Colorado Bungalow, Creatively Redone

Colorado Bungalow, Creatively Redone

Jake and Christa Rost wanted four core values to shine in their 1908 bungalow in Denver: family, community, creativity and an adventurous spirit. Partnering with Larry Kagiyama of Diagram C Interior Design, the couple thoughtfully renovated and designed their space with these ideals in mind.

To make the house their own,”We began renovating instantly,” Christa says. “I was blessed with our first son, Alex, so the project definitely introduced its challenges. Our main design dilemma was opening up the first floor and removing a wall that was 60 percent of the house load.” The couple then gave Kagiyama a general direction, with their art, journeys and children serving as inspiration for its inviting color palette.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Jake and Christa Rost; sons Alex (4 years old) and Henry (6 months)
Location: Congress Park, Denver
Dimensions and style: 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms; 3.5 baths
That’s intriguing:
The home was featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck.

Lauren Mikus

The kitchen comes with a 36-inch Wolf double range stove top and a Kenmore dishwasher and refrigerator. All the cabinetry is part of the Ikea Akurum/Rationell system, which helped maintain the kitchen design within budget.

Lauren Mikus

“My top kitchen design priorities were to improve storage and counter space,” Christa says. “We adore entertaining, and everybody congregates around the staircase. It makes me happy I will cook and still be part of the party.”

The custom made staircase comes with a zebra wood counter tops.

Lauren Mikus

A colorful glass mosaic kitchen backsplash complements the concrete countertops. Its blue and olive hues include an element of surprise.

Lauren Mikus

The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, is part of a large, shared space. Christa chose a pleasure, low-maintenance dining table she could enjoy with the kids. The lovely blue chest in the corner is a refurbished bit from retailer Serendipity in Longmont, Colorado.

Dining table: Brocade Home

Lauren Mikus

Christa and Jake extended the mosaic glass tile from the kitchen backsplash into the fireplace in the living area. They use this room for lounging in the evenings while still reading the newspaper. Most of the art, including the bit above the fireplace, came from ingenious buddies.

Lauren Mikus

This tufted ottoman cocktail table was bought from local retailer HW Home. The Rosts love to read, and the tray serves as a perfect place for their newest magazines and books.

Lauren Mikus

The family badly needed additional storage prior to the renovation. These closets across from the family room in the entryway store winter coats and toys.

Lauren Mikus

The Rost house is full of photos and special keepsakes. A metal occasional table to the side of the sofa holds a lamp Kagiyama located at Urban Lights at Denver.

Lauren Mikus

In this remodeled bath, used by the whole family, Ikea cabinetry from the Akurum/Rationell system is paired with a mirror out of Brocade Home. Christa finds warm grey soothing and enjoys the contemporary feel of the tile on the back wall and flooring.

Christa and Jake’s next project is renovating the guest bedroom into a master suite with a large bathroom and walk in cupboard.

Lauren Mikus

The wooden train set and a magical red rocking horse would be the focal points in Alex’s bedroom. The tower of stacked books allows for easy night reading; bedtime always includes at least 2 stories. Alex’s recent favorite is a pop-up novel about critters.

Lauren Mikus

Kagiyama chose a bold blue color palette to transition with Alex through the years. Storage units maintain toys tucked away but handy.

Bedding: Owl Duvet Set by DwellStudio

Lauren Mikus

Henry’s nursery is outfitted with Flor modular carpet, also used in Alex’s room. The replaceable carpet tiles offer a fantastic sense of peace for Jake and Christa, as they don’t need to be concerned about occasional messes.

Orange stool: Design Within Reach

Lauren Mikus

The master bedroom is compact, however, the Rosts make it operate. Jake uses the cupboard in this area, and Christa’s belongings occupy the larger closet in the guest bedroom. The original wallpaper is still intact, but Christa would like eventually to swap it out. Another project on the couple’s wish list is to produce a master suite on the second floor and a guest suite/office on the third floor.

Lamp: Candice Olson Collection

Lauren Mikus

Jake’s study in the basement is packed with framed picture prints, most from artist buddy Rick Griffith of Matter Studio. Although this area functions primarily as Jake’s personal space, the comfy sectional is a popular spot for the Rost family, who do the majority of their film watching here. Otherwise, there are Jake delving into his fly-fishing publications and books in this space.

Lauren Mikus

“Rick is a old buddy of all” Christa says. “He is a brilliant graphic designer that has a letterpress and screen printing studio downtown. As a designer myself, I had been drawn to this specific series. The Denver Art Museum lately bought pieces out of him for their permanent collection, so I guess it’s going to be harder for us to manage his own art soon!”

Lauren Mikus

Across the hallway from Jake’s analysis is Alex’s craft area. This playful area functions as storage for additional toys and games. Floating shelves maximize the space and exhibit Alex’s art.

Lauren Mikus

This first-floor guest bath comes with a mirror from Brocade Home. The tile backsplash imitates crocodile skin.

Lauren Mikus

The afternoon sun makes the front porch a destination in spring and summer. Christa and Jake made a decision early on to enhance curb appeal by laying new sod in the front lawn. Five decades later, the yard is thriving and inviting.

Lauren Mikus

The outside of the house stays in its original state. The previous homeowner is owned by the Denver Historic Society and had the dwelling designated as a historic Denver home. A swing hangs from the front porch, perfect for views of the large trees and charming neighborhood.

“What we love most about Denver is the simple fact that it is a small city with big-city amenities,” Christa says. The couple especially enjoys being able to spend some time skiing on the nearby slopes with their sons.

More Tours:
Creative Denver Studio
Warm and Inviting Bungalow at Portland
Eclectic Los Angeles Bungalow

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