4 min readWhen enlisting a full-service design firm, the general consensus is “get someone who can do it all,”—advice a pair of art-collecting husbands in Denver took to heart. First, they hired Studio D Design’s Danielle Wallinger to work her magic on their midcentury-inspired new construction showpiece. Once they were ready to move, they tapped their trusted designer to bring something entirely new to life: an Italian Renaissance Revival-style residence built in 1941. “We were immediately struck by the contrast in architectural style and excited by the opportunity to flex a very different design muscle than we had with them previously,” says Wallinger. While the exterior of the home boasted plenty of spectacular original details—including a carved limestone architrave, a French tile roof, and wrought-iron balconets—the interior “failed to reflect the home’s grandeur,” she adds. The layout was disjointed, the finishes were dated, and several “overly lively” murals dominated. Rather than become overwhelmed, Wallinger says she “saw nothing but opportunity.”
Her first order of business was taking the five-bedroom, seven-bath home down to the studs in order to reimagine the floor plan. One of the most prized spaces to come out of the renovation—among the relocated kitchen, intimate dining space, and soothing primary bedroom—is the home spa, located on the lower level. “Designed as a true retreat, it is meant for disconnecting and recharging,” Wallinger explains. “Upon entry, dim lighting immediately sets a calm, restorative tone.”
While that space may be the official relaxation zone within the 7,127-square-foot residence, all of the rooms inside the home boast a natural tranquility that makes the clients—and their two Italian water dogs—feel instantly at ease. Wallinger adds, “The relationship between architecture, art, and landscape feels intentional and serene. It’s an exterior that is as thoughtfully designed as the interiors within.”
FAST FACTS
Designer: Danielle Wallinger, founder of Studio D Design
Location: Denver, Colorado
The Space: A five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home.
FAMILY ROOM
Wallinger designed this space to be the most casual and modern room in the entire home.
Most historic homes aren’t replete with open layouts, but this intimate family room is open to the kitchen behind it. “The two spaces function together as a true great room,” Wallinger says.
SALON
“The salon was designed, first and foremost, for effortless entertaining,” the designer insists.
Wallinger designed the salon to flex with the seasons. In the summer, it opens onto a veranda; in winter, she says, “The atmosphere grows more intimate, with guests naturally drawn to the fireplace.” The chandelier was a last-minute addition in the name of elegance.
BAR
The Art Deco-inspired bar balances glamour with restraint.
“We focused on balancing glamour with restraint, drawing from Art Deco and modern influences while keeping the execution livable,” Wallinger says of the custom bar from Montare Builders.
DINING ROOM
Oxblood details engulf the special occasion space.
Since this isn’t the everyday dining space, Wallinger went for a “more expressive, immersive point of view,” swathing the walls in a dramatic mural from MJ Atelier and finishing with a high-gloss ceiling in a custom oxblood hue.
MEDIA ROOM
An inky hue and movie theater-inspired curtain cocoon the hangout zone.
Designed for everyday use, Wallinger didn’t want this space to feel too precious. Rather, she opted for comfort without sacrificing style, which played out in a sunken, cozy lounge pit in the media room. “We wanted it to feel inviting and immersive, a space our clients naturally gravitate toward for movie nights, reading, or unwinding with friends and family,” she adds.
KITCHEN
Pops of brass up the shine and tie the whole space together.
The custom hood, which combines reeded glass and brass accents, was a “trust me” moment with the clients, Wallinger says. A brass-clad island adds to the room’s elevated aesthetic.
SPA
A moment of zen is just a short trip downstairs.
Designed as an indulgent spot to unwind, this sanctuary—located on the home’s lower level—includes a dry sauna, a steam sauna-shower combo, and custom cedar details. Blue Roma stone throughout reinforces calm continuity.
PRIMARY BATH
Marble-clad everything sets the tone for luxury and indulgence.
As is the mission to accomplish in every primary bathroom, Wallinger wanted to create a serene yet luxurious experience. “Our goal was for the space to feel both masculine and sensual, rich and expressive, and quietly composed,” she explains.
GREENHOUSE
The stunning English-inspired greenhouse was a must for a duo of passionate gardeners.
The owners, avid gardeners, love the versatility of the hot house by Hartley Botanic: classy enough to host intimate dinner parties under two opulent chandeliers, yet warm enough to propagate orchids in wintry weather.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of the home balances classical Italian architecture with clean, modern interventions.
Wallinger partnered with architecture firm Semple Brown Design to marry the residence’s existing Italian Renaissance Revival exterior with a touch of modernity.
About the Designer
After graduating from design school in 1999, Danielle Wallinger moved to New York City and worked at Nancy Corzine’s luxury showroom, working with such industry luminaries as Alexa Hampton and Charlotte Moss. A short while later, in 2006, she opened her own eponymous firm in Denver, Colorado, taking the best of New York’s and her native Arizona’s design qualities with her.
