Stephanie Malsed
Founder & Principal Designer
Stephanie Malsed has been fortunate to call Telluride home for an incredible 30 years! Hailing from Iowa, she pursued her passion for design by earning a BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University. After spending her summers immersed in art at a gallery in Ouray, she landed a position with Marla F. Croke Architecture in Telluride, which paved the way for her own venture, Designs West. Driven by her love for design and the stunning beauty of the West, Stephanie has played a vibrant role in transforming Telluride's architectural landscape, contributing to significant projects and renovations amidst the town's construction boom.
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Since founding Designs West in 2006, Stephanie has a reputation for her sophisticated layering of colors and textures. Her work is characterized by clean architectural lines and a unique blend of design influences, making each project a true reflection of her artistic vision. With a keen eye for detail, Stephanie continues to push the boundaries of design, creating spaces that are both elegant and inviting.
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When she’s not immersed in design, Stephanie enjoys crafting A Cup of Sun, an organic turmeric superfood paste, or melting wax to create hand-poured candles for Live everWell, a non-toxic aromatherapy line. These endeavors merge her creative talents with her dedication to health and well-being. Additionally, Stephanie has strengthened her connections with local businesses by developing custom bespoke lines of aromatherapy candles and linen sprays, further enriching collaborative efforts in the community.
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When she’s not designing or creating products, Stephanie can be found keeping up with her energetic 13-year-old son, Smith. He enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse, has a passion for WWII planes, and is a rippin’ skier. Stephanie also loves hiking with her wild child, Forest, an English Cream Retriever. Whenever time permits, their shared love for the ocean takes the family west to sunny Southern California and beyond for beach adventures.
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About Designs West
At Designs West, we believe a well-designed home is achieved by drawing inspiration from the architecture, finishes and surroundings to create an environment that is an expression of the end user. It's essential that the client enters the space and immediately feels it was thoughtfully designed to suit their lifestyle — a place where they feel comfortable, relaxed, and in harmony with their surroundings. The signature of a Designs West interior is a quiet sense of sophistication and simplicity accomplished through the balanced use of color, light and textures. We are known for creating beautiful homes with effortless flow and cohesive details, homes tailored to the way each family lives.