From custom design-builds to thoughtful renovations, we craft homes that fit your family’s rhythm — spaces that feel intentional, enduring, and deeply connected to the way you live each day.
From custom design-builds to thoughtful renovations, we craft homes that fit your family’s rhythm — spaces that feel intentional, enduring, and deeply connected to the way you live each day.
This one's for the homeowner who wants to roll up their sleeves but needs a little help finding their footing. Schedule a 1:1 video call with founder and lead designer Katie Calnin for a 60 minute design consultation. You'll tackle the details together — from floor plans and furniture arrangement to colors, materials, and where to find the pieces you need. Whether it's a whole home project or a one room dream, you'll walk away with clarity, direction, and the confidence to bring your vision to life.
1:1 Virtual Design Consultation
At Calnin Design Studio, we take an active role in every phase of a project — from initial concept through final installation. Working closely with architects, builders, and trusted partners, we guide each detail of the design process, including space planning, architectural features, material and finish selections, cabinetry, and furnishings. We oversee procurement and installation, ensuring a seamless, turnkey experience for our clients. Our goal is to create homes that feel thoughtful, functional, and deeply personal in every detail.
Full Design Service
Full Design Service
1:1 Virtual Design Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Every project begins with a discovery design kick-off, where we get to know you, your lifestyle, and your vision for the space. From there, we develop a design concept — including space planning, material selections, and furnishings — and present it for your feedback. Once the design direction is approved, we move into the final design stage by digging deeper and refining the details. After your final approval, we manage procurement, coordinate with contractors and vendors, and oversee installation through to the final styling reveal. You're involved at every key decision point, but we handle the details so you don't have to.
What does the interior design process look like at Calnin Design Studio?
Every project begins with a discovery design kick-off, where we get to know you, your lifestyle, and your vision for the space. From there, we develop a design concept — including space planning, material selections, and furnishings — and present it for your feedback. Once the design direction is approved, we move into the final design stage by digging deeper and refining the details. After your final approval, we manage procurement, coordinate with contractors and vendors, and oversee installation through to the final styling reveal. You're involved at every key decision point, but we handle the details so you don't have to.
how long does an interior design project take?
Project timelines vary depending on scope. A furnishings-focused project typically takes 15–20 weeks from concept to installation, or less depending on square footage. A full renovation or new construction project can range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the size of the space, contractor schedules, and lead times on custom or imported pieces. We'll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your initial consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.
do you work with contractors and builders?
Absolutely — and we do it regularly. Calnin Design Studio has established relationships with trusted builders, general contractors, and trade professionals throughout the Madison area. If you already have a contractor in place, we're happy to collaborate with them. If you're looking for recommendations, we can connect you with vetted professionals we've worked with and trust. Seamless communication between design and construction is something we prioritize on every project.
how much does an interior designer cost?
We charge an hourly rate for our services, which covers everything from initial concept development through to installation day. The total investment depends on the scope and complexity of your project — a single-room furnishings project will look very different from a whole-home new construction. During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals and give you an honest estimate of the hours involved so you can plan accordingly. There are no hidden fees or markups — just transparent, straightforward pricing.
what areas do you serve?
We are based in Madison, Wisconsin and serve clients throughout the greater Madison area, including Middleton, Fitchburg, Verona, Shorewood Hills, Maple Bluff, and surrounding communities. For the right project, we are open to working beyond the Madison area — reach out and let's talk.
do you work on new construction, renovations, or both?
Both — and often at the same time. We offer full-service interior design for new construction builds, whole-home and partial renovations, and furnishings projects. Many of our clients come to us during the building or remodeling process and engage us for furnishings and styling as well. Although, we do our best work when we are involved early on as it gives us the most opportunity to create a cohesive, intentional result from the ground up.
what makes calnin design studio different?
We bring a high-end, thoughtful approach to every project regardless of size, and we genuinely invest in understanding how you live before we make a single design decision. Our clients value the personal attention, the process, and the fact that their homes feel like them — not like a showroom. Our aesthetic leans on historical design elements, giving an out of the box design that truly matches our clients' personality and the architecture of the building.
how do i get started?
The first step is a discovery phone call, where we learn about your project, your goals, and your timeline. If we're mutually a good fit, we'll outline a plan and create a timeline. You can reach us through the contact form on this page or by emailing us directly — we'd love to hear about your project.
