Park City, Utah-based Jennelle Butera has been creating thoughtful spaces for more than ten years as the founder and principal designer of Bloum Design. Through Bloum’s time-tested design process, the studio enhances the daily lives of its clients by creating homes that are both exceptionally beautiful and instinctively livable. In each aspect of her projects, Jennelle and her team seek connection and collaboration with both their clients and their creative partners to create homes that are truly a team effort and reflect each contributing point of view. See these stunning interiors in today’s Designer Friday.
A compact bunk room wrapped in warm wood paneling makes the most of every inch, with built-in bunks framing a centered window that draws the eye straight to the trees outside. Photo by Malissa Mabey
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Jennelle Butera: It was less of a single moment of inspiration and more of an organic evolution. My deep-rooted passion for design began in the fashion world, where I spent years in New York City working with textiles and selling to high-end buyers. That foundational experience — understanding color, texture, material quality, and client needs — felt like a natural, inevitable pivot to interiors. Moving to Park City offered the perfect catalyst to transition those skills into creating curated living spaces.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
JB: Refined, authentic, collaborative.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
JB: The most rewarding moments come a few months after a project is finished, when a client calls to say, “Thank you, we love living in our home. Let’s do this again.” That initial feeling of accomplishment often leads to continued work with the same clients, and sometimes their family members, for years to come.
Glossy cobalt tile wraps this kitchen in texture and depth, balanced by warm wood cabinetry, open shelving, and a crisp white countertop for a clean, modern contrast. Photo by Lucy Call
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
JB: I approach a new design project by first treating the initial client meeting as a mutual interview. It’s essential to establish a strong, trusting partnership, so I ask specific questions to ensure the project is the right fit for both my team and the client.
A crucial part of this process is understanding how they live and use their space. I ask for inspiration images and delve into their lifestyle — including whether they have pets, children, or grandchildren — to grasp the dynamics of the home. I also clarify the home’s role in their lives: is it a forever home, a stepping stone to the next, or a vacation retreat?
To provide full transparency and confidence in our collaboration, I offer a list of past and current clients. This allows prospective clients to contact them directly and ask real, unfiltered questions about the experience of working with my team.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
JB: The best piece of advice I’ve received is to remember we are running a serious business and providing a luxury service. Client relationships can get emotional at times, so it is vital to always take a beat and stay calm. It takes years to build your business & reputation, but you can ruin it with one angry or unprofessional email, which is why it’s important to stay cool and composed.
This kitchen centers around a generous island for gathering, framed by walnut cabinetry and a deep green tile wall that adds just enough drama. Photo by Malissa Mabey
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
JB: My favorite aspect of my job is the deep dive into my clients’ aspirations and the opportunity to use my creativity, often in collaboration with other industry creatives, to surprise them with curated, elevated design ideas and bring special, unforgettable moments into their homes.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
JB: If I weren’t an interior designer, I would open a shop dedicated to sourcing and selling beautiful goods from around the world, alongside custom pieces created by local artisans. This passion is a natural extension of my design work; it would allow me to focus purely on the curation of unique, high-quality materials and the celebration of true craftsmanship.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
JB: Be more confident in your intuition and trust that deep inner voice of knowing.
Headshot photo by Lauren Cohen.
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