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A Recipe for the Good Life

  • Writer: DJ Reetz
    DJ Reetz
  • Oct 15
  • 3 min read

Rustic wood, sleek steel and wide-open spaces make this kitchen irresistible.


Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, black appliances, and marble accents. Three stools at an island. Dining area with flowers in the background.
photos by Robin Bouricius and Peter Nosbisch

When most people think of Colorado, they think of mountains. Towering jags of granite cutting into the clear, blue sky, dusted in snow and surrounded by forests of pine and aspen. It’s an image that draws many to the state, but one that neglects the half of the state that doesn’t resemble this at all: the vast, rolling plains.

In Fort Lupton, one finds a different vision of Colorado. Here, grasslands stretch to the horizon, parceled into farmland dotted with the odd oil derrick or fracking well. The mountains are a muted silhouette that can disappear into the haze when the weather is right. It’s not the stereotypical Colorado, but the quiet, rural lifestyle here draws those who may not be interested in the buzzing urban core or rugged mountain terrain.

There’s a certain freedom that those vast, open skies convey and for Martin and Angie Barron, it represented the freedom to build a dream home from scratch, including their ideal kitchen.

“Our goal was to create a functional space that feels both modern and inviting,” says designer Gaby Carillo of RoCa Remodeling & Design. “Since the homeowners love to cook, we designed a smooth workflow with ample storage solutions, including a hidden full-size pantry for added convenience.”

Gaby created a modern farmhouse design for the Barrons’ kitchen; part of a home built on a lot along a county road on the edge of Fort Lupton. The area has a distinctly rural feel, but the kitchen yields a shining modernity. Marbled quartz countertops and matching backsplashes help to keep the space clean and bright, while Maplewood cabinetry and hardwood floors preserve a charming, rustic feel. But the cozy farmhouse vibe meets modern sensibilities with the kitchen’s suite of sleek Dacor appliances. “The high quality and beautiful finish [of the appliances] contrasts beautifully with the wood cabinetry,” says Gaby.

The 48-inch French door refrigerator with stainless graphite exterior boldly announces itself in the space. The fridge offers nearly 30 cubic feet of storage, full-width storage drawers for delicate foods and a compartment that can be converted between freezer and fridge space as needed. A built-in water pitcher ensures that there’s always cool, filtered water on hand and has the option for flavor infusions. A dual icemaker keeps standard cubes stocked as well as spheres designed to melt slowly in fancy cocktails.


The matching stainless graphite of the 36-inch gas range only furthers the modern elegance on display. Capable of outputting heat ranging between 22,000 and 750 BTUs, the six-burner range can handle anything a modern kitchen might need with its distinctive brass burners and illuminated knobs. An auto-connected hood utilizes temperature sensors to ramp up ventilation as necessary.

The 30-inch combination wall oven gives the kitchen the dual capacity of convection baking and microwaving. The oven’s steam assist feature ensures that roasts are juicy and artisan bread comes out with the perfect texture. The LCD screen can even offer meal prep advice right on the oven, and the app incorporation gives the option of preheating, checking oven temperatures and managing cook times remotely.

The 24-inch Dacor dishwasher provides powerful cleaning while maintaining library-level quiet thanks to its frictionless motor and insulated stainless-steel tub. The high-efficiency model cuts down on water usage and keeps energy costs low without sacrificing ability, and, of course, can be operated remotely through Dacor’s SmartThings app.

The new home represents a fresh start. It’s a blank canvas onto which the Barrons can paint their dreams and Gaby says that designing the kitchen with the couple was a breeze.

“Collaborating with Martin and Angie was a true pleasure,” she says. “Their industry expertise and thoughtful approach made the process seamless, while their energy and enthusiasm made the experience both enjoyable and inspiring.”

From brass burners to marbled quartz, the Barrons’ kitchen proves that life on the plains can be just as stylish, and just as delicious, as life in the mountains. Modern appliances, rustic charm and wide-open skies come together in a space made for cooking, gathering and dreaming big.

Minimalist metallic "RoCa" logo on a dark blue background, featuring abstract geometric shapes and stylish typography, conveying modern elegance.

RoCa Remodeling & Design is a family-owned and operated interior design and remodeling company dedicated to transforming houses into beautiful, functional homes. They believe that a home is a sacred space, and it’s a true honor to be welcomed into clients’ lives to help bring their unique vision to life. Every project they take on is guided by their unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship, creative design solutions and a focus on our clients’ happiness. With attention to detail at the heart of everything they do, they strive to create spaces that reflect your lifestyle, enhance your comfort and stand the test of time. gaby@rocarnd.com




Good Life

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