A 1901 Build Becomes an Eclectic Abode
This snug house built in 1901 was renovated to make the best creative and efficient use of the existing space
Kitchen The homeowners enjoy cooking in their kitchen featuring custom walnut cabinets from Lapis Gallery and Pental Quartz counters. The Clé Tile backsplash adds interest with a random pattern installation. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
Jake Swanton and Kyle Boukedes were set on finding a Victorian home, and they acted swiftly when a Denver Sunnyside residence came on the market. “The major selling point for us was that the house just had really good bones and lots of character,” says Boukedes. The home was situated on a corner lot with ample yard space. The interior had a large formal dining area, but the living room and kitchen were smaller than they wanted.
Living Room The owners’ Mid Century Modern furniture and diverse art are completely at home in the 1901 Victorian house. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
There was only one full bath upstairs and a powder room on the main floor, and the closets were oddly sized and created underutilized space. The couple wanted to reconfigure the existing space for maximum livability and appeal. To achieve their goals, they hired Momo Wong of Momo Wong Design to help guide them through the major renovation, creatively using every square foot as efficiently as possible.
Dining Area In the home’s dining area, exposed brick, hardwood flooring, pendant light fixtures, and the owners’ artwork gives the space visual and textural interest and warmth. The lumber- framed entryway adds character and structural support. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
The home’s renovation included opening the kitchen and dining area to create a larger living space, an en suite primary retreat with a second full bath upstairs, updating the guest bedroom and adding an office space. To respect the age of the home, a lumber framed opening to the kitchen was incorporat- ed to meet structural requirements. The kitchen now sports custom walnut cabinetry, quartz counters and a blue-and-white tile backsplash that adds sophistication and whimsy to the space. Cement pendant lights finish the look.
Powder Room The main- floor powder room features Toile De Jouy wallcovering depicting amusing scenes of alien abductions, designed to be a conversation- starter when guests visit. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
The “small but mighty” primary bath includes black-framed glass in the shower surround to create visual interest. A skylight provides natural light and perceived height in the shower. Rustic-looking tile flooring and a midcentury-inspired walnut vanity combine with grasscloth window treatments and wall sconces to give the room character and appeal.
Bathroom A skylight adds natural light, and a black- framed glass shower surround adds visual interest. The walnut vanity from Room and Board, Hunter Douglas grass- cloth window treatments and Hudson Valley Mitzi wall sconces add sophistication. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
The new main floor office space and powder room offered a perfect opportunity to have a little fun. Wong says they found unique wall- coverings that are sure to be noticed. In the powder room, the Toile de Jouy patterned wallpaper looks traditional from afar but depicts playful alien abduction scenes up close. In the office, quirky Drunk Monkeys wallpaper makes an amusing statement.
Outside, the landscaping needed a refresh to better accommodate the new owners’ lifestyles, so the front walkway was cleared of foliage, and the large vegetable gardens were pared down to take less time to tend. “Jake and Kyle already had a lovely, diverse collection of art, furniture and plants,” Wong notes. “We incorporated it into the new design, creating layers of depth and interest throughout.”
Office Astek Homes Drunk Monkeys wallcovering on the office accent wall lends some depth and a quirky, amusing touch to the workspace, reflecting the eclectic taste of the homeowners. | Photo by Eleanor Williamson
The philosophy behind the renovation was straightforward: Keep things simple but incorporate eclectic touches reflecting the personalities of the owners. “Jake and Kyle knew this was going to be their home for a really long time,” says Wong. “The goal was to make this a place they would cherish.”
