Project: Arias Residence

Owner: Martha Arias (303) 582-4282
Architect/Interior Designer: VaST architecture (303) 442-3700
Builder: MOD - modern organic dwellings (303) 332-4083
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Built: Aug 2007 to Feb. 2008
Size: 1,600 living space upstairs (remodeled)
Bedrooms: 2 (upstairs)
Bathrooms: 2 (upstairs)

Total Project Cost: $150,000

Proposed Title:“from OFF THE MARK to ON THE SPOT”

A sleek, modern re-design for a standard 1968 split-level is easy if you’ve got a great team. The Arias Residence is proof that a home can be totally transformed with a little determination and a big vision—even on a tight budget.

Martha Arias, and her then husband Steve Moffett, knew from the beginning that they wanted something fresh and modern and approached their budget as an opportunity to be creative rather than a roadblock to updating their house. This meant shopping for appliances with a modern flare on eBay and going to several scratch and dent sales. VaST architecture in Boulder, Colorado was the perfect design firm to help them reach their goal. The principals of VaST love the idea of using conventional methods and materials in an un-conventional way.

The owners wanted clean lines and open areas to dictate the spaces and Martha took inspiration from Dwell, Metropolitan Home and the Ikea catalogue. Perhaps one of the most interesting and surprising choices was to turn the third bedroom, next to the master, into a walk-in closet/laundry—Every woman should be so lucky.

The kitchen and living room area was the most dramatic renovation. A wall between the kitchen and living room was removed and the brick fireplace dismantled. Opening up the wall between the living room and kitchen provides a continuos flow. The new free-standing stainless steel gas fireplace with black reflective fire glass (way cooler than those fake logs) and the stainless and oak kitchen say cool sophistication.

The kitchen is outfitted with Ikea cabinets which are very economical allowing for the owners to spend more money on other items like a steam shower and new custom steel handrails. A wine refrigerator, a stacking oven unit with warming shelf, Electolux induction cook top, and wood countertops from Ikea are included in this inexpensive yet lavish kitchen.

Throughout the home the color palette is dominated with neutral colors such as white and different tones of gray (to match Martha’s fabulous hair) with splashes of color to emphasize her style and sophistication.

QUOTES
“Martha has really great taste and selected some nice light fixtures like the Supernova over the entry, and the George Kovacs aluminum drum dining light.” -- Brandy LeMae

“Oh, my. I love the kitchen, very spacious and open.  I do super like my closet/laundry room, that's the envy of quite a few friends and neighbors, too.” -- Martha Arias

“I loved the creativity and helpful suggestions from VasT and MOD. This was my first remodel and I'm not afraid to do it again.” -- Martha Arias

NOTES
removed fireplace to open entry way
Ikea cabinets
rubber flooring
new fireplace
appliances through ebay / scratch and dent sales
converted a bedroom closet into laundry/closet
bathrooms- added steam shower to master bedroom

ABOUT VaST
VaST offers architecture, site planning, interior, space planning, LEED consulting, landscape and signage design services for commercial and residential clients. Our dedicated team provides the technical expertise and creative skill to help every client realize a project that melds their needs and desires. VaST’s objective is to design the most appropriate, stylish and energy-efficient project for the budget.

For additional information on VaST, contact Brandy LeMae or visit www.VaSTarchitecture.com.

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