Forward Thinking

Author:Lindsey Shook

Bunsa Studio infuses an Aspen retreat with modern mountain style

In the serene foothills of Aspen, where the sun kisses the peaks and the leaves of the Aspen trees sparkle, a remarkable transformation of a spacious 5,000-square-foot home was sparked by a desire for a warm, inviting space where family and friends could gather. The homeowners, friends of another client who had previously worked with designer Jennifer Bunsa of Bunsa Studio, approached the project with clear goals. They envisioned a home that felt dynamic and artistic but also a comfortable place where both their family and friends felt welcome year round.

The original layout, with its vast open spaces and limited bedrooms, posed a challenge. “We worked a lot on the layout, specifically the lower level, to add a bedroom and bathroom and rationalize the floor plan a bit more,” says Bunsa. “Previously, it was a big open space with only two bedrooms; however, we were able to add three kids’ rooms, a study, a media room and a guest room without it feeling cramped.”

Bunsa and her team—who are based in Miami but work throughout California, New York and more—worked closely with Zone 4 Architects and Rudd Construction to bring their clients’ vision to life. “The success of working remotely depends heavily on the local teams on the ground,” Bunsa remarks. “We had the pleasure of working with a top-tier local general contractor and architect who participated in weekly Zoom meetings. The hardest part, of course, was not being able to visit the site as regularly as I would like, but since we had such good communication this wasn’t as much of a challenge as it could have been.”

Through thoughtful planning, they expanded the existing living room, dining room and kitchen while maintaining small areas for individual entertainment. “One of our main goals was to open up the main spaces to the views and let in as much natural light as possible,” she says. “We worked really hard to make the breakfast nook that was previously an enclosed pantry happen.” It not only carved out more space for casual dining and family gatherings but also floods the kitchen with the omnipresent Colorado skies. Bunsa remarks, “I love how it turned out as a moment of color and pattern in a very serene and neutral kitchen.”

The overall design direction embraces a refreshing mountain modernity—a departure from the more traditional rustic aesthetic often seen in an Aspen home. Bunsa remained true to her style by effortlessly infusing vintage and modern lighting, decorative ceramics, contemporary art, vibrant stone and tile and textiles that imbue hues from the natural world just outside.

As the project neared completion, the clients, who hailed from Miami, were eager to see their dream mountain retreat. Having been thoroughly involved throughout the process, the final installation of furniture wasn’t a grand reveal but rather a joyful affirmation of their dreams. When they stepped into their newly renovated second home, their faces lit up with happiness. They felt an immediate sense of belonging, knowing they had created a comfortable, beautifully designed haven to make cherished memories with family and friends.

This home, a blend of modern elegance and nature’s tranquility, stands as a testament to thoughtful design and the bonds of family. It’s a space where every corner invites connection, where every detail tells a story, and where the mountains serve as a backdrop for a life well-lived.