Spotlight on Suncadia’s Featured Interior Designer, Nest Design Studio

Finding the perfect place to build your dream home is just half the story.

Finding the perfect place to build your dream home is just half the story. At Suncadia, we know how important it is for the details of the spaces to be just right, creating homes that residents of our community view as true reflections of themselves. This is why we have partnered with some of the best interior designers in the regions, so residents have help in custom-creating interiors that they will love and cherish for years to come. Meet Sam Mikel from Nest Design Studio.

When did you know your calling was to design innovative interiors for homes?

Even as a young child, I was always fascinated by buildings and spaces. I remember wanting to have a say in the way my room was designed and decorated, and I would constantly move the furniture around into new layouts. Ultimately, I studied interior design under two great mentors and that gave me a wealth of design wisdom, skill and know-how about the industry. I’ve been designing interiors professionally for over 12 years and worked in Chicago for a decade; I also traveled a great deal, seeing other perspectives in design and envisioning how I can incorporate and mix diverse aesthetics into various projects helped me come into my own as a designer.

Describe your signature style in a few words.

I don’t have a distinct style, rather I have a taste. I like a room to feel refined, balanced and well composed. At the same time, I’m very drawn to textures and materials, so a lot of the richness in my designs comes from layering textiles, materials, color and nature. Ultimately, I want the result to feel like home to the client, so I follow my instincts, allowing my taste and their desires to collectively define the style.

What are the elements you incorporate into your design?

All great concepts begin with the basic principles and elements of design. Tying them together is key to creating an equilibrium in a space and is an essential tool for designing spaces. I tend to levitate towards French country and English cottage styles. Texture is the element that makes a space pop. It’s what brings a perfectly fine design up to covetable levels. I love natural textures such as wood, stone, jute, sheepskin, embroidery, crochet and velvet. Like my eclectic style, my color palette follows suit; it evolves with time and trends. I love muted colors, jewel tones, classic blue and yellow, subtle greys with a punch of color, but earthy, organic green palettes are also part of my palette.

Even though the homes all flaunt individual designs, what is the common thread that is consistent throughout all Nest Design Studio creations?

The places we live in largely impact our feelings and behavior as well as our thoughts and mood. Interiors can be molded and designed in a way that promotes good mood and health. Additionally, people spend most of their time at home; it’s crucial to me to make their home environment a haven from the pandemonium of the world. I create  spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but comfortable and functional.

What is the most important thing you consider when working with the client on a design?

The most important thing is to decide if we are a good fit for each other, and if we have the same vision for the project. Designing someone’s home is a very personal relationship. You can determine that from the first consultation and recognize their expectations. Likewise, there must be mutual respect and a lot of communication. I find it imperative to advise the client on the whole process depending on the scope of their project, so they know what to expect.

What do you think makes the Suncadia community special?

The sense of community, belonging and connections—it’s a haven from big city life and the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. It’s a community of a diverse mix of people from all walks of life coexisting in good will. Everyone is much more relaxed and laid back; just like everyone is on vacation. It’s a beautiful thing.

Tell us a little bit about the homes you have worked on so far in Suncadia.

My design work in Suncadia ranges from penthouses, rental properties, cabins at Tumble Creek, staging homes for sale and designing the furniture selection for the lodge. I also collaborate with builders and their clients with design consulting, sourcing and space planning. I try to make each home distinct from the other by using color in conjunction with details; it’s all in the details. It’s so easy for the properties to start looking the same, and every homeowner wants to be different from their neighbors; it’s my job to make that dream come to fruition.

If you could design your own home in Suncadia, what are the three things you would incorporate into the design?

If I had a home in Suncadia, I would design it according to Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic philosophy on architecture, namely “A building should appear to grow easily from its site and be shaped to harmonize with its surroundings if nature is manifest there.” The three things I would incorporate would be a walled glass living space to expose the natural beauty of Suncadia, a balcony and a water oasis, creating a reflection of the landscape in my home.

Interested in a Suncadia home or learning more about Nest Design Studios? Contact a member of the Suncadia sales team at 509-649-6000 to #findyourspotinthesun.