Business Details
Award-Winning Interior Design Services in San Antonio
Inside Story Design is a full-service residential interior design firm with over two decades of experience creating functional, beautiful living spaces. Our team specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling while offering comprehensive design solutions for entire homes. We combine deep industry expertise with personalized service to transform houses into homes that reflect each client's unique story. Our process emphasizes collaboration with trusted local artisans and tradespeople to ensure exceptional craftsmanship.With a focus on timeless design and meticulous attention to detail, we guide clients through every phase from initial concept to final installation. Our work has earned recognition across San Antonio and surrounding regions, serving both historic neighborhoods and modern developments. We maintain active memberships in professional organizations like ASID and NKBA to stay at the forefront of design innovation while delivering spaces that balance aesthetics with practical living needs.
Services
Kitchen Design
Bathroom Design
Residential Drawings
Paint Consultations
Furniture Selections
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized kitchen and bathroom design experience
- Our personalized approach makes complex renovations stress-free and enjoyable
- Award-winning designs featured in San Antonio Express News
- We coordinate trusted local tradespeople for seamless project execution
- Client-focused process with detailed project management from concept to completion
Associations and certifications
- ASID
- NKBA
What people say
Outstanding interior designer
Stressful time a rewarding experience
Amazing eye for design
Transformed house into home
Seamless project execution
Services
Kitchen Design
We create timeless kitchen designs blending form and function using high-quality materials. Our process includes space planning, cabinet selection, and coordinating with trusted local tradespeople. Clients receive detailed renderings and material samples to visualize final results before implementation.
Bathroom Design
Our bathroom designs combine classic aesthetics with modern functionality using premium materials. Services include tile selection, fixture coordination, and creating detailed plans for both master bathrooms and guest spaces. We ensure cohesive design across all elements from showers to vanities.
Residential Drawings
We provide comprehensive space planning including floor plans, elevations, and construction drawings. Our detailed documentation ensures accurate implementation of design visions. Services cover both new construction and remodeling projects with precise technical specifications.
Paint Consultations
Our experts guide interior and exterior paint selections with professional specifications. We help clients choose cohesive color palettes that enhance architectural features and complement existing decor. Services include documentation of selected colors for consistent application.
Furniture Selections
We curate furniture and accessory selections tailored to each client's style. Services include showroom visits, custom fabrication coordination, and integrating existing pieces with new acquisitions. Our network provides access to premium furniture, lighting, and textiles.
People
Julie Risman
Principal Designer
With 20+ years of experience, Julie specializes in residential design across traditional to contemporary styles. She graduated from UT Austin and St. Mary's University Interior Design Program, maintaining active ASID and NKBA memberships.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve San Antonio and surrounding areas including Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and The Dominion, with projects extending to Austin, Houston, and Dallas.
Do you handle full home renovations?
Yes, we specialize in complete house remodels including kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home design coordination with trusted local tradespeople.
How do you incorporate existing furniture?
We integrate cherished pieces through creative re-purposing and custom fabrication, ensuring new designs complement existing items while maintaining cohesive aesthetics.
What's your design process timeline?
Projects typically follow a structured timeline from initial consultation through installation, with specific durations depending on project scope and complexity.
Can you work with different design styles?
We're fluent in all styles from traditional to contemporary, tailoring each project to reflect the client's personal taste and lifestyle needs.
How are material selections handled?
We provide curated selections with material samples, guiding choices for flooring, tile, fixtures, and finishes during showroom visits and virtual presentations.
Reviews (6)
Lisa Cannon
May 06, 2022
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I highly recommend Inside Story Design, Julie and her team for any of your renovation needs. We were in such capable hands throughout the process. Communication is key throughout and Julie did so at high levels and in a timely manner. She was creative in her solutions, patient in the many questions and any changes that were made. She had awesome suggestions on layout, things I would have never attempted on my own, but the results, both in function and finish out, are fabulous! We are very excited and happy with the end result.so much so that she now has to come back to update my bathroom! Thanks Julie for your all your work!
Lorie Bass
Sep 18, 2021
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We used Inside Story Design to do our remodel and loved every minute working with such an awesome company, decorater and team! We had lived in our previous home for 25 years. so this project in our new home was very special to us! Julie, the owner, made our experience so awesome! Her eye for design is amazing! My rooms flow from one to the other.something she feels is important and something I never really paid attention too! We are so grateful for the time, energy and heart that they put into our project! She truly loves what she does and it shows! You will not regret making the decision to use Inside Story Design!
Caroline Vickers
Jan 01, 2021
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Julie helped to coordinate the paint colors for the entire house. She was beyond amazing. Oh, we were moving to the house from another state. Couldn't have done it without her. Thank you, we look forward to the next project with Julie and team, the kitchen!
Lisa Kaczmarek
Nov 30, 2020
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Julie is an outstanding interior designer! I am in the process of building a home and hired Julie to help me pick out everything from floors to countertops, plumbing fixtures, sinks, appliances, and stone for the inside and outside of my home. Julie listens and pays close attention to the wants and needs of her client. She helped me take my vision for my home and make it a soon to be reality. Julie used her wonderful talent to help guide me with my choices that would compliment the house as a whole making the colors flow throughout the house. Julie's creativity is amazing and her eye for detail superb. Julie has many clients but when working one on one, she made me feel like I was her only client giving me her undivided attention. I highly recommend The Inside Story Design for any home design needs!
Mary Mehaffey
Dec 23, 2019
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Julie Risman helped us with the interior design selections for our new home. From the beginning, it was clear that Julie had wonderful taste, design sense and organizational skills--all refined by years of experience. She gets to know her clients and makes it a point to listen and understand their vision. She then works diligently to achieve that vision, always working with the highest level of professionalism.
One of the many tools Julie used to stay organized and on top of our project was a "digital presentation board, " which housed all of our selections, images and drawings and allowed for easy and efficient collaboration and communication with us throughout the building project. Julie's knowledge of the construction aspects of our project proved to be extremely valuable, as was her ability and willingness to communicate with our builder and the individual trades. It was very clear that she is well-respected. Julie is a dedicated professional. She is also a dear person, and that makes working with her a pleasure.
One of the many tools Julie used to stay organized and on top of our project was a "digital presentation board, " which housed all of our selections, images and drawings and allowed for easy and efficient collaboration and communication with us throughout the building project. Julie's knowledge of the construction aspects of our project proved to be extremely valuable, as was her ability and willingness to communicate with our builder and the individual trades. It was very clear that she is well-respected. Julie is a dedicated professional. She is also a dear person, and that makes working with her a pleasure.
Josh Maas
Apr 03, 2019
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I am a custom home builder who has had the privilege to work with Julie Risman of The Inside Story Design on a beautiful custom home this past year. Julie did an amazing job on all the selections and helped make our clients home turn out better than they even dreamed. Julie was great to work with and always available when needed. I would highly recommend The Inside Story Design for any design needs you may have and look forward to working with them some more in the future. Josh Maas Dynamic Custom Homes