Denver Lofts and Condos

And we're back for the second part of our series, Design and Decorate your Denver Loft/Condo.  Last week we left you with some thoughts on how to decorate your loft/condo, as well as a list of several great local stores to purchase pieces of furniture, art, and accessories, but now it's time to strategize a bit more:

We begin by taking an inventory:

• How are the walls? Typically we'll pick a color scheme and take it throughout the unit.
• How is the furniture? What can we reuse and what can be reupholstered, refinished, or donated? Time for space planning (we create a floor plan by measuring the existing space, and place furniture in the plan (of course using proper dimensions of the furniture)).
• How's the floor? In most condos and lofts in Denver the floors are wood or some sort of tile, which is great because the floors can typically be re-finished to look brand new.
• What is needed? Art? Accessories? Bedding? Furniture?

Once we establish a paint theme, we leave the names of the paint with the client; if they are into do-it-yourself they can take it on, or if they prefer we can suggest a paint company in town that is one of the best (Painting Plus of Denver).  We space plan the rooms with what is existing and then we establish a budget of what we can spend on necessary items for the home. Space planning is one of the most important steps because this is where you really design the space, creating zones of use as well as privacy where needed.  After the painting is complete and floors are re-finished or deep cleaned (in the case of carpeting) we step in and go to work.  

Next is to create a list of items needed, and a budget per item. We hit the streets in search of deals, whether it be garage sales, or boutiques. We like to establish a few key pieces to design the space around (rugs are a great starting point, and because lofts and condos are typically hard floored, gorgeous rugs are a must! The only store where we shop is Azari Gallery (1410 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210). They have the best prices, the most knowledge, the best staff, and they work with any budget!).  From there we find necessary items that fit in well with the condo or loft. Another great store for filler items, inexpensive accessories, bedding and towels in TJ Maxx Home Goods (located at 5910 S University Blvd., Littleton, CO 80121).  Plants are key as well to make the space feel really welcoming. One of our favorite stores is called Wild Flowers (location: 1201 Madison St, Denver, CO 80206).  It's great to have a large plant in the living room near a window. Typically windows are large in lofts and condos, and you'll want to find coverings for privacy. We often use Smith Noble (http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/home.jsp) because they are really well priced, have tons of options and will provide custom sizes (they even contract with various local companies to measure and install the window treatments so you'll be certain to get it right the first time). 

Lastly, there are always small things to update in order to make the condo/loft feel updated and fresh including, changing dated light fixtures in bathrooms, update all bathroom accessories (robe hooks, towel bars, toilet tissue dispenser), change the mirror (we are not fans of the mirror slabs we often see...go for a nice framed mirror instead to make the space special), new place mats in the dining room, door mat, pillows, and bedding. 

A little goes a long way, and keep in mind, the items we've mentioned are great advice for those hoping to stage their loft or condo for sale! Hope you enjoyed our tips.

Just bought or looking to sell your loft or condo?  We wanted to share some of our design tips with you to help you sell quickly or maybe this will be helpful if you are just interested in making your friends jealous with your great taste and style!

When we enter the condo or loft there are a number of things we look for to see if we can find the big picture of the space both in terms of interior architecture as well as our clients overall sense of style. Some of our clients already have a good sense of what they want and what they like, but others give us carte blanche.  If the condo or loft is a hard loft, or resembles one with exposed duct work, brick walls, high ceilings and wood floors we embrace this and play off of the masculine forms, and general intention of the loft. The architectural elements should be the focal point so we want everything to work well within this context.  In this case we will keep colors pretty rich, and furniture clean lined and made of materials such as wood, metal glass, and leather. Because the fixed finishes can tend to be a bit overwhelming and dramatic, we like to incorporate softness and warmth through paint colors (on walls that are not exposed brick or concrete) and rugs, pillows, art and accessories.  Major pieces of furniture should be deep in color (dark leather couch that is aged well and has a nice patina-look).

Furnishing this type of loft is fun because creating an eclectic look is fun and easy. We would typically do a lot of our shopping in antique shops on Broadway, as well as some more contemporary stores like HW Home in Cherry Creek. 

When we work on lofts and condos that are more contemporary and/or new we like to incorporate a really fresh feel. Bright paint, lighter colors, playful furnishings, like Phillipe Starck's ghost chair for dining chairs, with Eero Saarinen's Tulip table, and Sergio Rodrigues's gorgeous wood and leather strapped chairs in the living room. Again, eclectic is the way to go! Some of our favorite stores for modern décor include:

• Mod Livin', 5327 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80220
• Scandinavian Design, 9000 East Hampden, Denver, CO 80231
• Room and Board, 222 Detroit Street, Denver, CO 80206
• Studio Como, 2590 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205
• Lee Alex Décor, 66 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• Zeitgeist Modern Furniture Classics, 1150 Spear Blvd., Denver, CO 80204

Remember to have fun and enjoy the process.