Meet Ann Baumgartner, Cherry Creek Design Collective's featured interior designer extraordinaire, Summer 2025
1. How did you get your start in interiors- was there an age or event or catalyst that sparked your life-long love of design?
My journey into interior design began long before I ever picked up a sketchpad. Growing up in Denver’s charming Park Hill neighborhood, I spent countless afternoons walking along Montview Boulevard, completely captivated by the elegance and variety of the homes that lined the street. Even as a child, I could sense the stories behind their walls—the way architecture shaped the feeling of a space.
Books became my first passport to beauty. I was an avid reader, always swept away by tales set in grand English manors and romantic French châteaux. These worlds, richly layered and impeccably detailed, didn’t just inspire my imagination—they became the foundation for the kind of environments I now create for my clients.
2. Where did you study to refine your craft, and is there a particular aspect of interior design that holds your heart more than others?
By the age of 14, I was already sketching floorplans and dreaming of architecture. That passion led me to study drafting at Manual High School here in Denver, then on to the architecture program at CU Boulder. But it was in New York City where my love for design truly transformed into a calling.
Straight out of school, I had the incredible opportunity to work for Peter Marino—a name synonymous with luxury and artistry—with his most notable clients being Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and the like. His studio was my introduction to the world of high-end design, and it was there that I discovered the magic of interiors. While trained as an architect, I found myself captivated by the interiors department—the layering of textures, the storytelling, the intimacy of the spaces they created. I knew I had found my place.
To deepen my expertise, I pursued a master’s degree in the decorative arts at the Fashion Institute of Technology. That experience refined my eye and gave me a curatorial perspective that continues to inform every project I take on.
While I love the architecture of a space, it’s the interiors—the emotion, the craftsmanship, the detail—that truly hold my heart. I believe your home should feel like a work of art, thoughtfully curated and deeply personal.
3. What types of projects are you wanting to take on now that you're here in Colorado after a lively design career in New York and along the east coast?
After an exciting and fulfilling career designing homes and interiors along the East Coast—especially in the vibrant design world of New York—returning to Colorado has felt like a beautiful full-circle moment.
Early in my career, I was steeped in the rich traditions of classic design. With my background in architectural training and a curatorial degree in the decorative arts, I have a deep appreciation for historical detail, proportion, and timeless beauty. And while I’ll always love traditional design, I’m equally energized by Colorado’s evolving design scene, which is embracing more contemporary, modern, and organic aesthetics.
What sets my work apart is my ability to adapt seamlessly to my clients’ vision. Whether we’re building a home from the ground up, reimagining an existing space, or refining interiors through furnishings and styling—I approach every project with the same level of care, clarity, and creativity.
I love it all: architecture, renovation, decoration. The entire process is a joy to me—and I believe that joy is reflected in the homes I help bring to life.
4. How does bedding and bath furnishings play into your overall lifestyle vision for your clients?
In my design philosophy, true luxury lies in the details—and nowhere is that more beautifully expressed than in the bedroom and bath. These are the most intimate spaces in the home, where comfort meets ritual, and where design must appeal not only to the eye but to the senses.
Bedding and bath furnishings are far more than finishing touches—they are the quiet layers that elevate a home from beautiful to deeply personal. The feel of sumptuous linens, the softness of a well-chosen towel, the serenity of a perfectly styled bedroom—these elements play a powerful role in how we experience our space every day.
As someone who is deeply attuned to her surroundings, I place great importance on texture, quality, and craftsmanship. That’s why I love partnering with The Brass Bed here in Denver. Their curated selection of luxury linens and bath essentials perfectly aligns with the elevated environments I create. Together, we ensure that every detail supports not only a refined aesthetic but a lifestyle of comfort and ease.
Not sure which pieces are right for your home? I’d be happy to guide you. Feel free to reach out—I’ll help you choose the perfect bedding and bath essentials that fit your lifestyle and elevate your space effortlessly.
5. Name ten little luxuries you've incorporated into your daily life over the years that you feel elevate your space, refresh your soul and keep you inspired?
After many vibrant years designing on the East Coast, returning to my native Colorado has deepened my appreciation for the simple, tactile luxuries that make a house truly feel like home. These are the elements I turn to time and again—to refresh my spirit, stay inspired, and infuse my environment with quiet elegance.
1. Nature, Always
Whether hiking, skiing, or simply walking the neighborhood, being in nature is where I reset and reconnect. It’s my most enduring source of inspiration—and it’s never out of style.
2. Fine China, Used Often
I regularly set the table with my mother’s heirloom china, and I’m not shy about my own ever-growing collection. Beauty should be lived with, not locked away. Don’t save it—use it.
3. Drinkware That Dazzles
There’s something deeply satisfying about the weight of Waterford crystal in your hand. It brings a bit of brilliance to everyday rituals—on the table, or even at the bedside.
4. Tea + Conversation
A cup of tea shared with a dear friend—old or new—is one of life’s greatest luxuries. These small moments often yield the richest ideas and most meaningful connections.
5. The Power of Candlelight
Candles are transformative. Their glow softens a room, their fragrance stirs memory. Whether earthy or exotic, they add soul to a space in an instant.
6. Music as Moodset
Music has a way of shaping the atmosphere, of shifting perspective. It’s a powerful design element—just less visible. I always have something playing.
7. A Well-Chosen Book
Reading is a lifelong indulgence. A beautifully written novel can offer fresh insight, creative fuel, or simply a beautiful escape.
8. The Ritual of the Bath
A long soak, wrapped in a generous bath sheet, followed by a soft, luxurious towel—these are the tactile details that make self-care feel truly restorative. My Abyss towels are a personal favorite.
9. The Finest Sleep
There’s no greater luxury than a restorative night’s sleep. I invest in high-quality linens—crisp, breathable, elegant. It’s where true well-being begins.
10. The Joy of a Dressed Table
Tabletop design is a passion of mine. From hand-stitched linens to thoughtfully layered place settings, it’s a form of personal expression that brings beauty and ceremony to daily living.
Curating these kinds of luxuries—whether it’s the perfect bath towel, a signature candle, or bespoke linens—is part of what I love to do. If you're unsure where to start, I’d be delighted to help you source pieces that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home with purpose and polish. You can email me at ann@annbaumgartnerdesign.com with any questions you may have!
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Photos in order of appearance
Library: Marco Ricca
Salt Lake: n/a
Bedding: Justin Wilhelm
St. Francis Island Home: Scott Frances
Denver Show home: Susie Brenner