Some homes lean so heavily on their history they feel stuck in time. Others chase modernity so hard they forget their roots. This one, designed by Boulder-based Emily Tucker, manages to pull off both: rooted in tradition with a contemporary edge. “That balance was very much by design,” Emily says. “I always begin by imagining how life will unfold in a space, the rhythms of a morning, the way light moves through the rooms, because when a home truly serves the people who live in it, it naturally feels fresh and alive.”
Classic forms anchor the interiors—a pair of vintage club chairs here, a sturdy wood dining table there. Sleeker silhouettes add spark. “Together, they create a quiet conversation between past and present,” Emily explains. “A look that feels timeless yet full of energy.”
Color became its own lively dialogue. One homeowner loved deep, saturated hues while the other preferred calming neutrals. The compromise? A palette that shifts from serene to dramatic depending on the room. Think soft, tonal bedrooms upstairs and a moody inky-blue den downstairs. “The magic came from finding harmony together,” Emily says. “That mix of light and dark, quiet and dramatic, gives the home its rhythm.”
Shapes carry weight too. Curved sofas and sculptural coffee tables soften the architecture and create flow. “Form played a starring role,” Emily notes. “It elevates the room so it feels intentional and refined, while still inviting you to sit down and stay awhile.”
Layered textiles like bouclé and velvet keep things grounded, and florals mingle without overwhelming. “Texture is what breathes life into a room,” she says. “Enough variation to keep it interesting, but never so much that it feels chaotic.”
The client’s art collection guided the design as well. In the dining room, colorful Miró prints set the tone, while furniture and lighting play backup. “It comes down to rhythm and restraint,” Emily says. “Let one or two standout works take the lead and keep the surrounding elements subtle.”
The result is a home that feels classic and contemporary, calm and spirited. Proof that the best design is not about choosing one lane but knowing how to merge gracefully.
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