LAYERING A HISTORIC TUDOR: ELEVATING WHAT ALREADY EXISTS
No. 026 Entry
No. 026 is a beautiful 1920s, historic Tudor tucked away in a charming Denver neighborhood. An opportunity to work on such a project is something that creatives at Studio Thomas take seriously. It’s a chance to see how time has worked to age certain materials, and discover the layer of different styles through the decades. Great design isn’t always about reinvention. Sometimes it’s about restraint; knowing when to honor what already exists and when to quietly evolve.
In this case, the plaster walls, leaded pane windows, and original archways carved in cast stone set the stage. History has already sketched a strong first draft, now it was our job to preserve the narrative, while still elevating to meet the needs of modern living.
Working on historic homes rarely means starting over. It’s about listening to the needs of you as our client, and about paying attention to what already worked – through texture, patina, and proportion – and then gently layering in elements that deepen the experience of an environment.
THE ENTRYWAY: HONORING THE FOUNDATION
From the moment you walk in, the checkered marble flooring in No. 026, you notice it's rooted in something timeless. Much of the home’s architecture was already intact, already elegant. Our role was to complement, not compete.
We collaborated with a local artisan to design a vertical baluster railing, integrating soft oval shapes that echoed other architectural elements in the home. The decision to go with vertical lines on the railing was intentional, as those lines naturally draw the eye upward, playing with line theory to add height to the entrance. The iron railing also quietly nods to the metal-framed doors and original leaded windows. We also worked with another local artisan to replicate the existing archways, honoring the rich history the home carried. By carving new cast stone archways, we were then able to have them expertly finished by our faux painter to mirror the look of aged concrete. For us, we needed to keep the entry rooted in timeless interior architecture moments.
An asymmetrical pendant by Apparatus is hung in the entry, bringing in warmth and movement, while a modern console adds just enough contrast to ground the vignette. We also hung a Monica Cure art piece near the entry to invite a sense of depth. A stool by Global Views was placed not just for function, but to add artistry. Even the front door became a moment of thoughtful evolution. We worked closely with the contractor and introduced a design that blended modern sensibilities with the charm of the original architecture. With intentional, soulful styling, the entry became a prologue for the entire home.
“The entryway of a home is like meeting someone for the first time, you can sense the energy of home right when you walk in. It tells you everything you’ll need to know about the rest of the home.”
THE WHISKEY LOUNGE: COLOUR DRENCHED
This room came with a rich point of view – deeply hued walls and built-ins that nodded to traditionalism. Rather than neutralizing or editing them out, we chose to lean in. The deep-toned built-ins and walls set the tone. We chose to tone-match the window treatments to the room’s surrounding colour. This was a subtle way to emphasize the mood of the original leaded glass windows.
We layered intentionally. A Chesterfield leather chair was a unique find sourced specifically with this room in mind. It anchors the space with texture and time-honored presence. We designed a custom sofa to add layering, and reupholstered a petite black chair to create a balance of softness and depth. Existing artwork was reframed, further proof that transformation doesn’t always mean replacing.
“You don’t need a big space to make a big impact. The scale of the room was compact, but every piece was deliberate. Each detail added depth and personality to the room.”
THOUGHTFUL TRANSFORMATION
This project reminds us that meaningful design isn’t about more. It’s about intention. It’s about “less, but better.” It’s about adding only what brings clarity and depth. Our role is to listen. We listened to the history of the home, our client, and then thoughtfully layered with care.
We believe in the eloquence of selection, not accumulation.
And when that principle leads, a house becomes something more than beautiful. It becomes personal. It becomes a home.