In the design world, we often hear about amazing success stories, where concepts go from zero to 100 overnight. But, the real journey behind these tales — the challenges, chance moments and hard work it took to realize these dreams — often remains untold. This is the story of Colorado's luxury tile showroom, Decorative Materials, and its founder Margot Hampleman, who transformed her passion for tile into the largest privately owned luxury tile showroom in the state, all while giving back every step of the way.
Hampleman founded Decorative Materials in Denver in 1988 after an exhaustive search for unique tiles for her own home. It was then, the go-getter discovered her ability to highlight talented artisans from across the country. Seeking distinctive, handcrafted ceramic tiles, Hampleman leaned into her entrepreneurial instincts and filled this niche in Colorado's design community. Driving her station wagon from designer to architect, she showcased tile presentations, expanding her collection and securing orders along the way. While building her business in Denver, she recognized a similar need in the Aspen Valley. For five years, she shared her tiles (loading and unloading the car herself) with the high-end design community there, culminating in the opening of a showroom in Aspen Valley.
Basalt Showroom entrance. Photography by Jeremy Swanson.
"The competition in the tile business was fierce back then," Hampleman says. "But I never let it stop me. I just pushed ahead with my vision." Her tenacity and belief that Colorado needed next-level decorative tile proved unstoppable. Thirty-six years later, Decorative Materials stands as the largest privately owned luxury tile showroom in Colorado, growing from one part-time person to a team of over 30 employees in five showroom locations: Denver, Edwards, Basalt, Crested Butte and Telluride. Today, the Decorative Materials team continues Hampleman's vision, sourcing exquisite products globally and delivering luxury design services. "We collaborate with interior designers, architects, builders, installers and homeowners to find the right product for the right project, every time," says Kirsten Schmit, Hampleman's daughter and president of Decorative Materials. "We offer thoughtful, individually tailored designs using a rich variety of customizable, high-quality products."
Photography by Jeremy Swanson.
Hampleman's love for her products is matched by her commitment to the people she works with and the wider community. "At Decorative Materials, we strongly believe in giving back to the community. It is a vital part of our core vision. Our commitment extends to every community where we have a showroom," she says. Each location supports a local philanthropy that reflects the passions and values of its dedicated staff. "We firmly believe that when our team is personally invested, the impact is meaningful," she says, speaking to their support of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art in Denver, Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in Vail, The Art Base in Basalt and The Aspen Hope Center.
Decorative Materials' Basalt Showroom kitchen in Willits Town Center. Photography by Jeremy Swanson.
With every purchase, Decorative Materials' customers become part of its purpose — bringing innovative hard surfaces to the Rocky Mountain design community, while making a significant impact on the community at large. Contact Decorative Materials and schedule an appointment to discover your tile fit today.
Photography by Kaitlyn Nannen.
