Miranda Cullen is an internationally recognized interior designer and founder of Inside Stories, one of Colorado’s leading design firms. Miranda currently leads a team of 20-plus designers at her Denver-based studio, which has earned more than a few accolades, including the 2015 CARE Awards for both design detail and kitchen remodel in the Remodeling Excellence category. Miranda also won the International Design & Architecture award from the International Design & Architecture Committee in 2022. In 2024, Inside Stories was listed among the Top 13 Interior Design Firms in the Southwest by AD PRO. Learn more about Miranda and her designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Miranda Cullen: While my mom never had formal training, she is extremely talented when it comes to home decorating; our home was always pulled together with T’s crossed and I’s dotted! Little details mattered to her, which I paid attention to. Growing up, I was that child who was always moving furniture around in my room and was designing and redesigning an epic Barbie Dream House. Then, my senior year in high school, it all clicked. I took an interior design class as an elective, and I was a natural. My teacher actually commented to me, “It would be a crime if you didn’t become an interior designer”. And here I am, 29 years later!
This stylish vignette showcases a beautiful contrast between the patterned dresser and the deep, leafy wallpaper, creating a dynamic focal point. The curated mix of unique pieces, from the tribal necklace to eclectic decor, adds to the atmosphere.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
MC: My husband often comments that I am constantly gazing around; I look for inspiration everywhere I go. I love to take in a space and get lost in the creativity it brings. I’m always trying to come up with new ways of laying out furnishings in a space, giving the actual furniture pieces more character and showcasing them as they should be, “objet d’art”, while making sure the space functions as needed. When you’ve designed houses and spaces for nearly three decades, the traditional layouts and space plans can become too easy and uninspired. I look around for inspiration everywhere I go that may spark a new idea.
AJ: How do you approach designing for different types of clients?
MC: The approach is the same for every client. We have a solidified, unique, Q&A process that we use to guide us and our clients to ensure that we are designing for their very particular aesthetic and functional needs. Our job is to creatively curate bespoke, individual designs to each of our clients and our questions are very specific, very detailed, very exact. Our tagline hits the nail on the head with: “Your story through our storytellers”!
The dramatic dark tones of this bathroom are beautifully offset by the sculptural mirror.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
MC: I love so many aspects of being a designer, and I’ve certainly loved all of the roles I’ve inhabited during my design journey. I started as a design intern, which was an unpaid position back in my day, and then worked my way up! I am very big on teamwork, and everyone pitching in when needed, and I like that I can relate to all the positions within my company because I have done them all at one point throughout my career.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
MC: We treat design and function with the same level of importance. A non-functioning, pretty space is just a waste of money! Spaces must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing; homes are far too expensive to have areas that cannot be used. In all of our plans, we make sure that we utilize every square inch so that our clients feel that they are making the most of our services – maximizing corners, nooks, and overlooked areas to make the most of the home’s footprint! A professional interior designer is not only brought on to make sure a home looks beautiful, but so they can look at your home and tell you the best ways to utilize the space.
The minimalistic design of the space amplifies the grandeur of the fireplace and artwork.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
MC: Dream clients have endless budgets! But I would also really love to design a boutique hotel. That’s next on my list!
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
MC: I would own a pet rescue. My other passion, outside of interior design, is animals. My husband and I are starting to talk about retirement in the next 10 years and I would really love to have a rescue! I can’t think of anything better!
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