Ever since photographer and professional wanderer Kelly Lund picked up his pup Loki the Wolfdog in 2012, the two have been inseparable outdoor adventure buddies. From backcountry snowboarding when Loki was just four months old to traveling around the American West, the mini pack embraces the open road in signature stride. When they’re not kayaking, hiking, or running on the beach, they’re recuperating in Kelly’s 1960s ranch-style tract home in Denver.
The duo’s favorite place in the house is “the lodge,” a living room addition in the back whose rustic cabin vibes convinced Kelly to purchase the property and whose perpetually chilly temperature won over Loki. Its wood paneled walls, retro cast iron stove, and abundance of windows offer undeniable charm, but up until recently, Kelly struggled to functionally furnish the long, narrow space.
Designing Colorado Hygge
Kelly knew he needed an expert to help the lodge reach its full potential, so he enlisted Havenly managing editor Heather Goerzen. She channeled a mountain modern aesthetic that blends the intrepid Colorado spirit with Scandinavian hygge, strikes a balance between contemporary and traditional, and utilizes pet-friendly decor. “We had to make sure it was equal parts man cave and wolf den,” she explains.
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Defining Contrast
To offset the warmth of the 360-degree wood, Heather chose a high-contrast palette of ivory and matte black. She scouted the CB2 black drum coffee table (Kelly’s favorite piece) to pop against the light-colored Moroccan motif rug, while a creamy throw pillow makes a statement atop a Pottery Barn woven black leather accent chair. “It’s the juxtaposition that makes this space sing,” describes Heather.
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Getting Cozy
Cozy textures were also a priority for Goerzen, who selected a sink-right-in sofa that frequently hosts Loki’s naps while Lund reads beside him. Playful Mongolian fur stools, chunky knit throws, and plush pillows contribute to the cabin-inspired allure. At the same time, Goerzen added a modern edge with sculptural pieces like the breakfast nook’s pedestal dining table and bench seating with clever storage to stash hiking boots and other gear.
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The result is a soulful oasis designed to welcome Lund and Loki back from their escapades, perpetually evoking the mountain ethos even as they retreat to the city. “It’s been over a year and it only gets better with time,” Lund reflects. That’s exactly what we were going for.
Fast Five with Kelly and Loki
Define your style in three words? Modern, gritty, ethereal.
Three things Loki can’t live without? His time outdoors, sleeping on the couch, and ice cream.
Weirdest thing we might find hidden in your sofa cushions? Haha probably a dog toy, not from Loki because he doesn’t care much for toys, but from other foster dogs that we have had.
Last book you read here? A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino.
Last cocktail you made here? Tequila soda.
If there’s one thing Loki taught us, it’s that wanderlust souls deserve a cozy and welcoming spot to come home to post adventures. Work with an interior designer to create your own stylish retreat, beginning with our style quiz.