When a Florida family tapped interior designers Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin of Home Within by Joe McGuire Design (JoeMcGuireDesign.com) to transform a 1980s townhome in downtown Aspen into a modern yet cozy mountain retreat, they were eager to breathe new life into the outdated space. “There were a lot of strange angles and details, like a spiraling staircase next to a faceted mirrored wall,” Tenzin says. “Our clients wanted a home that felt connected to nature, with plenty of space for their kids, dog, and guests.”
McGuire and Tenzin began the project with their Home Within approach—tuning in to what makes someone feel comfortable, grounded, inspired, and truly at home. For this family, comfort centered on warm neutrals anchored by oak flooring throughout and furnishings like the twin Montauk sofas, BassamFellows leather lounge chairs, custom Arco dining table, Thomas Hayes Studio kitchen counter stools covered in Pierre Fray fabric, and a custom primary bed with a Ralph Lauren fabric headboard. Ivory Moroccan rugs in several living spaces add texture; in the powder bathroom, an integral stone sink in Taj Mahal slab plays nicely off the terracotta floral motif Arte wallpaper. For warmth and ambiance on chilly winter evenings, a fireplace in the primary bedroom is crafted with American Clay plaster from New Mexico.
Thoughtfully selected works from Colorado artists, including an original ink drawing by Laura Betti, a custom ceramic wall hanging commissioned by Liz Quan, and an original charcoal drawing by Andrew Beckham, infuse the home with serenity. “Laura’s piece is an image made up of handwritten words,” Tenzin says. “It's this powerful expression of mindfulness and stillness. The clients were really drawn to that piece because it set the intention for calm energy.”
A trio of kitchen windows brings nature in with sweeping views of Red Mountain, while custom Una Malan dining chairs with aubergine-hued backs complement the purple-leaf plum trees swaying in the breeze outside. Peaceful alpine scenes are depicted in the foyer with an original painting by Rachel Garrard, and in the dining room with an original photographic collage by Terri Loewenthal.
Storage was also important, so the kitchen has full-height built-ins with a pull-out pantry and a built-in bar with pocket doors. A custom mudroom displays shoes, coats, and hats; a spacious garage stores bikes, skis, and other gear. “They like to host and entertain as much as they love all the outdoor activities,” Tenzin says. “They wanted the home to feel elevated without being too formal.”
Though the townhome was renovated top to bottom, one original feature remains—a dumbwaiter, connecting the three stories from the kitchen cabinetry on the top floor. It allows for effortless grocery hauls up from the garage, or perhaps some playful mischief from the clients’ children. “There's a joyful quality to this home that starts with the clients themselves,” McGuire says. “They feel at home in this transformed space."
Design Details
2,533 square feet
3 bed/3.5 bath
Builder: SH Built
Architect: Zone 4
Cabinetry: Jensen Design
Stylist: Natalie Warady
"They wanted the home to feel elevated without being too formal.” - Matthew Tenzin, Co-Owner & Principal, Home Within by Joe McGuire Design