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A COLORFUL FAMILY HAVEN WORDS BY BETSY MARR | INTERIOR DESIGN : JESS KNAUF | PHOTOS: SUSIE BRENNER | STYLING: NATALIE WARADY They say you attract what you exude, and for Denver-based designer Jess Knauf, this certainly rang true with clients Andy and Erin Miller. Knauf, known for her undeniably east coast aesthetic, realized instantly that she and the Millers were a match made in design heaven. The couple both attended college on the east coast before settling in Denver, inspiring a classic design sensibility. When the perfect Denver home hit the market, the Millers snapped it up knowing that it was the ideal space to create a family home with east coast influences. With Knauf’s help, the homeowners took an already beautifully renovated historic brick home and gave it their own brand of classic, colorful charm. Because the home was essentially a new build with historic bones, the homeowners were able to solely focus on furnishings and décor, avoiding the headaches that so often accompany construction. “The previous owners shared a similar aesthetic, so many of the existing finishes and even some of the window coverings remained intact. We had a beautiful canvas from which to work,” Knauf explains. For the homeowners, creating a space that was beautiful yet functional for their young family was paramount. “The family is traditional with a twist. I would describe their style as fresh. Classic, but not stuffy,” Knauf explains. For Knauf, the emphasis was on procuring furniture, lighting, and décor that aligned with the home’s classic design elements. “With two little ones at home (ages 4 and 7), we focused on selecting furniture and fabrics that are as lifestyle-proof as possible,” Knauf reveals. Yet kidfriendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or quality. In fact, for Knauf it is just the opposite. “We didn’t want to dumb anything down just because they have kids, so we focused on high quality performance upholstery as the foundation of most rooms.”