Michael and Shavonn Janes, owners of Solace Custom Homes, are known for adding unique and edgy elements to each of their builds. Their latest spec home—a 7,200-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bath property in Berthoud’s Heron Lakes development—is a prime example. The kitchen features a retractable quartz backsplash that opens to reveal a butler’s pantry behind it.

“We’d seen that concept online and loved the idea of it,” says Shavonn, a Realtor and owner of The Janes Group. “Nobody around here has done it. I feel like we do a little bit more, especially on specs, than most others would. We want to stand out.”

Michael, the builder, reached out to 30 different engineers before finding someone who would help him bring the backsplash concept to life. It was a complicated project that would take more effort than some were willing to give, but he was determined to make it happen.

“It involved a lot of moving pieces,” Michael says, “but the kitchen was probably the most fun part of the build, with that backsplash in the layout.”

He also worked with architect Jon Rentfrow, of Rentfrow Design, to create a floor plan that allowed for those kinds of industrial touches while capturing the views that drew him and Shavonn to the lot in the first place.

Framing the landscape

The Janeses had just finished another home in Heron Lakes when they discovered the lot at 3379 Dazante Court. It was tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac that backed up to the TPC Colorado golf course, offering unobstructed views of the Rockies beyond the green. They knew the lot would go fast, so they jumped on it.

The couple has built enough custom homes in Northern Colorado to know that the lot ultimately inspires the design. The views from this property were so incredible that they made sure the future homeowners would be able to enjoy them from as many vantage points as possible.

Upon entering the home, an oversized pivot door gives way to a spacious great room with 20-foot ceilings. The eye is immediately drawn to the large windows framing the landscape and the mix of natural and industrial elements surrounding them. Black exposed beams line the ceiling, providing subtle separation between the great room, kitchen and entryway, while a light, floor-to-ceiling stone softens the fireplace surround. Stacked glass light fixtures draw the eye upward, adding an artistic touch that preserves the views beyond.

Sliding glass doors provide easy access to the large, covered deck extending out from the dining area. The Janeses prepped the deck for an outdoor kitchen so that the homeowners can take in the scenery while grilling or simply enjoying their morning coffee.

Creative design

The kitchen was designed for both function and form, starting with the retractable backsplash that allows for dishes to be passed from the butler’s pantry out to one of two islands—an especially convenient feature for families. The Janeses have a double island in their own home, and for them, it’s essential.

“Instead of one massive island, I really like having two islands,” Michael says. “If we’re at home cooking, the kids can still sit there and do their homework.”

The butler’s pantry is otherwise hidden behind white oak cabinets, allowing some separation between the prep area and kitchen. A black framed glass cabinet with enclosed shelving offers a place to showcase decor, and a dark patinaed range hood anchors the space. Open, airy light fixtures hang in the kitchen and dining area for an industrial yet lightweight feel.

Also on the main floor, a mudroom with a large window and built-in bench creates a homey entry point from the four-car garage. Beyond it, the Janeses collaborated on a powder bathroom with their interior designer, Ashley Underwood, of Rebel Designs, to bring in dark, moody elements such as a tall sink basin set on a patinaed countertop that matches the range hood in the kitchen. A nearby home office features vaulted ceilings, a light stone wall and a sliding exterior door, a brighter space that balances the darker elements of the home.

Shavonn’s favorite part of the sprawling estate is conveniently tucked behind the kitchen. A spa-like retreat awaits the future homeowners, with a luxurious freestanding tub perched before a single slab of glossy, floor-to-ceiling tile. Light strips line the tile there and in the shower, giving it a soft, calming glow. An elegant double vanity with light and dark elements provides ample space to get ready for the day and wind down at night.

“I would seriously sleep in here,” Shavonn says.

The primary bath opens up to a spacious bedroom with tray ceilings for extra height as well as large windows that capture the mountain views. Fluted panels accent the main wall, with sconces on either side for reading in bed. His-and-hers closets and a laundry unit provide convenience and ease. The suite is just one of many areas in the home that feels both creative and cozy while offering quiet moments of solace.

Multifunctional spaces

When designing the walk-out basement, Michael knew he didn’t want the backyard to be a steep hill. He and his team excavated the land so that he could build the home deeper in the ground and give the basement a taller ceiling. The result is a wide-open space with the potential for many different uses.

A custom-built wine rack sits at the base of the floating white oak stairs. Beyond it is a home gym with a steam sauna and nearby powder bath, a sanctuary that was intentionally created for a spa-like feel.

The Janeses try to include a vault room whenever possible in their builds so that homeowners can securely store valuables and stow away other belongings. In this particular basement, they also hid the door of the utility room in a fluted wall so that it remains both functional and appealing to the eye.

A basement bedroom and ensuite bath provides an opportunity for guests or a teenager to have their own floor of the house. However, the main footprint leaves ample room for fun, such as the addition of a pool table and a gaming area or golf simulator. Tray ceilings elevate the space so that it doesn’t feel like a basement, but rather a second entertaining area equipped with a bar and easy access to the outdoors.

“I hate going in a basement and there’s one big space and a hallway with bedrooms,” Shavonn says. “We’re trying to make it purposeful for families and a good use of space.”

The same goes for the home’s top floor, which includes three bedrooms with ensuite baths and a laundry room. The Janeses wanted to make sure the home was ready for a family to move in, but if the future homeowners are a couple without kids, the layout still makes sense.

“They can live on the main level, just like a ranch with a basement,” Shavonn says. “If they don’t have kids, they could use the top floor as a guest suite. That’s our vision for it.” 

Photos by Nic Rentfrow

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