Plenty of color and art, plus a sense of adventurousness, wind through the contemporary renovation of this Denver family’s 1908 home
Jake and Christa Rost wanted four core values to shine through in their 1908 bungalow in Denver: family, community, creativity and an adventurous spirit. Partnering with Larry Kagiyama of Diagram C Interior Design, the couple thoughtfully designed and renovated their space with these ideals in mind.
To make the house their own, “We began renovating immediately,” Christa says. “I was pregnant with our first son, Alex, so the project definitely presented its challenges. Our biggest design dilemma was opening up the first floor and removing a wall that was 60 percent of the house load.” The couple then gave Kagiyama a general direction, with their art, travels and children serving as inspiration for the inviting color palette.Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jake and Christa Rost; sons Alex (4 years old) and Henry (6 months)
Location: Congress Park, Denver
Size and style: 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms; 3.5 baths
That’s interesting: The home was featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck.
The kitchen features a 36-inch Wolf dual range stove top and a Kenmore dishwasher and refrigerator. All of the cabinetry is part of the Ikea Akurum/Rationell system, which helped keep the kitchen design within budget.
“My top kitchen design priorities were to increase storage and counter space,” Christa says. “We love entertaining, and everyone congregates around the island. It makes me happy I can cook and still be a part of the party.”
The custom island features a zebra wood countertop.
A colorful glass mosaic kitchen backsplash complements the concrete countertops. Its blue and olive hues add an element of visual surprise.
The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, is part of one large, shared space. Christa chose a fun, low-maintenance dining table she could enjoy with the kids. The lovely blue chest in the corner is a refurbished piece from retailer Serendipity in Longmont, Colorado.
Dining table: Brocade Home
Christa and Jake extended the mosaic glass tile from the kitchen backsplash to the fireplace in the living room. They use this room for lounging in the evenings while reading the newspaper. Most of the artwork, including the piece above the fireplace, came from creative friends.
This tufted ottoman cocktail table was purchased from local retailer HW Home. The Rosts love to read, and the tray serves as a perfect place for their latest magazines and books.
The family badly needed additional storage prior to the renovation. These closets across from the family room in the entryway store winter coats and toys.
The Rost home is full of photographs and unique keepsakes. A metal occasional table to the side of the sofa holds a lamp Kagiyama found at Urban Lights in Denver.
In this renovated bathroom, used by the whole family, Ikea cabinetry from the Akurum/Rationell system is paired with a mirror from Brocade Home. Christa finds warm gray soothing and loves the contemporary feel of the tile on the back wall and floor.
Christa and Jake’s next project is renovating the guest bedroom into a master suite with a large bathroom and walk-in closet.
The wooden train set and a charming red rocking horse are the focal points in Alex’s colorful bedroom. The tower of stacked books allows for easy nighttime reading; bedtime always includes at least two stories. Alex’s current favorite is a pop-up book about monsters.
Kagiyama chose a bold blue color palette to transition with Alex over the years. Storage units keep toys tucked away but handy.
Bedding: Owl Duvet Set by DwellStudio
Henry’s nursery is outfitted with Flor modular carpeting, also used in Alex’s room. The replaceable carpet tiles provide a great sense of peace for Jake and Christa, since they don’t have to worry about occasional messes.
Orange stool: Design Within Reach
The master bedroom is compact, but the Rosts make it work. Jake uses the closet in this room, and Christa’s belongings occupy the larger closet in the guest bedroom. The original wallpaper is still intact, but Christa would like eventually to swap it out. Another project on the couple’s wish list is to create a master suite on the second floor and a guest suite/office on the third floor.
Lamp: Candice Olson Collection
Jake’s study in the basement is packed with framed graphic prints, most from artist friend Rick Griffith of Matter Studio. Although this area functions primarily as Jake’s personal space, the cozy sectional is a popular spot for the Rost family, who do most of their movie watching here. Otherwise, you can find Jake delving into his fly-fishing books and records in this space.
“Rick is an old friend of ours,” Christa says. “He’s a brilliant graphic designer who has a letterpress and screen printing studio downtown. As a designer myself, I was drawn to that particular series. The Denver Art Museum recently purchased pieces from him for their permanent collection, so I suspect it will be harder for us to afford his artwork soon!”
Across the hall from Jake’s study is Alex’s craft room. This playful area serves as storage for additional toys and games. Floating shelves maximize the space and display Alex’s artwork.
This first-floor guest bathroom features a mirror from Brocade Home. The textured tile backsplash mimics crocodile skin.
The afternoon sun makes the front porch a destination in spring and summer. Christa and Jake made a decision early on to enhance curb appeal by laying all new sod in the front yard. Five years later, the lawn is thriving and inviting.
The exterior of the home remains in its original state. The previous homeowner belongs to the Denver Historic Society and had the dwelling designated as a historic Denver home. A swing hangs from the front porch, perfect for views of the large trees and charming neighborhood.
“What we love most about Denver is the fact that it is a small town with big-city amenities,” Christa says. The couple especially loves being able to spend time skiing on the nearby slopes with their sons.
Another Colorado Tours:
Creative Denver Studio
Thank you to Houzz for this great information!