Step Inside a $400K Home Renovation in Denver, Colorado

When you're in the interior design business, there are certain expectations regarding what your own home might look like and Lee Mayer, the co-founder and CEO of online interior design service Havenly, has a house that exceeds every one of them. That's in part due to the fact that she worked with her company's Head of Design, Shelby Girard, to renovate her Denver, Colorado pad.

The eight-bedroom, five-bathroom home spans 6,600 square feet and required intensive renovations and a total redesign. However, Mayer and Girard were up to the challenge and had the budget to bring their vision to life. In total, the renovations and new furnishings added up to a grand total of $400,000. "It may sound like a lot, but it was a lot of house!" Mayer points out.

They used this hefty sum to create a space that highlights Mayer's "laid-back modern farmhouse -meets-refined-coastal" style, as Girard puts it. "I grew up on the east coast, so I really wanted to echo the light, airy feel of some of the houses I'd see going to Cape Cod," Mayer explains. "[I] wanted to bring in some elements from coastal décor to landlocked Denver," she adds.

This style can be seen throughout the expansive home, as can Mayer's desire to create a space with plenty of room for her young boys to play and for her to entertain guests. "It was all about having a home that felt really great to come home to," she explains. Keep scrolling for a look inside the gorgeous property and to shop some of Girard and Mayer's favorite finds.

The front entryway of the home certainly makes a good first impression. "We kept things pretty simple but used a beautiful wood console from Pottery Barn to provide some nice natural contrast to the white shiplap wall," Girard says. She also implemented functional yet stylish pieces like the round metal mirror, natural baskets, table lamp, and ceramic vase to tie the look together.

The family room features a mostly all-white color scheme with pops of blue and gold to punctuate the coastal vibe Mayer was after. Girard designed the space to be a casual room meant for a cozy night in with a movie, which is why she opted for a large sectional that offers ample seating. A bench and additional accent chairs add even more space for family and guests to gather in this relaxed setting.

Just behind the large white sectional that frames the family room is another cozy sitting area comprised of two deep blue swivel chairs and a shapely wooden accent table. "This works great as a cocktail area and helps join the kitchen with the family room," according to Girad. "And who doesn’t love a swivel chair?"

"The kitchen is really the heart of this home," Girard says. The designer notes that Mayer handpicked most of the finishes found in the space, and they clearly express her love of modern farmhouse and coastal design styles. "[They] are all so classic and timeless, from the semi-handmade shaker cabinets and subway tile backsplash to the marble countertops," the designer notes. You'll also notice the cookbooks, flowers, and art used to make this space feel warm and welcoming.

This is what Girard describes as "a simple breakfast nook," but we think it could pass as a formal dining area in any casual abode. "This space is no-fuss and heavily used, so it was important to include some durable pieces that are easy to keep clean but still look beautiful," the designer explains.

Another living space feels cool and coastal, thanks to light fabrics, textures, and layers. It's in line with the relaxed nature of the entire home due to elements like beach photography, abstract paintings, and a breezy color scheme found in just about every room.

"The dining room sticks with the theme of light, airy, and casual cool with a Hamptons-esque influence," says Girard. It features a white oak dining table courtesy of Crate & Barrel surrounded by slipcovered Restoration Hardware chairs, while a pair of brass pendants hang from the ceiling above. "Although everything is neutral, the textures provide interest, and I love how the piano provides a touch of dramatic contrast as well and really elevates the space," the designer adds.

Upstairs in the kids' room, the furnishings and décor have carefully been selected to grow and evolve with Mayer's children as they get older. For instance, the full bunk beds are perfect for converting to single beds, Girard points out. Additionally, the designer opted for a few black details for a sophisticated, timeless look. "I love how their colorful toys and books can act as the accents in this otherwise neutral room, and nothing is too precious," she adds.

You can instantly feel the coastal influence upon first glance of the primary bedroom. It features crisp white walls, light flowing drapery, and effortlessly chic, neutral bedding. However, it's the wood bead chandelier that steals the show.

Because the primary suite is so large, there was plenty of space to include an additional seating area for lounging. Large windows let in stunning natural light to play up the easy, cool décor that fills the space, including a pair of oversized, plush chairs, a sheepskin rug, and a brass drum coffee table. "This room screams cozy luxury to me," Girard says (and we couldn't agree more).