The Sophisticated Evolution of the Interior Designer

Living Room An impressive stone fireplace is the focal point of the high-ceiling great room designed by Colleen Johnson. A Paul Ferrante iron chandelier, suspended above the comfortable seating area, illuminates a relaxed and classic arrangement of Lexington chairs, a spacious sofa and a Corbin Bronze sculpture. | Photo: Eric Lucero

Working on ranches, high-rises and every type of home in between, interior designer Colleen Johnson has created inviting environments for clients from Beaver Creek to Palm Beach. She’s proud not to have a signature style, instead tailoring the work of In-Site Design Group to the individual needs of her clients—and their pets.

She is also committed to her profession and community, having served as president of the Colorado chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and on boards supporting the Denver Design Center and Denver Art Museum. A certified Aging in Place Specialist, Johnson is dedicated to helping her clients stay in their homes through every phase of their lives. During an interview in her Denver office, she talked about how the interior designer’s role has evolved.

Dining Room An olive wood table from Taracea of CAI Designs anchors the dining area, which connects to an outdoor living area. | Photo: David Patterson

Is hiring an interior designer a luxury, or a necessity?

It’s definitely a necessity at the luxury level. An important part of the process is picking the right materials. It is expensive, especially if you select the wrong kitchen countertop. It’s not like you made a mistake on a $200 pillow. A lot of people don’t know what product is appropriate for certain applications. In today’s world, because costs are only going up, you want to make sure you do it right the first time.

Describe what an interior designer does.

Some people think interior designers come in and just do the furniture, the fabrics. For me, it is about asking big questions at the beginning of the process, working with the architect in collaboration with the clients. It’s about space planning. Are the rooms the right size given how the client lives, how they’re going to entertain, how they are using the space? Do they have children? How many animals? How active is the household? Some­times there’s a lighting designer. And a landscape architect.

Portrait Colleen Johnson says her job is “asking big questions at the beginning of the process, working with the architect in collaboration with the clients.”| Photo: Jennifer Olson

What does every room need?

It is easy to create a beautiful space, but every room needs something personal in it to make it the client’s space. It might be photos in a frame, a favorite treasure or an heirloom from a family member.

What overriding design trend do you see right now?

A trend I hope that will continue is biophilic design, working with the architect and landscape architect to make connections to nature. We now have the science and data proving how important it is to take advantage of views, whether it’s of the mountains or a tree that is perfectly framed outside of a window.

Bathroom The spa-like primary bathroom features Zebrino Bluette honed marble from Galleria of Stone in the shower and surrounding the backlit vanity mirror. | David Lauer

Our population is aging, and people want to stay in their homes, so how does that affect residential design?

It’s things like having a curbless shower, and doorways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair. Or adding an elevator, because not everybody has the luxury to live on one level. And it’s also bathroom finishes; surfaces to prevent slipping and falling. Things like grab bars on the wall and lever door handles instead of knobs that require turning.

What sorts of technological advancements are improving home design?

Window coverings and lighting that can be controlled by voice or remote control devices offer both safety and convenience. Especially here in Colorado, we have a lot of blazing sun, and remote controls make life so much easier.

Living Room Floor-to-ceiling bronze-finished wood frames the backlit polished marble surrounding the fireplace. Corbin Bronze sculptures accent the hearth, while midcentury chairs have been reupholstered in cream leather. | Photo: David Lauer

How can you trend-proof your interior design purchases?

Invest in good-quality furniture, because if a sofa or chair’s frame is good, then it can be reupholstered down the road. We just finished a project for a client that I worked with 25 years ago, and we were able to reuse many pieces.

We’re bombarded with images on Instagram and social media, so how do you help people figure out what their style is?

An interior designer can help you sort through all that and give your home a look designed for you that isn’t cookie-cutter or looking like everyone else’s.

Exterior Patio Outdoor living areas can enhance a home’s connection to nature, such as this space with a stone fireplace and Gloster furniture adjacent to the gardens and greenhouse. | Photo: Eric Lucero

What is your personal style, and how often do you redesign you own home?

I had a client the other day ask if I redo my house every year, and I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” My home was built in 1896. It tells the story of my husband and me, and the things we have accumulated when we travel. It’s eclectic. Last year, we redid our living room. We got a new rug and sofa, which was a huge deal, because we still had furniture from when we got married. And when it was done, I felt what my clients experience. That kind of joy. It was an ”Aha!” moment.

Dining Room A Gregorius Pineo light fixture with antiqued-glass panels hangs above the custom Woden Woods table and Lexington chairs. | Photo: Eric Lucero

Interior Design – Colleen Johnson, ASID, CAPS, In-Site Design Group