Interior Designer Denise LaVey Creates A Soulful, Elegant Space That Feels Like Home

This multi-season townhome turns into a young family's happy place.

3 hours ago

Linda Hayes,

Within a casual seating area, gray couches surround a custom coffee table. The wallcovering is by Flavor Paper, the wall hanging by Zieta. Pillow fabric is by Gastón y Daniela. | Photo: Chipper Hatter

Seeking the perfect location for their mountain getaway, a Miami, Florida-based family with young twin girls found just what they were looking for in the exclusive Yellowstone Club, a private residential community in Big Sky, Montana. To put a personalized spin on their new home’s decor, they hired interior designer Denise LaVey. Having worked with the family in Miami before relocating to Denver, she proved to be the perfect partner for crafting their home away from home.

“I first found out about Denise while reading an article in a home magazine and learning how she likes to meld a couples’ design aesthetic together,” the homeowner recalls. “I thought, ‘Oh, she must be so expensive if she’s in this magazine,’ but I called her anyway. She came out to Florida and has done everything for me since.”

Part rustic, part mountain chic, a passway into the living room features a Croft House Latigo console, a Kyle Bunting throw rug, Olivia Cognet pottery and French white oak flooring. | Photo: Chipper Hatter

No matter where LaVey is working, from Mexico to New York, she always establishes a clear connection to the locale as well as to the homeowners. “It’s very personal for me,” she says. ”Collaborating with the homeowners and translating their vision of the home’s interior into a soulful, elegant space that feels like home and is a part of their vision is so important.”

At 4,500 square feet, the townhome, a corner trilevel unit designed by Brechbuhler Architects in Bozeman, was still under construction when LaVey and the homeowner flew out to see it. “We walked the site, considering the views we’d like to capture, and how we’d like to orient the furniture plan when we got to that point,” LaVey says. “The space had so much potential.”

The living room is dominated by a Century Furniture sofa accented with Holly Hunt, Rogers Goffigon and Hermès throw pillows. Antler chandelier is by IronGlass Lighting. | Photo: Chipper Hatter

Shortly after LaVey and the homeowner flew to New York to start shopping for furnishings, the world shut down due to the pandemic. “After that, everything was done remotely, whether we were working with vendors in New York or Montana,” LaVey says. “Even though it was challenging, it was a fun and interesting process.” The upside? Prices were still reasonable.

As for selecting furnishings, the homeowner enjoyed participating in the project. “Her preference was for anything rich and lush—fuzzy velvet, silk, yummy flannel—as long as it was really fine fabric,” says the designer. “She likes things to look finished.”

With a view of the snowy landscape, the dining room features a custom, locally made table surrounded by custom chairs with leather Stingray fabric by Holly Hunt. A bubble chandelier sheds light. | Photo: Chipper Hatter

As for making use of the home’s best features, a sofa in the living room was positioned to embrace the warmth of a fireplace, while the dining table was set against a large picture window with forest views (snowy or sunny, depending on the season). Each bedroom captures views of the outdoors as well.

“It’s a wonderful home, and very user-friendly,” says the homeowner of LaVey’s work. “We pack the house in the winter, especially between Christmas and New Year’s, when there’ll be about 13 or 14 people in the house. The light brings energy into the overall project. It’s a very comfy, happy place.”

A delightful bunk room features custom Benjamin Moore Colonial Blue bunk beds with DownTown Company bedcovers, Woods wallpaper in Onyx/White by Cole & Son, and Schoolhouse sconces. | Photo: Chipper Hatter

The tranquil primary bedroom features wallpaper by de Gournay. A Provo Swivel chair and ottoman grouping by Kravet is paired with a custom bronze standing light. | Photo: Chipper Hatter