Meet Michelle Chapman | Lead Interior Designer & President

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

Hi Michelle, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
If I were to choose the most important thing I’ve done as a parent, it would be showing my children that you can build something of your own without losing sight of what matters at home. Running my own business means long days, big decisions, and constant problem‑solving — but it also means my kids get to see resilience, creativity, and independence in action.

I want them to grow up knowing that ambition and family don’t have to compete. You can pursue your passion, serve others through your work, and still show up fully for the people you love. That balance isn’t always perfect, but the impact is real: they see me working hard for a life that supports us, not a life that pulls me away from them.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is rooted in the belief that great design is more than aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that support the way people live, heal, gather, and feel. I specialize in residential and healthcare design, blending creativity with functionality to create environments that are both beautiful and deeply intentional.

What sets me apart is the way I approach each project: with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the emotional impact of a space. I don’t just design rooms — I design experiences. My clients trust me because I listen, I collaborate, and I bring a level of care and detail that honors both their vision and the practical realities of construction, materials, and long‑term use.

One of the things I’m most proud of is carrying forward a business that was built and nurtured for over 40 years by the previous proprietor. She created a foundation of integrity, craftsmanship, and community trust, and stepping into that legacy has been both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Her mentorship helped shape the designer and business owner I am today.

Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy. Entrepreneurship rarely is. I’ve faced challenges — from learning the operational side of running a business to navigating unexpected obstacles, including financial setbacks and situations that required resilience and advocacy. But each challenge taught me something valuable: how to stay grounded, how to problem‑solve under pressure, how to protect my clients and my business, and how to trust my own voice.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are these:

• Authenticity matters. Clients feel it when you genuinely care.
• Boundaries are essential. They protect your creativity and your peace.
• Resilience is a skill. You build it by showing up, even on the hard days.
• Legacy is powerful. When you inherit a business with history, you honor it by evolving it with intention.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on heart, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the people I serve. Every project is personal to me. Every space is an opportunity to create something meaningful. And every client relationship is a partnership built on trust.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Denver
• Brunch at Snooze for something fun and easy to ease into the week
• Stroll through RiNo Art District — murals, galleries, design studios, and that creative energy I love
• Dinner at Linger with rooftop views and global street‑food vibes
• Drinks at El Five for the skyline at night

Day 2: Nature + Design Inspiration
• Morning at Red Rocks — a hike or just exploring the amphitheater
• Lunch in Golden at a local brewery
• Afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens — a must for anyone who loves color and design
• Relaxed dinner at Postino

Day 3: Creative Denver
• Coffee at Denver Central Market
• Visit the Denver Art Museum — especially the architecture and textile exhibits
• Walk around Cherry Creek North for boutique shopping and design inspiration
• Dinner at Quality Italian

Day 4: Local Flavor
• Brunch at The Bindery
• Wine tasting at Infinite Monkey Theorem — urban winery with a cool, industrial vibe
• Explore South Pearl Street — charming shops and local makers
• Dinner at Sushi Den (a Denver classic)

Day 5: Mountain Escape
• Day trip to Boulder
• Lunch on Pearl Street
• Drive through the mountains for scenic views
• Dinner back in Denver at Tavernetta

Day 6: The Springs

• Visit Garden of the Gods- Iconic red rock formations, easy trails, and stunning photo ops.
• Sun Water Spa (Manitou Springs)- Soaking tubs fed by natural mineral water — peaceful and restorative.
• The Broadmoor Spa- Luxury at its finest.
• Dinner at The Rabbit Hole- A whimsical underground restaurant with a moody, Alice‑in‑Wonderland vibe.

Day 7: Wash Park

• Walk the 2.6‑mile loop — perfect for a morning reset and people watching
• Homegrown Tap & Dough — relaxed, fun, and great pizza
• Drinks at The Pub on Pearl — casual and friendly

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have poured into me along the way. First and foremost, my family — their patience, encouragement, and belief in me have been the foundation that allows me to show up fully in both my work and my home life.

I also want to recognize the clients who trusted me long before I had everything figured out. Their confidence in my vision and my process gave me the space to grow, refine my craft, and build a business rooted in creativity and integrity.

Finally, I want to dedicate my shoutout to the woman who paved the way for me — the previous proprietor, Jane Gates-Raile, who owned and operated this business for over 40 years. Her guidance, generosity, and belief in me changed the entire trajectory of my career.

Website: https://interiorsettingsltd.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-chapman-1073b0181/

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