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Exploring Self-Expression and Design Personalization

The design titan Kris Nunn

Article by Hailey Livingston

Photography by Bruce Muhlbradt | 406 Photo

Originally published in Bozeman City Lifestyle

For Kris Nunn, the journey of decorating a space is a deeply personal one, rooted in not only understanding her clients’ wants but also fostering real, authentic relationships with them. It's about creating spaces that resonate not with current trends, but with her clients' souls. What does “curated design” mean to Nunn? It’s more than simply assembling pieces or flipping through catalogs; it's about crafting a cohesive collection that reflects the essence of its inhabitants. 


Curated design goes beyond mere aesthetics; the space you live in is a form of self-expression. Nunn believes that design should be an extension of oneself, not a mimicry of trends or the people around you—she says, “People that want to look as good as their neighbor end up looking just like their neighbor.” Our living spaces influence so much of our lives; they are where we relax, raise our children, and laugh with our friends—these spaces should foster comfort and reflect our truest selves, not mimic a stranger’s house we saw online. Inspiration can be found in unexpected places, from travel to literature to everyday life. Nunn helps her clients tap into their personalities and experiences, infusing each project with a newfound sense of self-expression.


Entering the world of curated design was a natural step for Nunn as someone with an innate passion for creativity and conversation. To Nunn, every project is a unique journey, a collaboration between designer and client; the relationship between client and designer is genuine. During one of Nunn’s consultations, the client showed Nunn pictures she had taken while traveling. Nunn immediately understood that the client wasn’t asking her to make her house a complete replica of her travels but to replicate the feeling she experienced while traveling. Together, they emulated that feeling through the design process. Nunn is careful and calculated when it comes to organization and presentation. 


Of course, curated design isn’t for everyone. In its essence, design is an exploration—an exploration of ideas, emotions, personalities, and identities. Some people can be perfectly content living in a space that is decorated simply. However, those willing to trust Kris Nunn, dig a little deeper, and explore their ability to manifest self-expression through design will create a space that resonates with their soul and reflects their unique essence.