Before even stepping foot inside the Colorado governor mansion on Thursday, a docent remarked this year’s holiday decorations are better than last year’s.
The first floor of what is formally known as the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion are splattered with shades of red, blue or gold. The ordinary scheme in each room was reimagined to fit the 2015 décor theme: Colorful Colorado.
Many designers submitted ideas. The Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund selected six teams, each of which could tackle one room, and name it.
PHOTOS: 2015 Governor Mansion decorations
To the right, visitors first see “5280 Shades of Blue,” made by Eva Puterbaugh and Lynn Williamson It’s a mile-high twist on the pop culture phenomenon and book series 50 Shades of Grey. A large tree strewn with white lights and decorated with ornaments in many shades of blue sits in the corner opposite a player piano. A large blue teddy bear from the convention center tickles the ivories – with his nose. Blue stockings hang above the fireplace and cobalt ornaments adorn metal trees. The chandelier is standard. The piece hung in the Ulysses Grant White House.
That room opens to Colleen Heldt’s “Powder Days” in the library. Heldt threw cozy white blankets and pillows on the chairs. All white ornaments are on the tree and white reindeer are stationed next to the fireplace. Small silver and white Christmas trees are scattered around.
Before walking into that grand room at the end of the hall, visitors will stop in “Ever Green,” by Annie Huston and Stephanie Tardiff. The room is surrounded by windows and decorated with a combination of greenery and ornaments.
You’ll flow from there into “Golden Waves of Grain.” Jolie Kass and Michelle Alleman outfitted the large living room white lights and gold reindeer. Around the room and on the tree are bunches of grain. A combination of wheat across Colorado and the state’s beer business inspired them. All the sunshine fits the theme; windows stretch from floor to ceiling.
Then comes the main dining room, which Carol Moore converted into “Purple Mountains Majesty. In the back is the fireplace, wrapped in garland and purple lights. The table is set with purple plates marked with the state seal. Orchids are the table’s centerpiece. They’re anchored by two candelabras that resemble deer antlers and surrounded by purple votives. Of course the room needs its majesty. A purple-shaded portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is on the wall.
Finally, end the tour in “Red on the Rocks,” made by David J. Rote. The red paint helps the idea along. Red ribbon streams down the tree, which is adorned with pictures of jazz legends – a nod to the Colorado concert venue. A saxophone is above the fireplace.
Tours are free but go quickly. They run until the 13th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.