The inside story on

Inside Stories- Interior Designers in Denver

We’re interior designers and decorators in Denver that do things a little differently. We’re the ones that show you how it is and how it could be. The ones that push you outside of your comfort zone into a place of unmatched beauty and style. We believe in a lot of things, but being cookie-cutter isn’t one of them. So if you’re looking for the same old, feel free to look elsewhere. We’re more interested in exploring the types of interiors that leave you with an impression when you step inside. And while we’re in the business of creating spaces you’d see in a movie, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to work with us. All we ask is you bring an open mind to the table so our team at Inside Stories® Denver can fill it with all the possibilities we can dream up.

 

Miranda Cullen

OUR FEARLESS LEADER

International Award-Winning Interior Designer and Decorator, energetic entrepreneur, mom, wife, CEO & Rainmaker – There’s a reason she fears no project that comes through our doors. With 30-years of experience, Miranda is a valuable mentor to our interior design team and a driving force behind the growth of our Denver-based interior design firm, Inside Stories, as she continues building its legacy through franchising.

SARAH EVANS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER + PARTNER

Sarah is a Colorado native who has worked at Inside Stories Denver for 7 years. While she is not a designer, Sarah uses her skillsets to ensure operations run smoothly! Some of her skillsets include strategic thinking, financial acumen, problem solving, communication, and leadership. Sarah’s favorite aspect of working with Inside Stories is seeing the client’s vision come to life and working alongside our amazing design team!

Our Denver Interior Designer Team

inside stories interior designer Kate Rainwater Denver
Degree:

Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

space planning

His/Her Genius Strikes:

when she's collaborating with creative people or during her valued alone time in the shower.

Fun Fact:

She can out drive most men on the golf course

Kate Rainwater

Design Manager

Degree:

Culinary Arts, followed by a full career shift into design and construction

Favorite Design Challenge:

Space Planning tricky or small spaces and/or developing clever and interesting details to elevate a moment.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

Things do not go as planned. I tend to be quick and opportunistic in problems, and I am clever and resourceful in finding solutions. I often find that unexpected problems that arise can present even better outcomes than the ones we initially planned.

Fun Fact:

I am a twin and I spent most of my childhood in Tijuana, Mexico.

Jill Weiman

Lead Designer

Degree:

BA Classical Art + History

Favorite Design Challenge:

Reimagining a space for a completely new function, like turning a front desk into a bar!

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When hiking in the PNW, exploring rural Europe and waking up at 3am with a hair-brain idea.

Fun Fact:

She is a certified yoga teacher and currently teaches classes when she's not designing.

Samantha Leffel

Senior Interior Designer

Madison Shoemaker Interior Designer Denver Colorado Inside Stories design
Degree:

Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

Pushing clients outside of their comfort zones! Whether it's infusing a small pop of color into a neutral home or transforming a space into a fully immersive experience, she loves challenging her clients to take the leap.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

when she's trying something new. Visiting new restaurants, travelling to new places, and meeting new people is the best way to ignite that spark.

Fun Fact:

Madison eagerly anticipates Halloween all year long...she is HERE for spooky season, horror movie marathons, and any excuse to wear a costume.

Madison Shoemaker

Senior Interior Designer

Degree:

BS in Interior Design & minor in Construction Management

Favorite Design Challenge:

Juxtaposing a client's different design styles to produce something that is so uniquely them.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When she's talking with other creatives, walking around her neighborhood, or exploring new cities.

Fun Fact:

She is an ordained minster and has done a few of her friend's ceremonies!

Rachel Ess

Senior Interior Designer

Degree:

Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

I’m passionate about balancing personality, aesthetics and functionality, especially when designing for diverse client needs. One of my favorite challenges is creating personalized spaces that reflect a client’s unique style while ensuring the design remains timeless and functional.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When painting, being in nature, trying out new food, collaborating with creative people and getting inspired by different cultures.

Fun Fact:

I speak Spanish, English and a little bit of German, I have been riding horses since 2007, I have a degree in Industrial Design & I love watching Disney movies.

Jimena De La Torre

Interior Designer

Degree:

Brand Strategy, MBA, Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

I believe great design starts by connecting with people on a human level. So for me it all starts with the problem we are trying to solve. I spent the first 18 years of my career as a Brand Strategist, so it is ingrained in me to look beyond the surface of the ask to unpack a deeper design opportunity. Whether it’s understanding how clients use spaces or aligning design with their personal stories, I work to bring a unique perspective rooted specific insights and creative problem solving.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When…I am about to fall asleep or dreaming. I have a notebook on my nightstand for this very reason.

Fun Fact:

I love all animals! So much so, my husband proposed to me with an Elephant at the Cincinnati Zoo. Her name is Mai-Thai and she is 53 years old. We also have a pet snake named Julius Squeezer (among other furry and scaly creatures).

Carolyn Bugg

Interior Designer

Degree:

Business Management & Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

Finding the thread that ties everything together through unexpected patterns, collected pieces, and layered details to create spaces with personality, warmth, and a story all their own.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

I'm paying attention to how people actually live in their homes, how they gather, move, and create routines, and translating those observations into spaces that feel intuitive and personal.

Fun Fact:

Half of my interior inspiration starts with fashion magazines. I firmly believe the right accessories can save both an outfit and a living room.

Claire Comstock

Interior Designer

Degree:

Sustainable Interior Design

Favorite Design Challenge:

A good space planning challenge, making sure you get what you want in the space you have! I love a unique puzzle!

His/Her Genius Strikes:

I take 5 for a walk outside. Nature is the best inspiration. Per Einstein, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Fun Fact:

On my downtime you'll find me playing volleyball or lap swimming, except on Sundays... Sundays are for watching football.

Brent Valkenhoff

Interior Designer

Degree:

Film, with an emphasis in Critical Studies

Favorite Design Challenge:

Refinement! She loves exploring how well a design feels personal, supports daily routines, and feels beautiful year after year.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When gathering inspiration, brainstorming with others, and refining ideas until the design clicks - usually with rain sounds on.

Fun Fact:

She's lived in five different states and one other country, but her birthplace of Colorado will always have her heart.

Kaily Persico

Jr. Interior Designer

Degree:

Computer Information Systems Management

Favorite Design Challenge:

Brining in the clients personality into every aspect of the design.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When she is cooking.

Fun Fact:

She has gone skydiving and climbed five 14ers.

Jeanne Elder

Business Support Admin

Degree:

Communications

Favorite Design Challenge:

Her favorite thing about purchasing is seeing the project come together after placing the orders.

His/Her Genius Strikes:

When she is home with her family.

Fun Fact:

She works with her two sisters.

Rachel Bena

Purchasing Coordinator

Degree:

Communications

Favorite Design Challenge:

getting everything delivered in mint condition and without delays!

His/Her Genius Strikes:

when problem solving a logistics issue

Fun Fact:

She and her husband both played college soccer and now all three of their kids play

Megan Sawatzki

Purchasing Coordinator

What's one warehouse tool or piece of equipment you couldn't live without?

My team! When the work gets hard, we turn the music up and push through it together to complete the project.

What is the most satisfying part of your role in the warehouse?

Seeing the transformation from start to finish. When we arrive, the project site is an empty space, and when we leave, it's a beautiful completed home ready for a family to create lasting memories.

How many steps do you average in a single shift?

My record in 1 day, is 60,000 steps. An average day is about 10,000 steps.

Fun Fact:

Played in the MLB for 6 years

Don Cullen

Warehouse Manager

What's one warehouse tool or piece of equipment you couldn't live without?

Screw driver, hands down.

What is the most satisfying part of your role in the warehouse?

Seeing the design/space come together after receiving (and inspecting) the individual items.

How many steps do you average in a single shift?

I average about 9,000 steps a day.

Fun Fact:

I played Chewbacca in middle school because I was the only one who could make the sound.

Tyrone Williams

Warehouse Associate

What's one warehouse tool or piece of equipment you couldn't live without?

Box Cutters. Sometimes packaging can be quite the feat!

What is the most satisfying part of your role in the warehouse?

Being able to see the clients and designers' vision transform in real time!

How many steps do you average in a single shift?

On average is about 6,000 steps.

Fun Fact:

I raced motocross for 20 years.

Tyrell Williams

Warehouse Associate

Degree:

Fine Arts with a focus in Paw-ttery

Favorite Design Challenge:

adding "character" to rugs around the house

His/Her Genius Strikes:

when food is involved

Fun Fact:

I have three big brothers that I boss around

Tilly Cullen

Design Dog