The roots of architectural and interior designer Catherine Frank’s rough-meets-luxe aesthetic run deep. “Early on, I was exposed to simple forms and natural materials–reclaimed wood, metals, vintage textiles, raw stones,” she says of her childhood, much of which was spent in her family’s old farmhouse, barns and silos.
Her designs, which range from private homes to custom furnishings, span the style spectrum and draw upon Frank’s training in fine art and construction management in addition to interior design. Though her firm, Studio Frank, has several large projects on the boards for 2019–including a lakeside compound in Houston and a sprawling family ski retreat–it’s smaller, gem-like structures that have captured Frank’s imagination of late.
“I’m going back to ‘less is more,’ making sure the spaces I create are less about structure and more about relaxation,” she says. That kind of laid-back luxury feels right at home in Telluride, the quietly glamorous Colorado mountain town Frank has called home since 1993. Here, she shares the local spots that inspire her most.
STAY
New Sheridan Hotel: This hotel (bottom, right)–located on Telluride’s beautiful main street, with easy access to shopping, skiing, hiking and festivals–is a popular hangout. It features classic historical architecture from the Victorian era, complete with beautiful red brick walls, and the interiors are inviting, with lovely traditional painted wood, leather seating, gorgeous lighting and quaint, comfortable guest rooms. There’s also a rooftop bar with the most amazing views of the mountains and nearby historic buildings.
EAT
221 South Oak: There are so many wonderful places to dine in town, but Chef Eliza is the best in Telluride, always putting forth a unique and creative menu that changes with the seasons. I love the Rocky Mountain trout served with two kinds of homemade ravioli. In the winter, the restaurant–situated in a historical home at the base of the mountain–feels like a cozy house in a snow globe. And in summer, there’s no better setting than at a table in the garden.
SHOP
Two Skirts: As an interior designer, I also love fashion, and I have a fetish for great style. I shop at Two Skirts (top, right) for casual but cool cashmere sweaters and the best jeans. They also have beautiful dresses, great hats, fun tops–every style you might need in Telluride in winter or summer.
PLAY
Summer music festivals: I love music, and Telluride is known for its many summer music festivals, which range from the popular Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 20-23) to the Telluride Chamber Music Festival (August 5-11) and Telluride Jazz Festival (August 9-11). When the warm weather comes, I enjoy dancing to great music in the town park; located along the San Miguel River and surrounded by Telluride’s steep box-canyon walls, it’s one of the most scenic live-music venues you’ll find.
Dunton Hot Springs: After dancing my way through a three-day music festival, I like to relax at nearby Dunton Hot Springs (center), a beautifully restored 19th-century ghost town that’s now a top-notch resort dotted with romantic old hand-hewn log buildings. The resort is home to natural hot springs; soaking in the restored bathhouse or outside in the pools, then having a healthy lunch, is the perfect reset.
