Blend

R+B approached this downtown Aspen penthouse renovation as an exercise in uncovering the home beneath the heavy alder millwork and dark finishes typical of early-2000s mountain interiors. Designed for a pair of art collectors and avid skiers, the penthouse was reimagined as a bright, layered retreat — bold and eclectic, yet grounded by a clean architectural framework that allows the owners’ collection and lifestyle to take center stage.

The transformation began with a complete material reset. Dark flooring was replaced with light European white oak by Arrigoni, while existing millwork was refinished in rift-cut white oak with a custom stain, shifting the atmosphere from enclosed to open and contemporary. Strategic architectural interventions improved flow and functionality throughout: the mudroom was reconfigured to incorporate the powder room, and an underutilized indent near the kitchen was squared off to create a new sitting area lined with custom bookshelves.

In the living and dining spaces, the design balances warmth, restraint, and personality. Custom sofas, restored French club chairs, sculptural furnishings, and layered textiles create an environment that feels collected rather than decorated. A new fireplace wall with flanking shelving, integrated television, and marble hearth anchors the living room, adding architectural presence and warmth without competing with the art. Custom bath sconces designed specifically for the project extend the same level of detail into quieter moments throughout the home.

The kitchen continues the lighter palette with refinished white oak cabinetry, white-painted uppers, and handmade tile by Made a Mano that introduces texture and subtle color. Throughout the penthouse, simplified detailing, new lighting, and a restrained material palette create a cohesive environment rather than a series of renovated rooms.

The primary suite and guest rooms follow the same philosophy: light oak floors, soft white walls, and custom furnishings layered with color and pattern. The primary suite was reconfigured to accommodate a new closet, while the bath was fully reimagined within the refreshed palette. One of the home’s most playful moments appears here as well, with Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper introducing an unexpected note of warmth and character.

Throughout, the architecture intentionally steps back, creating a calm, luminous backdrop for the owners’ art collection and life in the mountains. The result is a home that feels both elevated and effortless — equally suited to entertaining, quiet retreat, or returning to after a day on the slopes.