Thanks to Paint and Textiles, This Modern Traditional Denver Home Gets a Maximalist Makeover

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Kelsey Clark

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Published on May 2, 2025

When Virginia Frischkorn first laid eyes on her current Denver home, she instantly fell in love with the historic property. But after undergoing renovations to modernize the space (the home was built in 1907), the property lacked one thing: personality.

“My style is classic, but current,” she explains. “I wanted to create a space that felt like our home — a polished yet lived-in place where the kids could hang out with friends, and I could host everything from birthday parties to work gatherings.” 

As a busy mom of two and founder and CEO of Partytrick, a party planning platform, Virginia tapped Havenly lead designer and Director of Design and Content Heather Goerzen for some help.

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Modern traditional interior design

After

Modern traditional interior design

With great bones already in place, our job wasn’t to start from scratch — it was to add functionality and bring in Virginia’s chic personal style,” says Heather. “I wanted to honor the home’s classic architecture while infusing the space with color, pattern, texture, and warmth throughout.” 

The challenge? Doing it all in just 60 days’ time. “We had a fast and furious timeline, in the best way,” she adds. “Virginia had upcoming events to host, so we sourced mostly in-stock pieces and focused on high-impact changes like paint, wallpaper, and textiles.”

Ahead, see how Heather and the Havenly team brought Virginia’s charming home to life in just two short months.

But First, Functionality

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Modern traditional interior design

After

Modern traditional interior design

Pictured above: The James Bumper Sectional from Interior Define; Spruce Tree of Life Suzani Wallpaper from St. Frank; Augusta Armchair from The Citizenry

Before tackling aesthetics, Heather and Virginia decided on one major layout change: forgoing a traditional dining room in favor of a cozy den that the family would use 10-times more. “As the founder of a party planning company, Virginia absolutely loves hosting,” notes Heather. “Adding another hang out space to her home — in addition to the formal living room, kitchen, and breakfast nook — felt like a no-brainer.”

Put It In Print

Modern traditional interior design
Featuring Hollis Dining Chairs from Interior Define; throw pillows from St. Frank and The Citizenry
Modern traditional interior design
Featuring throw pillows from St. Frank and The Citizenry

And now for the fun part: playing with color, pattern, wallpaper, paint, and beyond. “We wanted each room to feel layered, lived in, and charming, so we started with the obvious: patterned window treatments and wallpaper.”

Sourcing from pattern-forward brands The Inside and St. Frank, Heather selected matching wallpaper and drapes for the kids room, evergreen curtains for the primary bedroom, moody wallpaper for the new den, and subtle animal print drapes in the formal living room.

Pattern Drenched

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Modern traditional interior design

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Modern traditional interior design

Modern traditional interior design

Pictured above: Chambray Lattice Baule Wallpaper and Curtains from St. Frank; Alpine Bed, Beni Ourain Rug, and Dhara Leather Lumbar Pillow from The Citizenry

Anchored by furniture and textile selects from Interior Define and The Citizenry, the home feels cohesive as a whole, but unique and memorable from room to room. “Each space really proves the power of textiles and color — easy, affordable updates really did the heavy lifting,” says Heather.

The Power of Color

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Modern traditional interior design

After

Modern traditional interior design

Modern traditional interior design

Pictured above: The Graham Bed from Interior Define; Esperanza Bed Blanket from The Citizenry; Teal Vines Suzani Curtains from St. Frank

Thanks to Heather’s meticulous selection of materials, colors, and patterns, even the white-walled rooms feel warm and personality-packed.

“These low-lift, high-impact design updates really allowed us to create a unique, custom home on a very quick timeline,” adds Heather. “The home now reflects the confident, vibrant energy of the woman who lives in it.” Virginia agrees, adding that “it finally feels like our home — classic but current, and tailored to how we actually live.” 

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Words by Kelsey Clark