Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Flynn.
Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began Studio Shelter in 2017. The goal was to elevate the interior design process and eliminate some of the complexities of remodeling or home building. My team and I work hard to produce excellent results for homeowners and contractors.
I received my associate’s degree at Arapahoe Community College. After some years raising my young daughters, I began working as a design assistant/office manager, basically doing anything and everything required. I worked my way through the Denver interior design industry, learning “by fire” so to speak. After over 20 years working for several of Denver’s most prestigious firms, in addition to my own, I’m now honing my process-driven approach, adding a bit of softness and levity to the process.
My childhood was filled with art and music. We’re an entrepreneurial family, and every member is either a musician or a working artist. That exposure instilled in me the drive, creative edge, and vision that I bring to each project. I’ve also have three amazing, adult daughters, recently moved my parents in with me, and have two little dogs I adore. My friends and family are the best part of my life, and I spend my free time cultivating those relationships.
For the last few years, I was president of the Colorado-New Mexico chapter of ASID, which I felt honored to do. I’ve been published in several Colorado magazines, and I’m always seeking ways to add to my education and help my clients by incorporating the latest trends into their projects. I work with others in a team environment out of genuine gratitude and humility. Every individual is important, and I believe it’s vital to really listen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I doubt any successful career is without challenge, my road is no exception. For example, the recession of 2009-2010 was the most notable time in history when the entire industry suffered. At this time, I was also going through a divorce and became a single mother of 3. All of these challenges actually ended up being incredibly motivating. This was the period in my life when I decided to pursue my career with more intensity to hone my craft and challenged myself to be the best I could be for my girls as well.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life. Each individual client that we work with creates a new set of challenges and surprises and we hone our approach for each client. A high percentage of our work is high-end speculative homes and working with developers makes it easier to apply our standardized processes.
We create spaces with contrast, neutrality and nature. Biophilic design isn’t just a current trend, it is essential. Rich wood tones and greenery are elements we tend to consistently appropriate. We are proud of the relationships we have with our vendors, clients and each other within the office. Together, we create homes that are specific to our client’s personalities that are warm and inviting.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Denver is how “small” the denver design community is. Getting to know other designers and industry contributors allows us to commiserate about salient experiences which I find personally rewarding.
What I like least about denver is the increasing wealth inequality and number of people moving here congesting our space and increasing stress.
Pricing:
- HGTV has it wrong, you cannot remodel your entire home for $40k. It is important to manage cost expectations when dreaming up a remodel, new build or even decor.
- Expect covid increases to stay and increase further with Nationwide inflation.
- Potential Tarifs could pose delays in furnishings and materials, as well as increase cost. Retail users will pay the price.
- Although hiring a designer can seem like an expensive prospect, the documents we provide to the builder save time and potential costly mistakes. Likely you will pay for the design fee with the avoidance of these mistakes. It is the single most important aspect of any project- DESIGN! It usually reflects between 5-8% of your total investment. Look at the numbers this way, there is no way you would approach a project without hiring a qualified Interior Designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioshelterco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_shelter_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiosheltercompanies
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-shelter/
Image Credits
Image 1: Photographer Rae Scott (white kitchen with stone hood) All other images that are not of people/ pets: Photographer Jess Blackwell
