When asked to describe her overall design philosophy, Miranda Cullen, founder and owner of the internationally acclaimed interior design firm, Inside Stories, replies: “Our tagline says it all: ‘Your story & Our Storytellers.’ Our design philosophy is simple—we bring our clients' visions to life. We prioritize both function and aesthetics, crafting spaces that are a true reflection of the people who live and work in them. Unlike firms known for a signature “look,” we take a personalized approach, creatively interpreting each client's unique style to design spaces that feel distinctly their own. Asked about the current design trend that has seen a resurgence in demand for vintage décor. Miranda notes there hasn’t really been a revival of the use of vintage pieces at her firm because “We always encourage our clients to include bespoke pieces that they own. We love to re-imagine existing pieces into our client’s new design. Some clients might not have pieces to include and if they are looking for an eclectic, collected design aesthetic then we certainly play around with different furniture styles to achieve this look.” Questioned about some examples she might have to share of ways to successfully incorporate vintage elements into a design scheme without creating a look that feels outdated, Miranda explains, “Our design approach is highly methodical—we consider every element of a space holistically, making selections for flooring, wall color, ceiling treatments, fixed and decorative lighting, furnishings, and fabrics all at once. This ensures a cohesive aesthetic that balances all of our clients' needs. Before the final design layout is approved, the designer meets with each of her clients as part of an extensive consultation technique where “We also conduct an in-depth walkthrough of each space, sitting down with clients to understand their goals for function, feel, and aesthetics. This thorough process ensures that every design is a true reflection of their vision and needs.”
“When vintage elements, we carefully determine whether they should take center stage or serve as a complementary accent. We treat each piece accordingly, sometimes updating finishes to enhance their impact. One of my favorite applications is giving a traditional piece a showstopping high-gloss finish. And of course, I can never resist a beautiful burl wood piece!” incorporating
IMAGE CREDIT: MIRANDA CULLEN, FOUNDER & OWNER, INSIDE STORIES, COLORADO
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August 2025
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