A working barn reimagined with luxury and intention
By Amanda Lacey
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT of luxe living for horses? Most of us probably haven’t. But a Greenwood Village homeowner wanted to provide a serene haven for her retired horses and a captivating visual statement to the surrounding neighborhood.
Bringing years of expertise and a passion for crafting unique spaces, interior designer Joei McIntire and her team (Joei McIntire Design) envisioned blending heritage with modern design for this unique project.
Crafting interiors with precision and purpose, McIntire worked alongside builder Bud Vadas and architect Todd Remington. From start to finish, the project took about a year and a half and delivered more than the client could have ever anticipated.
From the outset, McIntire aimed for an unexpected equestrian barn inspired by the English countryside. Though the client initially imagined a different approach, a single rendering proved pivotal, inviting trust in a more creative direction.
“I feel like that’s what we do best—thinking outside of the box, doing something special and unique. This barn is very memorable, all while being practical and beautiful,” McIntire says.
The project balances preservation with modern luxury. At its core, the open and airy design preserves the barn’s working identity—ensuring it remains as functional as it is visually compelling.
Situated in close dialogue with the main residence, the structure has been thoughtfully crafted to align with the home’s aesthetic, creating a seamless relationship between domestic and agricultural forms.
The barn reflects broader design sensibilities in Denver’s south suburbs.
“It’s possible to place the barn anywhere in the U.S. and have it fit into an equestrian lifestyle, but it also feels very Colorado with its mixture of plaid wallpaper, dark green cabinets, and rich brass fixtures, while also lending a nod to that equestrian classic Ralph Lauren timelessness,” McIntire says.
The barn includes custom-appointed stalls, a tack room, a feed room, and an open space with a wash stall for bathing and grooming. Serving as a multi-purpose space, every detail was carefully considered, from cabinetry and storage to marble countertops and enduring brass hardware.
The design language is carried throughout with remarkable cohesion as the plaid wallpaper extends from wall to wall and even to the ceilings in the tack room. All casings are handmade, featuring intricate hand-carved stirrups and horse bits. The high ceilings feature custom lighting, complemented by brass finials atop each stall.
The result is a compelling example of adaptive reuse at its most sophisticated–where a utilitarian structure is not merely constructed or restored but reimagined as an immersive design experience.
It stands as both a functional asset and a visual statement, offering a new example for how equestrian spaces can be elevated to reflect the same level of intention and artistry as the homes they accompany.
JOEI MCINTIRE DESIGN
720.261.2222
mcintireinteriordesign.com
