THROUGH THE STREETS OF LONDON: A LOVE LETTER TO CLASSIC DESIGN
The admiration we have for London runs deep. Kristen couldn’t have named it then, but even as a little girl, she absorbed the philosophy that would quietly shape her future – a desire for timelessness, layered with emotion. That early spark began with her childhood love for Mary Poppins, a world of rooftops and chimneys, umbrellas and art, all set against the weathered beauty of London’s skyline.
Years later, that early influence continues in our work at Studio Thomas. In our Denver office, you’ll find a shadow box of vintage umbrellas hanging on our wall – a quiet tribute to Kristen’s childhood inspiration and a reminder that the past still can have a place in the present. That memory and design aren’t separate, but instead partners working together to create what we call the art of meaningful living.
Walking through London feels like studying a design sketch that has been red-marked and evolved over centuries. The city doesn’t shy away from collectivism; it embraces it. For instance, you’ll find Romanesque arches next to Georgian symmetry, and Victorian brick pressed into Edwardian refinement. And yet somehow, it all belongs and intertwines, as if that was the intention all along. But what stands out most is the city’s resilience. It has stood the test of time despite wars, fires, and natural shifts in stylistic choices. But what makes London unique is that it didn’t replace what was broken; it’s simply rebuilt upon it. Layer upon layer, the city adapted. This speaks to how we design at Studio Thomas, as Kristen Thomas has said,
“Design is about adding layer upon layer in the right way. It becomes more than home; it’s a lifestyle.”
While in London, Kristen was drawn to the way the materials used throughout the city had naturally worn over time and how those materials spoke without needing to demand attention. Traditional Carrara. Tumbled marbles. Aged Brass with stories etched into its patina. Soft velvets and dark cherry woods. These are not trend-based decisions; they’re expressions of timeless style. In her hotel room, it was the classic silhouettes such as the English armchairs, chesterfield sofas, and sculptural pieces that stood out to her. The creatives at Studio Thomas aren’t drawn to what’s new, but rather, we are drawn to what will last and will age beautifully.
In many ways, London reminds us why we do what we do. London is built on tried and true principles, as well as a willingness to revise and adapt when needed. It stands firm on the strength of old materials, while etching in the quiet moments of everyday life. It’s proof that great design isn’t static – it evolves, becoming more meaningful with time.
A CITY BUILT BY TIME
There isn’t any other city that teaches these design principles quite like London. Not in the traditional academic sense, but rather in how it simply exists. You can feel life pulse through the streets – a beautifully intertwined blend of clashing, yet complementary design eras. It’s a city of layers, centuries of stone and history working together. It speaks to The Hand, which is rooted in classic interior design principles and craftsmanship. The Hand represents the foundation of what design is built upon. It’s the starting point and the study of what works and why. It’s the kind of design that can't be rushed; it’s collected over time, rooted in craftsmanship, and deeply intentional. Our principle designer and founder, Kristen Thomas, recently walked through the streets of London and came back to our studio with more than inspiration, but also a reaffirmation of what design should do: gently carry memories and stand the test of time.
A CITY FOR GATHERING
On nearly every street corner, you’ll find charming lamps and quaint, family-owned cafes that feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy family room. There are parks with benches intentionally placed for those unhurried, meaningful conversations. At Studio Thomas, we design homes the same way – layered in ways that are all for our clients and their friends and families that gather. We are intentional about incorporating spaces with connection in mind. Whether it’s a quiet kitchen nook or a spacious family room, we want you to feel at home and inspired to connect.
At Studio Thomas, we believe in layering like London, with history, texture, and intention. We honor the past because it gives weight to the present. And that is how we design for our clients, with meaning and purpose behind every material chosen and detail implemented. So let’s design a home that tells your story one layer at a time.