Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Lighthearted Charm Boosts a 1920s Bungalow
Happy mixes of colors and patterns bring playfulness to the home of a trading-up Denver couple
Authentic midcentury kitchen appliances, a darling enclosed sunporch and a spacious basement master suite helped sell this Denver couple on their house. While their previous downtown loft had its upsides, Caylin Engle and Colin Scott yearned for more space than they had in their 800-square-foot loft. This 1926 bungalow doubles their square footage and has original charm to boot. "Coming from a small loft made us appreciate every square inch of this home," Engle says. "It completely changed the way we live."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Collin Scott, Caylin Engle and their Yorkshire terrier, Gigi
Location: The Highlands, Denver
Size: 1,660 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Collin Scott, Caylin Engle and their Yorkshire terrier, Gigi
Location: The Highlands, Denver
Size: 1,660 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
When it's warm outside, Engle and Scott enjoy their enclosed sunporch. Scott scored this vintage bench from an antiques shop and repainted it orange.
The open living space expands into a light and leisurely casual dining area. The hardwood floors and doors are original to the house. "Our style is a little modern and retro. We have fun filling our home with pieces that we find at local antique shops, and mix them in with our existing pieces," says Engle.
Tray: West Elm; chair: Poang, Ikea; pendant: Maskros, Ikea; pillow: Lappljung Ruta, Ikea
Tray: West Elm; chair: Poang, Ikea; pendant: Maskros, Ikea; pillow: Lappljung Ruta, Ikea
The compact kitchen made a strong first impression on the couple. A wall opposite the sink adorned with colorful art and accessories reflects Engle's love for baking. A rolling cart adds flexible prep space. The kitchen was updated in the 1950s with Geneva aluminum cabinets, a Roper cooktop and a Thor wall-mounted oven, all in perfect working condition.
"We fell in love with our midcentury modern kitchen and love it more each day," Engle says. "We also love all the fun little built-in cabinets. They give each space character and functionality."
"We fell in love with our midcentury modern kitchen and love it more each day," Engle says. "We also love all the fun little built-in cabinets. They give each space character and functionality."
This view from the kitchen looks out to the dining room and sunporch. The framed cupcake print was a gift from the couple's realtor.
The guest bedroom features a vintage print of Vail Village from Yankee Trader and a framed reprint of Andy Warhol's 10 Marilyns, 1967.
Bed: West Elm
Bed: West Elm
The guest bedroom is adjacent to the living area on the first floor, allowing for a private master suite in the basement. The couple thoroughly enjoys the new division between common and personal space — a luxury they didn't have in their loft.
The cozy den looks into an expansive side yard and backyard, complete with a koi pond. The couple admits to camping out in the den for a few days after unpacking. "It's the perfect spot to have a movie marathon," says Engle.
Coffee table: Strind, Ikea
Coffee table: Strind, Ikea
The basement master suite is a staircase away from the den. A gray chevron accent wall and a painted blue stag's head pack the room with personality. "We had to find the right layout for the downstairs master. It was such a large space, and we were a little overwhelmed," Engle says. "I am sure that this space will always be a work in progress, but for now we have found a layout that works."
Bedding: DwellStudio; chevron wall: Mod Paint Works; side table: Lindved, Ikea
Bedding: DwellStudio; chevron wall: Mod Paint Works; side table: Lindved, Ikea
The master bathroom was recently renovated by the previous homeowners. The couple loves their first his-and-her sinks.
There's a laundry room in the basement, too. A chalkboard door highlights exciting plans for 2013.
Collin Scott, Caylin Engle and Gigi hang out in their backyard. "We are so excited for spring and summer," says Engle. "Collin has plans to build a pergola, and I want to try my hand at gardening."
Houzz call: Are you a first-time homeowner? Share your creative space with us
Houzz call: Are you a first-time homeowner? Share your creative space with us
Shelves: CB2; coffee table: Tyne, Room and Board; pillow: Sweater Knit Pillow Cover, West Elm; sofa: Reese, Slifer Designs, Cherry Creek, CO; rug: Frontier by Surya, Slifer Designs