The strengths and stunning style behind K Studios & Company’s design portfolio

By Ali Harrison

Photography by Christine Humphries & Chad Chisholm

Denver-based K Studios & Company is a full-service interior design and architecture firm. With seasoned design talents, including principal designers Kimberly Jamerson and Terri Barnes, the boutique business’s new construction and remodels stretch from the Rocky Mountains to New York, California and Paris. DLM visited with Jamerson and Barnes to learn more about K Studios as well as their recent project at Castle Pines in south Denver.

DLM: Tell us about your backgrounds in interior design and the history of K Studios & Company.

KJ: I graduated with a B.S. in interior design from Colorado State University’s CIDA accredited program. After graduating, I enjoyed a five-year stint at H&L Architecture, a large architectural firm in Denver. I started K Studios in Houston in 2000, desiring to focus on the high-end residential market, which is still one of our firm’s focuses today. Because of my commercial background, though, we still enjoy commercial projects. We specialize in both remodels and new construction.

TB: During my 35 years working in the interior design industry, I’ve developed experience in custom home design and building, furniture design, manufacturing and showroom managing. Kimberly and I met five years ago and connected over our professional strengths, similar clientele and love for world traveling. We began our first project together in 2013 and have been collaborating ever since as K Studios & Company.

DLM: What motivated you to pursue a career in design?

KJ: I fell in love with interior design during college through art classes. One of my favorite art teachers noticed my drawings had an architectural slant and suggested I look into taking some architectural drawing classes.

TB: While in fashion design school, my passion shifted from fashion to interiors. Working with the late, great architect, Robert Caudle, in Denver sealed my passion for interior design.

DLM: What is your business philosophy at K Studios & Company?

KJ: We feel it is a privilege to do what we do. We believe the foundation of creating spaces for our clients begins with fully understanding their personal preferences and style. We value their trust and always make it a priority to embrace and honor their unique vision. Our process is fully collaborative, from beginning to end.

DLM: What can people expect when they hire you?

TB: It is our mission to exceed all expectations, not only in producing good, current design, but in our level of service. We are about being strategic partners to our clients. We are always working towards fulfilling and exceeding client needs in creating interior environments.

DLM: Do you have a particular design style that you specialize in?

KJ: We aren’t known for a particular style because we let our clients and the spaces dictate the direction. Every client and space is unique, so our designs reflect that. If we are remodeling a Spanish Colonial, it leans more classic. Or if we are designing a modern new-build, you will find finishes and furnishings that reflect an iconic modern interior, guided by our client’s tastes. A look through our portfolio would demonstrate the stylistic breadth of our work. It would reveal that our passion lies in honoring the strengths of different styles and periods, rather than pushing one style again and again.

DLM: What is your favorite part of the design process?

KJ: My passion centers around working directly with architects and developers on concept development. I specifically love the architectural process, ensuring that there is a direct and intentional connection between a space’s architecture and interiors. Throughout a project, I continually return tothis balance of exterior and interior, which ultimately produces the cohesiveness of a space, an interesting dialogue.

TB: Given my extensive background in furniture design and manufacturing, it is no surprise that I love the furniture selection and procurement process. I also enjoy project management, in order to quality control our projects from start to finish. I believe our passions complement each other to provide a superior design experience.

DLM: What are your favorite design trends?

KJ: I like the mixing of different metal finishes, woods and fabrics to create rich texture. With the onset of social media, the life-span of a trend has become extremely short. However, I believe that vintage, one-of-a-kind items will continue to be sought after, regardless of the style or period. The found ‘objects’ truly make a house a home, and keep your guests asking, “Where did you find that?”

TB: I enjoy combining elements from different styles and periods to create a layered, textural and colorful look. This “collected” style that Kimberly has also referenced is a trend that will never go out of style.

DLM: What are your favorite timeless design trends?

KJ: Quality in materials and its application is the most important detail in ensuring timelessness. And if the client loves it, it never goes out of style…

TB: A timeless look incorporates elements from varying cultures and periods. This allows a space to transcend the boundaries of place and time.

DLM: Where do you recommend clients begin in the design process?

KJ: I recommend researching online or pulling inspirations from magazines in order to convey their wants, likes and even dislikes. This gives a good base from which to begin.

TB: Yes, pull inspiration images. Work out a cohesive direction and clear budget.

DLM: What were the  goals for this project? What were the homeowners looking to achieve with the overall design?

TB: The goal was to furnish the home while maintaining its original architectural integrity. The client wanted a cohesive, French European feel, to beautifully complement the home’s setting, the golf community at Castle Pines Resort.

DLM: What were the inspirations for this design?

KJ: The French European architecture of the home, reminiscent of a Loire Valley chateau, was the main inspiration for the design. The architects did such a good job siting the home, so we also wanted to honor that and take advantage of the views.

DLM: What were your favorite aspects of designing this home?

TB: We were thrilled to work with the amazing team we had, which included the well-known and respected architect, Don Ruggles. Our wonderful client also contributed to our enjoyable, collaborative experience.

DLM: What were some challenges of this project and how were they solved?

KJ: We took on this project not only to provide design services, but also to help organize a charitable event hosted at the residence. We collaborated with Sotheby’s International Realty on an auction at 1 Elk Pointe Ln. this past June, to show the house and to benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. This event created the largest challenge, which was our quick timeline for this project. Another challenge, due to the grand scale of this home, was to bring the spaces down to a human scale, to create intimacy amid the loftiness.

DLM: Was there a special focus for this project?

TB: Our goal was to create a timeless, collected and well-traveled look for this home, as well as to honor the architecture with well-appointed furnishings, art and accessories.

Resources

K STUDIOS & COMPANY|303.355.5876|kstudiosdesign.com

Read the article on the DLM website here.