Skip to content
KAREN MILLS
  • HOME
  • OUR STORY
  •  BLOG
  • PROJECTS
  • PRESS

BLOG

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Space Planning…

  • May 10, 2023May 11, 2023

The majority of consumers I polled named space planning or laying out a room as their biggest challenge when trying to design an interior. Not surprising as that’s one of the top reasons homeowners reach out to our interior design firm for assistance. Read on to gain more insight into what homeowners do wrong and why it doesn’t work

example of topic
  1. Not planning ahead by creating a floorplan. By planning beforehand, you can ensure your space meets your needs, can accommodate the furniture you’ve selected, and be accessible. Plus, once you’ve created a floorplan you can doublecheck it works by laying out furniture dimensions in your room.
  2. Not emphasizing your focal point. By showcasing your focal point, you give more importance to it, whether its an architectural feature, vignette, or amazing view.
  3. Not designing your space to leave ample space for flow and walkways. For your room to function well you need to have flow through your seating areas for traffic along with main walkways that allow access from one room to the next or access to the outdoors.
  4. Not making the room functional A room that doesn’t function well may be missing tabletops for drinks or a book, lack ample lighting, or not be easily accessible, for example.
  5. Impulsive furniture buy – I understand. You’re standing in this huge store with all this beautiful furniture, and you spot something on sale or that seems to be what you want so you buy it. But when you get it home it just doesn’t work because it’s way too big for the space, too small a scale with your room, out of proportion, or doesn’t fit the design style.
  6. Placing the furniture against the walls Unless you’re having a huge gathering that’s standing room only inside your home or you’re planning to dance the night away in your room, shoving furniture against the wall is never a good idea. Why? Because its uninviting and not conducive to conversation .
  7. Overcrowding the Room Just because furniture physically fits in your room doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to put it there. For your room to functional and inviting, you need create a flow through the room, walkways for passing by, and blank areas for the eye to rest so you’re not visually overwhelmed by too much stuff.

If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!

If you’re looking for more interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, watch our free One Day Makeover video tutorial now.

And if you would like to learn how to decorate like a pro so you can win the battle against a dated/ugly interior or learn how to decorate/stage professionally, click now to learn about our new subscription, The Decorating Pro!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: The Decorating Pro

  • May 1, 2023May 2, 2023

A Better Way to Learn to Decorate Your Home for Less

Click to watch video
Click to learn more!

Would you like to learn how to create the room of your dreams?

Or win the battle against an unappealing interior?

I understand.

That’s why I am so excited to announce The Decorating Pro, an online membership we created that teaches you how to decorate like a pro or become a professional decorator for a fraction of the cost of professional interior designer or college degree that will be officially launching soon!

Our proprietary teaching method developed over 20 years makes learning easier and faster, and our college-level content from a state-certified instructor is available online 24/7.

We also offer staggered learning stages to fit your skill level with milestones to measure your progress, design secrets/shortcuts using real world examples to make learning more effective, support from a state accredited instructor that includes twice monthly Q&A sessions, additional monthly design content bonuses, and a private Facebook community of fellow design membership students who will help support you. 

But the best part is that we are coming together as a community of design students to help design a better world through our financial support of Karen’s Kids, a charitable cause that supports the rescue of trafficked kids and other lost children.

Even though The Decorating Pro hasn’t officially launched, we are offering a few exclusive spots for our Founding Members for only $27 per month. Click the button below to sign up or learn more now!

Click now!

And if you have more questions about The Decorating Pro or donating to Karen’s Kids, email livinglargeshow@gmail.com

And follow me on Instagram or Facebook here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: What Color Reveals About You and How…

  • April 12, 2023April 14, 2023

The Meaning of Color and What Your Favorite Hue Reveals About You

Color, or the absence of color plays a critical role in our lives both at home and work. One reason is because our favorite color reveals something about our personality and can impact our mood. So, as you’re reading this blog article think about the message different colors speak to you and how impactful a whole wall of color could be on your mood.

color example
  • White – White is the color of innocence which is probably why the traditional wedding dress is white. White is considered the color of cleanliness, honesty, and simplicity, but lovers of this color may also be more organized, immaculate, or lead simple lives. In addition, white provides a great backdrop for other colors to stand out.
  • Black – Conversely, black is considered formal, and a color of power. It’s sophisticated, secure, and dramatic, but it can also convey a darkness, sadness, or cold feel depending on the circumstances.
photo example of topic
Interior design by Karen MIlls
  • Gray – Gray lovers tend to crave calmness, balance, and steadfastness. Gray people often love quality and are more careful, making a great color for creating a neutral calming space.
  • Brown – Brown, the color of earth gives us a grounded feeling of security and stability. People who love it are considered to be reliable, trustworthy, and stable.
  • Yellow – Yellow feels warm and full of sunshine. And the people who love it tend to be optimistic, cheerful, and happy. Yellow is also imaginative and joyful.
foyer photo
  • Orange – Vibrant, confident, and success-oriented, orange people tend to be friendly and have a great sense of humor. Orange can create a feeling of warmth, hunger, joy, or adventure.
  • Red – Red lovers tend to be bold, exciting, and energetic. Red is the color of passion, love, desire, and daring. It’s also intense and loves grabbing your attention.
  • Green– Green embodies nature, growth, and health. Lovers of green tend to be peaceful, kind, generous, and caring.
  • Blue – The favorite color of most men, blue embodies trustworthiness, safety, and strength. This calming color aslo brings feelings of relief, peace, and hope. Other words associated with this color include water and wisdom.
  • Purple – The favorite color of most artistic people, purple is creative, intelligent, and mysterious, but also is the color of pleasure, luxury, glamor, and moodiness. Also, a favorite color of younger children, purple is a symbol of royalty and pleasure.

If you’re looking for more interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, watch our free One Day Makeover video tutorial now.

And if you would like to learn how to decorate like a pro so you can win the battle against a dated/ugly interior or learn how to decorate/stage professionally, click now to learn about our new subscription, The Decorating Pro!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Creating Space for a Home Office

  • March 17, 2023March 17, 2023

How to add a Workspace at Home When You Don’t Have a Dedicated Room

design example
  1. Add French, pocket, or barn doors to close off part of an open floorplan. – In this home office hidden pocket doors slide together to shut off this office space next to the living room to create a cozy area for getting work done without being disturbed.

If you prefer to have your home office in full view, you can also opt for French door style pocket doors that can make your overall living space feel larger like this interior design project we designed.

If you prefer to have your home office in full view, you can also opt for French door style pocket doors that can make your overall living space feel larger like this interior design project below we designed.

2. Hide your workspace behind built in cabinetry or in a closet. – As an interior designer I’ve helped numerous clients solve the issue of where to put a home office. One of my favorite solutions as an interior designer was a home office we designed behind kitchen cabinetry as part of a remodel. And we disguised the doors to look like cabinetry which also functions nicely as a safe room.

Other solutions our interior design firm has created includes hiding an office under the stairs, in a niche area on a landing or loft, or inside a step-in closet where you can just shut the door to hide the space.

3. Introduce a piece of furniture that can act as a desk along with storage for your office necessities. Options could include an office armoire or dining table, for example. For one client, our interior design firm helped them take over their rarely used dining room by utilizing the table as a desk for their laptop and custom built in cabinetry on the wall behind to hide everything else. The bottom of the cabinetry held office items, while the top half provided display space for the client.

If you’re looking for more interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, watch our free One Day Makeover video tutorial now.

Plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on 
INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK here.

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Ways to Brighten a Dreary Living…

  • February 20, 2023February 20, 2023

Tips for Creating a More Cheerful Space

photo example of topic
  1. Paint walls and ceilings a light color. In this internationally published living space, we designed, we painted the dark walls light, recovered the sofa and chair, slipcovered the armless chairs, and layered a lighter rug underneath the hearth area, completely transforming the space from dark and dreary to light and dreamy.

photo example of upholstery

2. Remove dark window coverings including drapery fabric or hard window treatments that block much of the light. In this hearth living area, the windows are only covered by white blinds, keeping the room feeling light airy.

photo example of partition

3. Replace or recover dark upholstery and rugs. In this living space we recovered all the dark heavy upholstery with lighter shades of fabrics and layered in a lighter rug to bounce additional light around the room.

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our design blog here plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook  or Instagram now!

We would love to hear from you and any topics you would like to be covered that haven’t. And if someone you know could benefit from this helpful information, we would love to have you pass it on!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

ONE DAY MAKEOVER DEMO

  • January 31, 2023February 1, 2023

A Video on How to Redesign Your Room in One Day Using Existing Furnishings

promo

Hello friends! Our interior design firm has been working on so much these past few months and I wanted to share one of my favorite things we did with you that’s absolutely free! In this fun informative video, I personally teach you some of my favorite shortcuts and secrets to interior design including how to coordinate mismatched furniture, add a pop of color, and decorate your shelves! Click to watch now!

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our design blog here plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook  or Instagram now!

We would love to hear from you and any topics you would like to be covered that haven’t. And if someone you know could benefit from this helpful information, we would love to have you pass it on!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2023

  • January 17, 2023January 17, 2023

This Year’s Latest and Ongoing Design Trends for This Year

photo example
Interior design by Karen Mills
  1. LIVING ROOM INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2023 For the living room our interior design firm is seeing several trends some of which are a continuation of last year including:

➢ OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH INTIMATE ROOMS OR SPACES THAT CAN BE PARTITIONED OFF WITH DOORS
➢ MODERN RUSTIC DESIGN TO CREATE A MORE INVITING ATMOSPHERE
➢ NATURAL FINISHES SUCH AS STONE, WOOD, OR ORGANIC STYLE ELEMENTS
➢ SIMPLE MODERN FIREPLACE DESIGN THAT USUALLY GOES UP TO CEILING
➢ BUILT IN SHELVING, OFTEN SURROUNDING THE FIREPLACE
➢ MORE NATURAL LIGHT FROM EXPANSIVE WINDOWS AND TALLER CEILINGS
➢ WOOD CEILING BEAMS TO ADD WARMTH AND DRAMA

living room photo
Interior design by Karen MIlls

2. FURNITURE/DECOR INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS For furniture we are seeing a big trend towards sustainable furniture. Sustainable furniture pieces are higher quality items that will last longer and cost less over time instead of cheap throw away furniture. And that makes me happy because as an interior designer I’ve always seen the value in higher quality furniture that’s more comfortable, better looking, and a better value over time. Other trends include:

PERFORMANCE FABRICS ON UPHOLSTERY
➢ TEXTURE OVER BUSY PATTERNS ON FABRICS AND FINISHES
➢ DÉCOR THAT’S MORE FUNCTIONAL OR HAS MEANING

kitchen example
Partial Kitchen refresh by Karen MIlls

3. KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2023 In the kitchen we are still seeing rustic elements to add warmth but combined with a more modern overall aesthetic. Other kitchen trends in interior design include:

➢ COUNTERTOP AS BACKSPLASH WHICH MEANS THE COUNTERTOPS CONTINUE UP THE WALL TO THE CEILING LIKE SHOWN HERE
➢ FOCUS ON HEALTHY EATING
➢ CONTRAST IN COLOR OR FINISH SUCH AS CONTRASTING ISLAND AND WALL CABINETS LIKE SHOWN HERE OR DIFFERENT METAL FINISHES
➢ QUARTZITE NATURAL MATERIAL COUNTERS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY OVER QUARTZ

bathroom photo example

4. BATHROOM INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2023 Of course having a bathroom design that feels like a spa continues to be a huge interior design trend, but other trends include:

➢ CURBLESS SHOWER WHICH IS ALSO CALLED A ZERO ENTRY SHOWER LIKE SHOWN HERE
➢ OVERSIZE LIGHT FIXTURES LIKE SHOWN HERE
➢ TEXTURE ON FINISHES OVER PATTERN

living room

5. COLOR INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2023

➢ BOLD COLORS OF YEAR – GREENS AND MAGENTAS LIKE SHOWN HERE
➢ COLOR BLOCKING (CONTRASTING) LIKE SHOWN HERE ON WALL CONTRASTS
➢ NEUTRALS –WHITE, WARM GRAY/CHARCOAL, BEIGE

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our design blog here!

plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook  and Instagram now!

And if you feel someone you know could benefit from this helpful information, pass it on!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: 3 Tips to Emphasize Your Free-Standing Bathtub…

  • December 19, 2022December 19, 2022

How to Enhance Your Free-Standing Tub When Remodeling Your Bath

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

LEARN TO DECORATE AT YOUR OWN PACE FROM A…

  • November 17, 2022December 1, 2022

A BRAND-NEW ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION FOR TEACHING DESIGN LOVERS HOW TO DECORATE LIKE A PRO

photo of karen designing
THE DECORATING PRO

I LOVE HELPING OUR DESIGN CLIENTS AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES, SAVE TIME, AND REDUCE STRESS, WHILE GIVING THEM THE INTERIORS OF THEIR DREAMS. AND NOW I LOOK FORWARD TO TEACHING YOU HOW TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR TOO!

Karen Mills

Ever dreamed about:
➪ a decorating or staging business?
➪ designing your own home like a pro?
➪ learning a new hobby online?

We can help you create a master design plan to win the battle against overwhelm or costly mistakes so you can avoid failure and achieve success easier and faster.

In this exciting membership subscription, we will teach you how to decorate (or stage) in a way that’s not only beautiful and showcases your personal style, but also helps you create more value in your home and provides the perfect space to unwind and relax.

decorating example

Do you ever feel like you have analysis paralysis because you want to avoid making a costly mistake that will haunt you for years to come? Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed at the thought of trying to figure out how to design your room? Are you wishing you had someone to bounce ideas off? Or just want to refresh your home with existing furnishings, but don’t know how?

We’ve all been there at one time or another. But now you have the opportunity to gain the confidence to decorate (or stage) along with being part of a community of like-minded students who are there to support you along the way.

You will also have exclusive access to a globally renowned interior designer and state certified instructor.

So, if you’re ready to create a beautiful home, learn a new hobby or to start a trade as a professional decorator/ home stager, click THE DECORATING PRO now to learn more and sign up for our Founding Member Waitlist, where for a limited time you get a low guaranteed price for life.

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

7 Tips for Refreshing Your Kitchen Without a Full…

  • October 27, 2022October 27, 2022

Tips for Refreshing Your Kitchen For Less

kitchen example
Interior design by Karen Mills
  1. Reface or repaint your cabinetry – When your kitchen is refaced the contractor replaces just your kitchen door and drawer fronts, plus adds panels over the cabinetry for a fresh new look while leaving the insides intact. In this kitchen our client opted to repaint their wall cabinetry to give it a fresh new look. Our interior design firm also helped them remove existing cabinetry and layer in shelves, along with adding new counter/backsplash material and new light fixtures.

2. Upgrade Your Countertops  By upgrading the countertops in this kitchen we were able to give it a fresher lighter look overall. A mitered (thicker) island counter and wall counters that continue up the wall behind live edge shelving add to the dramatic look.

Karen Mills' blog

3. Update your backsplash In this completely renovated kitchen we replaced a dated backsplash with new beveled white subway tile to lighten up the space and bounce light throughout.

kitchen example

4. Install new hanging light fixtures such as pendants, chandeliers, or sconces along with layering in undercabinet and inside cabinet lighting as shown here in this kitchen remodel we did. By adding work and accent lighting to your general lighting overhead you can create an ambiance that’s warm and inviting like this kitchen shown. Lit glass upper cabinets add to the ambiance.

photo example
Interior design by Karen Mills

5. Replace pulls and/or knobs on your cabinetry. New pulls in this renovated kitchen stand out, adding to the fresh new look.

Karen Mills' blog

6. Paint your walls. In this kitchen we not only painted the dark walls and cabinetry white, but also redid the wood floors, replaced the backsplash, upgraded the counters, replaced the light fixtures over the table and slipcovered the chairs to create a more updated look.

7. Add a small island – with wheels ideally or a bar height table for more work space in the center of your kitchen, if needed. If you don’t have room for a permanent island and need more work space, a tiny island on wheels to hold your extra items might be just what you need. And when not in use, you can roll it off to the side out of your way.

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our design blog here!

plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook  and Instagram now!

And if you feel someone you know could benefit from this helpful information, pass it on!

Posts navigation

1 2 3 … 26

Blog Sign Up – Click Entries RSS

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Recent Posts

  • Interior Design: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Space Planning Your Room
Theme by Colorlib Powered by WordPress