This 1968 Cherry Hills Village Home Has Limitless Potential

Dining Room A wall was removed to open up the kitchen to the dining room. An eye-catching chandelier adds a bit of glamour to the bright and airy space. | Photo: Jess Blackwell

Looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of city life, a Denver family of five decided it was time to move to the suburbs. “We were quickly outgrowing our home and yard in Denver and seeking to move south into Cherry Hills Village or Greenwood Village,” explains the homeowner.

It was in the charming residential city of Cherry Hills Village where the homeowners found their dream home. Named after the large cherry orchards that grew near the original town site, the area is home to attractive, well-appointed residences, some built in the late 1960s—and a quaint red brick ranch home built in 1968 caught the homeowners’ eyes.

Vignette Original art­works add visual interest in the dining room. | Photo: Jess Blackwell

“It was in desperate need of major renovation, but the bones, foundation and exterior brick of the house were in great shape,” explains the homeowner. “It also had a fantastic yard with mature trees, shade and lots of space for our daughters and dogs to run and play.”

The homeowners recruited design expert Jennifer Pruett, principal of Pruett & Co., to reimagine the interior and bring new life to the home. “The home was a total time capsule, untouched from its original 1968 glory—complete with intercoms, paneling, original light fixtures and appliances,” Pruett recalls.

Kitchen The light- filled kitchen includes cabinets, hood and butcher-block by Inspire; the countertops are quartzite, and all of the lighting is from Arteriors. Ample counter space was accomplished with the addition of a long island. | Photo: Jess Blackwell

With the help of a carefully assembled team, much of the interior was gutted and reimagined into a more modern, light-filled space. The spacious family room was updated by removing the original beams, paneling and built-ins and adding a single vault beam in the same tone as the new flooring. Adding dramatic interest to the room: textural wallpaper that subtly rests behind the homeowners’ artwork.

Visible from the front foyer, the fresh and inviting kitchen features a cozy dining nook for casual meals. Pruett embraced a smooth color palette of blue-green throughout, accented by light wood tones. Anchored by an oversized island, the kitchen provides plenty of counter space for preparing meals. The homeowner says, “My husband loves to cook but does not like to be crowded in the kitchen, so we knew we needed a smart kitchen design to allow ample counter space. I think we accomplished that in part by utilizing a very long island with storage underneath and a practical butcher-block seating area at the end.”

Sunroom Equine-inspired artwork adds a touch of Western spirit to the comfort­able sunroom. The homeowners delight in incredible views of the backyard. “The yard is our favorite space,” explains the homeowner. “It is fully fenced to contain the chaos of our kids and dogs.” | Photo: Jess Blackwell

The bright and airy formal dining room houses a striking dining table with abundant seating for family and guests. “The architects reworked the front elevation, giving this space a high ceiling and a huge, dramatic window,” says Pruett. Furnishings cloaked in poppy, aqua and mustard colors juxtapose the neutral tones in the room.

Pops of color can also be found in the bathrooms, each outfitted in unique wall coverings and design. Three of the baths celebrate the homeowners’ children’s narrative. “The homeowners have three little girls, so we were allowed to have a lot of fun with color and pattern,” Pruett explains.

Powder Room “This is one of my favorite rooms,” says Pruett. “I am a firm believer that good design must include some measure of drama—quiet drama through texture or overt drama with dark or loud colors—so the powder room was some­where I was allowed to play.” | Photo: Jess Blackwell

Most enjoyable for the family are the neighbors and sense of community in their neighborhood. “One thing that is very special about the home is that it only had one owner before us. We hear lovely stories of this family from other residents in the neighborhood who knew them,” says the homeowner. “We feel blessed that we can raise our own children in such a special home.”

Living Room The cozy family room provides plenty of comfortable seating for the busy family of five. | Photo: Jess Blackwell

Design Details

Architect: Mandil Inc.
Interior Designer: Pruett & Co.
Builder: Cottage Contractors
Cabinets: Inspire Kitchen Design Studio

As seen in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ May/June 2023 issue.