lifestyle magazine

As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Kitchen Chronicles

 

From 1920 Time Capsule to Cozy Culinary Haven
with West + Main Agent Angela Spangler

“We loved the charm of the home, but it just wasn’t functional,” Angela shares. “Now, it fits our lifestyle perfectly—cooking, entertaining, and cozying up on snowy days.”
— Angela Spangler

When W+M agent Angela Spangler and her partner, Nick, took on their 1920 home, they weren’t just renovating—they were uncovering history. What started as a pandemic project for Nick in 2020 turned into nearly five years of trial, error, and a whole lot of YouTube tutorials. Now, at 99% completion, their kitchen is the crowning jewel of their DIY adventure.

“We loved the charm of the home, but it just wasn’t functional,” Angela shares. “Now, it fits our lifestyle perfectly—cooking, entertaining, and cozying up on snowy days.”

This wasn’t just a cabinet swap. Before the kitchen transformation could even begin, they tackled plumbing, electrical, and structural fixes—bumping the difficulty scale to an 8 out of 10. Their biggest surprise? The original insulation was newspaper from December 1920, offering a peek into the past before they vaulted the ceilings and added skylights. “We hadn’t even considered it until after the asbestos abatement, but once we saw the potential, we couldn’t resist.”

The DIY Details: Nearly every inch of the space was a hands-on effort, from the custom-built floating shelves to the dining nook made from a live-edge walnut slab. Their boldest design choice? The deep green island, a perfect contrast to the warm wood tones and quartz countertops. “For once, this project didn’t hit us with any jaw-dropping disasters,” Nick jokes. 

Lessons from the Remodel Trenches: Nick, a seasoned DIYer, offers some wisdom: “Add 20% to your budget, increase your timeline by 30%, and always use the right tools—unless you want to stare at your mistakes daily.”

The Finished Space: With triple the storage, a pot filler for convenience, and a space designed for gathering, their kitchen is now both beautiful and functional. “This is exactly what I envisioned—well, minus the vaulted ceiling. That was a happy accident,” Angela laughs.

As for what’s next? Nick’s love for renovation has turned into a business—Kozee Home Improvements LLC—so the projects are far from over. But for now, they’re finally kicking back and enjoying the home they built, one unexpected twist at a time.

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: A Groovy Getaway

 

A Vintage Condo Revival with West + Main Agent Cindy Hall

“I’ve always had a love for design elements that elicit a certain feeling,” she says. “The goal was to blend that cozy ski chalet vibe with modern touches—a funky, retro blast from the past.”
— Cindy Hall

When W+M agent Cindy Hall stumbled across a dated studio condo in Dillon, Colorado, she saw more than old cabinets and mirrored walls—she saw potential. “I’ve always had a love for design elements that elicit a certain feeling,” she says. “The goal was to blend that cozy ski chalet vibe with modern touches—a funky, retro blast from the past.”

What followed was a bold, budget-conscious renovation that turned a tired unit into a vibrant and rentable gem affectionately dubbed The Bob Dillon. With just over $12K (and plenty of late nights), this glow-up proves that with creativity, strategy, and a little help from handy friends, big change doesn’t have to mean a big budget.

“I found this project to be really approachable,” she shares. “Some paint, some vision, and a few extra trips to the hardware store can go a long way.” The kitchen showcases original vintage charm—like the sunny yellow countertops and existing tile, now refreshed with paint—blended seamlessly with bold new touches. Think playful furniture, peel-and-stick backsplash, and a statement ceiling in Jade Romanesque green that ties it all together in a groovy new era.

Rather than demoing dated features, she leaned into their charm. “Even the bathroom tile isn’t new—it’s just painted!” And the floor-to-ceiling mirrors? They reflect Lake Dillon from the bed. “That could’ve been missed if I hadn’t lived in the space for a bit.”

When asked what she loves most about the finished product, she lights up: “The reaction of friends and guests who visit The Bob Dillon. It’s more appreciated than I ever imagined.”

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Mid-Century Gem

 

W+M agent, Pam Catania’s clients

They painted the walls white (they were pinks and oranges), put in black fixtures, and subtled down the southwestern to sell it.”
— Pam Catania

After nearly 30 years, W+M agent Pam Catania’s clients decided it was time to give their beloved home a fresh look before putting it on the market. Their impeccable taste— refined over decades—leans towards classic mid-century design, perfectly complementing the home’s original architecture.

When they first bought the property, it had a heavy southwestern influence, with pinks, oranges, and adobe accents throughout. To modernize the space, they painted the walls white and added sleek black fixtures, toning down the bold color palette while leaving the striking adobe fireplace and flagstone floors intact. The wooden beams which span the ceiling were also preserved, maintaining the home’s character. The master bath saw a big transformation, moving from 1980's pink and teal to a more modern aesthetic.

Pam suggested these updates to appeal to today’s buyers, and within a few months, the home was ready to shine. The layout features the primary bedroom on one side of the house, with secondary bedrooms thoughtfully placed on the other, providing both privacy and functionality.

As owners of a custom cabinetry and countertop business, the couple’s attention to detail is evident throughout, with handcrafted cabinetry and woodwork adding a personal touch throughout the home.

The property also includes a charming ADU that’s been part of the home from the start.

Situated in a coveted neighborhood that is known for its custom-built homes on spacious lots, this 3,200 sqft gem offers the perfect blend of mid-century charm and modern updates—all on one floor.

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Home Gym Goals

 

W+M agent, Kate Kazell’s client, Melanie Phillips

Fitness has been a huge part of my life for the past decade, and the way I’ve worked out has evolved. After moving across the country to Denver, my husband and I finally had the room to create our own home gym.
— Melanie Phillips

For W+M agent, Kate Kazell’s client, Melanie Phillips, fitness has been more than just a passion- it’s a lifestyle. Known for her blog, @headstandsandheels, Melanie shares, “Fitness has been a huge part of my life for the past decade, and the way I’ve worked out has evolved. After moving across the country to Denver, my husband and I finally had the room to create our own home gym.”

The couple transformed an alcove in their finished basement into a stylish yet functional workout space. “We wanted the gym to be chic but also practical. We added brick wallpaper on the main wall, a large mirror, shelving for storage, fun neon lighting, and foam floor tiles.” The layout has four workout zones: floor exercises (yoga, Pilates), weightlifting, and two types of cardiowith a Peloton bike and treadmill.

The key to their home gym’s success is organization. “Once everything has a home, it makes the space functional for a variety of workouts.” Melanie advises starting with basics like dumbbells, a yoga mat, a mirror, and a bench, adding more equipment over time

With colder months ahead, the home gym becomes an even more essential part of Melanie’s routine. “We use our home gym most in winter. When it’s too cold to go outside, it’s great to have a space to work out at home.”

As someone who gets bored with the same routine, she keeps things interesting by alternating between online classes including, Sculpt Society, Form, and Peloton. The flexibility to switch between spin, strength training, and low-impact workouts has been especially important during her pregnancy.

Melanie's home gym reflects her fitness journey and lifestyle, offering the perfect space to sweat, stretch, and stay motivated.

 

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Vintage Vibe to Inspired Design

 

West + Main agent Jessie Matteson

We fell in love with the vision of what the space could be
— Jessie Matteson

When West + Main Agent Jessie Matteson and her family bought their off-market home two years ago, they saw potential where others might have seen only orange shag carpeting, outdated windows, and mechanicals begging for an upgrade. But instead of being overwhelmed, Jesse and her family dove headfirst into what would become a major labor of love.

“We fell in love with the vision of what the space could be,”

says Jesse, who didn't shy away from doing much of the work herself. In fact, the family tackled the entire demo by hand. With the help of her handy father-in-law and dad, the Mattesons opened up the main level, knocking down walls to create a kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining.

“We wanted a space that felt warm and inviting,” Jessie explains. “We went big with the kitchen island to make it a spot for friends and family to gather. It’s the main hangout spot in our home, so we made sure it was both pretty and practical.” The kitchen, with its massive island, quickly became the heart of the house. “We spend a lot of time around that island, whether it's hosting, working from home, or just living life.”

One of Jessie’s favorite features is the flooring, which was lovingly laid by her husband. “It adds such a cozy feel to the whole house,” she says, reflecting on the warmth and comfort it brings to the space.

The remodel also boasts a custom railing, adding a playful transition from the kitchen to the lower-level living room. And though the basement still awaits its full makeover, Jessie says, “The main floor is mostly finished, and it feels so good to see our hard work finally pay off.”

Remarkably, the family didn’t work with an architect or designer for the project. Instead, inspiration came from nearby neighbors who had tackled similar renovations.

“Once we saw that what we were thinking was possible, I started designing the kitchen layout myself,” Jessie explains.

As foster parents, they wanted flexible, cozy spaces that could evolve with each child. “We used furniture that was my grandmother’s and some refinished pieces my mom redid. A mix of new and old makes a space feel cozy and lived in.”

Renovations, of course, come with their share of challenges. But for Jessie, the highlight was working alongside her dad and father-in-law. “It’s the third home renovation we’ve done, and I love the extra time I get to spend with them. There’s a lot of problem-solving and brainstorming – it’s always fun, though sometimes stressful!”

As for advice for others thinking of doing their own remodel? “Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. For design, don’t overthink it. Often, the first thing that catches your eye is what you’ll come back to. And know your limits—it’s important to hire out when you need to.”

For Jessie, the remodel has been more than just an aesthetic transformation. “This house has been a real labor of love,” she says. And with the warmth and care woven into every detail, it’s easy to see why.

 

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