Meet Bri Potts & Kellye O’Kelly | Honed Studio Principal Designers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Potts & Kellye O’Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri & Kellye, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been a turning point at several stages of our lives. Choosing to pursue interior design as a profession, building a reputation largely through word of mouth, starting Honed Studio – all of these were risks. At the time, none of them came with certainty, but each decision opened doors we wouldn’t have reached otherwise. In hindsight, risk has played the role of catalyst. It’s pushes us out of comfortable situations and into spaces where we’ve had to innovate, stretch creatively, and trust ourselves. Some risks don’t unfold as expected, but even those teach resilience and sharpen our judgment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
This new chapter reflects not just a new name and identity, but the merging of two complementary perspectives, strengths, and styles. We’re bringing together our unique design perspectives, a shared creative vision to offer something fresh—but rooted in everything we’ve always stood for: thoughtful, timeless interiors and a seamless client experience. It hasn’t been easy but absolutely worth it to create art through Interior Design – connecting with our community and clients through the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Vail has many incredible spots. We spend summer days rafting along the river, hiking, mountain biking, and winters skiing and snowboarding down the mountain.

A favorite Après spot to wrap up your mountain adventures in Vail Village is Avanti, located at the base of Golden Peak. Whether you’re craving pizza and burgers, sushi and ramen, or Mediterranean flavors, Avanti offers something for everyone. Their spacious outdoor area features cozy seating, fire pits, craft cocktails, and live music—creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a day exploring the mountain.

A new must stop for dinner is Makoto. This dinner spot has outdoor sitting located next to the river path, where you can listen to the water while enjoying amazingly fresh sushi, flown in daily.

Summers at the Ford Amphitheater are filled with live music and dance. Enjoy free concerts on Tuesday nights, experience the Bravo! Vail Music Festival featuring some of the country’s most celebrated orchestras, or take in the Vail Dance Festival, which brings together talented dancers from diverse backgrounds and renowned companies. Pack a picnic dinner, grab a drink, and relax under the starry sky for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Collaboration lies at the heart of our firm’s philosophy. We believe the most successful projects are born from the synergy between architect, client, and contractor – each bringing a unique perspective that enriches the whole. When diverse ideas meet around the same table, challenges become opportunities, and the most inspired solutions often emerge through the collective creativity of the team. It is this spirit of collaboration that transforms a design from simply a house into a home – one that reflects the client’s story, vision, and way of life.

Website: https://honedstudio.design

Instagram: https://Honed.Studio