Transforming an ’80s-era house into a contemporary masterpiece
By Lexi Reich
Photo by David Lauer
After 26 years in their previous Cherry Hills home, Fred and Wendy Boutin sought a larger space and found it in Greenwood Village. The major feature that sold them on the new house was its setting. “The house backs up to the High Line Canal with giant cottonwood trees, and we have an unlimited view of the mountains, and the nature preserve,” Fred Boutin says.
The Boutins knew from the start that the house needed significant updates. They enlisted architect and interior designer Eric Mandil of Mandil Inc. for his expertise even before purchasing the house, having been introduced to him previously. “Eric was instrumental in helping us develop a vision from the beginning,” Fred Boutin emphasizes. “The house had pretty good bones; it just needed better detail.”
So, Greenwood Village home underwent a notable transformation, shedding its outdated ’80s aesthetic for a thoughtful, clean and contemporary design. Mandil teamed up with former builder Robert Koelbel and kitchen designer Bev Adams of Interior Intuitions to complete the project that would reinvent every square inch of the property.
Originally characterized by a sunken living room, unclean lines, arches, built-in plant shelves and jumbles of soffits, the home was in desperate need of a modern update. “The house was like an adult theme park with poor detailing and even some structural issues,” Mandil recalls. The Boutins’ vision for their new home demanded a precise, tailored approach that balanced midcentury modern and Italian contemporary aesthetics.
Mandil and the team embraced the challenge, beginning with a complete gutting of the interior. Every space was reimagined, from the kitchen and bathrooms to the structural elements like the staircase and bridge. The staircase, previously leading to what Mandil described as a “drywall tunnel,” was transformed into a sculptural centerpiece that now leads to an open bridge spanning the living room. This change not only improved the visual appeal but also maximized the panoramic mountain views that initially attracted the homeowners to the property.
“We worked closely with the Boutins to streamline the existing architecture and make the house feel timeless and sophisticated,” Mandil says. This collaborative process included careful consideration of the homeowners’ art collection and existing furniture, which heavily influenced the overall design. The aim was to create a space that felt both comfortable and elegant, integrating the couple’s midcentury and European tastes.
The renovation extended beyond the interior. Mandil specified exterior paint and simplification of the details, with added decks and stairs enhancing the outdoor living spaces. “We did a major landscape overhaul,” Fred Boutin says. “We regraded the yard, added a large patio with a fire pit and built a stairway connecting the deck to the patio.”
Despite the extensive work, the project faced typical remodeling challenges. “We had to do some structural work because of the changes we wanted,” Fred Boutin recalls. “But our builder handled everything seamlessly.”
For homeowners considering a similar project, the Boutins advise focusing on the basics first. “Make sure the roof is in good shape and the building is watertight,” Wendy Boutin says. She suggests investing in the infrastructure to avoid issues later.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was its immediate impact on the Boutins’ lifestyle. The redesigned home quickly became a beloved space for entertaining, even hosting their niece’s wedding. “The house turned out well for them,” Mandil says. “They’ve entertained a lot and are very happy with how it all came together.”
The collaborative effort among the project team resulted in a home that feels current and enduring. “We can’t say enough good things about Eric,” Wendy Boutin says. “He was so good at communicating and keeping us on track. The whole team did an excellent job, and we’re just so happy with the result.”
Mandil Inc.
846 Elati St.
Denver
303.892.5805
mandilinc.com
Interior Intuitions
1776 S. Jackson St., Ste. 514
Denver
303.355.2772
interiorintuitions.com
