Modern Family

In the tranquil expanse of Columbine Valley, interior designer and fashion stylist Natalie Kakaty has crafted a modern haven that marries minimalist elegance with the spirit of family life. Kakaty, whose career in fashion styling saw her shaping campaigns and editorials for industry titans such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Vogue, honed her ability to craft compelling visual narratives while living and working in New York City. This rigorous foundation in fashion, rooted in texture, proportion, and storytelling, became the cornerstone of her eponymous firm, Natalie Kakaty: Interiors – Fashion. After many years on the east coast, a career opportunity prompted Kakaty and her family to relocate to Colorado, where they settled into a newly constructed residence in Littleton. With two precocious young daughters, the couple sought a space that balanced their minimalist aesthetic with the practical and playful needs of raising children, a vision Kakaty executed with precision.

Kakaty’s design philosophy, deeply informed by her fashion background, views interiors as a form of storytelling, where every element—from a tailored seam to a custom light fixture—elevates the narrative.

“Fashion and interiors both demand an eye for proportion and texture,” she explains. “They’re about creating something that feels personal yet timeless.”

The designer’s experience working under the pressure of tight deadlines for elite clients, taught her the power of intentional details, a principle that guided the 13-month transformation of a Littleton new build into a bespoke sanctuary. The homeowners’ aesthetic, rooted in neutral tones and modern simplicity, provided the foundation, but Kakaty infused it with warmth and individuality, ensuring the space would endure as a long-term home for her family, including their spirited young girls. Her transition from fashion to interiors, sparked by a desire to apply her styling expertise to spatial design, allowed the designer to craft a residence that feels both current and timeless, a testament to her ability to adapt her creative instincts across disciplines.

The residence is a study in modern minimalism, with Kakaty’s favored materials—wood, marble, stone, and velvet—creating a polished yet inviting atmosphere. Custom lighting, including a grand, sculptural chandelier in the staircase and understated sconces throughout, casts a soft, ambient glow that enhances the home’s serene ambiance. Floor-to-ceiling custom sheer drapery, selected for its gossamer weave, softens the clean architectural lines.

The living room, a standout space, features built-in shelves crafted from a  honey-hued wood, their surfaces adorned with curated objects that blend function with artistry: hand-thrown ceramic vases, rare art and fashion books, and a unique sculpture sourced from a small gallery.

The dining room, equally refined, is a stage for both intimate family meals and grand gatherings, its bespoke walnut table paired with chairs upholstered in crisp white linen, their gold hardware and sleek legs echoing Kakaty’s fashion-trained eye for detail.

The primary suite offers a serene retreat, its sumptuous textures—an upholstered headboard in soft cream bouclé, rare hand-painted throw pillows, and a travertine accent wall—enveloping the space in quiet luxury.

The main-level guest suite, designed for visiting family, reflects a precise vision. Kakaty kept the space minimalist, focusing on a unique bedding design to make a statement: custom draping cascades dramatically, paired with a line of corduroy round throw pillows that draw the eye, alongside vintage black stone table lamps. This intentional departure from conventional bedding, with its emphasis on texture and form, ensures the room feels both simple and striking.

The powder bath, with its tiled wall in a herringbone pattern of hand-cut marble, feels like a jewel box, its bold yet harmonious design showcasing Kakaty’s ability to balance statement-making elements with cohesion. Each room reflects her meticulous attention to detail, with every material, finish, and textile chosen to contribute to a unified, elevated aesthetic that feels both sophisticated and livable.

Yet it is the children’s spaces that truly capture the home’s youthful heart. Designed for Kakaty’s daughters, Olivia and Noella, the bedrooms are modern yet playful, crafted to evolve with the girls from toddlerhood into young adulthood.

Kakaty’s design process begins with wallpaper, a critical choice she believes sets the tone for a unique, standout space. For Olivia’s room, a floral watercolor in yellow and green evokes a serene, natural elegance; for Noella’s, a dramatic yet subtle geometric print boasts all shades of rose pink and metallic tones. Both patterns, originally selected for the family’s Connecticut home, were so beloved that Kakaty repeated them in Colorado, a testament to their timeless appeal.

These spaces eschew fleeting childish motifs, embracing sophisticated furnishings like rod iron bedframes that promise longevity.

The playroom, a vibrant counterpoint, blends bold colors—bright accent pillows, a sleek rug—with chic black-and-white touches, its modern, kid-friendly artwork, including abstract prints by emerging artists, adding youthful exuberance. This room, like the bedrooms, integrates seamlessly with the home’s overarching style, ensuring the children’s playful personality coexists with the refined modern haven of the adults.

“The goal was to create spaces that feel cohesive yet allow the girls’ individuality to shine,” Kakaty says. “Every room in this home tells a story, but the children’s spaces are where joy takes center stage.”

Remarkably, Kakaty faced no significant hurdles during the project, her clarity of vision driving a seamless process. “I knew exactly what this home could become,” she asserts, a confidence honed by her fashion background, where rapid decision-making for high-profile clients demanded precision and adaptability.

Her ability to source unique pieces—each chosen with the discernment of a couturier—lends the residence a distinctive character. The powder bath’s statement tile wall, the custom lighting throughout, and the thoughtful curation of the living room shelves exemplify her meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element feels deliberate and memorable.

The home’s architecture serves as a canvas for Kakaty’s artistry, allowing her curated furnishings and thoughtful details to shine. For the family, this residence is more than a house—it’s a reflection of their new chapter in Denver, a space where their daughters’ laughter mingles with the quiet elegance of modern design.

Kakaty’s masterpiece is a testament to her belief that true style is intentional, blending craftsmanship with the needs of those who inhabit the space. Here, every detail is a stitch in the fabric of a life well-lived, a home where sophistication and playfulness coexist in perfect harmony.