Founder of Envi Interior Design Shares “A Taste of What’s to Come”

May 31, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

When she founded Bozeman, Montana-based Envi 17 years ago, “the vernacular was Western and rustic, period,” Hoffmann tells the magazine, and she had concerns that her contemporary, wellness-forward aesthetic might not be a fit. But her approach quickly found an audience, helping shape new looks for the area’s changing demographic.

“I think design in Montana is on the leading edge of design nationwide,” Hoffmann says of current business trends. “We’ve seen a progressive body of work come from our state.”

Asked about textures, colors and finishes that excite her right now, Hoffmann points to tone-on-tone color palettes that move away from ubiquitous gray while speaking to the element of calm and wellness that Hoffmann brings to spaces.

She likes shades of gold, white, cream, taupe, and blue green for creating a sense of tranquility in interiors that references the quintessential relaxation effect of the mountainous landscape outside – a key component of her chic mountain design sensibility.

Hoffmann’s approach contained “nurturing elements long before COVID underscored the idea of self-care,” Big Sky Journal notes. While wellness has always been a hallmark of her designs, hailing back to the days of her work at powerhouse Clodagh Design in New York City where she “began to understand the science of creating spaces that enhance life experiences.”

Hoffmann says the recent pandemic has only increased the request for spa and wellness features for Montana homes. From pools, spas, yoga and meditation rooms to home gyms and more, Hoffmann integrates inspiring places into her homes that speak of well-being along with clean, calming design lines.

Wellness is closely related to play and fun, Hoffmann tells the magazine, another essential element of her designs. “Joy and laughter are an integral part of well-being,” she says, and “something we should carry with us throughout our lives.”

From game rooms to indoor swings to whimsical recreations through art, entertaining wallcoverings and sink-into sectionals for lounging, Hoffmann introduces a playfulness to meet each homeowner’s unique personality – particularly fitting for the Montana ski homes she designs in Big Sky and Yellowstone Club. “Ski homes by definition are fun homes,” she says.

Asked about emerging trends unique to the Rocky Mountain West, Hoffmann comments on a scaling down she’s been seeing after years of “sprawling homes and ranches getting bigger and bigger.”

Being mindful of scale and an uncluttered look “speaks to my personal ethos,” she says, and she appreciates more clients embracing a less-is-more point of view in home design. “I am also enjoying the beauty of negative space and the peaceful nature of a wall with absolutely nothing on it,” she adds.

Photos by Audrey Hall