THE SHELL OF A SPACE: THE ART OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

No. 022 Kitchen Construction

Interior design is often thought of as simply selecting paint colors, furniture, and accessories. But the creatives at Studio Thomas know that great design begins much earlier - it starts with interior architecture. 

At Studio Thomas, our process begins with our first layer: the shell of a space. This is where architecture and interior design intersect to create a seamless environment. Interior architecture focuses on the permanent and structural elements of a home. Intentional details like ceiling details, door styles, built-in book shelves, Murphy doors, crown molding, and millwork set the tone for a home’s functionality and beauty. Establishing a strong foundation is essential for curating timeless interiors. As Kristen Thomas,  our principal designer, explains:

“Interior architecture is the mix of understanding and respecting the exterior architecture of the home and implementing it into the space that you live in. Any time we focus on interior architecture, we also look at the lines of the outside of the home. Look at the home’s history and also the personality and how a client wants to feel in a home.”

No. 028 Hallway Construction, No. 022 Great Room Construction, Aspirational Millwork

Staying true to the philosophy of “less, but better,” meaningful interior architecture requires collaboration from the start. At Studio Thomas, we believe in building strong relationships with architects to ensure that every detail feels intentional and cohesive. We collaborate as a team to blend structure and interior seamlessly. By taking time to align early on, we are able to honor the integrity of home, while also enhancing how it feels to live in. This architect and design partnership helps us thoughtfully plan each environment, making sure nothing feels out of place. As Kristen Thomas share,

“We believe if the shell of the home is done at the highest level, you’ll need less furniture and objects at the end - it’s all about the way we layer. Design is about adding layer upon layer in the right way. It becomes more than home; it’s a lifestyle.”

Studio Thomas’ process begins by incorporating interior architecture from the beginning, ensuring that every detail contributes to a beautiful and  functional result. Interior architecture is where the philosophy of “less, but better” truly starts. Let’s design a space that feels effortless together.