Denver Designers Share What To Do Around Town
Katie Schroder and Erika Rundiks
Co-owners Atelier Interior Design
Denver’s Atelier Interior Design was founded 12 years ago, but it didn’t take that long for co-owners Katie Schroder and Erika Rundiks to become known for their vibrant, eclectic interiors. “We’re like typecast actresses in that we attract people who want pattern and color,” Rundiks says. Not that they mind: “We believe in pushing our clients’ aesthetic limits,” Schroder adds. “Most people find comfort in designs they’ve seen in magazines, on television or online. It’s our job to get them to personalize their spaces.” Over the years, the pair have seen the Denver design scene evolve from what they describe as an old-world style to a more playful one that complements their aesthetic. Here, the duo lead a tour of old and new Denver landmarks as lively as their designs.
9 a.m. Start the day at Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery, a charming spot in the Highland neighborhood. Order an egg scramble with herbed goat cheese, roasted red peppers and arugula with a cup of coffee.
10 a.m. Head to the American Museum of Western Art to browse the intimate collection of vibrant, evocative art. The museum is housed in the beautiful Navarre Building, which was built in 1880.
11 a.m. Cross the street to The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa to admire the stunning atrium and iconic murals by Colorado painter Allen Tupper True.
12 p.m. Take a 16th Street Free MallRide bus to the beautifully restored Union Station and grab a table at Stoic & Genuine, a Denver hotspot known for delicious seafood. Sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and bustle of the city.
1 p.m. Browse the shelves at the Tattered Cover Book Store, then go to the Union Station location of lifestyle boutique Bloom by Anuschka to find a great gift or a little something for yourself.
2 p.m. Walk four blocks to Larimer Square for great shopping and people-watching. Pop into Goorin Bros. for a fun hat, John Fluevog for stylish shoes, Timbuk2 for a sleek messenger bag and Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry for something pretty.
4 p.m. Stroll down 15th Street to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and enjoy a relaxing moment on the rooftop deck before exploring the galleries. The building’s architect, Sir David Adjaye, is someone we have long admired, and his work here is inspiring.
6 p.m. Pull up to the bar at Hop Alley and try the Heaven cocktail, a gin drink. For dinner, order adventurously: salt-and-pepper soft-shell crabs, salad with crispy pig ears, bone-marrow fried rice– every dish is meant to be shared.
8 p.m. Head back to Larimer Street to the Ballpark neighborhood’s historic Airedale building, where the ground oor and basement are occupied by Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, a hip restaurant with live music. The swanky decor and eclectic small-plates menu are reliably fun.
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