A Charming Renovation

Denver interior designer Amy Corrigan shows what it takes to turn an empty box into a modern family cottage

August 26, 2014

Mary Barthelme Abel,

When interior designer Amy Corrigan spotted a charming little cottage on a grand lot in Denver’s stately Cherry Hills neighborhood, she knew she had to have it. But upon closer inspection—specifically, stepping through the front door—she discovered that she couldn’t judge this book by its cover. “It was a little 1930s cottage, with nothing on the inside except a lot of exposed brick, a bad addition and a small kitchen,” says Corrigan, who, with her husband, decided to make the move from Washington, D.C. back to her hometown of Denver to start a family. “We wanted to bring the home up to par with the rest of neighborhood; to bring it back to its historic look with classic moldings and fill it with pieces I’ve been collecting since college.”

And so they hired architect Steve Barsch and embarked on a year-long renovation, gutting the interior and creating large, open spaces that work for a young, modern family. “This project was great because we started with a clean state,” Corrigan explains. “We had an empty box, nothing to lead the design, and were able to start fresh.” And while she loves finding furnishings and collecting antiques and pottery, Corrigan admits that her first passion is trim work, moldings and hardware. “I think before you can fill the home with treasures, you have to start with the architecture.”

The formal living room’s fireplace is the only link to the original home. Quiet furnishings and an abundance of natural light make for a restful space.

Vintage wicker bar stools are just one of the many finds that homeowner, interior designer and enthusiastic collector Amy Corrigan used to decorate her renovated home. “I think they’re fun and unexpected against the dark kitchen cabinetry.”

The family room features a cozy sectional perfect for watching television or reading to children.

Gold touches add glamour to the formal dining room, highlighted by one of Corrigan’s favorite finds: an antique James Mont console and mirror. Simple slipcovers lighten up the dark table.

The casual dining area is separated from Corrigan’s home office by Aspen Leaf Kitchens custom cabinetry.

The new master bedroom is a tribute to the designer’s talent for mixing old with new, high with low.

Not your average nursery, the fanciful room is filled with a delightful combination of found objects and designer pieces. One bold wall is upholstered in a Brunschwig & Fils original pattern, Les Touches; the antique zebra rug was purchased in Africa.