Who We Are
We create spaces with a ‘je ne sais quoi’ — a quiet, timeless elegance that turns a house into a home.
“Je ne sais quoi” perfectly captures the spirit of effortless elegance that Kurtz Design brings to every project.
Our spaces don’t just look refined — they feel naturally balanced, timeless, and quietly luxurious. It’s that subtle, memorable charm you can’t quite put into words, but instantly recognize the moment you step inside.
Darla Kurtz | Founder & Lead Designer
I grew up surrounded by craftsmanship, ingenuity, and a deep love for making a house a true home.
My early years were spent on a farm in British Columbia, where life was built from the ground up. We learned to cook, clean, garden, and preserve food. We worked with our hands — building log cabins, sewing and knitting, and creating spaces that felt warm and welcoming, despite the absence of modern conveniences.
After moving to Portland, Oregon, I watched my father return to the trades — plumbing, electrical, heating — and witnessed my mother transform our house into a home with wallpaper, paint, and thoughtful décor. Everyone in the family pitched in, and I discovered the joy of making spaces both beautiful and functional.
That hands-on approach shaped my path. In Hartville, Ohio, a tiny village with one stoplight and a strong sense of community, I grew up helping to finish attics, restore a 200‑year‑old historic home, and watch my mother apply her flair for design and craftsmanship to every room. The old home became a labor of love for the whole family, and I learned the value of blending heritage, character, and comfort.
In my early twenties, I pursued a degree in interior design, inspired by the belief that every space can — and should — make its owners feel at home. An early role in the bath and kitchen sales department taught me the value of listening, learning, and applying that knowledge to create spaces tailored to the way people live. It was an award for kitchen design that sparked the next chapter, as I was recruited to a high‑end design firm and immersed myself in the world of sophisticated craftsmanship.
Today, as the founder and lead designer of Kurtz Design, I carry this heritage forward. Our approach blends timeless beauty with a sense of belonging, creating spaces that honor both form and function. From the first sketch to the final detail, I am dedicated to making every project a reflection of that intangible quality — the “je ne sais quoi” — that turns a space into a place you truly call home.