Color and Light Inspires the Artistic Vision of a Couple’s Mountain Home
An art-filled home showcases a generational collection featuring well-knowns like Picasso and Rauschenberg
Exterior Large windows frame the views and bring an abundance of natural light into this mountain home. “I have such an extreme love for color, shape, proportion and light,” says homeowner Betty Newton. | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
The Colorado mountain home of Betty and Stephen Newton is an art gallery. Every room is full of art—including bedrooms, bathrooms and even closets. Betty grew up surrounded by art; her architect father was a passionate collector. “He had a brilliant eye and bought everything…from Miro, Motherwell and Frankenthaler to total unknowns.” After they were married, the Newtons lived in New York and Paris before settling in Houston, where she’s a fashion designer and he’s a businessman. “We have some wonderful pieces from Betty’s parents,” says Stephen, “and as we traveled, we had many unique opportunities to collect.”
Entryway The art is by Gene Davis, a 20th-century American painter renowned for his paintings of multicolored vertical stripes. | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
Dining Room An antique pine hutch (an inherited piece) anchors the room in an eclectic way. Above it, a Martin Puryear print. Hans Wegner wishbone chairs add a midcentury Danish touch. | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
They frequented galleries and auctions in every place they lived and began putting together a serious collection of their own. Their taste is similar, but their methods differ. “I know instantly; it is love at first sight,” says Betty. She goes on to say that Stephen is more methodical and “always has to imagine it in our home.” When they are acquiring a piece, they agree most of the time. “If we disagree, I usually win,” says Betty with a smile.
Living Room Works by Paul Kremer, a successful younger artist known for his color-block paintings, hang over the fireplace. Custom sofas are upholstered in cotton velvet; a seagrass rug covers the floor.| Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
When visiting friends in Colorado, the Newtons and their two daughters fell in love with the mountains. “We had never seen light like this before,” says Betty. “It was unbelievable.” Soon they were dreaming about a mountain home of their own. They turned to architect Tim Hagman, who had an illustrious 50-year career designing residential and commercial projects in the Roaring Fork Valley. “We knew exactly what we wanted but didn’t know how to get there,” says Betty. Art, antiques and the couple’s love for a clean-and- blond Mid Century Modern design were the dominant themes. “Hagman instantly understood, and I love the way he interpreted us.”
Stairwell The lithographs are an autobiographical triptych by postmodernist American painter Robert Rauschenberg. A minimalist work by London-based artist Johnny Abrahams hangs above two iconic Barcelona chairs (originals were created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition). | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
After choosing an architect, the Newtons brought in Karen White, principal of Basalt- based Karen White Interior Design, to help select furniture, fabrics, finishes and for recommendations about placement for their works of art. “They wanted to integrate classic elements into the simple, clean lines of their modern home,” White says. The result is an effortless mix of timeless and modernist, featuring a few treasured traditional pieces. “Both Stephen and I were raised in eclectic homes, and we love the juxtaposition of contemporary with antiques,” says Betty.
Bedroom A dramatic line drawing of an urn hangs in one of the guest bedrooms. | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
Each piece has a story. The St. Michael is a Colonial Mexican piece that hung in Betty’s family home. “I thought it was heaven and those were angels,” she says. The bold Paul Kremer images over the fireplace come directly from the artist’s studio: “Betty’s brother is best friends with the artist,” says Stephen. Robert Rauschenberg’s “Autobiography” (1968) triptych was a Christmas gift to Betty: “Stephen said, ‘Betty, the girls are bringing up your gift,’ and I thought ‘oh no, it’s a puppy,’ because I had just lost my dog but I was not quite ready for another,” says Betty.
Media Room Over the dark gray sleeper sofa—colorful graphic works by Chicago-based artist Cody Hudson. Picture rails above an Eero Saarinen tulip table make it easy to change the artwork on display. | Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography
She was (and continues to be) thrilled with the three-paneled offset lithograph that occupies a position of pride in their home. The Newtons’ daughters have since started collections of their own. “At least once a year, we help them buy something small and meaningful,” says Betty, thus making sure that art will continue to captivate and delight the next generation.
RESOURCES:
INTERIOR DESIGN:Karen White Interior Design
ARCHITECTURE: Hagman Architects
As Seen in CHL’s July/August 2023 Issue
