheets began to be sourced offshore,” Marks adds. “The fact that over the past few years we’ve seen 400-, 500- and 600-count sheets turning up in discount department stores tells you all you need to know.”

So how much does it cost to outfit your bed in the very best? For a

Cheat Sheet

Don’t know your percale from your pima? Here’s a list of definitions to help you find your dream sheets.

Combed cotton Cotton that has been blended and cleaned, with short staples and dirt removed, resulting in a stronger, finer, smoother fabric.

Hand The “feel” of a fabric.

Egyptian cotton The best-quality, longest-staple cotton available, and though grown in Egypt, also can come from a variety of other countries.

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Percale A type of weave, similar to a tight basket weave, that results in sheets with a crisp touch.

Pima A generic term for the type of cotton grown in the United States, Australia, and Peru.

Sateen A type of weave that reflects light and results in sheets with a glossy, satiny feel.

Supima A licensed trademarked name (and abbreviation for “superior Pima”) used to promote textile products made from 100 percent American-grown Pima cotton.

Thread count A measure of how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric.

typical queen-size ensemble—a top sheet, fitted sheet, and two standard cases—expect to pay at minimum around $500 to $700 total (pieces sold separately; most high-end sheets do not come in sets). Of course, that price can vary, depending on pattern, embellishments on the hemstitch, finish, etc. Italian company Sferra recently upped the ante with its Giza 45 line, made from the finest cotton grown along the Nile. At $115 for a pillow sham, and about $650 for a queen top sheet, it’s clear this is top-of-the-line sheeting.

“As with anything, you get what you pay for,” says Laura Colangelo, general manager of The Brass Bed in Denver. “If you buy an Italian-made pair of shoes, they’re going to last for a lot longer than a pair of cheap discount store shoes.”

A burgeoning trend is the use of organic cottons and green fabrics such as bamboo and other wood fibers, although only a few of the luxury manufacturers currently offer lines using these materials. But the main reason to go green when it comes to sheets is purely “conscience” rather than personal comfort, Marks says.

“There is no inherent difference in performance,

although bamboo advocates would “First you should look for quality argue that bamboo gets softer with Egyptian cotton. Then, you should find more washings,” she says. “That out about the company who makes is true, but most bamboo is mixed with cotton and other fibers, which the bedding; most of the best comes tend to break down with more from Italy, France, or Switzerland. One washings.” But whether you go of the lines we sell has been in the green or stick with the eternally business for 160 years.” popular creams and whites, there is one potential problem with luxury — Laura Colangelo, The Bress Bed, Denver sheets: You might never want to leave your bed.

“Once you sleep on good quality Egyptian sheets, every other sheet you have will go to the back of your linen closet,” or be donated, Colangelo says. “We tell people, you spend eight hours of every day in your bed. It’s nice to have something that’s really comfortable—and something that lasts at least 15 years if you take good care of it.” n “Grand Flora“ bedding from Yves Delorme (above) and “Flamenco“ sheets from Peacock Alley (left) bring beauty and flair to the bedroom.

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High Tech Home

By Holly Berecz

C

ustomizing home fixtures online before you buy … getting a workout without the “work”… accessing valuables with a fingerprint scan—these feats were once thought possible only in sci-fi films. Today, though, you can accomplish all of them, and more, right in your home.

Modern Simplicity Simple and traditional in form yet housing advanced technology, the PAPPA*Phone lets you use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype or iChat on any Mac or PC. Made from solid brass and sustainable American walnut, the streamlined phone utilizes digital delivery through the Internet to connect you with others. The heirloom-quality wood-grain instrument requires no software installation. Priced at $300. hulger.com or 877/487-6274 n

Pump It Up Although it looks more like a souped-up scale, PowerPlate provides a revolutionary full-body workout that develops strength and power. Using vibrations to force muscle contractions, it intensifies the effects of push-ups, squats, lunges, sit-ups and other core-resistance exercises. Used by hundreds of sports and medical professionals around the world, it’s now available in a range of sizes suitable for home use. Prices range from $1,999 to $10,500. powerplate.com or 949/863-1737 n

Mix & Match It’s fun to coordinate new outfits, something the fashion industry has been doing for years. California Faucets now brings the same idea to trying out combinations of vanity designs with the Virtual Faucet Creator—an online tool that is a virtual studio to preview different configurations. Mix and match faucets, handles, and finishes to create dozens of looks, from casual to formal. The program lets you save, print, or email your own personalized designs. Faucet prices range from $400 to $650. calfaucets.com or 800/822-8855 n

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Wow!

high-tech home

Getthe kitchenyou’vealwayswanted withcountertopsandcabinetrefacingfrom GraniteTransformations.

Touch and Go Stay connected to your world with the tap or gentle sweep of a fingertip. The TouchSmart PC from Hewlett-Packard is the next generation of desktop computers, with touch-screen technology giving you instant access to information, entertainment, and social networks. A 22- or 25.5-inch monitor houses the hard drive and components in a sleek, simple design that fits wherever life happens. Starting from $1,150, the TouchSmart also includes a webcam and microphone. hp.com or 866/638-2088 n

Out of Sight Having the latest gadgets and gizmos in your home is great.

But what about those menacing power cords and wires that seem to never stay tucked away? Place CableBox from Bluelounge under the desk, next to the computer, or behind the TV to keep the tangle of wires out of sight. The box houses power strips and surge protectors, with extra space for cords, adapters, and surplus cable. About the size of a shoebox, it’s made from fire-retardant plastic and is available in black or white. Retails for $30.

Safe and Sound Straight out of a Bond film, the Gem Series of jewelry safes from Brown Safe Manufacturing Inc. offers technology that’s designed to stay one step ahead of the burglar. In addition to customizable hardwood jewelry drawers and watch winders, these systems offer fingerprint recognition, mechanical time locks, and a silent alarm. With prices ranging from $3,100 to $16,450, the user-friendly safes combine good looks, high technology, and steadfast security. brownsafe.com or 760/233-2293 n

bluelounge.com or 626/564-2802 n

Portable Party About the size of a sunglasses case, the FoxLmb Bluetooth speaker provides spectacular sound wherever you go. Wirelessly connected to a computer, iPod, cell phone, laptop, or mobile game system, the miniature music system can turn your car, hotel room, or desktop into a personal amphitheater. And the built-in microphone lets you handle hands-free phone calls on the road. Sells for $249. soundmatters.com or 775/981-1460 n

Get the Wow! kitchen you’ve always desired... fast, easy, affordable! From exquisite countertops to rich cabinet refacing, Granite Transformations will give your kitchen that look you’ve always desired! The countertops are engineered stone, measured and custom fabricated to be installed over your existing countertops without messy demolition. It’s real granite – only better! Then we’ll add new cabinet doors, drawers and hardware without the hassle and inconvenience of tearing out your existing cabinets . . . all absolutely maintenance free! What more could you ask for?

Call today and experience the Wow! of Granite Transformations!

Visit our showroom today!

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finishing touch

Judith Babcock For Denver artist Judith Babcock, painting is more than just creating a pretty picture. It’s about capturing the energy and splendor of Colorado’s constantly changing landscape in a single moment—as witnessed in her oil painting Springtime II. “I really wanted to express the exciting and unpredictable nature of springtime in Colorado,” explains Babcock. “It’s my favorite season—there’s an explosion of color, and the air remains cool and fresh.” Babcock’s bold and rapid brush strokes give a sense of movement and life to the canvas, while the steely blues of the mountains and sky contrasted with lively yellows, greens, and reds exude the wonderful tension and exhilaration of a landscape renewed. Judith’s artwork can be seen at Denver’s Bell Gallery, or online at judithbabcock.com. — Caitlin Kelly

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