Homeowners Embrace their Inner Cowboy Zen in their Evergreen Home

A mountain home infused with feng shui principles harmonizes with nature.

9 hours ago

Laura Beausire,

Exterior Built into the hillside, the home was designed with multiple levels of outdoor living space. The dark wood and stone exterior is intended to help the home disappear into the landscape. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

When homeowners are also real estate developers, they know precisely what they’re after. In the case of the couple planning this Evergreen-area home, their experience working on projects across the country led them to put their mountain house in the hands of an architect based in Orlando, Florida. “We work with this architecture firm that does multiple facets of architecture, whether it’s community buildings, multi-family, residential or land planning,” the husband explains. “Having a multidisciplinary approach to architecture, I think, gets these guys thinking a little bit outside the box.”

Chris Astheimer, associate at the firm LRK, accepted the call to action, partnering with the building team from Golden-based SummitRidge Custom Homes. By the time Astheimer arrived at the building site, the homeowners already had a 50-page concept of the home’s design. “They told us that we were the most prepared clients they’ve ever had,” the wife says with a laugh.

Great Room Roche Bobois Bubble sofas curve around a Yumi rug and OVNI coffee tables by the fireplace, with artwork by David Yarrow. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The view was the main inspiration, as Astheimer explains. “When I reached the proposed location of the house for the first time with the clients, my eyes immediately pulled my view upward,” he says. “I knew we didn’t want to lose that moment and feeling.” The homeowners wanted the house to disappear into the landscape, so the team chose exterior materials—including stone and black-stained, brushed hemlock cladding that mimics the appearance of shou sugi ban—to allow the home to blend into its surroundings.

Astheimer designed a large central room that would take advantage of meadow views to the east while also offering access to a private rear courtyard. “The vaulted gathering space with large glass walls at the front and back of the house, supported with steel structures, provided the ability for tall and wide openings,” Astheimer explains. “The challenge of the steep, sloping grade converted into a benefit that gave us the opportunity for multiple outdoor spaces at multiple levels, at the front and back of the home, which was critical for the clients’ love of nature combined with their passion for entertaining.”

Kitchen Cabinetry from Caruso Kitchen Design frames a custom vent hood by Raw Urth Designs, and Denver Modern Vail Collection stools surround a custom Ethos Furniture walnut table. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Choosing the right windows was key. “We employed Polish brand Yawal for this project as they have the capacity to do huge openings without sacrificing minimalist aesthetics,” says Dan Geis, owner of SummitRidge Custom Homes. “In the living/dining area, we were able to change what was originally two four-panel sliding door systems into one large, two-panel door, and it moves with the push of a finger.”

The couple—he’s a fifth-generation Texan, and she’s a first-generation Texan with Filipino roots—took charge of the interior design themselves, creating a style all their own. “Our style is Cowboy Zen,” says the wife. “So, mixing those two styles was an interesting exercise.” They prioritized integrating and balancing the five elements of feng shui—earth, metal, water, fire and wood—throughout the home, creating a mood of calm serenity. “Nature is the star of the show,” the wife explains. “We were very intentional about the color palette that was complementary and didn’t compete with the views.”

Wine Room The multipurpose TV lounge/office also includes wine storage. Moody, dark tones contrast with Vibrations wallpaper in Anguille métal from Élitis, and a Roche Bobois sofa joins a coffee table from Perigold. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Furniture, fixtures and patterns with round shapes and flowing lines were chosen to soften the home’s hard edges. In the airy great room, a pair of pumpkin-spice-colored sofas frame the fireplace, while the kitchen features dark cabinetry surrounding a gleaming, custom brass vent hood. “We call her ‘Dolly,’ after Dolly Parton,” says the wife. “She’s also the star of the show.” There’s beauty in balance, as this home proves. And the busy couple welcomes the peaceful retreat they’ve created to harmonize with nature. The husband concludes, “It’s a good yang to our yin.”

Living/Dining Soaring ceilings allow huge windows toward stunning views and an easy indoor-outdoor flow. The long, custom white-oak dining table is by Ethos Furniture. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Primary Bedroom A custom bed by Ethos Furniture sits atop a Jaden rug from Arhaus, with a Layla chair from HW Home and a Perigold end table. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Primary Bathroom Designed to feel like a light-filled spa, the soothing retreat features a row of windows, large-format Livingstone Bianco tiles and a floating vanity with concrete sinks and wall-mounted faucets. | Photo: Dallas + Harris