A FEELING OF CALM & CONTENTMENT
Feng shui is incorporated in
every area of VanGilder home
By ELLEN GRAY
Photography LINDA HANSELMAN
t takes more than bricks and mortar
to make a lovely home. In fact,
while these materials can effectively
create a house, it takes love, creativity
and commitment to turn that
house into a home that will stand the
test of time.
The Denver home of Joy and Andy
VanGilder is a true testament to the
words above. Built just two years ago,
the charming modern Mediterranean
structure beautifully blends a traditional
flavor with touches of clean, crisp architecture
and design. The home is a solid
tribute to feng shui, part of an ancient
Chinese philosophy that essentially
enables us to live in harmony with our environment. In fact, each room in the
home incorporates the discipline, resulting
in a dwelling that is infused with a
feeling of calm and contentment. From
the limestone flooring in the entry to the
glass and white stone fireplaces, this
home is breathtaking in its simple detail.
In the front right sector of the home,
just inside the entryway, is the “inspiration”
area, which incorporates travel and
religion. Within this serene setting, the
most dramatic element is a stunning
inlaid glass and white stone fireplace. A
skillful mix of contemporary and antique
furnishings provides an eclectic and
adventurous feeling to this room.
The front left sector of the home, or the “knowledge” area, houses the library and dining room. Here, walls
are covered in deep rich brown hues, and a charming desk and
comfortable chair make for an inviting setting. Gold and off-white
dining chairs blend dramatically with the modern damask curtains,
and huge French doors provide access to a plant-filled patio.
The front middle of the home, the “depth” area, showcases
a sweeping staircase set off by a custom-made swirled wrought-iron railing. Black
walnut stairs complete the
compelling effect, and the
railing casts shadows that literally
dance off the walls.
Just behind the staircase in
the middle right is the powder
room, a wonderfully appointed
room that is symbolic of
creativity and children. Here,
beaded glass wallpaper offsets
salmon-colored walls coated in a pearlized faux finish, and
framed kids’ art hangs at eye level.
On the rear left is the kitchen, an area that pays tribute to “gratitude” for family, friends, wealth and prosperity. Here,
Brazilian cherry flooring unites the kitchen and family room
areas. On the south wall of the room, a huge medallion tile
mosaic with inlaid amethyst depicts “health.” Beneath the
mosaic, a wonderful old storage piece, once a haberdasher’s
display, frames the effect.
Within the kitchen, cabinetry is focused on environmentally
friendly materials, incorporating lyptus, a fast-growing eucalyptus
hybrid considered a green element in nature. Cleverly, the ovens are located out of sight around the corner, which prevents
too much heat from filling the kitchen.
Adjacent to the kitchen, in the rear middle, is the area of the
home devoted to “integrity,” symbolized by fire. A huge fireplace
serves as the backdrop to a cozy table-and-chair arrangement.
The back right area of the home, the “romance area,”
boasts a comfortable two-piece sectional sofa covered in red chenille and punctuated with gold-toned pillows, symbolic of
two lives coming together.
One feature that bears mention is located in the center of
the home, the “earth” area. Nestled against the wall is a fountain
and small bench, framed by a mirror that more closely
resembles a piece of art. Within the mirror, two ovals are cut
out, providing an almost three-dimensional view of the foyer from the back of the home.
Upstairs, in the kids’ suite, a movable wood and tricolored
Plexiglas wall separates the playroom from the sleeping area.
The walls are painted matching colors, and the bathroom
incorporates the same hues. A pale Brazilian oak wood covers
all the floors, infusing these rooms with a feeling of lightness
and fun.
