Denver designers share what’s next in design
By Kristen West
PREDICTABLE, NEUTRAL INTERIORS of recent years are losing momentum as designers embrace a more layered and expressive approach. To find out what’s gaining popularity in Denver-area homes, we asked local design professionals what they’re seeing emerge in the interior design space. Rob Osgard, senior designer at Howard Lorton Furniture & Design and president of the Interior Design Society of Colorado; Katie Schroder, owner and interior designer of Atelier Interior Design; and Kristina Garcia-Stack and Alexis Rubin, co-owners and designers of Denver Design Group, share their insights.
OVERALL, WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
KATIE: Everyone is getting back on board with color! We are seeing very moody colors and jewel tones.
ROB: We are definitely seeing more color—strong deep tones of green and claret have made a big move, as well as warmer tones. Colorful upholstery is providing the base for the furniture, rather than just being used as an accent.
KRISTINA: We love the trend of mixing materials and finishes; it makes a home feel as though it has evolved naturally over time.
WHAT ARE YOU HAPPY TO SEE IS ON ITS WAY OUT?
KRISTINA: All-white kitchens paired with gray and marbled quartz countertops have dominated kitchen design for years. And while they are clean and timeless, they can feel flat and lack character and personality.
In a kitchen we recently designed, we paired warm white Shaker cabinetry along the perimeter with a more intricate door style and rich stained walnut wood finish on the island, pantry, and appliance garage. It added warmth, character, and visual interest while still feeling cohesive and timeless.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE LOOKING FOR IN FURNITURE RIGHT NOW?
ROB: We are seeing three distinct veils of style: ’70s-modern with clean lines and curves, neo-traditional with more details such as curves and trims, and granny-chic with bold patterns, trims, and gathered skirts. There’s more blending of styles—modern pieces blended with family treasures. For example, putting a modern coffee table with a more granny-chic sofa with a skirt and florals.
ARE YOU SEEING CHANGES IN HOME LAYOUTS?
KATIE: Yes, I’d say people are moving away from open floor plans and creating more intimacy within each space.
WHAT ARE CLIENTS DOING DIFFERENTLY WITH OUTDOOR SPACES?
ROB: Color is also big for outdoors. Rich greens with accent colors elevate the space and make it more vibrant. Many furniture lines are also creating pieces that look more like indoor furniture, creating a modern feel with more curves.
HOW ARE YOU SEEING CLIENTS USE LIGHTING AS PART OF THE DESIGN?
KRISTINA: We’re seeing lighting become larger, bolder, and more sculptural. Oversized pendants, statement chandeliers, and unique sconces can become focal points.
ARE YOU SEEING CHANGES IN WOOD TONES?
ALEXIS: Yes, warm is hot! And just like we are mixing metals like brass and polished nickel, we’re mixing walnut and oak. Our clients are not afraid of grain patterns either. Movement in the wood grains gives a room another layer of texture and interest.
WHAT’S ONE WAY SOMEONE CAN BRING A ROOM TO LIFE?
KATIE: Create an element of surprise but be intentional with it. I love wallcoverings. Cover your powder room, your dining room ceiling, a wall in your bedroom—anywhere you can add some mood and texture and color.
What should people avoid doing when updating their home?
ROB: Don’t chase a trend that leaves you with a dated home. Furnishing a home is personal—work with someone knowledgeable who can help you sort through all the decisions, and experience the furniture, too. Look at it, sit in it, lie down on it. Something that looks cozy online may be as hard as a rock.
IF SOMEONE WANTED TO MAKE UPDATES WITHOUT CONSTANTLY CHASING TRENDS OR SPENDING BIG ON RENOVATIONS, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST?
ALEXIS: Choose elements you can change, like the backsplash tile or chandelier you love. Be bold! Interject color, style, and personality through a few statement pieces to keep the design authentic to you. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to create a home without trends. It’s to use them selectively, in pieces where they can evolve, while investing in a strong foundation that will still feel beautiful 15 years from now.
Kristina Garcia & Alexis Rubin
ATELIER INTERIOR DESIGN
303.455.1644
atelierid.com
DENVER DESIGN GROUP
720.722.3460
denverdesigngroup.com
HOWARD LORTON FURNITURE & DESIGN
12 E. 12th Ave.
Denver
303.831.1212
howardlorton.com
