My Design Journey

I believe home is far more than a place — it’s a feeling. It’s where beauty and comfort intersect, where thoughtful details quietly shape our daily routines, and where intentional design has the power to elevate the everyday.

I founded Colleen Cournoyer Design after nearly two decades working as an award-winning commercial interior designer at some of Boston’s most respected firms. I studied Interior Design at The New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University and have been a proud NCIDQ certificate holder since 2011 — a credential that underscores my commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and design expertise.

Inspired by architecture, travel, nature, and the beauty of everyday life, I approach each design as a unique reflection of my clients. My goal is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also thoughtfully functional — environments that feel personal, timeless, and perfectly suited to the way you live.

My Design Process

Every project begins with a conversation. My process is designed to guide you through each stage of designing your home with clarity and intention — from the first ideas to the final installation. The goal is a thoughtful, collaborative experience that results in a home that feels both beautiful and deeply personal.

If you're planning a renovation, furnishing project, or new home on the South Shore, you may have questions about working with an interior designer. Below are answers to some of the most common questions I receive from homeowners working with Colleen Cournoyer Design in Duxbury, Massachusetts and the surrounding South Shore and Boston areas.

Your Questions, Answered

  • At Colleen Cournoyer Design, I offer full-service residential interior design for homeowners who want a thoughtful plan and expert guidance throughout the design process.

    My work often includes renovation design, interior space planning, millwork and built-in design, and designing kitchens, bathrooms, and other key spaces throughout the home. I guide clients through selecting materials and finishes — from cabinetry and tile to lighting, hardware, and paint — and design and source furnishings that bring the entire space together.

    I also collaborate closely with architects and contractors on both renovations and new construction homes. Being involved early allows me to help shape layouts, architectural details, and design decisions so that the finished home feels cohesive and intentional from the start.

    Whether the project is a renovation, new construction, or a furnishing project, my goal is always to create homes that feel layered, personal, and designed for how you actually live.

  • My studio is based in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and I work with homeowners throughout the South Shore and the greater Boston area.

    Many of my projects are located in communities such as Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, Scituate, Marshfield, Plymouth and Cape Cod, as well as surrounding South Shore towns. I also work with clients in Boston and occasionally take on projects throughout greater Boston and New England.

    Because I live and work on the South Shore, I have a strong understanding of the homes and lifestyle here, from historic houses and coastal homes to busy family spaces. I design interiors that reflect the way people truly live.

  • Most of my clients are families designing primary residences across the South Shore and greater Boston area.

    Projects often include home renovations, kitchen and bathroom design, interior space planning, and full-home furnishing. I also work on individual room transformations such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining spaces when homeowners want help creating a more cohesive and thoughtfully designed interior.

    Whether I’m designing a single room or planning a larger renovation, the goal is always to create a home that feels beautiful, functional, and reflective of the people who live there.

  • My interior design process is designed to make designing your home feel organized, collaborative, and enjoyable.

    Every project begins with a discovery phase where we talk about how you live in your home, what’s working well, and what could work better. From there, I develop a comprehensive design plan that brings together layout, materials, furnishings, and lighting into a cohesive vision.

    Once the design is finalized, I manage the details, from sourcing furniture and materials to coordinating orders, deliveries, and installation, so that everything comes together smoothly. My goal is to guide you through the process step by step and take the stress out of creating a home you truly love.

  • Ideally, an interior designer should be involved early in the renovation planning process, often before construction begins and sometimes even before meeting with a contractor.

    Bringing a designer in early allows us to help with space planning, layout decisions, kitchen and bathroom design, and selecting materials and finishes. This ensures that design decisions are made thoughtfully and cohesively from the start, which can help avoid costly changes later.

    I frequently collaborate with contractors and other professionals, so the design vision carries through every stage of the renovation.

  • Yes, absolutely. Many clients have furniture or pieces that are meaningful to them, and I’m always happy to incorporate existing items when it makes sense for the design.

    Sometimes that means reimagining how a piece is used in a room, reupholstering a favorite chair, or pairing existing furniture with new pieces to create a balanced, layered interior. The goal isn’t to replace everything; it’s to create a home that feels personal and thoughtfully curated.

  • Rather than focusing on a single interior design style, my approach centers on creating homes that feel timeless, comfortable, and thoughtfully layered.

    Many of my projects reflect a relaxed and refined aesthetic that works beautifully for homes on the South Shore. I design spaces that feel elevated but still welcoming and livable. Every design is shaped by the architecture of the home and, most importantly, by the people who live there.

  • The investment for interior design can vary depending on the size of the project, the scope of work, and the level of customization involved.

    What I can say is that working with an interior designer brings significant value to the process. I help clients make thoughtful decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and create a clear design plan for their home rather than piecing things together over time.

    I also manage many of the details, from sourcing furnishings and materials to coordinating deliveries and installations, which saves clients a great deal of time and stress. For many homeowners, the greatest value is having a trusted guide through the process and ending up with a home that feels cohesive, intentional, and truly their own.

  • Project timelines vary depending on the scope of work. Renovations that involve construction naturally take longer, while furnishing projects can move more quickly once the design plan is complete.

    During the early stages of working together, I help establish a realistic timeline, so you know what to expect. My goal is always to keep the process organized and moving forward while allowing enough time to thoughtfully design each space.

  • While my studio primarily focuses on residential interior design, I bring nearly 20 years of experience in commercial design to my work.

    Earlier in my career, I worked on a wide range of commercial projects, from large workplace environments of more than 500,000 square feet to smaller projects around 5,000 square feet. My experience spans the full design process, beginning with programming and early planning through construction administration and post-occupancy.

    During that time, I developed extensive experience in architectural drawings and detailing, custom furniture design, material and finish selection, and coordinating closely with contractors and engineering teams to bring complex projects to completion.

    Today my focus is primarily residential interiors, designing homes that feel thoughtful, personal, and deeply livable. I do occasionally take on select commercial projects when the scope and design goals are a strong fit.

  • The best place to start is by reaching out through the inquiry form on my website and sharing a bit about your home and the type of project you’re considering.

    From there, we’ll schedule a discovery call to talk through your goals, timeline, and how I can help. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll move forward with the next steps and begin designing a home that reflects how you truly want to live.