Brian Grimm
Phone
(303) 807-6923
Email
[email protected]
By Brian Grimm
I walk through a lot of homes with clients thinking about how to update or refresh a space, and Denver's actual architectural history gives us more to work with here than people often realize. A few styles show up again and again in this market, some tied directly to the city's own design past, others simply well-suited to Colorado living. Here's a look at the styles I see clients gravitate toward most often.
Key Takeaways
- Mid-century modern isn't just a national trend here, it's part of Denver's actual design history
- Mountain contemporary style leans into Colorado's landscape rather than working against it
- Modern farmhouse remains popular, though it's worth choosing thoughtfully rather than by default
- The right style should work with a home's existing architecture, not fight against it
Mid-Century Modern: A Real Piece of Denver's Design History
Denver has real mid-century modern roots, with neighborhoods like Krisana Park built in the mid-1950s specifically around this style, inspired by the California "Eichler" homes of the same era. Krisana Park's low-slung rooflines, post-and-beam construction, and indoor-outdoor connection were significant enough that the neighborhood earned an official Conservation Overlay designation from the city in 2017 to help preserve its character. For homeowners in or near these neighborhoods, leaning into an authentic mid-century aesthetic connects to something real about the home's history, not just a look pulled from a design magazine.
What Defines This Style Here
- Clean lines, low-slung rooflines, and post-and-beam construction
- A strong connection between indoor living space and the outdoors
- Warm wood tones paired with simple, uncluttered furniture
- A natural fit for homes actually built in this era
Mountain Contemporary: Bringing the Rockies Indoors
Mountain contemporary style takes cues from Colorado's landscape directly, pairing natural materials like stone and reclaimed wood with cleaner, more modern lines than a traditional rustic cabin look. It works especially well in homes with larger windows or mountain views, since the goal is to draw the outside in rather than compete with it. This style tends to feel especially natural in Highlands Ranch and other Front Range communities close to the foothills.
What Defines This Style Here
- Natural materials like stone, reclaimed wood, and exposed beams
- Cleaner, more modern lines than a traditional rustic aesthetic
- Large windows and layouts that highlight mountain views
- Warm, neutral color palettes that complement natural materials
Modern Farmhouse: Still a Popular Choice
Modern farmhouse style remains genuinely popular here, blending classic farmhouse elements like shiplap and apron sinks with cleaner, more contemporary finishes. It works well in a lot of Denver-area homes, though it's worth choosing intentionally rather than defaulting to it simply because it's popular right now. A well-executed modern farmhouse look still feels current years later, while a rushed version can start to feel dated quickly.
What Defines This Style Here
- Shiplap, apron sinks, and other classic farmhouse touches
- Cleaner, more contemporary finishes than a traditional farmhouse look
- Black or dark metal accents paired with lighter wood tones
- A style that works best when applied thoughtfully, not by default
Transitional Style: A Flexible Middle Ground
Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary elements, which makes it a genuinely flexible option for buyers who don't want to commit fully to one aesthetic extreme. It tends to age well precisely because it doesn't lean too heavily into any one trend, making it a practical choice for anyone planning to stay in a home long term. This is often the style I recommend to clients who are unsure which direction to take.
What Defines This Style Here
- A blend of traditional and contemporary furniture and finishes
- Neutral color palettes that avoid trend-driven extremes
- A style that tends to age well over a longer period of time
- A practical starting point for buyers who are still deciding on a direction
Choosing a Style That Fits Your Home's Actual Architecture
The best interior design choice usually works with a home's existing architecture rather than against it, since fighting a home's original bones tends to feel disjointed no matter how well-executed the individual elements are. A mid-century modern home in Krisana Park calls for a different approach than a newer build in Highlands Ranch, even if a homeowner is drawn to the same general aesthetic. I always start by looking at what a home already has before recommending a direction.
Questions Worth Asking First
- What era was the home actually built in, and what does that suggest
- Does the existing layout support an open, minimal aesthetic or a more traditional one
- How long do you plan to stay, since some styles age better than others
- What's realistic given your actual budget, versus a full renovation
FAQs
Do we need to fully commit to one design style throughout the whole home?
Not necessarily, though I do recommend some consistency between connected spaces. A little variation room to room is fine as long as the overall home still feels cohesive.
Is mid-century modern only appropriate for homes actually built in that era?
I'd say not at all, though it tends to feel most authentic in homes built with that architecture in mind. I've seen it work well in a newer home too, as long as it's done thoughtfully rather than superficially.
What's the safest style choice if we're planning to sell in a few years?
I'd lean toward transitional style in that situation. It tends to appeal to the widest range of buyers without feeling dated by the time you're ready to sell.
Contact Brian Grimm Today
Thinking through which design style actually fits a home is something I enjoy talking through with clients, whether you're renovating your current home or considering one with real architectural character. I'm happy to share more specific thoughts based on your actual space.