This Townhome Built in 1886 Is a Playful Mix of “Dark Academia” and “Rule-Breaking Energy”
Adrienne Breaux
·8 min read
Hayley Hufendick describes her home's style as a "whimsical jungle of vintage academia." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"I adore color and thrive on clashing patterns; a neutral palette feels stifling to me. My home is a riot of hues and textures, where bold colors dance together, celebrating the chaos of creativity," Hayley begins. Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"My love for animals is ever-present, showcased through an array of animal statues, paintings, and quirky decor that brings warmth and personality to my space." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
Hayley describes herself as a "Wyoming-born creative weirdo, full of anxious energy and a deep love for animals and art. This identity spills into every aspect of my life, especially my home, which is a vibrant reflection of who I am." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
Hayley says the living room is a "perfect blend of cherished memories and personal touches. The stunning blue velvet couch is from Wayfair, and it adds such a luxurious feel to the space. The vibrant orange chairs are family heirlooms that I inherited from my grandparents, and they hold a special place in my heart — I have fond memories of sitting in them as a kid, reading poetry." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"The coffee table is a DIY creation by my partner, made from reclaimed wood pallets, which adds a rustic charm," Hayley writes. "The cow painting above the fireplace was quite the find; it took hours of searching online to locate it in a large enough format that truly complements the space."
Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
There's one spot in the living room that really means a lot to Hayley. "The sewing table was my grandmother’s, and inheriting it after she passed away makes it a treasured piece in our home. It’s not just a table; it’s a connection to my family history." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"The collection of art displayed on the sewing table is a delightful mix. Some pieces are from my childhood home, while others were found in vintage stores or gifted by friends," Hayley continues. "Initially, I planned to hang them on the wall, but when I stacked them all on the sewing machine, I realized it created a lovely, curated display that I just had to keep!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"The dining table is an old piece from my partner's previous residence that we repainted entirely black, giving it a fresh, modern look. The cowprint rug adds a playful touch and was sourced from Amazon. Above the table, the chandelier is from IKEA, providing an elegant focal point."
Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"The record collection is especially close to my heart; it mostly consists of albums from my friend Brian, who passed away. His family graciously allowed me to take them, so they now serve as a beautiful tribute to his memory," Hayley writes. "The hanging lamp is a creative piece that came to me in a dream. Originally intended as a plant holder, we nailed it to the wall and wrapped a pendant light around it, and just like that, it became a unique focal point." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"Embrace the quirks!" Hayley begins to advise. "Mixing patterns, clashing colors, and combining styles can create a vibrant, personalized environment that feels genuinely you. Remember, decorating is an evolving process; if something doesn’t work out, it’s just an opportunity to experiment and discover what truly resonates with you. Trust your instincts, have fun with it, and let your space tell your story!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"This hallway serves as a charming transition between the living room and the kitchen on the way to the bedroom. The mirror was a bit of a heist from my college roommate back in 2010 — it's been a beloved fixture ever since!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"My favorite room in the house is definitely my bedroom, not because it’s the most styled or visually appealing, but because it feels the most like home," Hayley explains. "When we first moved in, I practically lived in there with our beloved cat, Gustav, to help him adjust to the new space. Those quiet moments together really transformed that room into our sanctuary." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"Now, it’s my favorite part of the day to retreat to the bedroom couch or bed, where I can unwind and indulge in some guilty pleasure TV. There’s something so comforting about that space, surrounded by familiar items that hold memories, making it a cozy refuge from the outside world. It’s where I truly feel at peace, and it’s a reminder that home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the feelings and connections we create within those walls." Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
"I was also thrilled to find that my old couch, which I’ve cherished for years, fits perfectly in this space. I bought it off Craigslist from a lovely couple for $200 when I was living in a small studio apartment, and it brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort," Hayley says. Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
Hayley Hufendick and her partner have been renting this 1,000-square-foot townhome in Denver’s City Park neighborhood for just over two years. “Our home is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of our lives — my partner, our very evil little angel cat named Gustav, and me,” Hayley begins. “Nestled in a beautifully updated 1886 building on the lively 17th restaurant row, we’ve created a cozy haven that’s as eclectic as it is inviting. With 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and original hardwood floors, each corner tells a story, reflecting our unique design styles.”
Hayley says she sourced the tallest floor-to-ceiling curtains she could find on Amazon, "which really enhance the room’s height. The lampshade and couch pillows are from World Market, adding a touch of whimsy and warmth to the overall design. Each item in this room tells a story, making it feel like a true reflection of us!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
“We made a deliberate effort to blend our aesthetics—my penchant for dark academia and vintage pieces meets my partner’s love for playful, maximalist decor. The result? A delightful mix of animal prints, industrial lamps, and rich colors paired with bright, unexpected patterns. Each piece we’ve chosen carries history and meaning, whether it’s a quirky thrift find or a cherished heirloom,” Hayley continues.
"The last thing I found for my home was a wonderfully quirky, old painting of a nature scene featuring a deer. It’s quite the story — while at a random campground outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming, I stumbled upon this painting hanging in the bathroom. It was clearly aged and full of character, and I couldn’t help but wonder about its history," Hayley writes. "Intrigued, I asked the campground owner if there was any chance I could take it home, and to my delight, they agreed! Now, it proudly hangs as part of one of our gallery walls. Being from Cheyenne, it holds a special significance for me, and the bizarre bathroom backstory just adds to its charm. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of that unique adventure and the little treasures that come from unexpected places!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
“In our space, there are no design rules; instead, we embrace whimsy and comfort, crafting a playful atmosphere that invites creativity and conversation. Living here makes it easy to socialize, with restaurants just steps away and the farmers market and park nearby. It’s the perfect blend of coziness and vibrancy—just like Gustav, our little feline overlord, who rules the roost with a mischievous flair. Our home is a sanctuary where every detail brings joy, making it a true reflection of who we are.”
Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
“My best decorating advice is to never be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Your space should be a unique reflection of who you are, not a cookie-cutter version of current trends. Focus on the items and decor that you’re naturally drawn to — those pieces that make your heart sing or spark joy,” Hayley explains.
Resources
Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
LIVING ROOM
Blue Velvet Couch — Wayfair
Orange Chairs — Family Heirloom
Coffee Table — DIY
Curtains — Amazon
Lampshade and Couch Pillows — World Market
Sewing Table — Family Heirloom
"The standout feature is the peel and stick wallpaper, which I found on the Rifle Paper Company’s website. Putting it up was quite the adventure—lots of beer and ladders were involved to tackle those high ceilings!" Hayley describes. "For ambiance, I love using candles from Anthropologie that add warmth and character to the room. The wooden bar is a vintage find, contributing a touch of nostalgia. Each piece in this dining room comes together to create a lively and inviting atmosphere!" Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
DINING ROOM
Peel and Stick Wallpaper — Rifle Paper Company
Cow-print Rug — Amazon
Chandelier — IKEA
Candles — Anthropologie
Wooden Bar — Vintage
Credit: Hayley HufendickCredit: Hayley Hufendick
BEDROOM
Couch — Craigslist
Bed — Wayfair
Thanks, Hayley!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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