(Homeowner Bill Helms with two of his grandchildren, Helen and Sallie.)

Bill enlisted Lindsey Jamison and Leslie Dapper of Rumor Design to rework the spaces and update the overall aesthetic, with Billy Texter and Texter Mountain Construction for the building work. “We started with the bare bones to see what we could keep and luckily we were able to retain all the wood in the windows, trim and doors, which can get very expensive,” Leslie says.  

Yellow stained walls throughout were revamped with fresh paint or textured wallpaper.  Carpet in the main living area was removed and mismatched wood stains on the surrounding flooring and trim were refinished and unified in tone.  

(Stains on the wood flooring and trim were sanded down and refinished to unify the living space. A dated solid wood balustrade was modernized with custom metal detail, yellowing walls were repainted white, and the fireplace was extended and refinished in black marble and buff stone.)

An obtrusive cabinet wall between the living and dining areas was removed. A pitched ceiling felt cavernous, and the Rumor team created an anchor point by extending a small fireplace into a feature using black marble and buff flagstone.  

Dated wood railings flanking the staircase and an open-plan balcony on the upper level were redone, using a blend of sleek horizontal metal work while keeping the existing vertical timber posts. “We wanted to keep the mountain feel, but give it a very modern edge,” Lindsey says.  

(A former laundry closet and powder room were replaced with a wet bar. Green tones in the tile backsplash complement the hue of the adjacent kitchen. )

Solid oak kitchen cabinets were saved and painted in the color Olympic Range by Sherman Williams, then finished with gold hardware. A fun geometric tile backsplash adds a playful touch and complements the tones in white quartz countertop chosen for the rectangular island.  

An adjacent powder room and laundry closet were replaced with a wet bar and styled in similar rich tones to the kitchen. A new laundry room was created along with an updated mechanical room.  

(The lowest level of the property underwent a major refit to include a bunkroom with custom-built cabinetry for storage and a spot to display books and fun finds.)

The lowest level of the home was completely refurbished with a new bathroom and bunk room added with built-in custom cabinets and shelves. A further bathroom renovation in the primary suite replaced a 1970s-style sunken bath with a free-standing tub and oversized walk-in shower.  

(“First Snow,” by local photographer Jace Romick, brings a taste of the West to the textured wall in a favorite reading nook.)

Changes were made to the lighting throughout the home to complement the midcentury modern furnishings and stylish accessories. “We were able to completely transform the house without having to gut it,” Leslie says, “and give the family a great base for their gatherings in the mountains.”