Designing our own path

After years of working together at a well-known interior design studio, owners Teresa Nelson and Kim Barnum desired to begin their own path. Roots were established for Nelson Barnum Interiors in the heart of historic Old Town Scottsdale, which is centrally located and just minutes away from the largest resource design center in the valley. Teresa and Kim’s unique partnership combines their design experience and education, which allows them to cover all aspects of design – from construction, architectural drawings, interior finish and furniture selections, to maintaining budget and project deadlines. Years of experience has given them the opportunity to work with some of the most reputable architects, builders, sub-contractors and vendors in the area. Their portfolio spans central and northern Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Canada.

Studio & Boutique

Nelson Barnum Interiors is a residential interior design studio and boutique. The boutique is open to the public to browse our curated selections and can be purchased off the floor or customized on order.

Design by appointment only.

Spacer - do not delete

Teresa Nelson
Owner/Co-Founder/Designer

“Respecting the client’s lifestyle should always be the starting point.”

Teresa’s extensive design knowledge and detailed drawings are a direct result of her upbringing in a “construction family,” where she quickly learned the value of utilizing high-quality construction materials, reading and understanding building plans, and forging strong relationships with clients and talented subcontractors in order to help homeowners realize their dreams. She enjoys the challenge in creating the most efficient floor plans and space planning solutions that optimize how the homeowner functions in their space. Teresa’s hand rendered conceptual sketches allow the client to see their space come to life. Her belief is that the design process should never be forced or contrived; it should evolve naturally, creating beautiful spaces that respect the architecture and the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Teresa earned a B.S. in Interior Design and a minor in Photography from Northern Arizona University before launching her career 39 years ago at an internship for a prominent interior design firm. She spent several years as Lead Designer at a well-renowned Scottsdale interior design firm before following her dream with Kim Barnum to build Nelson Barnum Interiors, an interior design business focused on timeless, custom designs that fit each client’s diverse needs. A lifelong Arizona resident, Teresa enjoys cooking, sketching and spending quality time with her husband and extended family at homes in north central Phoenix and the Prescott area. She has a strong passion for Labrador Retrievers and participates in many canine training events and regional competitions annually.

Kim Barnum
Owner/Co-Founder/Designer

“Leave nothing to chance. The smallest details make all the difference in a room.”

Kim has a distinct passion for all things beautiful. Her ability to curate unique fabrics and finishes, coordinate colors and create a cohesive sense of balance and scale results in classic designs that blend the looks and lifestyles of today within the client’s home. Clients can expect a one-on-one personalized presentation filled with imagery, tactile textures and textiles. Kim’s detailed storyboards allow the client to see their space come to life, turning dreams into reality. According to Kim, while remodeling and building houses are key components of services Nelson Barnum Interiors offers, her mission is to create a comfortable, elegant gathering space and sense of home for each and every client.

Kim’s education and background includes a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with an emphasis in Business. She began her design career over 37 years ago through a mentorship at New York Polo working with window display designers for Ralph Lauren’s Home Collection. After several years as Lead Designer at a notable Scottsdale interior design firm Kim designed her own path as founder of Nelson Barnum Interiors with co-founder and friend, Teresa Nelson. An Arizona native, Kim enjoys entertaining, cooking, her rose garden and spending time with her two children and husband. She also serves on a committee for Young Life.

Chris Benac
Senior Designer

“Create a unique living environment incorporating rich color palettes, patterns, and textures that stand the test of time.”

For over 23 years Chris has been involved in the design industry, assisting clients in creating environments unique to their personalities and lifestyles. Chris thrives on meeting and working with clients to solve design challenges and prioritizes client relationship longevity. With strong organizational and budgeting skills and a desire to learn about new products and trends, Chris easily adapts to clients’ changing situations and needs by selecting building materials and coordinating fabrics and furniture that reflect their lifestyle. She loves the diverse nature of her role at Nelson Barnum Interiors, from project consultations, to remodels and new builds. Chris serves as a knowledgeable, trusted resource for clients seeking guidance and clarification during all stages of the design process.

Chris’ education includes degrees in Interior Design, Accounting and Fashion Merchandising, positioning her to have a unique perspective for understanding both the design aesthetic and budget constraints of clients. In her spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and reading.

Sommer Haskins
Designer

“The best rooms have to say something about the people who live in them.”

Sommer creates unique designs for each client and curates individualized spaces that express the homeowner’s personality. Possessing a keen sense of style, she excels at layering fabrics and pattern and selecting furniture that suit the client’s needs, creating a visually interesting space. Proficient in both space planning and CAD, Sommer can develop a design project that evolves from inception to completion.

After working in commercial construction for 12 years, Sommer decided to make a career change. She attended Scottsdale Community College and obtained her AA in Interior Design, graduating with honors in 2015. Before joining Nelson Barnum Interiors, Sommer worked many years alongside the partners of another prominent design firm in Old Town Scottsdale.

An Arizona native, Sommer grew up in Northwest Glendale and relocated to the Tempe/Chandler area nearly 20 years ago. She now considers herself an “East Side Convert”. Sommer lives with her husband Brody and dog, Elizabeth. She enjoys college football, bike rides, working out, is a makeup enthusiast and considers herself an expert in all things Taylor Swift.

Spacer - do not delete

Kimmy Nguyen
Project Designer

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”

With over nine years of design experience, Kimmy enjoys discovering the design solutions that bring joy and elevate the client’s routine and lifestyle. Her detailed hand drafting/rendering work, accompanied with curated imagery and tactile textures, effectively communicates the project’s design development and vision.

Kimmy takes great pleasure in her work at Nelson Barnum Interiors, and that passion is evident in her drive for perfection in all aspects of design. Her desire to collaborate with like-minded professionals allows for great results to surface in each project she is involved with.

Kimmy earned a B.S. in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University prior to her role as Project Designer at Nelson Barnum Interiors. She spends her time outside of design with her partner Danny and their Rottweiler, Apollo. Her interests include gardening, painting, baking and Volkswagens.

Annabel Cauthron
Project Assistant

“No matter the task, always render better service than is expected of you.”

As the newest addition to the Team, Annabel plays an integral hand assisting designers with custom furniture orders, fabric selections and installations. Her attention to detail and efficiency is effortlessly applied to not only day-to-day operations, but to her friendly customer service as well.

Annabel earned a BFA from Arizona State University in fibers with a minor in sustainability. Originally from the East coast, Annabel moved to Arizona at a young age. She spends her free time working on their new house, and spending time with her family, husband and two cats.

Debbie Cooper
Office Manager

“Whatever you do, do it WELL!”

Deb and her family have been a fixture within Old Town Scottsdale and all things western for many years. Her father was President/CEO of the family business, Saba’s Western Stores. Deb learned the importance of exceptional client service and follow-up while managing Saba’s and has implemented those same values here at Nelson Barnum Interiors.

Deb earned a Bachelors at Arizona State University in Business Administration. A lifelong “Valley Of The Sun” resident, Deb spends her time outside of work on the Old Town Scottsdale’s Merchants Association Board Of Directors as the Secretary/Treasurer. She enjoys spending time with family and their English Cream Golden Retreiver, Scout. She also likes traveling with her husband.

Designing our own path

Studio & Boutique

Let’s Work Together