4 min readThere are certain areas of the country with an expected vernacular. Cedar shakes on Martha’s Vineyard, Art Deco details in Miami, Federal-style brick exteriors in Virginia. In the mountains of Colorado, that typically takes the form of textural interiors, with stone, exposed beams, and the occasional mounted taxidermy. But for the architectural and design team behind Rowland+Broughton, the brief for this Aspen penthouse was something entirely different.
Engaged by a couple who had spent considerable time vacationing in the area and were looking to put down roots, founding principals John Rowland and Sarah Broughton aimed to create a personal and transportive enclave that nodded to both the surrounding mountain setting and the couple’s love of art and culture. “The client’s artistic background and vibrant cultural perspective brought an incredible energy to the project and created the foundation for a deeply collaborative creative process,” says Rowland.
The project included a comprehensive interior remodel, which the team planned out with what Broughton calls “a highly detailed, surgical-like approach,” thoughtfully reconfiguring the layout and transforming the dated interiors into a more open, contemporary environment with a refreshed material palette. “A key part of the strategy involved removing the dark alder wood typical of early-2000s Aspen homes,” explains Broughton. “All flooring was replaced with light European white oak by Arrigoni, while the existing millwork was refinished in rift-cut white oak with a custom stain, helping establish a lighter and more cohesive atmosphere throughout.”
The resulting spaces seem to effortlessly linger somewhere between art and function. A tight palette and interesting furniture profiles mimic the appeal of a metropolitan escape, while subtle nods—the flocked velvet of a sofa, the wood cabinetry in the kitchen, the weighty drapery in the guest bedroom—hint at what lies just beyond the front door. “Rooted in the belief that good design should feel both refined and artistic, the home blends the relaxed ease of a ski town with the sensibility of a contemporary gallery,” adds Rowland. “It’s curated, energetic, and effortless.”
FAST FACTS
Design and Architecture: John Rowland and Sarah Broughton, Rowland+Broughton
Stylist: Katja Greef
Location: Aspen, Colorado
The Space: A three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom penthouse across 3,080 square feet
LIVING ROOM
A fireplace feature wall was designed to highlight the owner’s art collection.
In the living room, the team’s architectural changes were quiet but significant. “We spent a significant amount of time detailing the living room’s fireplace wall to achieve the right balance between the marble hearth, clean white fireplace surround, and warm wooden shelving,” says Broughton.
Layered furniture and design pieces bring a sense of comfort, personality, and playfulness to the space, while custom window treatments softly filter the mountain light as it moves throughout the room.
DINING ROOM
Sleek red leather chairs play off the modern art hung nearby.
Though not its own dedicated space, the dining nook is poised for polished dinner parties nonetheless. The custom dining table was designed to be narrower to encourage intimate conversation and allow guests to maintain connection even while eating. “We also refined and simplified the surrounding walls to create a clean, gallery-like backdrop that allows the furniture, artwork, and overall atmosphere of the room to take center stage,” adds Rowland.
KITCHEN
Citron pendants bring a sculptural, high-energy touch.
Rather than completely reinventing the kitchen, the team approached the space strategically, with an emphasis on thoughtful reuse and refinement. “ In an effort to maintain the project’s timeline, while also taking a more environmentally conscious approach, we preserved the existing cabinet boxes, which were still in excellent condition,” explains Broughton. “We then replaced the cabinet fronts, updated the hardware, and introduced a handmade tile backsplash to completely transform the feeling of the space.”
LIBRARY
The team leaned into coziness for a room designed for leisure and inspiration.
Formally a closed-off office space, the library is now a vibrant retreat that promotes both relaxation and reinvigoration. Custom shelves house the client’s collection of art and books, while a custom red sofa invites a moment of pause.
POWDER ROOM
Playful wallpaper brings a moment of levity.
The clients’ love of color and pattern continues into the powder room, which the team used as an opportunity to create a more playful and expressive moment within the home. “Thoughtfully layered materials, artwork, and decorative details bring personality and energy to the compact space while still feeling cohesive with the overall design narrative,” adds Rowland.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
A light wood feature wall creates architectural interest.
With a focus on creating a calming and restorative environment, Rowland and Broughton kept the palette in the primary suite muted, relying instead on textures and art—including pieces by Andy Warhol—to tie together the scene. “The nightstands and lamps bring a playful pop of color that complements the artwork and adds personality to the room,” says Broughton.
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Standout marble is the showpiece of the space.
One of the more significant transformations in the home, the primary bathroom is awash in standout stone, which covers both the expansive countertop and the inset tub. “To further personalize the space, we designed custom hand-blown glass sconces, adding an artisanal layer and soft ambient light to the overall atmosphere,” says Rowland.
GUEST BEDROOM
The owner’s vintage desk and chair get pride of place.
In the guest bedroom, light oak flooring and soft white walls create a calming foundation, while a patterned bedframe and weighty drapery add a welcoming appeal. Nearby, the homeowner’s vintage desk and chair by Jean Prouvé create a dedicated workspace positioned to take advantage of the natural light.
About the Designer
Founded in Aspen in 2003 by John Rowland and Sarah Broughton, Rowland+Broughton was built on a simple premise: do fewer things, but do them completely. More than two decades later, that focus continues to define the firm’s work—from private mountain estates and boutique hotels to civic and cultural spaces designed to endure for generations.
