Design Notes from the Studio
After 20 years designing homes across the US, Europe, and Asia, I returned to Colorado to focus exclusively on South Denver neighborhoods. This journal shares what I'm learning as I navigate Centennial kitchens, Littleton historic homes, and the unique challenges of designing close to home.
You'll find project stories, design philosophy, practical advice, and honest reflections on what it takes to create homes that work for real families.
Not trend reports or pillow swaps; five substantive changes that solve the problems you've been living with all winter. From a Centennial CO interior designer with 20 years of experience.
From a Dallas showroom to Berlin apartments to Centennial ranch homes; what two decades of interior design teaches you about space, people, and getting the details right.
Create a beautiful home that works for how you live. Expert advice on functional design, smart storage, and effortless living from interior designer serving Centennial, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton.
Interior designer shares how and where to find materials beyond big box stores. Mix high and low, new and vintage, commercial and custom to create homes with real personality.
Discover how a Centennial interior designer helps you find meaningful art, support local artists, and arrange pieces into cohesive gallery walls that tell your story.
Discover how thoughtful interior design details create a home that feels uniquely yours, even when guests can't pinpoint why. Expert insights on color flow, pattern mixing, and meaningful decor.
Deciding between building new or renovating in Centennial, Highlands Ranch, or Castle Pines? An interior designer breaks down costs, timelines, and what works best for your family.
Discover how interior design transforms kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, and basements into beautiful, functional spaces. Jamie House Design brings architectural expertise to South Denver homes.
Choosing an interior designer in Colorado? What to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid; for Centennial, Castle Pines, and Littleton homes.
How Colorado's intense natural light affects paint colors. Expert guide for choosing the right paint for Centennial, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton homes.
Rushed design decisions lead to regret. Learn why thoughtful planning creates homes that serve your life, not trends, from a Centennial interior designer working throughout Littleton, Castle Pines, and surrounding areas.
Discover meaningful interior design trends for 2026 from Centennial designer Jamie House Design: quality materials, custom built-ins, original art, and designing homes for how you actually live.
Start the new year right with practical home refresh strategies from Centennial CO interior designer Jamie House Design. Learn to finish projects, plan renovations, and create space for possibility in South Denver homes.
Reflections on creating timeless, authentic interiors in Denver's South Metro Suburbs. Learn how collaboration, humility, and fresh perspective shape luxury design that feels like home.
Elegant Thanksgiving hosting tips from Denver interior designer Jamie House. Two refined approaches for entertaining in Centennial, Castle Pines & Littleton.
Transform your Centennial, Littleton, or Castle Pines dining room into a space for gathering. Expert interior design tips from everyday elegance to full renovation.
What makes ranch home kitchens in Centennial and Littleton hard to renovate; and the layout, storage, and lighting decisions that change them.
The practical difference between an interior designer and decorator; and how to know which one your project in Centennial, Littleton, or Denver needs.
What does an interior designer actually cost in Centennial and Denver? Real numbers, pricing models, and what's typically included, no vague ranges.
Creating a calm home doesn't mean throwing everything away. Five design strategies that bring peace to your Centennial or Littleton home without the minimalist extremes.
Staging is for selling. Design is for living. Here's the practical difference between the two; and when you might actually need both.
The three layers every lighting plan needs, why color temperature matters more than people realize, and what to know about LEDs before you buy.
Why "finding your style" is the wrong starting point, and the questions that get you to a home that feels like yours.
How to make a suburban Denver home feel connected to Colorado without the ski lodge aesthetic; the materials, light, and palette decisions that actually make the difference.
The local Denver showrooms and stores I return to most often; tile and stone, antiques, plumbing fixtures, art, and fabric, and what I specifically go to each of them for.
Lava stone, limestone, reclaimed wood, cork, limewash; the natural materials worth specifying right now and the honest practical case for each.
What working with an interior designer involves; every phase from discovery call through installation day, with honest timelines and what to expect.
Opening one wall changed the entire living space. How a dated, closed-off kitchen became the center of how this couple lives, without starting over.
Why some rooms feel good to be in and others don't, the specific variables that make a difference, and what you can do about them without a full renovation.
The difference between a room that feels collected and one that feels decorated, and the specific details that get you from one to the other.
A whole-home renovation in Centennial; gut kitchen, primary suite, and architectural refresh, designed for a couple ready to stop living in the house their kids grew up in.
Thinking about hiring an interior designer? Ask these questions first. Centennial CO interior designer explains what matters when choosing who to work with.
In a world where trends rise and fall with Tik Tok, creating a home that transcends time requires more than simply avoiding bold choices. Timeless interior design is not just about playing it safe with neutrals or adhering to a classic formula; it is about crafting a space that speaks to your soul, a space that remains as captivating to you today as it will in the years to come.
In the world of luxury interior design, it is the details that whisper elegance and the craftsmanship that speaks of permanence. Custom millwork and built-ins are more than architectural elements; they are the poetry of a well-loved home, the art that turns a space into a sanctuary. For discerning homeowners in Centennial, Denver, and beyond, these bespoke touches reflect a deep appreciation for quality, beauty, and the enduring charm of artistry.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, we still have the power to shape it—one choice, one purchase, one home at a time. The way we spend our money is a reflection of our values, a quiet yet profound act of belief in the world we want to live in. When it comes to interior design, every dollar spent is an opportunity to invest in craftsmanship, integrity, and community.
There is a quiet poetry in a home that is not just lived in, but deeply loved. A home where every space tells a story, where luxury is not simply about grandeur, but about the seamless harmony between beauty and function. At Jamie House Design, we believe in creating interiors that are designed for the soul; where elegance and purpose intertwine to elevate daily living.
There is something quietly profound about a home nestled against the grandeur of the mountains, where architecture does not compete with nature but instead becomes an extension of it. For those who seek a second home in the Rockies, or for Denver homeowners yearning to bring the serenity of the mountains into the city, choosing the right design language is an essential step in curating a life filled with meaning, beauty, and harmony.
At Jamie House Design, we believe homes should be designed for the soul—spaces that elevate daily living into an art form, where every detail reflects both the grandeur of nature and the refinement of a well-lived life. So, what is the difference between Mountain Modern and Contemporary design, and how do you find the one that speaks to your spirit?
When designing a luxury home, lighting is often the unsung hero that elevates a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Layered lighting is the strategic use of multiple light sources to create an adaptable and inviting atmosphere in any room. More than just a design element, this approach enhances both aesthetics and functionality, making every space more livable and enjoyable.
There is an undeniable magic in a home that feels deeply personal; a space curated with intention, where every object has a story to tell. At Jamie House Design, we believe that luxury isn't just about opulence; it’s about meaning, connection, and the joy of living with pieces that truly resonate.
At Jamie House Design, we curate interiors using a mix of trade, retail, and custom pieces to create a home that is as unique as you are. Our expertise ensures that each selection aligns with your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget while elevating the overall design.
Interior architecture is the poetry woven between structure and style. It is the elegant molding that crowns a room, the rhythmic repetition of paneling along a stately hallway, the sculptural staircase that feels as though it was born of the space itself. It is where spatial planning meets artistry, ensuring that the very bones of a home elevate the furnishings and décor within.
As a professional interior designer, I always encourage my clients to focus less on trends and more on what they truly love. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein, a trend is a trend is a trend; it’s not a final farewell to beloved styles, but rather a cycle of reinvention. With that in mind, here are the luxury interior design trends I see defining 2025.
Jamie House Design’s interior design work is quietly curated. It’s detailed. It’s thoughtful. It’s unpretentious and authentic. Every space and detail is designed for our clients and their lifestyle. Jamie House Design maintains intentional focus on detail and design quality in every space. We lean into the special details that make our designs unique. Our Denver studio curates a high-level mix.
This mid-century modern home in Littleton boasts a fantastic floor plan, natural flow, and striking architectural details—features that Jamie House Design thoughtfully enhanced. Without moving walls or altering the layout, we focused on maximizing its potential, preserving the original charm while elevating the design. This sprawling, rambling home has a dreamy quality—especially for me, imagining all this space from my little Berlin flat.
As an interior designer, I firmly believe in the power of mixing custom, designer-only furniture with thoughtfully selected retail accessories to create a layered, high-end look. A curated home isn’t about everything being bespoke or everything being from a retail store—it’s about the mix. At Jamie House Design, we source from places like the Denver Design Center for one-of-a-kind, trade-only pieces, but we also incorporate beautifully designed retail finds to balance out a space.
At Jamie House Design, we are excited to introduce a stunning mid-century modern full-home renovation project in Littleton, CO. This home, originally built in 1977, had remained largely untouched—preserving the character and architectural charm that make mid-century homes so special. Our goal? To modernize the space while maintaining its original integrity, creating a stylish, functional home for a client who values full-service interior design and timeless aesthetics.
As an interior designer, I believe in blending custom, designer-only furniture with thoughtfully selected retail pieces to create a high-end, curated look. A truly sophisticated home isn’t about everything being bespoke or everything being from a retail store—it’s about the mix. At Jamie House Design, we source from places like the Denver Design Center for exclusive, trade-only pieces while incorporating beautifully designed retail finds to balance a space.
Purchasing a second home in the mountains is an exciting venture, but designing it from a distance can feel overwhelming. At Jamie House Design, we specialize in high-end luxury interiors, seamlessly managing projects remotely while delivering personalized, beautifully curated spaces. Whether your mountain retreat is a new build, a renovation, or simply needs furnishing, our process ensures every detail is handled with expertise and care.
I have always believed that the way we design our homes has a profound impact on how we live. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function, comfort, and creating a sanctuary that supports and enhances your lifestyle. That belief is the foundation of Jamie House Design.
With nearly 20 years of experience in high-end residential design, I have worked on projects ranging from small historic remodels to expansive 12,000-square-foot new construction homes. My career has taken me across Houston, Florida, the Cayman Islands, and even China, collaborating with discerning clients to craft deeply personal, beautifully layered interiors. Before launching Jamie House Design, I honed my skills at several luxury interior design firms, developing a signature approach that embraces color, pattern, texture, antiques, and original art in all its forms—from canvas to pottery.
As a seasoned interior designer with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with families across Denver, Littleton, and beyond to create homes that are both stunning and functional. At Jamie House Design, we believe that having children doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or style. Your home should serve your family beautifully, providing comfort, practicality, and a refined aesthetic that enhances daily life. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about designing with kids in mind.
As an interior designer, I’ve always been drawn to the way spaces can shape our daily experiences. I knew Hygge was a concept, but it wasn’t until my family and I traveled to Copenhagen that I truly understood its essence. It clicked for me—not as a trend or a style but as a way of life. And more importantly, I saw how it can be woven into our homes to create spaces that nurture us.
When we decided to make the move from Houston TX to Berlin Germany a big deciding factor for me was to travel and show AJ the world. We have a long running list of places to visit still, but we started with celebrating AJ’s 2nd birthday in Venice. He’s not old enough to expect a proper party, he’s young enough to keep strapped in his stroller, these were are reasons. I would have made any reason really, I wanted to see Venice.
When determining what type of projects we take on at Jamie House Design, the first thing I consider is how receptive the client is to new ideas based on their vision, and whether the project presents an opportunity for innovation. While I don’t typically work on speculative (spec) homes, I make exceptions for projects that allow for creativity and thoughtful design. One such project was a high-end spec home in Houston, designed for CM Batts Developers. Their openness to fresh concepts made this collaboration an exciting and rewarding experience.
A spec home is built by a developer on land they own, with a custom design and selections curated by a designer, offering homebuyers a move-in-ready luxury experience. Ideally, Jamie House Design is involved at the planning stage, allowing us to optimize the interior layout before construction begins. We specialize in maximizing space and creating a seamless flow within the home. While architects are essential to the structure, an interior designer ensures the home functions beautifully for daily life. The best results come from collaboration between the two.
At Jamie House Design, we believe that a well-designed kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in historic neighborhoods where original architecture deserves to be honored. One of our favorite projects was a full-home remodel in an affluent Memorial neighborhood in Houston, where the homeowners made a conscious decision to preserve their home’s charm rather than tear it down—a choice we deeply admire.
We decided that if we're going to make a big move we have to do it while AJ is little. So we jumped. It's been tough. It's hard to have a small child with no network. It's hard to leave a thriving business. It's hard to start again in a country that speaks a different language, tells time differently (military time has been hard to get used to!), and even uses a different measuring system (thanks USA for setting up this fail). It's also been good to not have a car, to walk more (I average 60 miles a month without even trying), to eat fresher foods (markets everywhere), and most importantly to see different parts of the world more easily.
The kitchen design process has been excruciating. Our beautiful pre war apartment did not come with a kitchen, or any lights, or any cabinets of any kind. Tis normal here. That means however that until we got the keys I couldn't measure or really get down to designing the kitchen. So six weeks of living without an actual kitchen has been pretty terrible, not the worst, but pretty terrible. Luckily the landlord provided us with a little stove and a sink to get us by. My industrious husband found a little refrigerator on Ebay (they use Ebay like Craigslist over here) so we were functional.
Hallo, wie geht es dir heute?
I've relocated to Berlin and opened a JHD outpost here. I know it's a bit out of the blue. It's been a dream my husband and I have held for a long time. We decided to take the plunge
Since I shared the space that inspired my living room I should share with you my living room. I LOVE this house. I feel personality in architecture and space and our house is very matronly and sweet. She's not fancy, but she's caring & comfortable.
In prep for our upcoming European move I’ve scanned to many magazine articles I’ve saved. I mean I cannot drag these things around the world with me when scanning technology exists. I found my old Domino magazines and was immediately transported back in time. I’ve always loved, and still love, this home. I was heavily influenced by it in the design of our current home.
Our former office was a charming yet functional small house in Houston’s Montrose district—an intimate and inspiring space designed for efficiency and creativity. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, I wanted to share a look inside our Montrose studio, which perfectly embodied our high-end, full-service interior design approach.
I have been enamored by Rose Uniake's home. Every inch has been thought through, every mundane cord hidden. Every detail is handled, and handled in a beautiful way. It's a marvelous inspiration for how your home can serve your life.
Her home was built in 1861 for James Rannie Swinton, a society portraitist. Rose herself got into the industry by restoring antiques. Her mother is also an antiques dealer with a shop not far from Roses.
Designing a custom closet is about more than just storage—it’s about creating a beautifully organized, highly functional space tailored to your lifestyle. At Jamie House Design, we believe luxury closet design should combine elegance and efficiency, transforming a simple storage area into a personalized retreat.
For this project, originally completed in Houston, we designed all the built-ins to fit the client’s specific clothing and shoe storage needs. Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to specialize in high-end, custom closet design that blends form and function seamlessly.
At Jamie House Design, we believe in honoring the architectural integrity of every home while making it functional for modern living. When we had the opportunity to collaborate with P&G Homes on the renovation of a neglected Mid-Century Modern house, we saw immense potential. Our goal was to restore and elevate this home, balancing its original charm with thoughtful updates. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, our love for mid-century modern design extends to homeowners in Littleton and beyond.
Jamie House, founder of Jamie House Design, was nominated for HGTV’s Fresh Faces of Design 2014 for Most Dramatic Transformation, showcasing her bold, visionary style.
Transforming a home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about honoring its history while enhancing its functionality and beauty. This project, a remarkable bungalow remodel in Houston, showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. With before-and-after photos that highlight the dramatic transformation, this home now exudes warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
This project was a true labor of love, and I couldn’t be more proud of the results. If you are looking to remodel or build a home that blends timeless design with modern luxury, Jamie House Design is here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something extraordinary together—contact us today to get started!
At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family Living
From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.
At Jamie House Design, we specialize in transforming homes into luxurious, timeless spaces that enhance the way our clients live. This project, designed in collaboration with P&G Homes, is a perfect example of a full-scale remodel that brings a home’s potential to life. While my interior design firm is now based in Denver, this Houston project remains a favorite—showcasing the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. If you're considering a home remodel in Denver, keep reading to see what’s possible when you work with Jamie House Design.
I never shared the photos from our gorgeous, intimate backyard wedding, and what better time than now, as we celebrate our one-year anniversary! Our wedding was everything we dreamed of—personal, meaningful, and filled with love. My cousin officiated as we exchanged vows in our own backyard, followed by a beautiful family-style vegan feast from Radical Eats, served right down our driveway. The flowers came fresh from the farmers market, and our incredible friends strung up lights and crafted delicate paper flowers, making the whole setting feel absolutely magical.
I got a long weekend in Fort Worth this past weekend due to my husband speaking at an Android conference. I got to meet with a client, eat great food and visit my favorite museum. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The building gives me goose bumps, it feels alive. I love the art of course, but the building. The building is a modern piece of art itself. The concrete walls. The amazing windows and the shadows the mullions create is beyond. Goose bumps. I always get emotional in this space. I didn't get a shot of the famous windows, I was running out of time and my phone died midway through the museum.
Creating a primary bedroom that serves as a true retreat is one of my greatest joys as an interior designer. Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep—it should be a sanctuary, a reflection of your style, and a luxurious escape from daily life. Today, I’m sharing a stunning transformation that embodies these principles.
This primary retreat, originally designed in Houston, showcases the timeless elegance and personalized design that Jamie House Design is known for. Now based in Denver, our approach remains rooted in sophisticated, high-end interiors that cater to the unique needs of each homeowner.
As the season shifts and fall slowly makes its presence known, Jamie House Design is busier than ever! With the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to schedule design projects before workrooms reach capacity. Typically, our workrooms stop accepting "before Christmas" requests by the end of October, so planning ahead is key. The holiday season always seems to arrive faster than expected, and this year, we are staying ahead of the curve.
For those who appreciate the fusion of art, design, and theatrical splendor, few names resonate as profoundly as Tony Duquette. A legendary Hollywood set designer and jewelry artist, Duquette’s legacy lives on through the brilliant work of his former business partner, Hutton Wilkinson.
Hutton Wilkinson’s home, once belonging to Duquette himself, is an extraordinary testament to maximalist luxury, layered storytelling, and boundless creativity. Every room is a stage set—a masterful interplay of color, texture, and opulence that speaks to a refined collector’s eye. The home is not just a residence; it is a living, breathing piece of art.
At Jamie House Design, we believe that original art is an essential element in creating truly unique and inspiring interiors. Incorporating artwork into a space brings depth, emotion, and a sense of personal connection that simply can’t be replicated with mass-produced pieces. That’s why we are passionate about promoting talented artists and integrating their work into our designs.
One artist whose work we deeply admire is Holly Farrell. Farrell's paintings capture the quiet beauty of everyday objects with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Her ability to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary makes her pieces a perfect fit for thoughtfully designed interiors.
When my Garden Oaks clients and I discussed the future of their home, we knew this room would eventually become their son RC’s big kid bedroom. Initially, it served as a guest room, office, and general storage space—a common scenario in many homes. However, with a new baby on the way, the "in the future" project quickly became a priority. It was time to create a functional, stylish, and timeless space that RC could grow into while also serving as a playroom.
I’m thrilled to be collaborating with a builder on the renovation of a charming bungalow in the Houston Heights—a neighborhood I hold dear. Preserving the character of these historic homes is incredibly important, especially as the area is increasingly filled with generic townhomes that lack the warmth and charm that make the Heights so unique. Whenever I have the opportunity to restore a home rather than replace it, I jump at the chance.
Designing for the Future Homeowner
Because this is a speculative build, meaning there’s no specific homeowner in mind yet, the design choices must appeal to a broad audience while maintaining a high level of style and functionality. We’re just getting started with selections, and I’m excited to take you through the transformation as it unfolds.
In Houston, architects are not required to have formal accreditation, which is why working with an interior designer is crucial to ensuring a home is both beautiful and livable. My expertise allows me to anticipate how future homeowners will use the space based on demographics and lifestyle needs, creating a home that’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.
At Jamie House Design, we collaborate with clients in a variety of ways—whether it’s being involved from the initial planning stages of new construction, refining a single space, or developing a long-term vision for a home. Every client’s needs are unique, and our role is to provide the expertise and flexibility required to create a beautifully designed, cohesive home.
For our Garden Oaks project, we partnered with a delightful family to refine and complete their dining room. They had already curated some meaningful pieces—a dining table, chairs, a stunning Turkish platter from their travels, and a pedestal acquired at a charity auction. While these elements provided a strong foundation, our goal was to bring cohesion, elegance, and a fresh perspective to the space.
Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to declutter—both in my personal space and for my clients. Almost obsessively! The process of letting go has been eye-opening, making me question why I held onto certain things in the first place. The truth is, before any renovation or redecoration, clearing out the old is essential to making space for the new. A well-edited home not only feels more intentional but also allows your design vision to come to life without the weight of unnecessary clutter.
There’s something truly special about discovering a piece of art that speaks to you on a deeper level—one that stirs emotions, sparks memories, and connects you to a specific time and place. Original art has the power to transform interiors, infusing them with personality and soul. Recently, I was reminded of this while reminiscing over a unique series of photographs that took me right back to my high school years in Texas.
Lately, I’ve been deep in the process of selecting the perfect exterior paint color for our charming bungalow. As a designer, I naturally gravitate toward timeless neutrals—there’s something undeniably sophisticated about a soft gray home. But this house, in this neighborhood, feels like it deserves something more vibrant, something with personality. It’s a rare opportunity to embrace color in a way that feels both classic and playful.
At Jamie House Design, we prioritize sustainable design that blends efficiency with luxury. Touring Houston’s first LEED H-certified home showcased innovative features like ICF walls, sealed attics, and solar integration, proving that high-end homes can be both stylish and energy-efficient. Thoughtful materials and smart systems reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort. Explore how LEED principles shape modern, sustainable interiors.
Your builder's designer works for the builder. Here's what that means for your Castle Pines home, and what independent interior design covers.