Meet Joni Severson | Owner – Senior Designer

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

Hi Joni, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brand, is that not only do I offer unique services, but I genuinely listen and care about every project and every client. Interior design is often thought of as simply creating a beautiful space, but for me it goes much deeper than aesthetics. A successful design is one that truly resonates with my clients who live in the space every day.

A core part of my philosophy is what I call approachable expertise. While not everyone has the opportunity or means to work with a designer, I believe good design should feel approachable rather than intimidating. I strive to make my services collaborative and transparent so clients feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and being part of the process. I offer services that allow clients to engage with design in a way that best fits their needs. My Designer By Your Side service allows clients to purchase a block of time and receive personalized design guidance tailored specifically to their project, priorities, budget and goals. Whether they need help making key decisions or simply want a professional perspective along the way, it provides flexible support exactly where they need it most. I also offer interior and exterior Paint Color Consultations, helping clients confidently select the right palette for their home. Choosing the perfect color can be surprisingly complex, and getting it right the first time helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes while ensuring their space feels cohesive and intentional.

I like to spend a lot of time asking thoughtful questions and really understanding what matters most to my clients; their routines, their priorities, the way they want their home to feel. That process allows me to create spaces and recommendations that are not only beautiful, but also deeply personal and pleasing to them.

I also care about every element of a project, not just the final look. My goal isn’t simply for a project to be completed – it’s for it to be completed well. Quality workmanship and positive collaboration between my clients, their contractors, and myself are incredibly important to me. When everyone is aligned and working toward the same vision, the end result is always stronger.

At the end of the day, my success comes from the relationships I build with my clients, the care I bring to every project and my unique services. When clients feel heard, supported, and confident in the process, we’re able to create spaces that are not only beautiful—but truly feel like home and a reflection of them.

What should our readers know about your business?
One of the things I am most proud of is that I have intentionally built my business around my original vision – offering what I call approachable expertise so I can help as many people as my schedule can accomodate create homes they truly love. Design should feel supportive and empowering, not intimidating. Structuring my business around services like Designer By Your Side and my Paint Color Consultations allows clients to receive professional guidance in a way that meets them exactly where they are in their project.
I believe the combination of those unique services, my genuine love of design, and the level of care I bring to each project is what truly sets me apart. I care deeply not only about the finished result, but about the entire process. I strongly believe successful projects are built on mutual trust, respect, and transparency – shaping how decisions are made, how projects unfold, and how clients feel throughout the journey. When a space is thoughtfully designed and carefully executed within that kind of collaborative environment, it has the power to improve how people live in their homes every day, and being a part of that is incredibly rewarding.
Growing a business certainly hasn’t been easy, but in many ways that’s part of what makes it so meaningful. Easy doesn’t always equate to rewarding or fulfilling. Long hours, persistence, and a willingness to continuously learn is all part of it. I’ve overcome challenges through hard work, surrounding myself with talented professionals, and leaning on the invaluable mentorship of people whose experience and wisdom I respect.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that great design is never created in isolation. It comes from collaboration—between the designer, the client, and the skilled contractors who bring the vision to life. Respecting and nurturing those relationships have been an important part of my journey.
What I want people to know most about me and my brand is that at the heart of everything I do is a genuine commitment to my clients. I want them to feel heard, supported, and confident throughout the process. Beautiful spaces matter, but what matters even more is creating homes that truly reflect the people who live in them. When that happens, the result is not just a well-designed space—it’s a home that feels deeply personal and lasting.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Boulder for a week, I’d want to show them everything that makes this area so special – from its iconic spots to hidden gems that really capture the spirit of Boulder. We would start our mornings at Ozo Coffee on The West End, which, in my opinion, serves the best coffee outside of Italy. I love the atmosphere on the West End of Pearl Street, and I always try to show visitors a slightly off-the-beaten-path route so we can stumble upon unique sights, like the Eyeball House. We would for sure wander along the Pearl Street Mall one day – even after all these years, it’s still one of my favorite places and one of the many reasons I love calling Boulder home.
Day one we would make a stop at In Motion Running so my friend could get fit for the perfect pair of shoes to enjoy our upcoming adventures. Mark Plaatjes who owns In Motion Running is a truly special human and, in my opinion, a movement master. From there we would head straight to Chautauqua for a hike. It’s quintessential Colorado right in our backyard, with beautiful trails and even the chance of spotting a bear. Another day, we’d take a trip to Nederland, a charming small town, and then head over to Brainard Lake for more hiking and incredible scenery. Afterward, we’d relax and celebrate with amazing food and beer at Avery Brewing, where the staff and atmosphere are as memorable as the beer itself. And one evening, we’d enjoy a special dinner at Cozobi Fonda Fina, which offers some of the most unique and delicious cuisine in the area.
If we had a couple of extra days to get away, I’d take them to one of my two favorite escapes: Ouray or Gunnison. Ouray is breathtaking – the beauty of the mountains there is unmatched anywhere else in Colorado, and the small-town atmosphere is incredibly charming. It’s a special place for me personally, too, because my husband and I were married there. Gunnison, on the other hand, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with Hartman Rocks offering nearly 45 miles of single-track trails and an equal number of dirt roads for biking and running. My son practically grew up riding those trails during the summers, starting when he was just six, while my husband and I would run alongside him. It’s also home to the famous Growler ride, which both my husband and son have completed in. From coffee and hikes to small-town charm, breathtaking mountains, and incredible local food and drink, I’d want my friend to leave with a true sense of Boulder and the surrounding area – the mix of natural beauty, quirky surprises, and warm, welcoming people that make it so special.

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?
I would absolutely dedicate my shoutout to my family. My husband and son have been incredibly supportive throughout this entire journey, and their encouragement has meant everything to me.
They were there during the early years when our own home was constantly evolving as I experimented with ideas, updated spaces, and refined my design style. Our house was essentially a living design lab, and they embraced the process with patience and good humor.
They were also by my side during some very demanding years when I was simultaneously earning my Interior Design degree and building my business. There were many long days and late nights, and their support helped make it possible for me to pursue both goals at the same time.
As my business began to grow, they became an integral part of the journey. They supported not only me, but also the contractors and clients I was working with. My son has even been known to serve as extra “muscle” when he’s home from school in the summer, helping contractors and homeowners with demo and tear-outs. Their willingness to step in and support the work behind the scenes has meant more to me than I can fully express.
Building a business is never a solo endeavor, and I’m incredibly grateful for the love, patience, and encouragement my family has given me along the way. They truly deserve a great deal of the credit for helping make this journey possible.

Website: https://www.inspireddesignsjoni.com

Instagram: @inspireddesignsbyjoni

Image Credits
HBK Photography: Heather Burns
Larson Photography – Connor Larson