Behind the Atelier
Keenan Mehrens
Principal Designer & Owner
Raised in the Midwest and influenced by architecture of both past and present, Keenan earned a B.F.A. in Interior Architecture and Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. He spent over a decade designing luxury residential projects throughout the Rocky Mountain West before launching One Room Atelier in Denver.
Keenan brings deep technical experience to every project, supported by a rigorous process, thorough documentation, and close coordination with contractors and vendors. That residential foundation shapes everything. One Room Atelier approaches small hospitality and commercial projects with the same thoughtful consideration and collaboration typically reserved for private homes.
Architecture, context, and program act as a north star—guiding decisions from reflected ceiling plans and switching diagrams to the provenance of an antique cabinet. The result is a space that carries the soul of somewhere beloved, while still feeling entirely personal to the people who live in or experience it.
Since 2014, his portfolio has spanned luxury residential and commercial projects nationwide, with a particular affinity for mountain homes, turn of the century, quaint cafes and restaurants, and boutique hotels. With a background in fine art and interior architecture, and specialized experience in kitchen and bath design, One Room Atelier manages projects from concept through installation. Clients receive a clear, collaborative process and a hands-off, turn-key result—whether designing a private home, a boutique café, a hotel guest room, or a small commercial space.
Above all, we believe it’s a privilege to help shape environments that support modern life and age with grace.
About One Room Atelier
At One Room Atelier, we partner with homeowners, developers, architects, and contractors to bring thoughtfully designed spaces to life—whether a private residence or a small hospitality project.
Our interiors are cohesive and functional, grounded in organic materials, sustainable sourcing, and a deep respect for the architecture and context we work within. We mix antiques with modern handcrafted pieces, finding the balance between a space that has something to say and one that feels genuinely livable. The result is never a formula. It is a space that reflects who our clients are, where they have been, and how they want to live or host.
We are drawn to projects with history and clients who care about the details. If you have already collected art, have opinions about patina, and want a designer you can fully trust with the process—we would love to talk.
Welcome to One Room Atelier
One Room Atelier creates residential and small-scale hospitality interiors that feel personal, material-rich, and thoughtfully resolved. Specialized in kitchens, baths, and spaces that support how people actually live and gather.
We typically work with projects in the 500-1,700sf range. Our process is designed to be thorough yet efficient.
- Discovery & Programming – Understanding how the space will be used, the client goals, and the practical constraints.
- Concept Development – Establishing the material direction, spatial strategy, and overall atmosphere.
- Design Development – Detailed plans, elevations, specifications, and FF&E
- Documentation & Coordination – Construction drawings, schedules, and collaborations w/ contractors and trades.
- Installation Oversight – Final detailing, placement, and punch-list.