Meet Kelly Butler | Interior Designer

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

Hi Kelly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance wasn’t something I thought a lot about before I had kids. But after having four kids in five and a half years, it became incredibly important. It was definitely an adjustment, and there were times when I focused solely on my family. Over time, though, I’ve learned that balance is really about being present in whatever I’m working on at that moment. If I’m at the park with my kids, I try not to answer calls or emails—I’m all in on spending time with them. Similarly, when I’m working on a design project, I put myself in a position where I can focus on that without distractions. It’s about being intentional with my time and making sure each part of my life gets the attention it deserves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my genuine excitement for every single project. I thrive on seeing clients experience their homes in a new way. My process is designed with flexibility in mind: you, as the client, handle the purchasing, so you control the timeline and can take your time if it doesn’t make financial sense to complete everything all at once. Many clients enjoy this approach, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them gradually pull their space together—you’re always in the driver’s seat.
I’m passionate about reimagining a room in ways you might not have considered, offering fresh perspectives and introducing design elements you might not have initially been drawn to but end up loving. My role is to provide thoughtful suggestions without any financial incentives or kickbacks, ensuring that my recommendations are always in your best interest. I love helping you explore new ideas and guiding you through decisions when you’re feeling stuck.
My journey to where I am now has been quite roundabout. I started out working with oncology patients in non-profits, a role I truly loved but found emotionally heavy. To find a creative outlet and clear my head, I began helping friends and family with design projects. What started as a outlet gradually grew into something more, and eventually, I decided to leave the oncology field and focus entirely on design.
It wasn’t always an easy path. I dealt with imposter syndrome and faced a series of challenges, including the surprise arrival of premature twins, the upheaval of COVID, and relocating from Austin. It felt like a constant stop-start cycle, but I persisted, knowing that I was good at what I do.
One key lesson I’ve learned is to say yes, even when a job feels intimidating. Each time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, I’ve proven to myself just how capable I am and experienced significant growth. It’s a reminder that I can do hard things and that embracing new opportunities, despite the challenges, has always led to positive outcomes.
I want people to know that Double Door Interiors goes beyond just aesthetics, design influences how you interact with your environment, impacting your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. I take the time to understand your aspirations and turn them into reality. I believe that everyone, regardless of budget, deserves to love their home and make it their favorite place to be. Homes are meant to be lived in—they should be inviting, comfortable, and stylish, with function always at the forefront.

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?
Here’s an ideal week-long itinerary for a visit to Colorado:
Day 1: Start with a relaxing picnic at Wash Park, followed by renting group bikes where 2-4 of us can pedal together for some fun exercise. After working up an appetite, we’ll head to Gaylord Street for a bit of shopping. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner at Perdita and treat ourselves to some delicious Bonnie Brae Ice Cream for dessert.
Day 2: Begin the day with Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks—an invigorating experience with breathtaking views. After a restful day, we’ll enjoy dinner at Linger, known for its eclectic menu. We’ll finish the evening with drinks at Avanti.
Day 3: Get ready for a day of hiking at Mt. Falcon, where we can enjoy the beautiful trails and scenic views. After our hike, we’ll head to Post Oak BBQ for dinner.
Day 4/5: We’ll embark on an overnight trip to Boulder. On the first day, we’ll hike at Chautauqua Park, stroll along Pearl Street, and have lunch at T/aco. In the evening, we’ll catch a CU Football game with Coach Prime. The next morning, we’ll drive to Estes Park and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. For lunch or dinner, we’ll visit Ed’s Cantina before heading back home.
Day 6: We’ll enjoy a show at Fiddler’s Green and have a pre-show meal at Rouge Wine Bar. After the show, we’ll grab a drink at Cherry Creek Food Hall.
Last Day: We’ll make our way to Colorado Springs, stay at The Broadmoor, visit the Olympic Training Center, and have a memorable visit to the zoo where we can feed the giraffes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my parents for always encouraging my imagination and innovation. They let me sponge paint my bedroom with yellow and blue paint, and I still remember how exciting it was to shop for the matching Laura Ashley bedding. I was always rearranging my room as a kid, and they let me embrace that creativity. Later in life, when they moved from Texas and bought a real fixer-upper, I truly saw the power of executing on ideas and how you can transform anything into a space you love. That’s always been important to me—loving my surroundings. Without their support, I don’t think I would have developed that passion.

Instagram: @DoubleDoorInteriors

Other: Kelly@DoubleDoorInteriors.com

Image Credits
Kelly Colson
Mariah Medina
TJ Romero