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My Houzz: Color and Cupcakes in a Denver Loft
A young couple create a charming home on a budget with their penthouse loft in Colorado
Lauren is a home tour contributor for Houzz and travel enthusiast that utilizes her creative perspective within the mediums of blogging, photography, and interior styling. She is published in Workspace Design Magazine and The Auburn Circle.
Lauren is a home tour contributor for Houzz and travel enthusiast that... More »
Every young couple starts somewhere, and for Caylin Engle and Collin Scott, that place is a loft in the heart of downtown Denver. Engle purchased the home (built in 2001) five years ago, and shortly afterward her little pup, Gigi, and Scott moved in. The recently engaged couple both work for local boutique retailers and bring their charming storefront aesthetic to their loft, personalizing their space with contemporary furnishings and evidence of Engle's cupcake obsession.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Caylin Engle, Collin Scott, and their dog, Gigi
Location: LoDo (lower downtown) neighborhood of Denver
Size: 750 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths
That's interesting: The balcony hangs directly over the Denver Millennium Bridge.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Caylin Engle, Collin Scott, and their dog, Gigi
Location: LoDo (lower downtown) neighborhood of Denver
Size: 750 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths
That's interesting: The balcony hangs directly over the Denver Millennium Bridge.
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by Lauren Mikus
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| Caylin Engle and Gigi in the cozy living room space. Lauren Mikus: What inspires your interior design? Caylin Engle: Since this was my first stab at homeownership, my initial design was very budget friendly. There are many hand-me-down pieces intermixed with newer ones. I didn't want the modern and relatively cold style of the previous owners to dictate my aesthetic. I brought in warmth by mixing textile patterns, textures and materials. Working for an interior design firm/retailer keeps the inspiration flowing. It's fun to try new layouts. Our previous cocktail table transitioned to an elongated side table, a fun feature for our ever-changing space. Sofa and throw pillows: Mitchell Gold; cocktail table and Gigi's chair: Ikea; rug: West Elm |
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Engle's design approach is not only charming but resourceful too. Her bar sits cleverly on this narrow wall and invites guests for a cocktail while they lounge in the living room.
LM: How did you pick your paint palette?
CR: The walls were painted a variety of bright colors when I purchased this loft. It felt like a crayon box in here! I wanted to tone down the palette and unify the space. I chose a warm, neutral toffee wall color and accented with mocha. The powder room is a bright red, just to spice things up.
Minibar: Crate and Barrel
LM: How did you pick your paint palette?
CR: The walls were painted a variety of bright colors when I purchased this loft. It felt like a crayon box in here! I wanted to tone down the palette and unify the space. I chose a warm, neutral toffee wall color and accented with mocha. The powder room is a bright red, just to spice things up.
Minibar: Crate and Barrel
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| The city lights illuminate the loft in the evenings. Engle happily hangs out in the kitchen. LM: Where do you feel most at home in your house now? CE: I love our living room and kitchen. They are part of an open floor plan, keeping me in the action while preparing meals and entertaining. We have friends over often, and it is so nice to be able to engage them while cooking. |
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| LM: What did you do to make this space your own? CE: I painted the walls and replaced the kitchen backsplash. When I purchased the loft, the backsplash was made with simple, white 2-by-2-inch tiles. Engle and Scott cook almost every night, so the kitchen is definitely the most utilized space in the home. |
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Engle is passionate about family, cooking, design and travel. Her quirky and personalized style shows through in her styling details. "From the minute you walk into my home you can sense my adoration for cupcakes," she says. "I have accumuluated quite the collection over the years and love displaying them in miscellaneous nooks."
LM: What advice has stuck with you throughout the years in regards to making a house a home?
CE: Surround yourself with the people and things you love. Don't be afraid to try new things with your design. Get comfortable but never allow yourself to become bored with your space.
LM: What advice has stuck with you throughout the years in regards to making a house a home?
CE: Surround yourself with the people and things you love. Don't be afraid to try new things with your design. Get comfortable but never allow yourself to become bored with your space.
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| The front entryway is as fun as it is functional. "Collin brought this locker home from work, and it fits perfectly by the front door. We use it to stow our snowboarding gear," Engle says. "The daisy artwork is made by Scott's best friend in California, whose technique uses spray paint and Sharpie markers. The chalkboard is a DIY project great for leaving notes and reminders. "I purchased the frame at a thrift store and used chalkboard paint directly over the original art," Engle says. |
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When you enter the loft, a hallway filled with contemporary bookcases from CB2 greets you.
LM: Was finding this space love at first sight?
CE: Quite the opposite! The space was filled with horrible, oversized furniture in a poor space plan. Like I mentioned before, the walls were dreadfully bright.
LM: Was finding this space love at first sight?
CE: Quite the opposite! The space was filled with horrible, oversized furniture in a poor space plan. Like I mentioned before, the walls were dreadfully bright.
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The couple recently purchased these wardrobes as an alternative to nightstands. Stringed lights add illumination.
LM: What was your biggest design dilemma?
CE: With only one true closet in the loft, we had to create a storage solution. We are so happy with our new his-and-hers feature.
Bed: West Elm; wardrobes and bedding: Ikea
LM: What was your biggest design dilemma?
CE: With only one true closet in the loft, we had to create a storage solution. We are so happy with our new his-and-hers feature.
Bed: West Elm; wardrobes and bedding: Ikea
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The master bathroom is compact, and since Engle has limited closet space for her accessories, she uses this small real estate to display her jewelry atop a Room & Board console. "I have been in love with Audrey my whole life," she says. "I received this picture when I graduated high school, and it has followed me around ever since."
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This exposed wall divides the loft space for privacy. Engle added the birdcage decal as a playful and budget-friendly way to decorate. "I found it on clearance for $5," she says. A mannequin sports a few of Engle's fashion finds from a family trip last year to visit a brother studying abroad in China.
Decal: TJ Maxx; vases: CB2
Decal: TJ Maxx; vases: CB2
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The study is the first room to the left off the entryway. The framed Marilyn Monroe poster provides a colorful splash to the compact space.
LM: What do you want to do with your home next?
CE: I'd love to have a proper guest room instead of our multipurpose room with our gym, office equipment and a daybed.
LM: What do you want to do with your home next?
CE: I'd love to have a proper guest room instead of our multipurpose room with our gym, office equipment and a daybed.
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Engle admits that living in a small space does have its challenges. She says this guest bathroom is a lifesaver.
LM: Who helped you the most with your home?
CE: My dad is a resort developer and has a lot of experience with design, so he was a huge help.
LM: Who helped you the most with your home?
CE: My dad is a resort developer and has a lot of experience with design, so he was a huge help.
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| Engle and Scott appreciate living in a progressive neighborhood and enjoy this penthouse view of downtown Denver. |
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| This installation was created by a local artist and sits beneath the Millennium Bridge. Engle says, "I may not have a backyard, but I sure have some great views!" |
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In the summer months, the couple begin their day with coffee and breakfast outside on the balcony. They wind down in the evenings while watching passersby and enjoying a glass of wine.
LM: What do you love most about your city?
CE: I love that Denver has everything most larger cities have to offer — great art, theater, music and food— but at an affordable price point and approachable atmosphere. We are able to walk to all major sporting events from our location, as well as our favorite restaurtants and bars. We also get to enjoy lots of green space with a park outside our building.
More Houzz Tours
Creative Denver Studio
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LM: What do you love most about your city?
CE: I love that Denver has everything most larger cities have to offer — great art, theater, music and food— but at an affordable price point and approachable atmosphere. We are able to walk to all major sporting events from our location, as well as our favorite restaurtants and bars. We also get to enjoy lots of green space with a park outside our building.
More Houzz Tours
Creative Denver Studio
Life in the Vintage Renewal Loft
5 Extraordinary Lofts Across the Country
Next: Browse more loft spaces
Comments
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Great design job. Love your toffee color. SOOO much nicer than white.
14 months ago · Like
suepoisson Caylin, what a fantastic job you've done with your loft apt! I love the color scheme, furniture selection & arrangement, especially the bar! Cupcakes rock!
14 months ago · Like
audgerm This home will always be very special to you. Continue to enjoy!
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 26, 2012.
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