We sat down with Danyale Keim of Danyale Keim Design to talk about their new studio, the power of tactile materials, and why character always wins over trends
When Danyale Keim set out to create her namesake firm’s new studio and client meeting space, the goal was clear: the space needed to feel inviting and genuinely reflective of who they are. By bringing in a little bit of everything, the studio still feels cohesive and moody, a signature quality that runs through all of Danyale’s work. The interior designer wanted to bring in the unexpected too, like wallpaper on the ceilings, while maintaining a color palette that flows effortlessly from room to room. The result is a space with real character, one that tells you exactly who you're working with before a single word is spoken.
- Why a Physical Studio Still Matters
- The Clay Imports Wallpaper on the Ceiling
- The Shift Happening in Interior Design Right Now
- Color is Back, and Personality is Everything
"I wanted the studio to have character, personality, and a sense of who we are." — Danyale, Danyale Keim Design
Why a Physical Studio Still Matters
For Danyale, who grew up in a family of home builders, having a physical studio isn't just a nice-to-have; it's central to the way she works. Being face-to-face with a client during the design process, watching their reactions in real time, is something the team deeply values. Presenting a project and letting people actually touch and feel the materials together in one space is, in their view, a vital part of getting the design right.
The industry is leaning heavily into AI, and the designer acknowledges that it can be genuinely useful for helping clients visualize a room's overall direction. But there is still something nostalgic and deeply meaningful about experiencing materials together in person, thoughtfully curated in a way no rendering can fully replace. In high-end luxury design, AI should serve as an assistive tool, not a crutch, supporting the creative process without replacing the nuance, instinct, and expertise behind truly custom interiors.
The Clay Imports Wallpaper on the Ceiling
The Dripping Springs studio is housed in a 1920s cottage-style, vintage environment. The wallpaper needed to feel right at home with that character, while still being fun, playful, and reflective of Danyale Keim Design's eclectic mix of styles and clientele. Clay Imports was the natural choice. The goal was to display something unique, something not everyone has, something that can tell a story on its own.
The pattern and its unexpected location (the ceiling!) also open up a natural conversation about DKD’s partnership with Clay Imports. The Clay Imports small-team approach resonates with the way Danyale runs her own studio. Our collections span so many different genres of design, whether a project calls for something modern, vintage, globally-influenced, or anything in between. There really is something for everyone, and that versatility is exactly what keeps Danyale Keim Design coming back.
"I love their [Clay Imports] story, and I love that their collections appeal to so many different genres of design." — Danyale, Danyale Keim Design
The Shift Happening in Interior Design Right Now
According to Danyale, something exciting is happening in the world of interiors. Clients are realizing they don't have to follow every trend. They're choosing designers like Danyale Keim Design who truly understand how they live and function within their homes, and who can help bring that vision to life. The traditional "rules" of design are giving way to something more personal. It's becoming less about what's trending and more about what makes people genuinely want to come home.
With more people working, entertaining, and living a greater share of their lives within their own four walls, the home has to tell their story. The most important thing when choosing a designer, Danyale notes, is finding someone who can help fulfill your dreams for the space, not just someone who follows whatever's popular this season.
Color is Back, and Personality is Everything
Danyale Keim Design is seeing clients get braver with pattern, color, and personality. Some are full maximalists, ready to saturate every corner of a room with bold color and print. Others are leaning into neutral spaces with one powerful, intentional pop. But across the board, color is making a comeback. Spaces no longer need to be mundane, neutral, or sterile, and for Danyale Keim Design, helping clients express who they truly are through their homes is what great design has always been about.
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