Behind the Scenes of a Seamless, Elevated Design Experience
In the world of luxury interiors, full-service design is more than a buzzword—it’s a promise of ease, excellence, and deep attention to every detail. But what does it actually mean?
At Joe McGuire Design, full-service design means we guide you through every phase of your project—from the initial concept and space planning to sourcing one-of-a-kind furnishings, managing contractors, and styling the final throw pillow. It’s a comprehensive approach built around your needs, your vision, and your lifestyle.
If you’re building, renovating, or furnishing a luxury residence—especially in places like Aspen, Boulder, or other high-end second-home destinations—this article will help you understand what true full-service design looks like, and why it matters.
The Short Answer: We Handle It All So You Don’t Have To
Many of our clients live full, fast-paced lives and often have multiple properties. The last thing they want is to manage dozens of vendors, coordinate installations, or wonder if something got missed. That’s where we come in.
Our Full-Service Interior Design Includes:
Architectural collaboration and space planning
Concept development and mood boards
Finish and materials selections
Custom furniture design and sourcing
Art and accessories curation
Lighting design and window treatments
Full procurement, logistics, and install management
Final styling and photo-ready presentation
It’s all integrated. And it’s all managed with care, clarity, and professionalism.
Why Full-Service is About Peace of Mind
Luxury isn’t just about what something looks like—it’s about how it feels to experience it. Full-service design gives you:
Time back: You don't have to oversee vendors, make dozens of micro-decisions, or manage deliveries.
Confidence: Every selection, material, and placement is considered and cohesive.
Consistency: Your design story is carried through every detail.
Support: Our team advocates for you at every step—resolving issues before they become problems.
Our Full-Service Process, Step by Step
1. Initial Discovery & Visioning
We begin with in-depth conversations to uncover your vision, lifestyle, and aesthetic sensibilities. Whether this is your forever home or a seasonal retreat, we aim to understand how you want to live in your space.
2. Collaboration with Your Architect & Builder
If you’re building or renovating, we work closely with your architect and general contractor to align the interiors with the structure. Our input at this stage ensures lighting, ceiling details, and built-ins are planned with the final design in mind.
3. Comprehensive Design Development
We curate every element of your home, including:
Floor plans and layout refinements
Custom cabinetry, millwork, and built-ins
Palette development: color, texture, materials
Lighting plans, switch locations, and mood layering
Selection of all furnishings, fixtures, and finishes
4. Procurement & Project Management
We manage the sourcing, ordering, tracking, and coordination of all materials and furnishings. Our team oversees:
Vendor communications
Custom fabrications
White-glove delivery and warehousing logistics
Budget tracking and approvals
5. Installation & Styling
This is the grand finale. We manage all installations and personally style your home down to the last detail—fluffed pillows, art hung just right, candles ready to light.
We often hear clients say, “It was like walking into a dream. Everything was done.” That’s the power of full-service.
Case Study: Full-Service Design for a Modern Mountain Escape in Aspen
A recent project in Aspen involved a newly constructed, 7,000 sq. ft. mountain home for a couple who split their time between Colorado and the West Coast. They wanted a modern, soulful retreat that embraced the views and created a deep sense of calm.
Here’s how our full-service model supported them:
We worked alongside their architect to shape the spatial flow and finishes from the ground up.
Designed custom dining and coffee tables to complement the home's sculptural woodwork.
Sourced sustainable and luxurious textiles in natural fibers for upholstery and drapery.
Managed a complex procurement process that included international artisans and local craftspeople.
Installed and styled the home over four days while the owners were away—so they could arrive to a fully completed sanctuary.
“We never imagined it would feel this complete, this calm. It’s like you saw things we didn’t even know to ask for. Everything flows.”
Why “Full-Service” Often Falls Short—And How We’re Different
Not all full-service designers offer the same depth. Some outsource key aspects or only handle furnishings. We stand apart because we:
Stay personally involved: Principals Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin are involved in all projects.
Have deep technical expertise: From construction coordination to lighting design, we speak the same language as builders and architects.
Design with soul: We layer in intention, wellness, and harmony—not just style.
Are true partners: We manage the details and hold the vision—so you don’t have to.
FAQ: Full-Service Interior Design with Joe McGuire Design
Do I have to be building a new home to work with you?
No. We often take on full-home furnishing projects or work on extensive renovations. We tailor our process to the scope of your needs.
What is included in your full-service package?
We customize services to each project, but most include design development, furniture sourcing, project management, and installation.
How involved will I need to be?
As much or as little as you like. Some clients enjoy being hands-on; others prefer to approve major milestones and let us take it from there.
Do you help with sustainable or wellness-focused materials?
Yes—this is central to our holistic approach. We regularly source low-toxicity, eco-friendly, and energy-conscious products.
Do you work in places outside Colorado?
Yes. Many of our clients have multiple homes, and we are happy to travel or collaborate remotely as needed.
Let Us Handle the Details—You Enjoy the Transformation
The luxury of full-service design is not just in the end result—it’s in the process itself. When every detail is managed by a team you trust, the experience becomes joyful and stress-free.
If you’re considering a new project and want to explore what full-service design could look like for your home, reach out for a complimentary discovery call. We’d love to meet you, learn about your vision, and begin the journey together.