Rising Stars: Meet Conni Newsome-Lovelace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Conni Newsome-Lovelace.

Hi Conni, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been passionate about interior design, even as a very young girl. I enjoyed studied my mother’s design books in my free time, and then practiced my skills on my friends bedrooms at sleep overs! When I moved to Denver in 2000, I studied interior design while working as a design assistant at Douglas Associates.

I quickly became the Project Manager for Melinda Douglas where I learned the ins and outs of running a high-end interior design business for 15 years. Eventually, I co-founded C + A Interiors. During that time, I was internationally recognized with distinguished design awards and numerous publications for high-end residential projects.

Fast forward to 2023, and I’m currently putting the final touches on a remodel for a mid-century home. It’s one of the latest creations with my design firm, The Decorator.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges is working with clients from out of state. It all starts with understanding the client’s vision and finding inspiration. We go to the site and get an understanding of how the design can work in its natural environment. The vision is the foundational start to my process.

So when the project is out of state, you really have to be more than organized and have a team in both areas to be at your aid. My first out-of-state project was on the coast of Maine while I was working at Douglas Associates, and for some reason I had to do it alone when the client was on vacation. It was even my first time to travel to the project, not to mention this was before the hi-tech days of smart phones, apps for maps and even texting! The goal was to transport a semi-truck filled to the brim with furniture to a rural area and then unload it into a smaller vehicle because the driveway was long and narrow.

To make it extra challenging, I had to do it during a winter snowstorm. I realized the importance of being {more than} organized while forming reliable relationships with people in the industry. A lot of my projects are out of state so I feel confident traveling to different destinations knowing anything is possible. However, during Covid the out-of-state challenge was different. I had to rely on my experienced eye and trust my instincts while convincing clients to trust my vision.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our practice is primarily residential interiors. I work in a wide range of styles based on what is appropriate for the particular project location, budget, and client preferences.

I have an eye for detail and the ability to curate from all periods of design. I truly love the art of the “hunt” and will scour the interior design world searching for unique pieces. I have a love of artisan fabrics, handmade furnishings, and show-stopping objects that lend a collected and carefully curated look to client spaces. I work with the architects and builders to manage the client’s expectations and work as an advocate for the client to help the team achieve the goals that we put into the plans.

I love the interactions with clients and the team, coming up with innovative ideas, and creating something beautiful that shelters and impacts people’s lives in a meaningful way. I am most proud when our clients think outside of the box creatively and say “yes” to a design that I feel strongly about using in their space.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m about to open an online shop with my husband for curated vintage rugs and home goods. We have talked about this from the beginning of our relationship and its starting to come together!

It seems fitting too, because we met working at Decade, a vintage shop on Broadway. The site will be live soon and I welcome all to visit www.decoratorshoppe.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://connilovelace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedecorator.co/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thedecoratorshoppe/

Image Credits
Justin Miers, Isaiah Pickens, and Sierra Ann Photography