Rocky Mountain Reno:
Rustic in the Rockies
The Bachelorette
favorites Ryan and Trista Sutter are taking their love of renovation to Colorado's log cabins. In this project they help soon-to-be parents find and and renovate their very own slice of the Colorado Mountains. Check out the finished renovation.
By:
David L. Haynes
Downstairs Lounge Area, AFTER
Ryan and Trista Sutter helped a young couple renovate this cabin in Minturn, Colorado -- a small community between the ski towns of Vail and Beaver Creek. Ryan and Trista's clients, David and Rachel, were in search of a home located in the Vail Valley that had a rustic feel and took advantage of having the Colorado mountains right in their backyard.
Living and Dining Room, AFTER
The renovated downstairs made use of an open floor plan that now includes this combined dining area and livng room with exposed wood beams, wood-burning stove and plenty of windows.
Downstairs Flex Room, AFTER
The clients were looking for a house with at least two bedrooms and two baths. Their budget was $375,000.
Kitchen, AFTER
For the renovation, the clients' desire was to strike a balance between mountain-rustic and modern.
Kitchen, AFTER
Trista's design plan took inspiration from the outdoor surroundings, deliberately bringing colors and themes of the natural surroundings indoors. A muted but rich blue was key in the color palette and reflective of the clear blue Colorado skies.
Upstairs Bath, AFTER
Textures incorporated into the overall design included natural wood, grass and stone.
New Nursery, AFTER
An upstairs bedroom was converted into this nursery, a welcome addition since David and Rachel were expecting a new baby.
North Side Exterior, BEFORE
Of the three houses that Ryan and Trista showed the clients, this one in Minturn was deemed the "ugly duckling" -- with rundown exterior, lots of junk in the yard and an interior that brought the term 'frat house' to mind. The location, however, offered convenience as well as surroundings with some amazing views.
Downstairs Flex Room, BEFORE
The clients budget was $375,000. For this cabin they were able to negotiate a purchase price of $325,000, leaving $50,000 for improvements. Ryan estimated that the $50,000 spent on renovation could well add around $100,000 equity to the house.
Downstairs Flex Room, AFTER
Once all the reconfiguring was done, the downstairs had ample space to include this multipurpose flex room adjacent to the living room and entryway.
Downstairs Flex Room, AFTER
Downstairs Flex Room, AFTER
The flex room has double glass doors that open onto the backyard and provide an impressive outdoor view.
Downstairs Flex Room, Detail
BEFORE
The home's original front entry had been boarded up and a separate side door was being used as the primary entrance.
AFTER
With the original front entryway restored, a portion of wall and old wood bannisters were removed and the stairs were given this modern, open treatment to help unify the downstairs spaces.
Kitchen, BEFORE
Little in the existing kitchen was deemed worthy of saving. These dated appliances, cabinets and countertops would be replaced, the tile flooring converted to hardwood and the drop ceiling removed.
Kitchen, AFTER
The redesign includes sleek, modern cabinetry, blue tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.
Kitchen, AFTER
The kitchen is now opened up and reconfigured into an enlarged and more efficient galley-style layout.
Kitchen, BEFORE
Kitchen, AFTER
Other new additions include a new kitchen island, stainless range hood, twin pendant lights and recessed accent lighting. The old drop ceiling has been replaced with natural wood planks.
Kitchen, AFTER
The new island features a top that's stain and scorch resistant, and a butcher block extension.
Mudroom, AFTER
Just off of the kitchen is a sizable mudroom with double glass doors for plenty of natural light.
Mudroom, AFTER
Living Room, BEFORE
Living Room, AFTER
Living Room, AFTER
Living Room, AFTER, Detail
Dining Room, AFTER
Lounge Seating Area, AFTER
Upstairs Bedroom, BEFORE
Prior to the renovation, the upstairs bedrooms were strictly no-frills and "lived in."
Upstairs Bedroom, AFTER
The renovated master bedroom has vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and natural wood doors. As new homeowner Rachel says, it now has the feel of a room in a boutique mountain resort.
Upstairs Bedroom, AFTER
Upstairs Bedroom, BEFORE
Upstairs Bedroom, Converted to Nursery
New Nursery, AFTER
New Nursery, AFTER
Upstairs Bath, BEFORE
The upstairs bath was dated and worn. It did, however, come with a vintage clawfoot tub that would be reconditioned and repurposed.
Upstairs Bath, AFTER
Upstairs Bath, AFTER
Gone is the duck-print wallpaper, and this upstairs bath has been completely transformed with new glass shower and ornate tile floors. The claw-foot tub was restored with tub filler and relocated beneath the window to take advantage of the view and natural light.
