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If you haven’t already figured it out, we’re a bit obsessed with interior design and home inspiration. Luckily, Northern Colorado is filled with it — from talented local designers to jaw-dropping properties. And even home transformations from Fort Collins locals!
In 1998, Amanda Miller moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University. Then, as so many FoCo stories go, she fell in love with the community and decided to stay. She calls Fort Collins a special place explaining, “The energy created by the University, historic downtown, new developments, the natural environment and sunshine make this a wonderful place to call home. But it’s the people, businesses and community spirit that are my favorite.”
Today, she is owner and operator of The Place Setting Company and owns a home in Midtown. But her house isn’t your run of the mill property! Originally built in 1964, she has updated it with dramatic renovations while maintaining its Fort Collins character. She said, “Even though I’ve remodeled space by space — even building on an addition in the back — I’ve kept items in each room that recognize and respect the home’s history.”
Along the way, Amanda has turned her home into a design lover’s paradise – complete with luxe master suite, refreshed basement and (our favorite) the Girl Garage!
Follow along as we learn more about Amanda’s inspiration and renovations. You might even be inspired to start your own project — don’t say we didn’t warn you!
The Home
Amanda moved into her South College Heights home in August of 2008, but renovations began before she even arrived. She explained, “The home had a great floor plan and was so well cared for by the previous owners. But I did a few projects before moving in — including the kitchen floor and counters.”
When she was ready to get started on the big projects, she organized her design visions and left the heavy lifting to Associates in Building and Design, a Fort Collins company.
“I think it’s important to add your own touch to make a house your home. I’ve had a lot of fun over the past eight years! Now, each space reflects my style and the things I love,” she said.
That includes the addition of a bright dining room, the transformation of a once dark basement, and the updated master suite — now complete with a glamorous, rustic atmosphere and breath-taking barn door.
The Girl Garage
But Amanda saved the most dramatic project for last. Her goals for the garage were to maintain functionality in terms of storage and parking, while also creating an extension of the kitchen and providing a space for outdoor gatherings. In short, she wanted a room for every Colorado season.
The space started as a typical garage with basic functionality. No insulation and no drywall meant it was a good spot for parking, but not a pleasant room to spend time in. It also didn’t have the storage options Amanda desperately wanted. But it did offer a blank slate for her innovative vision!
She said, “Working with the team at ABD, we discussed opportunities and limitations. We started with simple items like drywall and floor finish options. Then, we worked to design the cabinetry and finished with special items like the fan and bench cushion. I got a lot of inspiration on Pinterest!”
And from her Miller light. Now the focal point of her garage, the light was a gift from her uncle who found it at an estate sale. The vintage piece motivated her vision for the whole space and proves inspiration can come from anywhere.
To add even more character, the ABD team found statement pieces like the windmill fan and hexagon tiles — inspired by Amanda’s Pinterest board.
Then, with extra fabric from a LaZYBoy piece, they were able to add interest to the mud room bench with an intricate bee pattern! Set against a neutral gray color palette, these pieces stand out in the clean, open room.
But her vision didn’t end there! Now with eye-catching functionality, the garage still needed a few improvements as an entertaining space. With the addition of a garage door screen, bar window into the backyard and a bright and sunny shed mural done by Chris Bates at Mighty Fine Art, she and ABD built a room everyone wants to spend the summer in!
“I look forward to using the screen door this spring to enjoy the space with my two dogs,” she said. And it looks like they’re already loving it.
In the end, Amanda turned a run-of-the-mill garage into an envious entertaining space that has a function for every season. In the snowy months, there’s plenty of space to park the car and store necessities. And she’s already planning her future celebrations for the warmer months.
Check out more photos of her finished Girl Garage below!
Ready to start your own project?
If this Midtown Girl Garage motivated you to start your own renovation, check out the company behind this transformation — Associates in Building and Design!
And learn more about The Place Setting Company on their website.
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