As the heart of the home, the kitchen needs to mature with the family. In Fort Collins, boutique renovation firm and custom home builder Forge & Bow Dwellings helped a pair of recent empty nesters embrace more space and sophistication for entertaining. “The couple are both physical therapists, so a healthy lifestyle centered around scratch cooking is important to them,” explains Forge & Bow founder Annie Obermann. “They wanted a kitchen with space for both themselves and their guests, so we opened it up, added a pantry to reduce clutter, and improved the flow to outdoor areas.”
Obermann kept the kitchen consistent with the home’s mid-century style while emphasizing a natural connection. “We wanted the space to be beautifully basic—not rustic, but casually tailored using monochromatic principles focusing on a neutral masculine,” she explains. The cabinets, painted Sherwin-Williams’ Sage Green, provide a moody backdrop that grounds the space. A reflective bronze Savoy Ribbed Field Tile backsplash from Ann Sacks adds texture and depth, while slotted upper cabinets in Quarter Sawn White Oak bring airiness and movement to the space. A mix of woods—including chestnut, oak, rosewood, teak, and walnut—adds inviting warmth. The homeowners’ existing stools and ceramics provide the finishing touches.
“The best part is that we believe this refresh will age beautifully for decades,” Obermann says. “It’s essential for us to design in harmony with the home’s original architecture, preserving its mid-century spirit and creating a timeless appeal.” With every curated, crafted detail, Forge & Bow infused this kitchen with elegance, making it both an ideal setting for intimate gatherings and a striking centerpiece of the home.
