Design Ideas Inspired by Colorado and Its Unique Lifestyle
From decadent Victorian homes to minimalist modern styles, Colorado is suited to a wide variety of home designs. We’re here to walk you through the best looks on the Front Range.
Whether your home is tucked among the pine trees or deep in the heart of the city, this list will help you conquer your next custom project and embrace all that colorful Colorado has to offer.
Let’s get started!
MODERN STYLE
As Denver, Colorado Springs, and other cities along the I-25 corridor continue to skyrocket in population, more and more homeowners are opting for a sleek modern look.
The modern architectural style is bold, characterized by straight lines, sharp corners, and sweeping windows. Unlike the bright, decorative aesthetic of Victorian homes, modern designs favor neutral color palettes and asymmetrical exteriors.
The modern style is perfect for Colorado homeowners who want lots of natural light and an integrated outdoor space. Frequently, you’ll find contemporary homes that are seamlessly combined with features like pools, patios, decks, and shade structures.
If you’re hoping to revamp your outdoor living space in Colorado Springs, our outdoor renovation experts would love to brainstorm modern design ideas with you — or break ground on your dream project.
VICTORIAN STYLE
Now that we’ve explored the strengths of a clean modern design, it’s time to visit the opposite end of the spectrum: the vivid Victorian style.
Though most Victorian homes were built in the late 1800’s, they still hold their own as a staple of Colorado living today. Victorian structures are best described as romantic: their features are intricately detailed, evoking a sense of high-class charm.
If you drive through historic Denver or Colorado Springs — especially near the Broadmoor — you’ll likely notice lots of homes of this variety, with steeply pitched roofs and ornate features like stained glass windows, decorative woodwork, bay windows, and elaborate staircases.
Victorian homes are a great fit for Coloradans who love architecture that’s more traditional and is likely to hold its value for decades to come.
CRAFTSMAN STYLE
If Victorian homes are the height of opulence and modern homes are known for minimalism, Craftsman homes strike a balance between both extremes. The Craftsman style is durable and organic, with an emphasis on precise woodwork both inside and out.
Here are some features that are typical of Craftsman homes:
- Low-pitched roofs with shingles
- Wide eave overhangs
- Framed windows
- Covered front porches (often supported by tapered columns)
- Wooden interior elements (built-in shelves, seating, and fireplace mantels)
The heyday of Craftsman homes was between 1900 and 1930, but they’re making a comeback across all of Colorado. One of the greatest virtues of Craftsman houses is their versatility: they look as good on the mountainside as they do in downtown Colorado Springs
RUSTIC MOUNTAIN STYLE
Nothing says “Colorado living” quite like a mountain style home at the foot of the Rockies. Stone facades, thick beams, wooden paneling, and rock fireplaces are hallmarks of mountain style exteriors. Usually, they’re neatly integrated with Colorado’s beautiful wooded landscapes.
When you step in the front door, you’ll probably encounter cozy bedrooms, a spacious dining room, and earth-toned furniture. With plenty of room for family gatherings, this style is meant to make you feel right at home.
Yes, the rustic mountain aesthetic is “lived-in” — but that doesn’t mean it’s low-end. Some of the nicest homes in the state are built in this style. And, whether you’ve lived in a rustic mountain house your entire life or you’re just about to move in, they provide an excellent foundation for outdoor upgrades.
For our neighbors near Colorado Springs, a custom-crafted deck is one of the best ways to embrace the beautiful terrain around your mountain ho
MODERN MOUNTAIN STYLE
After reviewing the rustic mountain style, let’s spend some time exploring its contemporary counterpart: the modern mountain style. With panoramic windows, lofty ceilings, and an array of earthy exterior colors, you’re sure to notice plenty of similarities with the rustic aesthetic.
So, what makes the modern mountain style unique?
- A blend of contemporary and old-school aesthetics
- Sharp, clean lines
- Subtle wooden paneling
- Cutting-edge interiors with advanced lighting and water features
Though a mountain style home is sure to thrill any homeowner, it’s best suited to wooded areas with stunning views.
RANCH STYLE
Charming and efficient, ranch homes are designed for ease of movement. Most ranch homes feature open, single-story floor plans, an attached garage, and a low-pitched roof. Plus, with plenty of windows (and often, a sliding glass door), ranch homes ensure that you’re never far from the great outdoors.
Functionality isn’t the only benefit of the ranch style. Because of their unpretentious layout, ranch homes are an outstanding starting place for outdoor living upgrades. In collaboration with an experienced exterior contractor, you’ll have no problem renovating your ranch house with a patio, pergola, or deck.
Above all, the ranch style strives for simplicity and family-friendliness. If you’re a homeowner who hosts lots of dinner parties (or neighborhood BBQs before the Broncos game!), this style is perfect for you.
SPANISH STYLE
When you think of Spanish style homes, you probably think of California, New Mexico, or even Florida — but this light, airy style has found its way to many of the major cities in Colorado. To protect homeowners from the hotter climates, Spanish homes are designed for superb ventilation, often using stucco walls and terracotta roofs.
If you’re searching for a Spanish home in the Springs, keep an eye out for these defining features:
- Wooden support beams for ceilings, doors, and windows
- Ornamentation
- Small windows
- Domed ceilings
- Colorful tiles
- Wrought iron banisters
Another fantastic aspect of Spanish homes is that they’re beautifully integrated with the outdoor living area, often by way of a patio or courtyard! To really tie a Spanish home together (and make it a true haven from hot weather), Colorado homeowners should consider incorporating a fountain, pool, or small pond.
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE
The Mediterranean style is best thought of as the cousin of the Spanish style. Popularized in the early 1900s, both styles draw from older Spanish and Italian architecture and emphasize natural cooling in warmer climates.
However, where Spanish homes are commonly limited to one floor and modest ornamentation, Mediterranean homes usually have multi-level layouts and intricate exterior decorations.
Even though Colorado doesn’t boast a coastal climate, we do have our share of sweltering summer months. A Mediterranean home will keep you cool when the temperature rises into the upper 80s — and blend naturally with the falling snow in winter.
TUDOR STYLE
If you’ve driven through the Hilltop, Belcaro, or Montclair neighborhoods in East Denver, you’re probably well acquainted with the Tudor style. A Tudor home is easy to identify, thanks to its asymmetrical shape, steep roof, cross gables, and tall, narrow windows.
With sturdy exterior construction (often, a combination of brick, stone, and stucco), Tudor homes are equipped to withstand even the harshest of Colorado’s storms. The high-pitched roof easily sheds moisture, and most Tudor homes feature a prominent chimney accompanied by a cozy fireplace, which makes for enjoyable stormy evenings in.
Though Tudor homes look like something found in a fairytale, they’re a wonderful option for a homeowner who likes the bustle of the city.
COLONIAL STYLE
Few styles are as authentically American as Colonial homes. Dating all the way back to our nation’s founding, Colonial homes have long been a mainstay of communities across the U.S. — and Colorado cities are no exception.
In the early 1900s, Colonial Revival homes reached a peak in popularity. They’re known for their formal appearance, often incorporating symmetrical elements into their designs, including uniform windows and columns.
If you’re looking for a home design that evokes a sense of power without coming across as overly pretentious, the Colonial style is worthy of serious consideration. With some precise landscaping work, your home will be the envy of the entire neighborhood!
HOW TO START YOUR HOME DESIGN JOURNEY
Whether you’re building your dream home from scratch or enhancing your current home, Krueger Brothers Construction is here to help.
Let’s walk through the key steps you should take to make the process as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
Step 1: Envision Your Dream Home
Now that you’re an expert on popular housing styles in Colorado, it’s time to answer the million-dollar question: What does your ideal home look like? Is it a laid-back, single-story ranch house? A rustic mountain home with a premium wraparound deck? Or a sturdy and stylish Craftsman?
Imagining your dream home sets the tone for the rest of your project, whether it’s a brand-new construction or a simple renovation. If you’re in need of inspiration, don’t worry — there’s no shortage of Colorado-friendly ways to enhance your outdoor living space.
Step 2: Develop a Design Plan
With a clear vision in your head, it’s time to get into the details. This is the stage of the process where the rubber meets the road, transforming your abstract ideas into a series of achievable steps.
If you haven’t already, it’s crucial to contact a professional construction company for this phase. An experienced contractor like our team at Krueger Brothers will help you nail down the practical elements of your project: materials, dimensions, prices, and more. Getting on the same page as your contractor early on is the best way to ensure that your project turns out exactly as you were hoping.
Step 3: Customize Your Project
No two projects are the same, especially in a topographically diverse state like Colorado. For example, some features are better suited to the high-altitude areas in Summit County than the low-lying Eastern Plains. There are even major differences between building conditions in Colorado Springs and Denver!
At the end of the day, you want to achieve a balance between your unique vision and your location. The features you choose should give character to your home while complementing its surroundings.
Step 4: Review and Refine
Whether you’re working alone or with a pro, it’s rare to get everything right the first time. You’ll likely need to modify your design plan to fit within your budget and timeline. When you reach this step in the process, a professional contractor is a powerful ally to have by your side.
How Krueger Brothers Personalizes Your Project
At Krueger Brothers, we believe that outdoor living projects should be a collaboration. That’s why we:
- Schedule a pre-build meeting to go over the details of your design.
- Make careful notes to ensure that we achieve all of your key goals.
- Send frequent progress updates through our online portal.
- Transport and cut materials carefully (away from your prized landscaping!).
- Do not subcontract our work, so that all of our team members have your vision in mind.
We specialize in decks, siding, roofing, windows, and doors — and we’d love to work with you on your next project.
Start Your Design Journey With Krueger Brothers Construction
From day one, our top priority is making your vision for outdoor living a reality. Whether your house has a modern vibe or a more traditional aesthetic, we’ll work alongside you to guarantee that your project complements your exact location and lifestyle.
Together, let’s bring your dream home to life.
Last Modified on 09 June 2023
