Thirty years can make a world of difference, and the Garabed family’s home on Augusta Drive in Boulder, CO, is a testament to that. Originally built in 1994, it was ready for a fresh perspective after being purchased in 2022 from the original owners. With SAMARI Design's expertise, this renovation honors the original character while adapting it for the Garabed family’s lifestyle. The result? A breathtaking transformation that seamlessly blends intentional design with function, creating a space that truly feels like home.

Project Overview

At the core of this project was the desire to create a home that felt cohesive, warm, and reflective of the Garabed family’s current needs. While the bones of the house remained strong, the finishes and flow no longer aligned with their vision of a beautiful, functional space. With a collaborative process led by SAMARI Design, each room was thoughtfully transformed to bring out its potential.

*The original living room in this 1994 home, with traditional furnishings and finishes, before being transformed into a modern, inviting space.*

Design Process

Renovating a home built in 1994 is an opportunity to breathe new life into spaces that have aged. Homeowner David Garabed wanted to refresh the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entertainment areas to match their contemporary lifestyle. Sara Wilder Reilly, owner of SAMARI Design and lead designer on this project, selected materials that speak to both beauty and durability—Rift Cut White Oak cabinetry and Caesarstone countertops brought a modern yet timeless feel to the kitchen and master bath.

Kitchen Design Mood Board by SAMARI Design

Master Bathroom Mood Board for SAMARI Design Renovation

Family Room Mood Board for SAMARI Design Renovation

Master Bedroom Mood Board for SAMARI Design Renovation

The kitchen, in particular, was a focal point of the renovation, with its Bleeker Blue mosaic tile backsplash adding just the right pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette. In the mudroom and powder room, durable and stylish finishes were chosen for long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Selection of materials including wood, tile, and stone for home renovation by SAMARI Design. — *Carefully curated materials for the renovation, featuring samples of cabinetry, countertops, tiles, and more, chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal.*

A Home Reimagined

From the kitchen to the master bathroom, every detail was curated to bring modern elegance and practicality into the home. The kitchen, with its open layout and stunning finishes, is now a space perfect for both entertaining and family dinners.

GIF showing the kitchen transformation from original oak cabinets to modern design by SAMARI Design. — *Witness the stunning before-and-after kitchen transformation - from outdated oak cabinetry to a sleek, modern kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and an island.*
*Photo credit (after image):* *Sara Lazio*

The master bathroom is a serene escape, featuring a luxurious freestanding soaking tub and rich textures like Bianco Raked tiles.

The family room renovation combines comfort and elegance, featuring a sleek black fireplace, built-in shelving, and cozy, stylish seating. The entertainment wall, with its custom cabinetry, now serves as the perfect hub for family movie nights or casual lounging. A custom-cut rug, tailored to fit the lounge chair, adds a unique and thoughtful touch to the inviting atmosphere.

This design doesn’t just look beautiful—it also lives well, integrating seamlessly with the Garabed family’s lifestyle. And with a budget just shy of $500K, this project achieved a remarkable transformation that maximized both beauty and function in every space.

Bringing Ideas to Life

What made this project especially meaningful was the true collaboration between everyone involved. The best ideas always rose to the top, without ego, resulting in a seamless design and construction process that felt linear, productive, and enjoyable for all.

Reflecting on the experience, David shared, "Sara pushed for what she felt was important but also truly listened. She worked hard to discover and bring my style to life, even when I couldn’t fully articulate it. The design feels cohesive, like the house is finally what it was always meant to be—a blend of style, timelessness, and practicality. It doesn’t just look good; it lives well. Every detail—from construction to furnishings to artwork—integrates perfectly."

Bright, modern living room with large windows, cozy seating, and warm decor designed by SAMARI Design. — *Photo credit:* *Sara Lazio*

Design Insights

Renovating a home after three decades is about more than just updating finishes—it’s about respecting the past while bringing in new energy that aligns with the present. In this case, each design choice—from the cabinetry to the lighting—was made with intention, resulting in spaces that will serve the family for many more years to come.

Ready to Reimagine Your Space?

If you’ve been thinking about transforming your home, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact SAMARI Design to get started on your own beautiful renovation journey.