Lighthearted Charm Boosts a 1920s Bungalow

True midcentury kitchen appliances, a darling enclosed sunporch and a spacious basement master suite helped sell this Denver couple in their residence. While their previous downtown loft had its upsides, Caylin Engle and Colin Scott yearned for more space than they had in their 800-square-foot loft. This 1926 bungalow doubles their square footage and has original charm to boot. “Coming out of a tiny loft made us appreciate every square inch of this home,” Engle says. “It totally changed the way we live.”

in a Glance
Who lives here: Collin Scott, Caylin Engle and their Yorkshire terrier, Gigi
Location: The Highlands, Denver
Size: 1,660 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths

Lauren Mikus

The cheerful open living area is obtained through an enclosed sunporch. “It was so much fun to see our furniture take on a brand new life in our new home,” says Engle. “It felt like we started with a fresh slate. We had spent a lot time picturing ourselves in this home which it took no time at all to feel comfortable.”

Shelves: CB2; coffee table: Tyne, Room and Board; cushion: Sweater Knit Pillow Cover, West Elm; couch: Reese, Slifer Designs, Cherry Creek, CO; carpeting: Frontier by Surya, Slifer Designs

Lauren Mikus

When it’s warm out, Engle and Scott enjoy their enclosed sunporch. Scott scored this classic bench out of an antiques store and weathered it orange.

Lauren Mikus

The spacious living space expands to a light and leisurely casual dining room. The hardwood floors and doors are original to the home. “Our design is a little contemporary and retro. We’ve got fun filling our home with pieces that we find at nearby antique shops, and mix them in with our existing pieces,” says Engle.

Tray: West Elm; chair: Poang, Ikea; pendant: Maskros, Ikea; cushion: Lappljung Ruta, Ikea

Lauren Mikus

The compact kitchen created a strong first impression on the bunch. A wall opposite the sink adorned with colorful accessories and art reflects Engle’s love for baking. A rolling cart provides flexible prep space. The kitchen was updated in the 1950s using Geneva aluminum cabinets, a Roper cooktop and a Thor wall-mounted oven, all in perfect working condition.

“We fell in love with all our midcentury modern kitchen and love it more every day,” Engle says. “We also love all the fun little built-in cabinets. They give each space character and functionality.”

Lauren Mikus

This opinion from the kitchen looks out to the dining area and sunporch. The framed cupcake print was a gift from the couple’s realtor.

Lauren Mikus

The guest bedroom features a classic print of Vail Village out of Yankee Trader and a framed reprint of Andy Warhol’s 10 Marilyns, 1967.

Bed: West Elm

Lauren Mikus

The guest bedroom is adjacent to the living room on the first floor, allowing for a personal master suite in the basement. The couple thoroughly appreciates the new branch between shared and personal space — a luxury they didn’t possess in their loft.

Lauren Mikus

The cozy den looks into an expansive side yard and backyard, complete with a koi pond. The couple admits to camping outside in the den for a few days after unpacking. “It is the ideal spot to have a movie marathon,” says Engle.

Coffee table: Strind, Ikea

Lauren Mikus

The basement master suite is a stairs away from the den. A grey chevron accent wall and a painted blue stag’s head pack the area with character. “We had to find the right design for the downstairs master. It was such a massive space, and we were a little overwhelmed,” Engle says. “I am certain that this space will always be a work in progress, but for today we’ve discovered a design that works.”

Bedding: DwellStudio; chevron wall: Mod Paint Works; side table: Lindved, Ikea

Lauren Mikus

The master bathroom was recently renovated by the previous homeowners. The couple loves their very first his-and-her sinks.

Lauren Mikus

There’s a laundry area in the basement, also. A chalkboard door highlights exciting strategies for 2013.

Collin Scott, Caylin Engle and Gigi hang outside in their backyard. “We’re so excited for spring and summer,” says Engle. “Collin has plans to construct a pergola, and I would like to try my hand at gardening.”

Are you currently a first-time homeowner? Share your creative space with us

See related