Talk Shop: Andrea Schumacher // Andrea Schumacher Interiors
About Andrea
Andrea Schumacher has spent more than two decades shaping interiors that feel both bold and deeply personal. Based in Denver with a presence in Southern California, she founded Andrea Schumacher Interiors in 1999 and has since built a nationally recognized design practice known for its rich layering of color, texture, and character. Her work seamlessly blends classical and contemporary influences, creating spaces that are luxurious yet lived-in, dramatic yet warm—and always uniquely reflective of her clients’ personalities. A graduate of Colorado State University with advanced studies in universal design and architecture, Andrea draws on a wide range of experience—from residential and commercial projects to set design for television—to approach each home with curiosity and purpose. In this Q&A, she shares insights on her creative process, how she balances artistry with functionality, and what it really takes to craft spaces that tell a story.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Bold, Refined, Livable
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
I grew up surrounded by an innate appreciation for style and atmosphere. My grandparents and parents created homes that were layered, thoughtful, and expressive. They taught me that decor isn’t simply about objects—it’s about how a space makes you feel, how it holds your history, and how it welcomes others into your world.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I was working towards my master’s in architecture, said yes to designing one restaurant, and then somehow ended up with a business before I ever decided to start one. My favorite part of what I do is transforming the way people feel in their own homes—watching a space suddenly make sense, feel like them, and elevate their everyday life.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My father has been my greatest mentor; he’s always seen my potential clearly and supported the vision I was still discovering.
What does your home say about you:
My home tells my story—from West African masks from my childhood in Nigeria, to my grandmother’s artwork, to my kids’ Legos creations—and I try to draw that same lived, layered story out of my clients’ homes too.
Where do you find inspiration:
I find inspiration everywhere I travel—from the markets of Morocco to the ateliers of Europe to the quiet temples and pattern language of Asia. Those places stay with me: the textures, the colors, the way people move through space. They filter into my work in ways that feel instinctive and personal.
Who are your style icons:
Dorothy Draper has always been a style icon for me. I love the way she layered bold patterns with unapologetic confidence—mixing scale, color, and personality without ever losing sophistication. That sense of fearless composition is something I carry into my own work.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
My key ingredients for entertaining are beautiful lighting, great music, layered table settings, and a menu that feels generous and relaxed. The goal is for people to feel seen, welcomed, and at ease.
Do you collect anything:
I collect objects with history and spirit—vibrant colored glassware, and West African ibeji dolls and masks. They’re not just décor; they’re memory markers. They remind me of where I’ve been, what has shaped me, and the beauty of things made by hand.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@kbshowhouse, @moroccoexplores, @1stdibs, @chairishco.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
The only design rule I always follow is that a home should feel like the person who lives in it. Everything else is meant to be bent, stretched, or broken.
What are you working on right now:
We currently have around 35 projects in progress nationwide—each one distinct and personal. I’m particularly energized by a home we’re designing on the water in California and a mid-mod-inspired scrape and rebuild in Cherry Hills Village.
Wardrobe staples:
Jeans, heels, cashmere sweaters, and anything Zimmerman.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
@thevalelondon and our new Liesl Collection coming in 2026!
Best career advice you ever received:
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is that beauty needs conviction. If you love it, commit to it—scale it up, lean into it, and don’t apologize for it.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in anything that really speaks to me, art, rugs, sculptural furniture pieces
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel!
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love sourcing from unexpected places—whether it’s a tucked-away artisan shop in Marrakech, a flea market find in Paris, or a standout piece from Denver’s own design district. I’m also a big believer in mixing high-end with hand-crafted, so my go-tos range from 1stdibs and Chairish to custom fabricators and boutique makers who value craft and character.
Most prized possession and why:
My grandmother’s artwork. She was an illustrator in the mid-century era with a fascinating career, and her pieces feel like living parts of our family story. They bring soul and legacy into any space, and I often use them as the foundation for entire room concepts. I have over 50 years of her work, which I’ve patterned into wallpaper – The Liesl Collection – to be released by The Vale London this year!
Your interiors motto:
Layer boldly, live beautifully. I believe every space should feel collected, rich with story, and a little bit daring—while still being deeply livable.
Your life motto:
Take risks, stay curious, and always follow the thread of what inspires you—even if the path isn’t traditional.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Start with what makes your heart skip a beat. Whether it’s a color palette, a piece of art, or a memory from travel, let that be your anchor. Don’t worry about matching everything perfectly—great style is about contrast, confidence, and knowing what you love. And remember: your home should reflect your journey, not just what’s trending.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Tagine
Drink: Spicy Marg or an amazing glass of red wine
Film: Barfly - I love dark movies
Hotel: El Fenn
City: Kyoto
Bedding: Sferra
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): I am super simple, black with a splash of half and half
Playlist: Whatever my daughter is listening to!
Weekend Activity: Brunch with friends
Design Book: Too many to name!