This Arrowhead Home is All Mountain, No Kitsch

Photography by Kimberly Gavin

“It’s all about the subtlety,” explains interior designer Katy Allen of what she’s learned from 20 years decorating homes in the Vail Valley. Allen is a master of creating a warm, welcoming mountain feel, without the traditional chalet look. “I add nods to the mountains through wood features, barn doors, furry pillows, warm leather and nailhead chairs,” Allen says.

So when a young family of five from Cherry Hills Village approached Allen with a renovation project in Arrowhead Village—adjacent to Beaver Creek resort, about 13 miles west of Vail—she was confident in her ability to create a contemporary home with plenty of mountain aesthetic and zero alpine kitsch. “Right out of the gate, the homeowners asked for something out of the mountainy, brown-box concept,” Allen says. The finished result speaks for itself.

Built in 1995, the 5,700-square-foot house needed a major refresh, the homeowner says. “It was dated and tired,” she explains. “We wanted to bring it into this decade.” Together, she and Allen designed a new floor plan that opened up the main spaces and brought in natural light through large-scale windows. The house backs to the mountain, with beautiful views of the hillside, something the homeowners wanted to feature prominently in the redo.

“We wanted a modern home that was functional for large groups of people and captured the spirit of the mountains,” the homeowner explains. “The materials are natural and organic, with neutral tones and stone surfaces. Despite being contemporary, the home still feels appropriate for the setting.”

And Arrowhead works perfectly for this active crew. “It’s so peaceful here,” the homeowner says. “We like getting away from the touristy crowds in Vail, and we find Beaver Creek to be a great family ski mountain. The house is in the flats, so the kids [ages 10, 12 and 13] can ride their bikes to the pool or park. It feels like a real community.”

The six-month-long renovation involved building a new staircase and railing; a central, see-through fireplace; and a separate bar area, along with the addition of a massive window in the kitchen, which, according to Allen, “revolutionized the space.” Because the family lived in the house for three years before the renovation, they truly understood what was missing. First on that list was an open floor plan that incorporated the living room and kitchen. Allen also added new cabinets, black-iron window trim and new hardwood floors. The home almost has a Southern charm, offering a plantation-style feel, with long hallways, built-in seating areas, warm window treatments and elegant chandeliers, Allen says.

“It’s definitely more fun and funky than most formal mountain homes,” she adds. “Our painters even called me and asked if I was sure I really wanted them to paint the natural wood. No one does that up here. But we wanted bright and happy.”

LIVING AREA

A custom barn door by Coleman Custom Homes was designed with an Ashley Norton Apollo pull. The lamp is from Ralph Lauren, and the art above the custom console is from Mercana.

LIVING ROOM

The ample seating area features Jensen-arm sofas by Theodore Alexander and chairs by Brownstone Upholstery. A Sarreid Gallery Cocktail Table sits atop a rug from Boga Oriental Rugs. The lamps are the Nina Tapered Table Lamp from Visual Comfort, and the small table is the Noir Byron Side Table. The chandelier is the Torche de Verre from Restoration Hardware. Custom pillows and drapes are from Tailored Interiors.

FIREPLACE

A metal-surround fireplace is anchored by a stone hearth in Colorado Buff with a sidewall in Cottonwood Limestone, both by Gallegos. The chair is from Slifer Designs, with a custom pillow from Tailored Interiors and a side table from Visual Comfort. The art is Wendover’s View of the Valley, and the floors are white oak by Creative Floors.

HALLWAY

Designer Katy Allen found the vintage table that sits under the Snowy Barn painting from Wendover. The ottoman is from Lee Industries, and the lamp is from Uttermost.

GUEST BEDROOM

A Four Hands Madison Upholstered Bed features a Kassatex Bamboo duvet in White, a Kassatex Messina Stonewashed coverlet and custom accent pillows by Tailored Interiors. The nightstand is Noir Furniture’s David Side Table, with an Uttermost Ivor table lamp.

MASTER BATHROOM

Elegant Cabinetry built the vanity, using Ashley Norton’s Apollo hardware. The Rohl Rectangular Under-Counter Sink features Brizo Virage faucets, and the sconces are from Joss & Main. The bench is the Uttermost Kaniel Ottoman.

MASTER BEDROOM

Brownstone Furniture’s Palmer Mink Canopy Bed is draped with a Kassatex Bamboo duvet cover in Bisque, shams by Eastern Accents and custom accent pillows by Tailored Interiors. Lee Industries’ Apartment Sofa provides seating, with a fur accent pillow by Tailored Interiors and a striped pillow by Eastern Accents. The nightstand is Interlude’s Alma Chest in Taupe, and the lamps are Visual Comfort’s Fluted Spire. The art is Values of the Lake from Wendover, and the carpet is by Shaw Floors in Misty Dawn. The standing mirror is Restoration Hardware’s Metal Floating Leaner Mirror.

DESIGN DETAILS
INTERIOR DESIGNER Katy Allen, Katy Allen Interior Design BUILDER Alex Coleman, Coleman Custom Homes