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High Style in Telluride
Words by Betsy Marr | Interior Design : Deana Concilio -Lenz | Photos: David MarlowArchitect: Lea Sisson | Builder: Michael Osborne | Landscape Architect: Amy Smith
When designer Deana Concilio-Lenz saw the site of her client’s future home in Telluride, she was immediately inspired. A blank ski-in/ski-out canvas perched atop a picturesque peak on Cortina Drive, the mountaintop locale was ideal for Lenz’s vision of a re-imagined chalet. The homeowner, an avid skier, saw the land as the ideal spot on which to build his dream home.
“I wanted to reinvent the idea of a traditional ski house by making this home a collection of artisan pieces that speak to the wood, stone and metals of the interiors while using nature as the constant inspiration throughout each room,” the designer explains.
Indeed, the home’s furniture, lighting and textiles were thoughtfully chosen to reflect Telluride’s unmistakable elements. Case in point? The dining room carpet features textures resembling the White Birch trees that can be seen outside the room’s angled windows.
“I wanted our client to feel like he and his guests were surrounded by an elegant, cozy blanket perched on a mountain top in each room they walk into,” Lenz continues. “I chose pieces that had modern silhouettes, yet were plush and conducive to long, soulful conversations about the views and community.” All the while, the designer ensured that the decor complemented rather than competed with the home’s incomparable architecture and atmosphere. “I took the viewpoint of getting dressed. It is always best to wear the dress rather than have the dress wear you,” she smiles.
Likewise, architect Lea Sisson had the same philosophy when designing the footprint of the stunning abode. “I wanted to create a feeling of indoor-outdoor living, where the lines between the two were blurred,” she attests. Using natural light and mountain views as her guides, Sisson approached the project so that each space integrated with its exterior counterpart, allowing for a truly cohesive flow.
And while the pandemic, a remote locale, and steep terrain certainly presented challenges, the process between architect, builder, and designer was seamless. “The clients were so genuine and the builder so competent, it was one of my favorite projects to date,” Sisson remarks. “The site was small and steep but had terrific ski access and sunlight, and we really made the most of that as a team,” she finishes.
In particular, designer Deana Concilio-Lenz cites the living and dining rooms as areas to note. “We truly used nature as a backdrop and chose artisan pieces for those spaces that stand out, but do not compete with the incredible views,” she beams.
Builder Michael Osborne adds “The roof form and fenestration lines terminating into different exterior materials is incredibly unique. The finished product transcends a calming tone to the home and its surroundings.”
See the complete feature in the Spring 2024 issue of Cherry Creek Magazine HERE.
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