Karen Mills Interior Design

Interior Design: 3 Tips for Translating Your Style into A Space

on February 3rd, 2012 | No Comments »

By now I’m sure you’ve heard that personalization reigns as the biggest trend in interior design, but for some of us that’s a little scary because it requires digging deep to figure out who we really are and then knowing how to use that information to create a room. So here are three easy suggestions for translating your style into a gorgeous room!

Karen Mills' blog

1. Select a favorite outfit, artwork, or treasured item for your inspiration. To keep it simple, I’m going to use your favorite outfit as an example for creating your interior design. First begin by snapping photos of your outfit, noting it’s styles, patterns, colors, textures, and accessories including tops, bottoms, shoes, purses, jewerly,scarves, ties or whatever you have.

Photo from Design Sponge blog

Photo from former Living Large guest Grace Bonney of Design Sponge

2. Create an inspiration board. Include photos of your outfit with closeup shots of the fabrics, colors, textures or any other details. Add paint chips that match the colors of your fabrics and accessories, plus any other details you can such as actual earrings or fabrics. Then add photos of furniture of your favorite furniture.

3. Go shopping Hunt for interior design products that look similar to your outfit’s style, color and/or texture using your inspiration board as a guide. And if you get stuck, remember you can always hire a profesional interior designer for a quick consult to make sure you’re going in the right direction or just to help you define your style.

Photo from Full House blog

For more great tips on how to personalize your room’s interior design, don’t miss Living Large Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio 98.1FM KMBZ (also streams on kmbz.com) as I interview emmy award winner Kevin O’Connor, host of This Old House along with nationally known interior designer Alexa Hampton, among others.

And if you’re wanting to know how to select quality furniture and the latest trends, tune into Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach, on 1660AM and 96.5HD2 FM as I interview nationally known interior designer Laura Kirar.

Plus become a fan now on Facebook or Twitter by clicking the link at the top of our blog!

Interior Design: Luxurious Showers & Bathtubs

on January 27th, 2012 | 1 Comment »

If you’re looking for inspiration for your master bathroom, check out these fabulous showers and tubs that are the star attraction of the their space!

And showers continue to become more of a focal point, I can foresee the walls disappearing even more.

Egg shower

Tub design by Tetsuya Nakamura

For more insights about what’s new in luxurious bathrooms, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio KMBZ on 98.1FM or 980AM or streaming live on kmbz.com as I talk with the DIY Network host of I Hate My Bath, Jeff Devlin, along with other bathroom experts including Don Silvers, Nick McIntyre and Debbie Hartzler.

Plus if you’re wanting to makeover your bedroom, then tune into Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station Radio Bach as I interview interior designer and former HGTV cohost Kelly Edwards about beautiful bedrooms. And become a fan of Living Large on Facebook now by clicking the link at the top of our blog!

Window Treatments: What’s Hot What’s Not!

on January 19th, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Thinking about updating your window treatments or looking for a way to add color and texture to your space? Here are the latest trends I’m hearing from manufacturers, workrooms, showrooms, and other interior designers like myself across the U.S.

Roman hobbled shades by Sue Whimster

Technology’s making major strides in the hard window covering industry, especially with motorization and remote control which makes our lives so much easier. Motorized shutters are just fantastic, especially for those hard to reach places or for homes full of shutters. And shutters add class to an interior space, elevating its value with their timeless appeal.

Blinds and shades continue to gain popularity, especially in woven organic material or fabrics in roman shades styles, from hobbled to flat. And now that the pull cords have caused issues with harming children, we’ve got some great new options like cordless shades you can pull down by hand or remote controlled options that can also be connected to a whole house remote control system.

organic style shades

Other popular shades include cellular styles that can navigate between light filtering and total privacy or top down bottom up shades that allow you to let in all the sunshine at the top of the window while providing privacy in the bottom half. Perfect for a bathroom or for those with views to a public space!

If you have sliding doors, you’re no longer relegated to the loud clanky plastic or metal vertical blinds in narrow sections. Large vertical fabric panels have replaced those dated looks with options for stacking back against one side of the doors or just opening in the middle.

Roller shades

Love the new options in roller shades too that come in every range of color and fabric, including customizable options for your own graphic design.

So what’s not hot in hard window coverings? For starters 1″ mini blinds or cheap white plastic roller shades from the big box store and a plethora of soft window treatments. Scarves or fabric swags draped over decorative poles/scarf holders, white or offwhite sheer panels that have yellowed over time, most colorful 2″ faux wood blinds, gathered or cloud valances, ruffled or lace trimmed window treatments, most tieback holders, old fashioned fabric cornice boards, outdated valance styles and window treatments that don’t touch the floor. However, if the only issue with your window treatment is that its a few inches too short, check with an interior designer like myself first before tossing them out because we might have a solution!

My favorite soft window treatments? Usually I opt for full length draperies in simple panels that frame your window whether they’re straight panels on rings, crow’s feet pinch pleat or goblet style. Plus I love roman shades in hobbled, relaxed or flat fold styles or a combination of soft treatments because they add so much life, textures, color and character to a space.

For more great tips and trends in window treatments and wall coverings, don’t miss my interview with nationally known interior designer and author Vicente Wolf along with window treatment experts across the U.S. on Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio 981.FM and 980AM KMBZ (streams live also on kmbz.com).

Plus, if you in the mood to give your room a one day makeover using existing furnishings, tune into Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach, on 1660AM and 96.5HD2FM as I talk with former HGTV cohost and interior designer Kelly Edwards about quick makeovers for your home.

And become a fan now of Living Large on Facebook by clicking the link at the top of the blog!

Interior Design & Accessorizing: 3 Secrets to Success!

on January 12th, 2012 | No Comments »

Ready to add the finishing touches to your home’s interior design, but not sure how? Here’s my 3 secrets to successfully accessorizing your home!

daughter

1. Dress your room like you would yourself. If you’re a fashionista, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just think of what fashion items would look good with your current outfit (room) and dress it up to add style and personality! But if you’re not a fashionista, think of your current room as you would your dress or suit for the day. For example if you started with a dress, layer a jacket (window coverings) over your dress, introduce a bracelet or scarf (pillow and throw), add some earrings (table lamps), select a purse (artwork), and shoes (area rug) to complete your look.

2. Gather or purchase decorative accessories that you love or that have meaning such as family heirlooms, travel mementos or artwork that speaks to you. Also think about functionality because I believe accessories can be dual purpose too. That’s why I personally love to layer in trays, candelbras, candlesticks, ottomans or stools, books, and more.

Chicago's Merchandise Mart

3. Create vignettes with your tabletop accessories to tell stories about your life, family or personality. Group like collections of items together when possible for the most impact and to add interest, layer in different textures, heights, widths and or colors, ensuring the whole grouping is cohesive overall.

Of course if you’re overwhelmed with such a daunting task, just do what I recommend for my design clientss. Gather or purchase the items you love in one central spot and bring in a designer to save the day! And if you’re purchasing new accessories to go bigger instead of smaller for more impact.

For more great tips on accessorizing, don’t miss what Bravo Network celebrity and artist Jonathan Adler has to share along with nationally known interior designers Timothy Corrigan and Barclay Butera this Sunday at 10AM CST on Living Large on News Radio KMBZ (streams live also on kmbz.com) on 981.FM and 980AM.

Plus, if you’re looking for cool remodeling ideas, don’t miss the author of Artistic Interiors designer Suzanne Lovell on Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach (streams also on radiobach.com) on 96.5HD2 and 1660AM.

Plus become a fan of Living Large on Facebook by clicking here! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Large/217431843107

Kitchen Design: Top 3 Ways to Update for Less

on January 6th, 2012 | No Comments »

Happy New Year! If you’re like most, you’ve probably put away your holiday decorations and reclaimed your personal time after the holiday chaos. But now that the glam and glitter has vanished suddenly you might find yourself facing a rather drab or dated home that needs a facelift. So where do you start? I recommend beginning with a kitchen or bath because you can recoup your money when its time to sell. Sounds great right? But what if you don’t have the funds for a complete remodel. Then consider these tips for updating your dark dated kitchen for less.

Design by S. Klimala

1. Lighten up - To lighten up a dark kitchen, try painting your walls and/or dated cabinets a lighter color to better reflect the light and give it a fresh feel. White cabinets are timeless and by replacing some of your dated cabinet fronts with glass fronts and backlighting, you can add a special touch. When replacing cabinets or repainting don’t forget to replace hardware and add hidden hinges when possible. Replace dated light fixtures and add more lighting such as can lights to wash the cabinets and walls in light along with introducing halogen bulbs, if needed, to brighten up your space. Plus don’t forget about updating your floors, a huge opportunity to make a great impact with new flooring or even a light sisal area rug in a sitting area.

2. Replace dated appliances - When replacing appliances don’t just replace what you have but consider how you cook in the kitchen first because some of the newer appliances could be a better fit. A convection and steam oven, for example, that bakes cakes, browns bread and cooks just about anything makes more sense to me than just a conventional oven.

Convection and steam oven by Wolf

3. Replace dated countertops - Fresh new countertops are so inviting and just beg to be used when you replace then with a quality material like stone in granite or marble. And you’ll be amazed at how luxurious they make your kitchen feel.

For more great tips on kitchen design, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio KMBZ (streams live on kmbz.com also) on 981.FM and 980AM as House Beautiful magazine features editor and the author of Dishes, Shax Riegler, KCH&G magazine editor Brooke Pearl, Nick McIntyre from LifeWise Renovations, plus Jeff West and Liz Barton from Bedrock International all share their insights on kitchen interior design and decorating.

Or if you’re looking for bathroom design ideas, tune into Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach (streams live on radiobach.com also), on 96.5HD2 FM or 1660AM as the editor of Kitchen Bath Design News, Janice Costa shares the latest trends and cool new products.

Plus become a fan of Living Large now on Facebook!

Interior Design: Fabulous Furniture

on December 29th, 2011 | No Comments »

Looking for fabulous upholstered furniture for your interior? Check out these beautiful pieces I absolutely love available to the trade only through interior designers.

Of course this is just a small sampling of some of my favorite contemporary pieces, but I love traditional furnishings too! Notice how all of the pieces have great architectural lines and/or glam fabrics and finishes to make them a real showstopper, plus taller backs to make their presence known.

For more great furniture ideas and how to look for quality upholstery or wooden pieces, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AMCST on News Radio 981.FM and 980AM KMBZ (streams live on kmbz.com) as I interview nationally known interior designer Laura Kirar along with furniture expert Alex Shuford III whose family owns Century Furniture, a wonderful designer brand of furniture.

And if you’re looking for more design ideas for your living space, then tune into Living Large with Karen Mills as I interview nationally known interior designer Thomas Pheasant about how to create beautiful living spaces this coming Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach (streams live on radiobach.com) on 96.5HD2 or 1660AM. Plus become a fan of Living Large now on Facebook by clicking link at the top of our blog or join us on Twitter!

Bedroom Design: 3 Ways to Transform Blah into Beautiful

on December 21st, 2011 | No Comments »

Ready to transform your master bedroom from blah to beautiful? Here are three easy steps to get you started!

Courtesy of Design Heaven

1. Create a focal point - Start by ensuring you have a beautiful bed or headboard since that’s the focal point of your room. If you don’t have one, either purchase a cool headboard/bed from an interior designer, new retail store or vintage shop. Or if you’re handy, refinish/repaint an existing one to freshen it up or create your own padded headboard. Other great headboard solutions could include creating a framed padded fabric area behind your bed to simulate a headboard or using another solution like a wall screen, painted design, mirror or other decor behind your bed.

2. Enhance your focal point – Once you’ve installed a beautiful bed or headboard, enhance your focal point by adding emphasis. Start by adding beautiful coordinated bedding of quality fabrics that you can have custom designed by an interior designer, yourself or purchase ready made. Of course, custom bedding is the best, but if that’s not in your budget, look for the best quality possible with the color scheme you want for the room. Other ways to enhance your focal point could include adding an accent wall behind the bed, nightstands, table lamps, architectural lighting, and an area rug underneath.

3. Add color and/or texture - By adding color and/or texture to your bedroom, you will make your space more interesting. Consider adding color and/or texture to walls, ceilings, floors, and windows with trim or window treatments. Plus don’t forget about opportunities to add interest with furniture and decor such as pillows, throws or flowers.

Photo from UK TV

For more great tips on bedroom interior design, don’t miss Living Large with Karen Mills this Sunday at 10AM on News Radio 981.FM and 980AM KMBZ (streams live on kmbz.com) in Kansas City as ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition interior designer Tracy Hutson along with former HGTV host of Design on a Dime, Kelly Edwards share their secrets to beautiful bedrooms or become a fan of Living Large on Facebook now.

And Merry Christmas from our family to yours as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! May your day be blessed, your finances thrive and your relationships flourish so you can truly Live Large!

Interior Decorating: 3 Easy Ways to Freshen Up for the Holidays

on December 14th, 2011 | No Comments »

If you’re ready to do a one day makeover to freshen up your look for the holidays, then check out these ideas for your living space that you can implement yourself or have done by an interior designer!

One Day Makeover TV segment by Karen Mills

1. Rearrange your furniture to emphasize your focal point whether it’s a beautiful fireplace, gorgeous window view or a focal point you’ve created yourself. If you don’t have a focal point, create a vignette or grouping with perhaps a sofa table/chest with table lamps, decor, and wall art to make a statement. Place your largest piece of upholstery facing your focal point, including a chair or two in your seating group and layer in your other pieces.

One Day Makeover TV segment by Karen Mills

2. Introduce a coordinating accent color in pillows, throws, florals and other decor to draw your eye around the space and add a little punch.

3. Set the mood by placing large candles inside your existing clear glass containers and place them around your room in groups of threes or fives or more on tabletops so you can add a little ambiance when you’re celebrating the holidays. Turn off the overhead lights and turn on your table lamps (3-5 minimum) to create a wonderful holiday ambiance.

For more great ideas on freshening up your space without spending money, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio 981.FM and 980AM KMBZ (streams live on kmbz.com also) as HGTV interior designer and host Vern Yip along with HGTV designer Meg Caswell share their one day makeover ideas with me.

And if you’re wanting to just get back to the basics of interior design, then tune also to Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach (streams live on radiobach.com also) as Thomas Hamel, an Australian interior designer and author of a the book Residence shares his insights.

Remodeling: How to Make a Homerun

on December 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

Wondering what type of players to put on your remodeling team so your project will be a homerun?! Depending on your project the your team might include

Kitchen Remodel by LifeWise Renovations

a contractor/remodeler, architect, interior designer, engineer, and/or an inspector from your city. Seems a little bit overwhelming, doesn’t it? But winning the game of remodeling requires an experienced team who knows how to play ball.

So where do you start? Most homeowners tend to jump in with both feet and hire a contractor immediately to start building their project, but usually don’t have a detailed plan for their design which can become a huge problem. The result? The project comes to a screeching halt until the homeowner either relinguishes the creative direction of their remodel to their contractor or they hire a professional expert to help them formulate a strategy to win the game.

Mudroom area and media cabinet design by LifeWise Renovations

To avoid costly mistakes and to make sure you get exactly what you want, you’ll need both an interior designer and an architect for at least a quick consultation. Contrary to popular belief qualified interior designers don’t just select sofas or window treatments for your living space or help you pick colors once the project is complete. Interior designers look at your project with a fresh eye, helping you define and enhance your sense of style to ensure you get exactly what you want, while also providing direction or a map for turning your ideas into a fabulous space.

But that’s not all interior designers provide. Besides making sure your space will be beautiful and function well, interior designers also simplify your life by guiding you through the process of remodeling and use their training to identify potential issues with codes, construction or functionality of your space. They help you ask the right questions to make informed decisions so you can maintain control of the project, which can simplify your life dramatically, plus designers save you money by helping you select the best products for your project along with providing access to thousands of products not available in retail stores. So not hiring an interior designer beforehand often becomes the most costly mistake I see homeowners make because correcting a problem is much more expensive and time consuming that doing it right the first time.

For more great tips on remodeling, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio 98.1FM or 980AM KMBZ (streams live on kmbz.com) as designer and author Suzanne Lovell shares her insights on great remodeling along with DIY TV network host Josh Temple, plus Nick McIntyre from LifeWise Renovations.

And if you want to learn more about the basics of interior design, then tune into Living Large with Karen Mills this Saturday at 10:30AM CST on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach (streams live on radiobach.com) on 96.5HD2 or 1660AM as nationally known interior designer Charles Allem shares tips on redesigning an interior.

Plus become a fan on Facebook or twitter by clicking the link at the top of our blog!

Interior Design: Hot Bath Trends (& The $75k Toilet)

on November 30th, 2011 | No Comments »

Thinking about updating your bathroom? Then check out some of the hot bathroom trends I’m seeing in the U.S.

A $75k swarovski crystal studded toilet by Isis

Bidet available at Bedrock International

1. Bidets or Bidet seats. The bidet or French lavatory gives homeowners the alternative method of cleansing themselves with water instead of perfumed toilet paper, which is less abrasive on your body. Extremely popular in much of Europe, I found bidets everywhere I went in Italy this summer. And according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, bidets are growing in popularity in the U.S. with several hundred thousand being sold this year. But I see urinals, a favorite of men, also gaining popularity as manufacturers come up with sexier options that homeowners can show off to guests as the latest toy.

Bidet

Spoon urinal

2. Hands free fixtures. Hands free fixtures in the bathroom have existed commercially for years, but have finally made into our homes as the new must have whether its a faucet, soap pump or toothpaste dispenser. Other cool inventions include voice activated options and fixtures that can be operated by your cell phone or laptop.

Hands free soap pump by simplehuman.com

3. Technology. Whether its wall mounted TVs or one hidden behind a mirror, waterproof speakers for your shower, heated towel racks, a built in coffeemaker, or a programmable showering system, technology is the fastest growing trend in the bath.

Gaggenau built in coffeemaker

To get the rest of the scoop on the latest bathroom trends and interior design tips, don’t miss Living Large this Sunday at 10AM CST on News Radio 98.1FM or 980AM KMBZ (streams live at kmbz.com) as I interview the editor of Kitchen Bath Design News, Janice Costa, along with author, professor and bathroom designer Don Silvers, plus stone guru Jeff West from Bedrock International.

And if you want to get back to the basics of interior design, then tune in for part #1 of our 3 part series starting this Saturday at 10AM CST on Living Large with Karen Mills on Kansas City’s classical station, Radio Bach, as I speak with the DIY host of Mega Dens, Anitra Mecadon.

Plus become a fan now of Living Large on Facebook or twitter by clicking on the link at the top of our blog!