Kimberly Cunningham portfolio
About
Kimberly Cunningham
Interior Design Student
AboutWith a passion for commercial and educational design, I’m currently a third-year interior design student at Oklahoma State University. My work centers on balancing innovative design solutions with functionality to create spaces that enrich user experience.
Contact
Education
freshman 2022 (530) 210-5768
focused on developing hand rendering skills and a strong foundation in basic concepts such as space planning, color theory, drafting techniques, and the principles of design,
sophomore 2023
gained a foundational understanding of a variety of design programs, including SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Unity, Lumion, and Revit
Oklahoma State University
kimberly.cunningham@okstate.edu Tulsa, OK
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlycunningham-aa7a5b300/
junior 2024
delved deeper into design software, enhancing our proficiency in digital rendering programs to tackle more advanced projects
Waves for Wellness
Pediatric Hospital
Patient Room
January 2024
Rooted in research on the healing power of nature, "Waves for Wellness" draws inspiration from the ocean to create a calming, restorative space for pediatric patients. The design incorporates soft curves and a soothing palette of blues and greens, with wave-like forms promoting relaxation. Natural light and gentle textures enhance comfort, ensuring a research-backed environment that supports both emotional well-being and recovery.
Concept Development
The concept development for "Waves for Wellness" is grounded in research on biophilic design, which enhances patient outcomes by integrating nature into healing environments (Kellert et al., 2008). A calming color palette of blues and greens was chosen to reduce stress and foster tranquility (Ulrich, 1984), while curving forms mimic the flow of water to enhance relaxation. Mood boards reflect these evidencebased decisions, incorporating natural textures and soft lighting to support emotional comfort and recovery (Shepley, 2017).
References:
Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Wiley.
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery Science, 224(4647), 420-421.
Shepley, M. M. (2017). Design for Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care. Routledge.
Preliminary Design
Rendered Furniture and Finish Floorplan
Farnesworth House
March 2024
In this project, Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House gets reimagined capturing its essence of minimalism and connection to nature. We retained the house's hallmark floor-to-ceiling glass walls and open plan layout, inviting natural light to flow through and creating a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern updates, such as a refined neutral palette were incorporated to honor the original design while enhancing its functionality for contemporary living.
North Exterior Elevation
West
Exterior Elevation
East Exterior Elevation
Golden Retreat
Airbnb Apartment Rental
November 2022
This renovated San Francisco apartment draws inspiration from the contrast between the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the pastel skies, using soft blues and muted reds to create a calming retreat from the bustling city. The design balances the energy of urban life with serene, airy tones, offering a tranquil space that reflects the peaceful beauty of the Bay Area. Each room invites guests to unwind in a cozy atmosphere that harmonizes with the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Concept Development
The concept development centers around a calming yet vibrant atmosphere pastel blue and soft red color inspired by the Golden Gate contrast with the sky. The master m features soft linens in cool blues ted reds for a relaxing, serene feel, e smaller room offers playful bunk th cozy fabrics to create a fun, ng space for guests. Finishes out the apartment include matte, ed woods and subtle metallic accents, adding a modern touch that ties the design to San Francisco’s industrial history.
Preliminary Design
The preliminary design for the San Francisco Sanctuary focuses on creating a welcoming and stylish Airbnb rental that balances comfort and functionality. The layout features two well-appointed bedrooms, each paired with a conveniently located bathroom to ensure privacy and ease for guests. Thoughtful design details, such as ample natural light and modern finishes, enhance the space's appeal while maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere. The goal is to provide a serene retreat in the heart of San Francisco, perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and accessibility.
FF&E Selections
Beverly’s boutique
March 2024
Beverly’s Boutique combines industrial style with a warm, feminine touch, celebrating the spirit of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the memory of the owner ’ s late grandmother. Exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and open shelving create a modern industrial backdrop softened by a palette of pink, white, and green. This inviting space offers a carefully curated selection of women ’ s clothing, shoes, and accessories, blending vintage elegance with contemporary edge. Every detail, from the floral accents to the welcoming layout, is designed to honor Beverly’s legacy of style and grace.
Concept Development
Beverly’s Boutique combines industrial style with a warm, feminine touch, celebrating the spirit of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the memory of the owner ’ s late grandmother. Exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and open shelving create a modern industrial backdrop softened by a palette of pink, white, and green. This inviting space offers a carefully curated selection of women ’ s clothing, shoes, and accessories, blending vintage elegance with contemporary edge. Every detail, from the floral accents to the welcoming layout, is designed to honor Beverly’s legacy of style and grace.
Preliminary Design
The preliminary design for Beverly’s Boutique centers the sales floor near the entrance, creating an open, welcoming layout with clear sightlines. A private fitting area with frosted partitions ensures customer comfort, while employee spaces, including a break room, are tucked discreetly at the back. This arrangement keeps staff areas accessible but separated, allowing for smooth operations without interrupting the shopping experience.
Furniture Floorplan
Gadugi Hall
May 2024 Building Area
The Gadugi Hall project is designed to foster a sense of community and cultural pride among freshman Cherokee students at Oklahoma State University. By incorporating elements of Cherokee heritage through thoughtful architectural details and interior design, the hall creates a welcoming environment that honors traditions while supporting academic and personal growth. Vibrant communal spaces and cozy living areas encourage connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of identity, ensuring students feel at home in their new environment.
Concept Development
The concept of the Steel Sanctuary centers around merging industrial resilience with the warmth and simplicity of a farmhouse aesthetic. Inspired by Oklahoma’s expansive fields and everchanging skies, the color palette draws directly from nature’s hues: soft, earthy browns echo the rich soil, while warm beige and wheat tones reflect the sunlit fields. These are balanced with airy blues and gentle grays, reminiscent of Oklahoma’s vast sky at dawn and dusk. The shipping container structure offers a durable, industrial foundation, while reclaimed wood accents, vintage-inspired fixtures, and cozy textiles bring in the comfort and charm of a farmhouse.
Furniture
Steel Sanctuary
May 2024
Steel Sanctuary is a compact, one-bedroom retreat made from a shipping container, designed for a young couple who value simplicity and rustic beauty. The space combines sleek industrial lines with earthy, rugged accents think weathered wood finishes, metal details, and a palette inspired by open landscapes. Large windows enhance natural light and create a seamless flow between indoors and out, reflecting the couple’s love for purposeful, unfussy living. Steel Sanctuary is a minimalist escape that harmonizes modern comfort with timeless, rustic charm.
Concept Development
The concept of the Steel Sanctuary centers around merging industrial resilience with the warmth and simplicity of a farmhouse aesthetic. Inspired by Oklahoma’s expansive fields and everchanging skies, the color palette draws directly from nature’s hues: soft, earthy browns echo the rich soil, while warm beige and wheat tones reflect the sunlit fields. These are balanced with airy blues and gentle grays, reminiscent of Oklahoma’s vast sky at dawn and dusk.
The shipping container structure offers a durable, industrial foundation, while reclaimed wood accents, vintage-inspired fixtures, and cozy textiles bring in the comfort and charm of a farmhouse.
Final Rendered Furniture Floorplan
The Tiny Green Cabin
Building Area
May 2024
The Tiny Green Cabin is a cozy, nature-inspired retreat designed for those seeking simplicity and a close connection with the outdoors. With a palette inspired by lush forests and tranquil fields, the interior embraces soothing shades of green, warm browns, and organic textures that reflect the beauty of the natural world. The Tiny Green Cabin isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a retreat for the soul, offering a sanctuary where simplicity, comfort, and nature come together in perfect harmony.
Concept Development
The concept development of the Steel Sanctuary focused on transforming a rugged shipping container into a warm, inviting tiny home with a farmhouseinspired aesthetic. Drawing from Oklahoma’s natural landscape, we crafted a color palette inspired by golden fields, earthy soil, and soft sky tones, creating a serene and grounded atmosphere.
Balancing industrial elements like exposed metal with reclaimed wood and cozy textiles, we established a contrast that honors both durability and comfort. Every design choice was intentional, maximizing space and functionality to create a sanctuary that feels both minimal and richly connected to its surroundings.
