The Ice Man Chilleth: Gabriel Landeskog’s Denver Loft
The Colorado Avalanche star relishes the comfort and style of his mile-high home
Emily Minton Redfield
Ice hockey is justifiably known as “the fastest game on earth,” a frantic yet balletic blur of sharpened steel blades, carbon fiber sticks, and tough, muscular players with incomparable endurance. In a season stretching from October to April (or June, if a team is fortunate enough to make it all the way through the playoffs to the Stanley Cup Final), a hockey pro plays a grueling schedule of 82 games, half of those on the road.
So a player’s home can feel like a cherished refuge, a place to escape the crowds, the cameras, and the grind of competition. That role may feel even more crucial to one who was catapulted into the spotlight while still in his teens—like Gabriel Landeskog, the Swedish-born forward for the Colorado Avalanche, who was drafted by the team in 2011 at age 18 and then chosen by his fellow players in September 2012 to become the youngest captain, at age 19, in National Hockey League history.
When Landeskog and his girlfriend, Melissa Shouldice, found a two-story loft-style condo in downtown Denver, just a few blocks away from his home ice at the Pepsi Center, Landeskog was captivated by its “location, location, location,” and spectacular city views. But both were less than thrilled by the décor—lots of primary colors and an odd flow.
Fortunately Melissa, who has a degree in psychology and a particular interest in design, found through online research the ideal person to help them transform their home: Ashley Campbell, principal of Ashley Campbell Interior Design. “We met and talked a few times, and they liked the way I’d transformed other residential and commercial properties,” says the designer. “And they put their trust in me.”
“I really wasn’t sure I could live there until Ashley showed us her design,” says Shouldice. Landeskog was similarly excited about Campbell’s plan. Her modifications made it seem like this could be the ideal place for “getting away from the stress and craziness of being a pro athlete.”
Campbell’s transformation of the condo involved improving its traffic patterns, including bringing subtle focus to the soaring entry area and using an awkward space between the two main-level bedrooms to create an expanded master suite. Meanwhile, the designer interpreted the couple’s request for what Landeskog sums up as “a calm, clean color scheme that would be easy on the eyes” with finishes and furnishings in a subtle interplay of white, taupe, beige, gray, and black, expressed through rich, subtly geometric textures and patterns.
Her young clients found the results surprisingly pleasing and deeply satisfying. “When we first walked in after Ashley’s work was done,” says Landeskog, “we could hardly believe our eyes.” Shouldice describes them running and sliding along the wood floors like “little kids” on Christmas morning. “Now, we’re really proud to show off our home to our family and friends, including my teammates,” says Landeskog. “It works equally well for big parties, small gatherings, or just the two of us.”
Better still is the effect the condo has on Landeskog at a very specific time. “When I walk in after a long road trip,” he says, “it feels so good to be home.”
In the entry foyer, a GJ Styles iron-and-crystal chandelier hangs above a CFC console table of reclaimed wood and a Kismet rug by Thomas O’Brien for Safavieh.
A Bernhardt sectional and Sullivan wood-and-metal bookshelf by Thomas O’Brien for Hickory Chair furnish a corner of the lofty atrium space for cozy conversation.
Adjoining a deep Noir/CFC leather chair, a Union End Table from Sunpan Modern Home is crafted from black concrete.
The master sitting area promotes deep relaxation with a linen Curations Limited sectional. The Arteriors chandelier adds a touch of playful sophistication.
Similarly stylish yet offbeat are the Berat Bracelet Trio sculptures by Interlude displayed on the foyer console.
Designer Ashley Campbell transformed the kitchen with wall tiles from Arizona Tile.
In the master bedroom, feather artwork from the Wendover art group rests atop a Bernhardt nightstand.
Even the staircase, with a Wall Play installation by Gold Leaf Design Group, comfortably welcomes Landeskog, his girlfriend Melissa Shouldice, and Zoey, their beloved hound. Photo by Julia Beck Vandenoever.
The formal dining room features a Bungalow 5 table, Martin Host Chairs from Hickory Chair, and a Zuo Modern chandelier.
DESIGN DETAILS
INTERIOR DESIGN Ashley Campbell, Ashley Campbell Interior Design, Denver, CO, 303.996.6195 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Ashley Campbell, Ashley Campbell Interior Design, Denver, CO, 303.996.6195 CONTRACTOR Adam York, Denver CO, 303.356.3375 CLOSETS Sarah Taylor, California Closets, Denver, CO, 720.878.2956 CABINETRY, BUILT-INS, AND BAR Caruso Kitchens, Arvada, CO 303.548.2436 CARPETS AND STAIR RUNNERS Rick Benallo, Colorado Floor Company, Denver, CO, 303.421.2228 FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES ATRIUM SPACE Sectional: Bernhardt, Bookshelf: Thomas O’Brien for Hickory Chair, Rug: Jaipur BAR “Wall play:” Gold Leaf Designs, Bar stools: Arteriors KITCHEN Metal stools: Global Views, White bowl: Lazy Susan, Backsplash: Arizona Tile, FOYER Console: GFC, Crystal and iron chandelier: GJ Styles
