The Lady Lair
Real talk: Mid-century Modern design isn’t our absolute favourite. We said what we said! But, a great set of mid-century bones infused with transitional design + décor: our love language! When a home leans too heavily into one genre, spaces begin to feel more themed and less lived in. In this home, more specifically its creative owner and our VIP-client, had us instantly intrigued by the challenge of incorporating our transitional, textured aesthetic into a MCM frame. Our north star quickly became three words: elevated, tonal, textural.
Being our very first inquiry after launching STORY Design Co, this client and her home will always hold a sentimental spot in our hearts. Fast forward 3 years later, she’s a repeat client which is both affirming + gratifying to be invited back for another chapter of someone’s life and trusted once again to shape how they live within their home. This time, the story evolved into a love story. The “Lady Lair” was no longer just for one. Enter a new main character: the fiancé!
A man confident enough to fully embrace his lady’s love for design, details, colour, vintage finds, and the idea that blush pinks and androgynous influences can beautifully coexist. Together, they challenged the myth that MCM design = equals minimal. The home became layered, soulful, playful, and deeply personal. The ensuite became Phase Two’s defining moment. We gutted the space and leaned into two core influences during our material research: mountain-inspired tones + natural materials, being in Denver, and a masculine (one may even say burly!) edge. That exploration led us to a scalloped evergreen tile that seemingly broke the internet’s tile-loving community, a rich burl-wood vanity, and an all-in decision to carry a secondary wall tile beyond the shower and floor-to-ceiling throughout the bathroom.
Being true to its form, this proper 1500 SF MCM home may be small, but its design packs an undeniable punch. What began as the “Lady Lair” quietly evolved into something even better: Layered Luxury For Two.
Photography by SierraAnn Photography