Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Victorian, Meet Modern Bohemian
Classic details mingle with eclectic textiles and bold colors in this home in a former Colorado mining town
Like a lucky 19th-century miner searching for gold, silver or coal in the hills of Crested Butte, Colorado, homeowner Ingrid Gebavi struck pay dirt — though for her it was in a Victorian fixer-upper. Gebavi, a lover of old houses, wanted a property in the town’s historic district that needed plenty of TLC so she could restore it and make it her own. She looked to the past during the full overhaul of the house, referencing not only its Victorian origins but also the fun-loving hippie population that influenced the look of the town in the 1960s and ’70s.
AFTER: Today the exterior is bathed in a happier, brighter color palette and the new front porch looks original to the house.
Exterior paint: Ansonia Peach HC-52 (clapboard), Benjamin Moore; Buckland Blue HC-151 and Marlboro Blue HC-153 (trim), Benjamin Moore
Exterior paint: Ansonia Peach HC-52 (clapboard), Benjamin Moore; Buckland Blue HC-151 and Marlboro Blue HC-153 (trim), Benjamin Moore
Gebavi also enlisted the services of two interior designers to bring her vision to fruition. For the first phase, Carolina Fechino-Alling of Interni Design Studio assisted with the selection of finishes and designed millwork and built-in details.
Fechino-Alling also added Victorian details so the interior didn’t look brand-new. “I tried to bring as much character in the interior as there was in the existing exterior structure,” she says.
After Gebavi was able to move in, she sought out Andrea Schumacher to add her touch to the decor, focusing on wallcoverings, furnishings, lighting and window treatments. Schumacher says her approach was to create a warm, sophisticated, earthy home.
Gebavi was open to taking risks, so Schumacher combined eclectic patterns and genres that other clients might have shied away from. “She’s got guts,” Schumacher says.
“The original house didn’t have much to work with,” Fechino-Alling says, “so we had to create and give character to all the interior spaces with the use of beadboard, transom windows, paneling, coffered ceilings, which would resemble the exterior of this charming Victorian house.” She chose antique hard pine flooring throughout, as well as a beefed-up beadboard design characteristic of the area.
Here, a substantial coat area and integral shelf make efficient use of wall space at the entry.
Painted bench: CAI Designs
Fechino-Alling also added Victorian details so the interior didn’t look brand-new. “I tried to bring as much character in the interior as there was in the existing exterior structure,” she says.
After Gebavi was able to move in, she sought out Andrea Schumacher to add her touch to the decor, focusing on wallcoverings, furnishings, lighting and window treatments. Schumacher says her approach was to create a warm, sophisticated, earthy home.
Gebavi was open to taking risks, so Schumacher combined eclectic patterns and genres that other clients might have shied away from. “She’s got guts,” Schumacher says.
“The original house didn’t have much to work with,” Fechino-Alling says, “so we had to create and give character to all the interior spaces with the use of beadboard, transom windows, paneling, coffered ceilings, which would resemble the exterior of this charming Victorian house.” She chose antique hard pine flooring throughout, as well as a beefed-up beadboard design characteristic of the area.
Here, a substantial coat area and integral shelf make efficient use of wall space at the entry.
Painted bench: CAI Designs
Opposite the entryway, a new dividing wall carves out a small home office with a built-in desk and a small laundry area. The integral transom window above — one of the “historic” elements added — lets natural light spill between both spaces.
Wallpaper: Rampura in Water Blue, Schumacher and Co.; Roman shade fabric: Groundworks, Lee Jofa; beaded trim: Vervain
Wallpaper: Rampura in Water Blue, Schumacher and Co.; Roman shade fabric: Groundworks, Lee Jofa; beaded trim: Vervain
Behind the home office area, the powder room features classic fixtures and graphic cement wall tile in colors referencing the home’s exterior.
Tile: Big Dane 8x8, custom color, Clé Tile; sink: K12701-96 in Biscuit, Kohler; toilet: Memoirs Classic in Biscuit, Kohler; Brooke sconce in Aged Brass: Hudson Valley; wallcovering: Diamond Weave grasscloth in Richmond Bisque, Phillip Jeffries
Tile: Big Dane 8x8, custom color, Clé Tile; sink: K12701-96 in Biscuit, Kohler; toilet: Memoirs Classic in Biscuit, Kohler; Brooke sconce in Aged Brass: Hudson Valley; wallcovering: Diamond Weave grasscloth in Richmond Bisque, Phillip Jeffries
Past the office area and staircase, the new kitchen sits in the middle of the home and opens to the living room. Like many other elements in the house, the cabinets and island are a mixture of finishes and colors — blue, gold and stained wood in this case. The cabinets and island were ordered unfinished, painted on-site and given a classic waxed finish instead of conventional polyurethane.
Schumacher added a geometric ikat-patterned fabric to the vent hood to give its sleek stainless steel surface a bohemian vibe. She had the fabric sealed first so it could more easily be cleaned. The counter chairs are upholstered in two patterned fabrics: an earthy-hued floral on the back and a stripe on the front.
Blue cabinet paint: Spirit in the Sky 676, Benjamin Moore; gold island paint: Bryant Gold HC-7, Benjamin Moore; 24-inch gas wall oven in color 7001: Blue Star; vent hood fabric: Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Darya Ikat, Schumacher and Co.; counter chairs: Ballard Design, upholstered in Zarafshan fabric by Carleton V (back) and Portico Stripe by Rose Cummings (front)
Schumacher added a geometric ikat-patterned fabric to the vent hood to give its sleek stainless steel surface a bohemian vibe. She had the fabric sealed first so it could more easily be cleaned. The counter chairs are upholstered in two patterned fabrics: an earthy-hued floral on the back and a stripe on the front.
Blue cabinet paint: Spirit in the Sky 676, Benjamin Moore; gold island paint: Bryant Gold HC-7, Benjamin Moore; 24-inch gas wall oven in color 7001: Blue Star; vent hood fabric: Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Darya Ikat, Schumacher and Co.; counter chairs: Ballard Design, upholstered in Zarafshan fabric by Carleton V (back) and Portico Stripe by Rose Cummings (front)
Instead of conventional subway tile, a backsplash created from Pratt & Larson’s Scraffito series adds delicate, geometric texture. Popular during the Renaissance, the tile pattern is made by scratching the design into a clay surface of contrasting color instead of using a topical glaze or printed pattern.
Open shelving keeps frequently used pieces at hand and adds a casual, old-fashioned look to the kitchen.
Sink and faucet: Waterworks; pendant light: Union, Schoolhouse Electric; Tour Eiffel bracket: Anthropologie
Open shelving keeps frequently used pieces at hand and adds a casual, old-fashioned look to the kitchen.
Sink and faucet: Waterworks; pendant light: Union, Schoolhouse Electric; Tour Eiffel bracket: Anthropologie
Opposite the island, a compact dining area built into a niche mixes traditional, Asian and modern styles. The vibrant banquette upholstery fabric features an Asian-inspired hunting scene. Wegner Wishbone dining chairs and the glass bubble chandelier nod toward midcentury modern design. Gebavi already had four of the chairs and the shaggy black and white cushions. Because there was room for only three chairs, the fourth is used in the basement guest bedroom.
Banquette fabric: Hurlingham, Cowtan & Tout; chandelier: Bubbles, Solaria Lighting
Banquette fabric: Hurlingham, Cowtan & Tout; chandelier: Bubbles, Solaria Lighting
In the living room, Fechino-Alling specified a swirly-patterned Rookwood Pottery tile with an undulating edge detail to temper the heaviness of the wood stove. For the furniture layout, Schumacher optimized the tight space by fitting in enough seating without making the room feel cramped.
She chose a sumptuous custom tufted sofa in a rich paisley velvet, one armchair and a hefty ottoman, which can double as a serving surface or additional seating. Tables, like the cantilevered side table, and the faceted garden stool are small and easily movable. Gebavi already owned the slim console table underneath the back window. The TV, out of view, sits opposite the sofa.
Sofa fabric: Paisley Park, Holly Hunt; custom ottoman upholstered in Chengtudoor Emb Gold/Ivory, Lee Jofa; Eichholtz Galleria side table; antique area rug: Shaver Ramsey; wallcovering: Diamond Weave grasscloth in Richmond Bisque, Phillip Jeffries
She chose a sumptuous custom tufted sofa in a rich paisley velvet, one armchair and a hefty ottoman, which can double as a serving surface or additional seating. Tables, like the cantilevered side table, and the faceted garden stool are small and easily movable. Gebavi already owned the slim console table underneath the back window. The TV, out of view, sits opposite the sofa.
Sofa fabric: Paisley Park, Holly Hunt; custom ottoman upholstered in Chengtudoor Emb Gold/Ivory, Lee Jofa; Eichholtz Galleria side table; antique area rug: Shaver Ramsey; wallcovering: Diamond Weave grasscloth in Richmond Bisque, Phillip Jeffries
The open-frame design of the armchair appears less chunky than a fully upholstered piece. Adorned in bundled abaca rope fibers, it channels a bohemian, handmade look. The ottoman fabric is embroidered and set off with vivid turquoise piping.
Strings Attached lounge chair: Palecek
Strings Attached lounge chair: Palecek
Above the living room, the master bedroom takes on a gypsy caravan feel with a suzani-inspired fabric draped over the bed. The lines of the ceiling limited the headboard height, so Schumacher added another layer to give it the semblance of an intimate canopy.
A nubby wool rug adds warmth and texture, offset on the walls with a lightly textured grasscloth.
Canopy and decorative pillow fabric: Kaya Medallion, Schumacher and Co.; headboard fabric: Limoges, Classic Cloth; chandelier: Jacqueline, Aeria; rug: Stanton Wool Carpet
A nubby wool rug adds warmth and texture, offset on the walls with a lightly textured grasscloth.
Canopy and decorative pillow fabric: Kaya Medallion, Schumacher and Co.; headboard fabric: Limoges, Classic Cloth; chandelier: Jacqueline, Aeria; rug: Stanton Wool Carpet
Next to the bed, Schumacher had a textile from a local Asian import shop framed with leather. The doorway leads to the master bathroom.
Textile: Mabuhay (Crested Butte); mirror: Ball Chain mirror, Jamie Young
Textile: Mabuhay (Crested Butte); mirror: Ball Chain mirror, Jamie Young
The master bath, though ample in size, exudes coziness. Windows bathe the whitewashed cedar planks of the high-angled ceiling in natural light. Continuing the thread of blue — one of Gebavi’s favorite colors — the cast-iron tub was painted in Benjamin Moore’s dreamy Stratton Blue. Glass shower walls keep the room feeling open.
Tub: Kallista; tub and shower fixtures: Hansgrohe; shower tile: Ann Sacks; valance fabric: Kaya Medallion, Schumacher and Co.; French Cuff sconce: CAI Designs
Tub: Kallista; tub and shower fixtures: Hansgrohe; shower tile: Ann Sacks; valance fabric: Kaya Medallion, Schumacher and Co.; French Cuff sconce: CAI Designs
A medical table in the far corner displays favorite items, including a treasured Matisse print.
Quartz trio: CAI Designs
Quartz trio: CAI Designs
A guest bedroom at the front of the house, above the entryway and home office, has the same tongue-and-groove cedar ceiling planks as the master bathroom. The walls are cedar, but in a stronger, more linear board-and-batten style.
The Moroccan lantern and colorful, custom striped bedding hint at North African style.
Duvet fabric: Diwan, Nobilis; pillow fabric: Majorelle, Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Tangiers pendant light: Currey & Company
The Moroccan lantern and colorful, custom striped bedding hint at North African style.
Duvet fabric: Diwan, Nobilis; pillow fabric: Majorelle, Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Tangiers pendant light: Currey & Company
A third bedroom in the new basement is a riot of color and pattern. Schumacher says the design started with the eye-popping ikat coverlet that Gebavi already owned. A light blue paint on the built-ins — the same as on the kitchen cabinets — and a paisley walllpaper mix with an array of kilim pillows.
Wallpaper: Rajasthan Paisley in Jewel, Schumacher and Co.; pillows: CAI Designs; light fixture: Sunburst, Global Views
Wallpaper: Rajasthan Paisley in Jewel, Schumacher and Co.; pillows: CAI Designs; light fixture: Sunburst, Global Views
The guest bedroom with the twin beds is on the far right side of this second-floor plan, the master bathroom is in the middle, immediately left of the stairway, and the master bedroom is on the far left.
Interior design: Andrea Schumacher Interiors and Carolina Fechino-Alling of Interni Design Studio
Builder: Jim Nichols
Millwork: Van Treeck Construction
Cabinetry: Crestwood (Salina, Kansas)
Cabinetry painting: Dan Church
Cabinetry waxing: Crested Butte Faux Finishing
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Interior design: Andrea Schumacher Interiors and Carolina Fechino-Alling of Interni Design Studio
Builder: Jim Nichols
Millwork: Van Treeck Construction
Cabinetry: Crestwood (Salina, Kansas)
Cabinetry painting: Dan Church
Cabinetry waxing: Crested Butte Faux Finishing
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Ingrid Gebavi, who works in real estate development and investments. She plays classical guitar, loves to knit and enjoys Colorado’s outdoors year-round — downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Size: 2,400 square feet (223 square meters); three bedrooms, 3½ baths
Built: 1890
BEFORE: The house had long been neglected — the wood floors had deteriorated, the interior walls were sagging and there was no foundation. Despite the home’s Victorian details on the outside, there were no decorative elements in the bare-bones interior.
Gebavi met local builder James Nichols and discussed the house’s possibilities before she purchased it. The plan was to raise the house up to accommodate a new foundation and basement and completely gut and reconfigure the interior while keeping the exterior intact. Here, the house is shown during the excavation phase.