Meet Deneen Schamer, an interior designer whose journey into design was anything but ordinary. Deneen’s journey into interior design is rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity and self-expression. As an art major at The Ohio State University, Deneen’s love for visual storytelling and design flourished. However, like many young creatives, she found herself at a crossroads after graduation, uncertain how to channel her artistic talents into a fulfilling career.
“I’ve always been drawn to art, color, and the idea of creating something beautiful,” Deneen shared. “But back then, I wasn’t sure how to turn that into a professional path.” After a brief detour into teaching—a role she embraced because of her love for kids and mentoring—Deneen found her way back to her true calling: design. Moving frequently with her husband’s job gave her the opportunity to reimagine and redesign each new home they lived in, sparking a deeper interest in transforming spaces.
What began as a personal passion for reconfiguring spaces and choosing colors evolved into a skillset that caught the attention of friends and neighbors, who sought her help with their own homes. This organic journey eventually led her to Kim Pheiffer (CEO) and KP Designs Group, where her natural talent and artistic background became the foundation of a thriving career.
A Collaborative Approach to Design
What sets KP Designs Group apart? Unlike many design firms where projects are often handled by teams of assistants and juniors, KP Designs Group fosters independence and creativity among its designers.
“All 12 designers work independently, but we collaborate often, bouncing ideas off each other,” Deneen explained. The firm also boasts a 10,000-square-foot showroom featuring over one hundred vendors, offering clients a hands-on experience to explore styles and find inspiration.
The firm primarily focuses on residential projects, which align perfectly with Deneen’s passion for transforming homes. “I love the process of taking a space, listening to the client’s needs, and creating something entirely new. The transformation is so rewarding.”
The Process: From Vision to Reality
Deneen’s process begins with a simple phone call to understand the client’s goals, style preferences, and scope of the project. From there, she conducts an in-home consultation to evaluate the space, brainstorm ideas, and outline potential paths forward.
Clients can choose from three main service options depending on their needs:
- Hourly Consultations: Perfect for those who need occasional advice or a professional eye on specific aspects of their project.
- Conceptual Design: Ideal for hands-on homeowners who want to manage the project themselves but need a solid plan to follow.
- Full-Service Design: The most popular option, this comprehensive service takes clients from initial concept to project completion. Deneen handles everything—from writing up a detailed scope of work and project planning to sourcing materials and overseeing the execution. Clients receive 3D renderings, custom design options, and personalized selections tailored to their tastes.
Regardless of the service level, transparency and collaboration are key. Budgets, timelines, and deliverables are discussed upfront, and clients are actively involved in every stage of the process.
“Our goal is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal,” Deneen shared. “We want clients to walk away thrilled, knowing the space truly reflects their vision and lifestyle.”
Feedback That Fuels Passion
Client feedback is one of the most rewarding aspects of Deneen’s work. She fondly recalls a project for clients in Michigan, who later sent a series of heartfelt emails expressing their gratitude. “They told me how much they loved sitting in their favorite room, looking at the lake, and how the space felt so special to them,” Deneen shared. For Deneen, these moments of genuine appreciation reaffirm her purpose: creating spaces that make people feel truly at home.
Building Trust with Clients and Contractors
Deneen emphasizes the importance of trust and open communication in her work, both with clients and contractors. She has had great experiences partnering with NJW Renovations Unlimited on several projects.
“Working with NJW has been seamless,” she said. “They’re professional, creative, and communicative. On one project, we collaborated to design a custom dartboard entertainment area in a basement remodel. The process was so rewarding because they valued my input and made me feel like part of the team.”
Finding Joy in Design
Her favorite part of the job? The relationships she builds along the way. “Every client and contractor becomes a friend. It’s incredibly rewarding to listen, collaborate, and see the joy when a project comes to life.”
Deneen’s ultimate goal is to create spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities. “People shouldn’t walk into a house and say, ‘This looks like Deneen’s work.’ They should say, ‘This house looks just like you.’”
With a talent for visualizing possibilities and a heart for collaboration, Deneen continues to bring joy and transformation to every project she takes on.