When Boulder-based architectural designer Lesley DeFrees was growing up, she loved going to her best friend’s house for mostly one reason: the craft room. “It was like going into a candy store,” she says, “but instead of sweets, it was markers, tape, stickers, colored paper, paint, ribbon, and wrapping paper.” Flash-forward to adulthood, and for her own four children, it was a no-brainer to turn a room overlooking the backyard into a personalized craft and study space with plenty of natural light.

Art: An easy way to preserve your kids’ artwork is to have it professionally framed. (We dig framebridge.com for cost-friendly options and high-caliber service.)

5280 Home Autumn 2016
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Desk: Designer Lesley DeFrees dreamed up this modern desk with an island on locking wheels.

Rug: A Stark wool carpet adds a touch of playfulness to the space and is nearly indestructible, DeFrees says.

Gear Up: Three local art-supply stores for all your crafting needs.

1. Craft Scraps. Sewing, scrapbooking… whatever you’re into, they’ve got it. 5856 S. Lowell Blvd., Suite 27, Littleton

2. Fancy Tiger. Denver’s fabric arts haven: super-hip patterns—and classes, too! 59 Broadway

3. Guiry’s Color Source. The place in Denver for paint supplies. Multiple locations