Meet Chelsea Castaldy | Principal Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Castaldy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
It takes a village to implement a design. I may have a vision of space with a design scheme for my clients but to see it come to fruition there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that takes teamwork.

From the moment I create a design scheme I work side-by-side with my vendors, contractors, and design centers. For instance, when I’m building a kitchen remodel plan I work with my cabinet Company, stone showroom, countertop fabricator, tile showroom, appliance showroom, plumbing reps, etc. After all the design is confirmed and selected I have to build scopes of works for my contractors to make my visions come to life exactly how I have invasions and what my clients dreamed.

Another example is when I create a visually pleasing family I work at my design center to make selections for furniture, fabrics, rugs, art, accessories, etc.

Not only does my design center help me with sourcing the items but also gives me lead times, pricing, and knowledge on the product to make sure the function, sustainability, comfort, and style are in line with my design. Selecting a sofa, I need to know fabric restrictions, cushion core options, the details of nail heads, welting options, etc. The biggest challenge this last year has been lead times As the supply chain has been a roller coaster. I count on my team outside of CKC, to supply me with accurate information that I can then relay to my clients.

The highlight of working in this industry and all the behind-the-scenes time is I have built amazing relationships with vendors/contractors (who I also called friends) that I trust and value.

These behind-the-scenes relations are pivotal to my success and my projects.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the principal designer and owner of CKC Interiors, a full-service interior design and remodeling company. Unlike many other design firms, I provide a large array of design and remodel services. No project is too big or too small. I can help clients do a complete overhaul of a home or just refresh one room. I have a passion and affinity for truly knowing my clients and utilizing those insights to help create a vision that is a symbiosis of each client’s needs, budget and personality, along with my own design knowledge and aesthetic.

Given the diversity and scale of my previous work, I’m especially skilled at adapting and creating solutions when problems or delays arise. I am a creative and innovative thinker, which is a significant asset in the rough and tumble world of design. I believe there is always a solution!

I am extremely fortunate to have had a multitude of clients who have trusted me with their design dreams. They believed in my my visions and my team. Working in someone’s home is inherently personal. And because of that, I have developed and fostered many friendships and lifelong bonds with my clients.…..so much so that it is sometimes bitterwseet for me when projects come to a close. I am always fulfilled, though, knowing that clients get to enjoy the fruits of my labor every day in their new living rooms, bathrooms, offices, etc. Customer satisfaction is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The options are boundless in this amazing state that I am lucky to call home. Here is just one of many fabulous possible itineraries:

Day 1

“The mountains are calling, and I must go!” This is the mantra of any Colorado native, and I would certainly want to share that with a friend. We would head up I-70 and take in the beautiful vistas. What’s not to love about the charm of Frisco— perhaps a lunch stop and shopping followed by a visit to Lake Dillon?

As we barrel back down the mountain, we wouldn’t want to miss the famous Beau Jo’s Pizza (with honey on the crust for dessert) in Idaho Springs!

Day 2

Downtown Denver should never be overlooked. It’s gone through a lot of gentrification and reinvention over the years and has a great deal to offer. After living in New York City during my college years, I always love a city vibe. A cocktail at the Terminal Bar at Union Station always meets the mark! I also love the aesthetic choices and architectural history of that locale.

Day 3

Denver has an amazingly great art scene worthy of more time and attention than it gets. Thus, I would take my buddy on a walking art tour of the Denver Art Museum, The Golden Triangle and Rino.

Day 4

The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater is a “must do” when in Colorado. There is no such thing as a bad concert at this amazing venue. So— no matter who is playing, I would treat my friend to the breathtaking views and perfect acoustics of THE Red Rocks.

Day 5-Day 6

One day in the mountains is not sufficient…..so let’s head back up! Let’s go camping if it’s summer/skiing or snowboarding if it’s winter. The mountains have so much to offer. I love being in nature and getting a little dirty, and I would be so happy to share one of my favorite camping spots: Twin Lakes….kayaking; hiking; fishing; reading in the sun; gazing at the stars…there is something to do every minute of the day! If we’re snowboarding/skiing, we’re headed to Copper Mountain (a CO local favorite) and having green chili in a bread bowl for lunch!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My list of shouts of gratitude are endless! To name a few…..

Matt Swingly who gave me a chance right out of college to become his design assistant in Washington, DC. I still follow his business strategy and his design process. He fostered my learning of design and gave me the confidence to continue my design passion back to Colorado.

Undoubtedly, my parents Betsy Barnes and Terry Killin who gave and still give me advise on leadership, compassion and kindness. Without these traits my business would not have a heart!

My husband Tim, sisters Ashley Underwood and Jessica Killin. These three have pushed me to follow my vision of owning my business. They also allowed me design their homes. They are still three of my favorite clients!!

Website: https://www.ckcinteriors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckc_interiors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-castaldy-b09271a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ckc_interiors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ckcinteriorsco/

Image Credits
Meghan Shaw Photography and Rebecca Bonner Photography