The University Hills Transformation


University Hills was a full-on glow-up—and, we loved every second of it.

On the main level, we reimagined how the home lives day to day. The kitchen, living room, staircase, were completely refreshed with new tile flooring, plush carpet, and statement lighting that knows how to show off without shouting. We updated window treatments tied everything together, adding softness and polish in all the right places.

Function met flexibility when the former office was transformed into a welcoming guest room, and the powder room got a serious promotion—becoming a full bathroom with a walk-in shower that feels anything but secondary.

The same thoughtful design carried through the upper level with the primary bathroom remodel being designed as a retreat, not just a bathroom. Venetian plaster brings depth and texture, while a soaking tub invites long exhalations at the end of the day. An expanded walk-in shower with a rain head delivers spa energy, floating vanities keep the space light and modern, and yes—a bidet, because luxury should be unapologetic.

University Hills is now a home that feels calmer, and looks effortlessly put together. A remodel with substance, style, and just the right amount of drama.

Follow along as we share more of our favorite projects! 

Checkout the before and after images from this project here:

University Hills - Denver

 

Other New Projects

Johnson - Capital Hill

Coney - Highlands Ranch


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Giving Back, With Purpose 💛


December has a way of zooming us out. The year is wrapping up, the days get a little quieter, and we’re reminded that the best kind of “luxury” is feeling safe, supported, and cared for.

This season, Marlena Design Group had the honor of giving back in a way that hit us right in the heart: we were invited to be a guest designer for Savvy Design, and we completed a special project for Brady.

Brady lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) — a rare condition that makes even the slightest friction painful. His courage and resilience didn’t just inspire us… it guided us. It sharpened every decision. It made the “why” behind design feel crystal clear.

For Brady’s space, we designed for comfort, safety, and independence. The goal was to make it easier to live in.

That meant approaching every element through a different lens:

  • Soft-touch finishes that are gentler on skin

  • Safety-first selections to reduce friction, bumps, and irritation

  • Thoughtful layouts and details designed to support more ease and independence day-to-day

In other words: every choice was made with intention—so Brady can experience more comfort, more confidence, and more moments that simply feel… lighter.

The Takeaway 


Giving back isn’t always grand gestures and big spotlights. Sometimes it’s showing up with your skills, your time, and your full attention—and using design to remove obstacles instead of adding them.

We’re deeply grateful to Savvy Design for the opportunity, and we’re even more grateful to Brady and his family for letting us be part of something so meaningful.

Here’s to a season of comfort, kindness, and spaces that truly support life.

Spotlight: Savvy Giving by Design™ (and how you can help)


We want to take a moment to highlight the incredible organization behind this project: Savvy Giving by Design™—a non-profit, national network of professional interior designers.

Our Mission
Savvy Giving by Design™ is a non-profit, national network of professional interior designers whose mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them.

Savvy Giving by Design™ is looking for families to apply for room makeovers to be granted in 2026.

If you—or someone in your circle or clientele—knows a family with a child facing a medical crisis who could benefit from a room transformation, please encourage them to apply.

Apply/Refer a family here:
SAVVY GIVING BY DESIGN/REFER A FAMILY
https://portal.dubsado.com/public/form/view/68a37a0dd7e1e5afd8aa7074?

How to donate

If you’d like to support Savvy Giving by Design™ and help fund future room transformations for families, you can donate here:

Donate: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/sgbddenver


Marlena Design Group x Casa Blanca Giveaway Alert!


Check out or Instagram @marlenadesigngroup for a Holiday Giveaway! 

Win a 2-hour design consultation + Casa Blanca XL “The Estate” candle (150oz, $225 value).
Ends December 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM MST.


Let the Giving Keep Giving


Meet CO1000.Org our other favorite nonprofit! Co1000.org is building a network of business professionals whose combined support gives 100% of donations to local Colorado charities in need. Colorado 1000 supports our local communities by creating fun and informational events that present many opportunities to inspire our members to reinvest through philanthropy.





We're Now Taking New Clients!

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