What do black-and-white, Greek-key-patterned carpeting; high-gloss green doors; and scalloped, custom-milled ceiling trim have in common? They’re all focal points in some of C&A Interiors’ most memorable rooms. Soon after launching in 2011, the Denver-based firm gained a reputation for turning out deeply personal spaces that incorporate unexpected design elements—in a way that feels fresh and classic. Here, principal Ashley Larson Eitemiller gives us a glimpse into the mind behind the designs.

Ashley Larson Eitemiller. Photo courtesy of the subject

5280 Home: Clearly, you aren’t afraid of daring design moves. What’s a risk you wish your clients were more willing to take?
Ashley Larson Eitemiller: Art is such a great expression of personal style; I would love to see people taking bigger risks with art by choosing bigger and bolder pieces.

5280 Home August/September 2019
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Is there a particular artist on your must-have list?
Zaria Forman (@zarialynn) documents climate change by taking photos of glaciers and other landscapes; then she goes back to her studio and does these incredible drawings of the photos with pastels. I love the idea of recording the effects of climate change through fine art.

Do environmental concerns inform your work too?
I don’t like the current trend of “disposable” design. People like [design solutions that are] fast and easy, but I believe in investing in a great piece of furniture and keeping it until it’s time to pass it down to the next generation.

If you could redesign any space in Denver, which would you choose?
There are a few historic homes in the Country Club neighborhood that I’d love to get my hands on—especially those with Spanish Colonial architecture. I love that Santa Barbara–esque style; it can handle a mix of bold patterns and still look classic.

A custom hood, designed by C&A Interiors, and Grove Brickworks tile from Waterworks make the kitchen sparkle. Photo credit: Christopher Weber

Which design era resonates most with you?
The 1920s and ’30s; the Art Deco style is very close to my heart. I love that balance of fluidity and structure, and the great pattern play. Back then, they often focused on one architectural detail, but I like that if they designed a stair railing, they did it with intent.

Leave us with one quick decorating trick.
I’m the queen of trim and I think that adding any type of baseboards, casing, or crown molding is such a beautiful way to elevate a space. It’s amazing how swapping out a 3-inch baseboard for a 7-inch version can instantly change a room.