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Layered Luxe in Cherry Hills Village

September 9, 2024

Words by Betsy Marr | Interior Design : jess knauf | Photos: susie brenner | photo Styling: Tawney Waldo

When designer Jess Knauf first saw the Mediterranean-style estate belonging to a very active family of six (plus five bulldogs!), she was immediately inspired. A Pasadena, California native, Knauf grew up surrounded by some of the most prolific Mediterranean architecture in the country. “Many of my favorite properties were designed by greats like Wallace Neff and Myron Hunt, so finding a gem like this in the heart of Cherry Hills Village was a thrill,” the designer explains. And while the home’s interiors were bulky, dark and dated, it indeed had great bones. “The property had gorgeous interior masonry, solid stone floors, and impressive vaulted ceilings. We were lucky to be starting from a good place.”

With that, Knauf worked alongside the homeowners to thoughtfully update the interior finishes. “We wanted to align with the architecture and reflect the client’s layered, colorful aesthetic,” she says. Knauf stayed true to the home’s Mediterranean roots but focused on lightening up each space and making it more current. The designer complemented the architecture with an eclectic selection of fabrics and custom furnishings. “I love how we used color, texture and layering to bring depth to every room. This family is incredibly fun and unique, they were not looking for cookie cutter,” she continues.

Indeed, to describe this family as active is an understatement. “They have four boys, who at the time of construction ranged from elementary school to college, not to mention five bulldogs,” Knauf exclaims. As such, the home needed to be both beautiful and highly functional. Being close in proximity, the kitchen and adjacent great room serve as the hub of family life. Knauf opted for colorful, statement-making art and furnishings, while walls and cabinetry remained neutral, classic and refined in their approach. Instead of replacing the kitchen’s travertine floors, Knauf and the homeowners opted to revive them with a thorough steam cleaning and matte-finish seal, completely changing the look. The wood flooring throughout the house was sanded and stained a more contemporary shade, the five fireplace surrounds were restored, and the ceiling beams were lightened with a unique lime-wash treatment.

What’s more, the homeowners are avid entertainers who take advantage of all that the house has to offer. Because of this, Knauf wanted to create spaces and details that would be conducive to gathering, celebrating and enjoying life together. Spaces like a bar and prep area were added to the main kitchen, while a separate catering kitchen was reimagined to include plenty of storage. “There is room for everyone, including the dogs, who have their own under counter lounge,” Knauf laughs. A proper wet bar was added, with café style shelving and sleek yet decidedly playful finishes to add to the home’s character and charm.

Of all the property’s stunning spaces, however, Knauf notes the woman of the house’s primary bath as a favorite.“It really is a dream. A mom of four boys needs a feminine refuge, and a really lovely soaking tub,” she attests. “The custom Spanish floor tile is so elegant and pretty, and I love the subtle celadon color, which is echoed in the vanity sconces. I also love how we customized the layered mirror above the vanity, and the little nickel feet at the vanity base.”