Last summer, I attended a design social where vendors from around the country presented their products, such as wallpaper, textiles, home goods, etc. to the Denver interior design community. The goal was for local designers to meet new vendors that they could use for our upcoming design projects. Throughout the day, as I met with different vendors and they told me about their products, several of them – at least 4 – asked me if I could pinpoint Denver’s design style, as they were having a hard time understanding what resonates with homeowners here. I found that really fascinating. Does Denver have its own design style? I had never really considered it, but clearly “outsiders” are perplexed by what type of decor sells here.
Here’s what I told them. While Denver doesn’t have a definitive design style, like mid-century Palm Springs or classic brownstone Brooklyn, it does have a distinct design sensibility influenced by its location, lifestyle, and the varied backgrounds of its residents.
Mountain Modern
I would call Denver’s design style Mountain Modern. The proximity to the Rocky Mountains brings a natural, rustic influence, while Denver’s urban growth and influx of new residents introduce contemporary and sophisticated elements. As a result, a lot of potential clients that I meet with are looking for interiors that feel warm, grounded, and connected to nature, yet sleek and polished. Truthfully, most of my clients’ styles are trending more and more modern, but they also like stone, natural wood tones, and comfort.
Key Elements of Denver’s Design Aesthetic:
1. Organic Materials & Natural Textures
Wood, stone, leather, and wool play a huge role in Denver interiors. Whether it’s stone fireplaces, quartzite countertops, or thick wool rugs, these materials reflect Colorado’s natural beauty while adding warmth and texture to a space.
2. Neutral & Earthy Color Palettes
Denverites tend to embrace colors inspired by the mountains—warm neutrals, deep greens, rich browns, and soft blues dominate. If I had a dime for every client who told me they are drawn to greens and blues… The truth is, most of us live here because we are drawn to the mountains and the sunshine, so it makes sense that we’d want to be reminded of those Colorado staples when we’re at home. While I meet a lot of clients who are willing to test limits and take chances on furniture shapes and styles, almost all of them prefer to keep a neutral color palette.
3. Open & Airy Layouts (Sometimes)
With an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, new construction in Denver often features large windows, open floor plans, and seamless transitions to outdoor spaces. This allows homeowners to take full advantage of the city’s 300+ days of sunshine.
However, in the more historical home districts (think downtown Denver and Boulder), there’s an intense urge to preserve original (more traditional) floorplans and architecture, which I love. Homeowners in those areas are adding modern furniture to traditional architecture, which is a really amazing juxtaposition – it works!
4. A Mix of Modern & Rustic Elements
In true Denver fashion, you’ll often see a balance between contemporary furnishings and rustic details. Think sleek metal light fixtures paired with a reclaimed wood mantel, or minimalist cabinetry softened by a handwoven wool rug.
5. A Love for Local Art & Craftsmanship
Denver has a thriving arts scene, and many homeowners incorporate locally made furniture, pottery, and artwork into their interiors. This not only adds character to a space but also supports small businesses and artisans. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you know how much I love this!
How to Incorporate Denver’s Style into Your Home
Here are a few common ways we incorporate Denver’s style into our clients’ homes:
- Bring the outdoors in by using natural materials and maximizing natural light.
- Mix modern and rustic elements for a balanced, sophisticated look.
- Keep the color palette grounded in nature with warm neutrals and earth tones.
- Invest in high-quality, locally crafted pieces that add authenticity and uniqueness to the space.
While Denver may not have a single, universally recognized design style, it does have a style. It reflects the mix of people we have and the amazing nature we have right outside.
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