Founded by Morgan Smith and Whitney Ziolkowski, Studio Hue is a Denver-based interior design studio known for creating thoughtfully layered spaces that feel elevated, inviting, and distinctly personal. With an approach rooted in timeless design and an appreciation for unexpected details, the studio blends curated elements and a fresh perspective to create interiors that feel both beautiful and livable.

For the Denver Life Magazine Fall 2026 Showhouse, Studio Hue designed the speakeasy lounge and bar, a space that feels moody, intimate, and effortlessly sophisticated. Rich color, layered textures, and warm, inviting finishes come together in a modern interpretation of the classic speakeasy—one designed to feel transportive, inviting, and visually captivating.

Morgan and Whitney founded Studio Hue around a shared belief that the most compelling interiors strike a balance between beauty and individuality. Rather than adhering to a singular aesthetic, they draw inspiration from the people they design for, allowing each client’s story, lifestyle, and point of view to shape the spaces they create.

Studio Hue works across new construction, large-scale renovations, and full-service furnishing and styling, guiding projects from the earliest conceptual stages through final installation. Highlights of their recent work include new-construction homes in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood and a custom lakefront residence in Lake Ozark, Missouri.

At the heart of Studio Hue is the belief that a home should be more than beautiful—it should feel personal, comfortable, and reflective of the people who inhabit it. Morgan and Whitney approach each project as an opportunity to create something enduring yet individual: spaces that feel collected over time, function effortlessly, and invite their clients to live authentically within them.

How would you describe your design style and point of view? 

At the heart of Studio Hue is the belief that each home should tell the story of the people who live there. The home is a deeply personal space that should reflect the individuality, nuances, and experiences of those within it. We believe thoughtful design has the power to shape not only how a space looks, but how it feels and how we experience our everyday lives.

While every project is uniquely shaped by the people who call it home, as creatives, we’re always drawn to design that goes a little beyond the expected – and we always love finding opportunities to introduce a pop of color or a playful pattern!

What drew you to this space, and what excited you most about designing it?

When thinking about our design process, we always start with the feeling we want a space to evoke the moment someone enters it. For the Showhouse, we immediately knew the speakeasy needed to make an impact. Our goal: chic yet inviting, with a sense of intimacy and intrigue reminiscent of the classic speakeasies of the 1920s. We wanted to honor that timeless character while interpreting it through a fresh lens with a modern twist, creating a space that feels captivating without feeling overly literal. 

We found ourselves most excited by the layering of materials, textures, and architectural details throughout the space. From the gorgeous white oak flooring, to the wall paneling drenched in one of our favorite paint colors, Sherwin-Williams’ Felted Wool, to the striking quartzite bar and custom millwork, each element was thoughtfully considered to build upon the next. 

Describe the vision for your room in three words—and why those words matter.

Intimate, because we wanted the speakeasy to feel warm and enveloping—a place that draws you in, encourages conversation, and invites you to stay. Sophisticated, because the rich materials, layered lighting, custom millwork, and timeless palette give the space a sense of refinement without feeling overly formal.  And intriguing, because a speakeasy should have a sense of discovery. We wanted the room to reveal itself gradually, with layered details and thoughtful moments that catch the eye and keep you looking.