Many words come to mind when you walk through Nelson and Allison Perkins’ Observatory Park home, like “open,” “bright,” and “comfortable.” But hilarious? That’s how Allison describes the spaces she and her husband—he’s a classically trained chef; both are owners of Denver restaurant Colt & Gray and speakeasy Saint Ellie—encountered when they first toured the 1924 farmhouse.

“We fell in love with the shape of the house and the land, and then came inside and said, ‘Oh boy,’ ” recalls Nelson, who grew up in the nearby Southern Hills neighborhood. “Someone had slapped on an addition with a super-1960s feel to it, complete with a stone kitchen floor,” Allison explains. “Then there was the ’70s space with green carpet, and the ’80s version with a funky sunken living room. It was like a time capsule.”

5280 Home August/September 2018
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Two seating areas—anchored by Bridal Rug settees from Wisteria—make a large front room feel cozy. The Stinson Copper & Suede rugs are from Serena & Lily. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

To bring the house into the 21st century, the couple asked architect Stephen Barsch of Barsch Design, and Allison’s sister, interior designer Amy Corrigan, for help. Here, Nelson and Allison share what they changed, what they learned, and what they and their kids (Coulter, 14; Grayson, 13; and Ellie, 11) love about their new old house.

5280 Home: You purchased this house in 2008, but didn’t move in until 2011. What went on during those three years?
Nelson: We worked with Steve on a few renditions—first the dream house, then the total scrape—before settling on a scaled-back version of the original dream-house plan.
Allison: The bones of the old house are still the same, but we put a small addition on the side, converted an attached garage into a guest bedroom, and changed the floors, walls, lighting, electrical, HVAC.

The Perkins’ daughter, Ellie, perches on cow-print stools from local favorite Lulu’s Furniture & Decor. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

The mismatched additions must have posed some challenges.
Nelson: All of the archways and passageways between rooms were different shapes and sizes, and there are four or five different ceiling heights on the first floor, which affects the rooms upstairs. Steve had a big challenge trying to get as much of a level second floor as possible.

A sculptural desk from Oly makes a big statement in Allison’s office, where the built-in bookshelves showcase artworks and special mementos alongside books organized by color—an easy design trick. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

Did you have any specific requests for him?
Nelson: I use a lot of BTUs in the kitchen, so I had to have a strong hood. This one’ll suck the hat right off your head.
Allison: We also wanted an operable glass wall to connect the dining area to the patio outside and the park beyond. And we wanted en suite bathrooms for every bedroom. The previous homeowners had four girls—and four upstairs bedrooms that shared one bathroom.

The dining area opens easily to the patio and park beyond it, courtesy of folding glass doors from LaCantina Doors. The wood trestle table and slipcovered chairs are from Restoration Hardware. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

Design seems to play an important role in your lives—at the restaurants and at home.
Allison: We both have a feeling of what we want, but we don’t always know how to get there. I can say, I love this light fixture, but when the electrician comes, I have no idea where to hang it.
Nelson: Allison is being humble. She did the majority of the design in this house when it came to finish and furniture selections.

How would you describe the look you achieved?
Nelson: There’s a bit of an East Coast influence—with the dark wood floors and white marble countertops—because we had just moved back from New York when we bought this house. Natural woods play a big role, and there’s a good combination of old and new.
Allison: As you can tell, blue is a theme. I love blue for my wardrobe and my house.

The 1924 farmhouse underwent a series of (sometimes questionable) design changes before the Perkins purchased the property. With help from local architect Stephen Barsch, they preserved the best of the home’s features and updated the layout and design. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

Any big takeaways from the process?
Allison: It is fascinating how you end up living in spaces; we live in the smallest room in our house—with two teenage boys who each take up their own sofa.
Nelson: And we don’t use our offices very often. I try to, but I just get pulled back into the center of the house.

A Serena & Lily headboard and chandelier from Crystorama give daughter Ellie’s room a dose of kid-friendly high style. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin

Does the house work for the way you actually live?
Allison: We love this house because the inside and outside blend so well. We do lots of entertaining, and the kids and dogs and friends are always in and out.
Nelson: They can go right out to the park and back, and they know there’s always food and a big, wide-open door here.

A Currey & Company chandelier crowns the master bedroom’s tailored scene: an upholstered headboard from Restoration Hardware and linens from Bella Notte. Photograph by Kimberly Gavin
DESIGN PROS

Architecture: Stephen Barsch, Barsch Design
Interior Design: Allison Perkins (homeowner) and Amy Corrigan, Amy Corrigan Interiors