BY RACHEL OGBURN
As we head into 2026, I’ve found myself having the same conversations with clients, builders, and collaborators across Denver again and again. Not about trends or colors, but about expectations. About pace. About what it actually takes to design a home well today.
Whether I’m working in Wash Park, Cherry Creek, or on any metro area new build, the underlying questions are the same. How long should this take? Where should decisions happen? And why does the process matter so much?
Understanding those answers is often the difference between a smooth, confident project and one that feels unnecessarily stressful.
What’s Changed for Denver Homeowners
Designing a home in Denver in 2026 looks different than it did even a few years ago. Homes are being asked to do more, and clients are coming into projects with more information than ever before with resources like social media.
At the same time, the realities of construction and furnishing in Colorado require more coordination and foresight. Lead times are still longer than many expect or want. Trade schedules are tighter. Decisions made early in the design process have an outsized impact on cost, timing, and outcome.
There are fewer true shortcuts that don’t show themselves later, especially in high-investment neighborhoods like Wash Park where expectations for quality and longevity are high.
What Hasn’t Changed
Layouts still matter more than finishes. Proportion, scale, and circulation still determine whether a home feels comfortable or compromised. A beautifully finished space that doesn’t function well will never feel resolved.
Thoughtful homes are not created through one bold choice. They’re built through hundreds of small, intentional decisions made in the right order. That principle applies just as much to a historic Denver home as it does to a new build.
Why Process Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that slowing down means losing momentum. In reality, the opposite is true.
Finalizing furniture layouts before construction decisions. Understanding how a room will be used before selecting finishes. Confirming scale and circulation before committing to custom pieces. These steps create efficiency later and prevent costly revisions.
In a full-service interior design process, clarity early on protects both budget and timeline. It allows projects to move forward with confidence instead of constant recalibration.
This is especially important on projects where coordination between designers, builders, and trades is critical to success.
Collaboration Is The Difference
The strongest projects are never the result of one person working in isolation. They’re the product of collaboration between client, designer, builder, and trusted trades.
When everyone is aligned around a shared vision and a clear process, decisions feel easier and the work progresses smoothly. When that alignment is missing, even well-intentioned projects can feel harder than they need to be. Successful projects depend on communication, trust, and respect for the process.
A More Intentional Way Forward
Designing a home well in 2026 isn’t about doing things faster or cheaper. It’s about doing them thoughtfully, in the right sequence, with a long-term perspective.
The homes that stand the test of time aren’t chasing trends. They’re grounded in clarity, intention, and restraint. They reflect how people actually live, not just how a space photographs at the end of a project.
As we move into a new year, I’m excited to continue working with Denver homeowners and collaborators who value that approach. The work is more meaningful, the process is more enjoyable, and the results speak for themselves.
Rachel Ogburn is the Founder/Principal of Rowe Interior Design.