DON'T MISS A THING

I recently visited Boulder, Colorado, to attend Ashlie Adam’s interior design showcase at the Mountain Star Home. Despite my limited experience with these events, it was immediately clear upon entry that this was something extraordinary. The soft murmur of excited conversations filled the air. The atmosphere was reverent, like stepping into a cathedral. The breathtaking views, both inside and out, commanded a quiet awe, blending with the gentle hum of admiration from the guests.

At the entrance, I noticed a pile of shoes much nicer than my own. I reluctantly took mine off, ashamed of the mismatched socks I’d packed. The scene was a delight for the senses—the views, the red rocks outside, the impossibly white and inviting furniture, both inside and out.

The project’s designer and event host, Ashlie Adam, caught my eye, and with a warm smile, she crossed the room to greet me. Instantly, I was at ease. Ashlie has that rare ability to make anyone feel comfortable, a stark contrast to the stereotypical image of a luxury designer.

With her meticulous eye for detail, you’d think she’d have you on edge, worrying about a hair out of place or the two different patterns on your socks, but Ashlie does the opposite. She exudes a warmth that makes you feel instantly at home. I think that’s one of her secrets—making her clients feel comfortable enough to open up about every desire for their space. And despite Ashlie’s immense talent, she remains grounded—a mother of five, deeply family-oriented, managing to juggle the work of three people with grace.

As quickly as our conversation started, she was pulled away by another guest. I found myself alone, drink in hand, nervously aware that each pristine piece of furniture around me was probably worth more than my car. For a while, I was anchored to the kitchen, imagining a red wine catastrophe and a shame that would follow me home no matter how many miles I flew.

But as the evening wore on, the initial overwhelm began to fade. The guests, though undoubtedly affluent, were interesting and engaging. I spoke with realtors who were curious as to why I was there. I spoke with one of the project’s craftsmen, who had been a world-champion mountain bicycler in a past life. It made sense that most people in Colorado have passions outside their own professions and for the outside in general.

While walking the perimeter of the home, I was struck by the seamless blend of the interior with the natural beauty of Boulder. Ashlie’s vision was clear—she wanted to bring the outdoors in, using stone, slate, and natural materials to echo the surrounding landscape. 

The view was nothing short of breathtaking. Colorado’s red rocks stood stark against the sky, and in a stroke of serendipity, a rainbow arched across the horizon. At this altitude, the beauty was overwhelming, and my lungs struggled to keep up with it all.

Ashlie’s design showcase was more than just a display of luxurious interiors. It was a masterclass in how to harmonize human living spaces with the untamed beauty of nature. Her work on the Mountain Star Home didn’t just impress; it reminded guests of the profound connection between our built environments and the natural world.

In the end, despite my initial trepidation, the event left me with a deep appreciation for Ashlie’s artistry, the unique beauty of Boulder, and a new perspective on what true luxury in design really means.

Words by Matt McGarry
All Photos by Libbie Holmes Photography | Courtesy of Ashlie Adam Interiors

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