The Broadmoor

An Italian Renaissance design by Warren & Wetmore Architectural Firm and decorated by Julie Penrose, The Broadmoor Hotel opened its doors to the public in 1918.

As WWI was coming to an end, Americans were interested in bringing the traditionally beautiful details of European structures back home. Spencer & Julie Penrose created this getaway in a Mediterranean style that balances simple rectangular lines with ornate patterns and embellishments.

Over the years, great designers have successfully completed a number of additions and renovations as needed to maintain the opulence that guests most certainly expect. There’s so much to see at the Broadmoor Resort and I truly only scratch the surface here. Good design is timeless in its own way, even if the materials and techniques become dated. How might we use these incredible details to inspire a contemporary and affordable rendition in our own homes?

If you can afford to add architectural curves and domes to your ceilings, by all means! This is a highly desirable look, particularly in entryways and bathrooms. However, not everyone can or wishes to change the structure of a space in that way. Here’s a list of ideas for balancing straight lines with curves using simple decor. There are so many ways to incorporate curves and countless variations available for each of these items. See the design board as well for just a few examples.

Design Board

My favorite ways to add curves to a linear design are with patterned textiles, wallpaper and tile in combination with pottery, plants & antique artifacts. Notice the application using many of these items in the 3D Perspective below.

The Walls of mahogany paneling were, and still are, a declaration of affluence. Looking “rich” is not necessarily the goal but these rooms should inspire us to attain the same level of warmth and layered beauty. The moodiness of these spaces can largely be achieved with modern wall color & textures as well.

Tambour walls are the latest trend, replacing the white shiplap and rustic salvaged wood of a few years back that we saw basically everywhere we looked. While I like the look, I tend to steer away from these types of trends unless a client insists that they love it and desperately want it for their own. When everyone does the same thing, it’s only a matter of time before everyone also becomes absolutely sick of said thing and people are saying things like,

“Oh yeah, that was so 2024!”

Therefore, I’m suggesting some more timeless applications.

Personally, I think a stained paneled wall is unbelievably timeless. I actually cringe each time I see one painted without any consideration for how beautifully elevated the room could be if it was designed around that feature. Chip and Joanna Gaines blessed us all with some stunning examples in their Fixer Upper Castle Series (photos below). If you’re lucky enough to own an early-mid 1900’s home that has wood like this then please, for my heart, even if it’s more orange than you like, will you call me? We’ll re-stain it, find just the right balance of colors & decor to achieve the most amazing room and it will truly be uniquely gorgeous in this era.

For those of us who were not blessed with stained wood paneling in our homes, for budget’s sake we can use a paint grade wood to achieve some really beautiful detail. Here are a few simple colors and methods:

Hand-made mosaic inlays, such as the one shown above at the Broadmoor, are very labor intensive and therefore quite expensive. Creating a border or a simple, rectangular design is a more affordable and contemporary interpretation, and there are endless possibilities.

Tile companies offer stunning mosaic sheets that provide a huge design impact. For budgeting purposes and for added detail, consider using these tiles in smaller portions while using a less expensive large-scale tile as the main material.

Not only can this method be used for flooring but also on kitchen backsplashes, particularly under the hood vent, as well as on shower walls and niches. Here are some sample tile combinations and some 3D Perspectives to give you a visual.

Thank You!

for appreciating the immense beauty of the Broadmoor Hotel with me! I’ll continue this theme of hotels & historic places quarterly with more unbelievably beautiful establishments. I think you’ll be amazed, as I am, by the talent and artistry of the designers responsible for these iconic places. Let’s also not forget the great skill displayed by the men and women who bring it to life – the contractors and trades! I hope each article gives you a little insight and inspiration.

Historical and Geographical Information Thanks to:

broadmoor.com/the-resort

broadmoor.com/the-resort/history

A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Salvage McAlister second edition pages 406-407

hospitalitydesign.com/projects/hotel-resorts/the-broadmoor