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DESIGN INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

Interior Design Tips, Expert Advice & Client Resources from Summer Kim Design – Denver, CO

Discover expert advice, thoughtful guidance, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you navigate your interior design journey with clarity and confidence. Whether you're just getting started or refining your vision, our blog offers inspiration and practical tools to support every step of the process.

Where to Start When Designing Your Denver Home

Where to Start When Designing Your Denver Home | Summer Kim Design | Denver, CO

A helpful guide for new homeowners or busy professionals on prioritizing interior design room by room.


Designing your home can feel like a big, exciting journey—but if you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve just moved into a new space or you’re finally ready to refresh the one you’ve lived in for years, knowing how to begin can make all the difference.


Here’s a simple, thoughtful approach to help you kick off your design process with clarity and confidence—tailored especially for life in Denver.




1. Begin With the Big Picture

Before diving into paint colors and furniture choices, take a step back and ask yourself a few key questions:

  • How do I want my home to feel?

  • What’s working—and what’s not—about my current space?

  • What matters most to me in my day-to-day life at home?

Understanding your goals will help guide your decisions, keep you focused, and ensure your home supports your lifestyle—not just your Pinterest board.




2. Define Your Style

Your home should feel like you. Start gathering inspiration from magazines, social media, or design platforms like Pinterest or Houzz. Look for patterns in what you’re drawn to—natural textures, clean lines, bold colors, layered neutrals, etc.

Here in Denver, many homeowners are inspired by styles like Mountain Modern, Mid-Century, Craftsman, and Organic Contemporary. You might find that your taste is a fusion of a few. That’s okay—in fact, it’s what makes your home unique.




3. Prioritize the Spaces That Matter Most

It’s tempting to tackle everything at once, but starting with one or two rooms will help keep the process manageable—and enjoyable.

Think about:

  • Where you spend the most time (often the kitchen, living room, or bedroom)

  • What spaces are currently uncomfortable or dysfunctional

  • What updates would make the biggest difference in your daily life

Once you identify your starting point, you’ll have a natural momentum to keep moving forward, one room at a time.




4. Take Denver’s Climate and Lifestyle Into Account

Designing for the local environment is key to creating a home that works year-round.

  • Take advantage of natural light: Denver is blessed with sunshine. Use light, reflective surfaces and strategic window treatments to enhance the brightness of your space.

  • Embrace indoor-outdoor living: Think about patios, decks, or even sunrooms—especially if you love entertaining or relaxing outside.

  • Choose resilient materials: With Colorado’s weather shifts (think dry air, snow, and even hail), opt for materials that can handle both function and beauty.




5. Set a Realistic Budget

It’s important to align your design goals with your financial comfort zone. In Denver, remodeling or furnishing costs can vary widely depending on scope, but a clear budget can help you make smart, confident choices.

Factor in:

  • Major pieces (like furniture, appliances, or built-ins)

  • Trades or contractor fees (if not going the DIY route)

  • Permits, inspections, and a little cushion for the unexpected




6. Start With the Foundations, Then Layer In Personality

Begin with key investments—like a well-made sofa, bed, or dining table—then build from there. Add personality through lighting, art, textiles, and color. This layering process creates depth, warmth, and authenticity over time.

And remember: you don’t need to finish everything all at once. The best homes evolve.




Final Thoughts on Where to Start When Designing Your Denver Home

Starting your home design journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning, a clear sense of your priorities, and a willingness to take it step by step, your Denver home can become a true reflection of your lifestyle and story.

Whether you’re craving calm and cozy, bold and vibrant, or timeless and elegant—your home should feel like a place you love to live in.










 
 
 
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