color scheme Archives

Interior Decorating: 5 Tips for Dressing Your Sofa

August 17, 2023

How to Decorate Your Sofa with Pillows

living room example — Interior design by Karen Mills

Pull pillow colors from your room’s color scheme. In this room the colors are white, citrine green, fuchsia, and red.
Try to select pillow fabrics that contrast against your sofa color for a dramatic look like shown here.
Mix in different pillow fabric textures as shown on the solid citrine green pillow.

example of contrasting pillow colors — Interior design by Karen MIlls

4. Layer larger pillows (usually 22″ or larger minimum) in back and smaller pillows in front (usually around 20″) as shown on this sofa. In this more calming color scheme, the blue pillows on top create a texture variance from the base pillow by introducing a layer of sparkle texture over the base fabric. 3 Tips for Creating a Finished Look

5. When selecting a mix of pillow fabrics ensure you mix smaller and larger patterns and/or a mix of pattern styles like shown here with the large stripe base pillows and blue pillows in a stylized floral pattern that’s small in size or scale.

Designer Tip: Always use down inserts for your pillow covers so you can punch down the top middle of each pillow to give it a finished look and help it stay in place.

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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, please pass it on!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: How to Dress Your Living Room Shelves

October 6, 2022November 30, 2023

Three Tips for Effectively Styling Shelves in Your Living Areas

Space plan your shelf layout. As you can see in this luxurious living room the furniture is placed in the room so it’s well balanced in the space with the bigger sofa flanked by smaller chairs to create a cohesive whole. On the shelves objects of similar shapes and sizes are balanced on each side of the shelving unit.

2. Create cohesiveness with color. In this family room we used the color scheme from the rug – orange, blue green, and tan on the shelves using both existing client decor and new introductions to create a unifying design on the shelves that brings the whole room together.

3. Create vignettes (groupings). For this clients’ shelves, we layered in existing decor and photo frames for family photos, while introducing some pottery in the same color scheme and greenery to add texture.

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our semi-monthly design blog. 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, please pass it on!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 7 Steps to Designing a Room

July 10, 2020July 10, 2020

Like any project that involves money, you need a budget or at least a range before you start. Do some research and bring in the experts – an interior designer, contractor/builder, and architect to give an estimated investment. Then follow these 7 steps to create the room of your dreams!

Master bedroom retreat example — Interior design by Karen Mills

Decide on a design style or mix of styles that will flow with your architecture and existing furnishings you will be re purposing. As an interior designer in Kansas City, I always suggest clients select several photos of room designs they like and make sure any spouse or significant other involved agrees. Here in this bedroom we mixed a more contemporary transitional style with a rustic antique look. How to Mix up Furnishings to Create a Fresh New Look

Karen Mills' blog — Interior design by Karen Mills

2. Determine your color scheme ensuring it coordinates with adjoining rooms and any existing furnishings to be used in the interior design. If you have no idea, take a look in your closet to see what colors you’re drawn too or pull colors out of an inspiration piece such as art, a rug, or fabric. In this living room we selected a white, warm gray, and teal color scheme.

3. Create a floor plan so you know what fits in your space and the sizes you need. To do that go online and use space planning software or get an interior design expert to help.

4. Set a timetable. At this point you might want to bring in an expert – interior designer and contractor/builder to review your design plan/timetable because investing in a master plan can help avoid thousands of dollars in costly mistakes and a reasonable timetable helps reduce stress. 3 Big Design Mistakes We Make in Living Rooms

5. Design and order custom furniture and any built in cabinetry after consulting with your interior designer. At this point all custom designs need to be finalized and ordered . In addition permits need to be pulled for construction.

6. Select and order all plumbing, flooring, tile, and general lighting.

7. Design furnishings

Furnishings may include rugs, window treatments, pillows, bedding or other items. Also ensure you select art, finishes, and other decor needed. Here custom made pillow enhance the custom sofa and other decor.

In summary you need to determine your design style, color scheme, and floor plan to start. Then create a timetable, design cabinetry and custom furniture, select plumbing and flooring before even thinking about decorating.

For more great ideas and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

Plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the long running Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook here or Instagram here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Suggestions for Creating a Restful Bedroom…

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020

A good night’s sleep can be difficult enough without adding a room design that’s not relaxing and calm. Read on for three ways to design a bedroom interior that creates an atmosphere of restful sleep.

master bedroom retreat — Interior design by Karen Mills

1. A Soothing Color Palette

When looking for a color scheme that’s soothing opt for muted colors or neutrals when possible. Here in this nationally published master bedroom we designed, the soothing colors draw you in for a good night’s sleep.

3 Biggest Mistakes We Make in the Bedroom

2. Natural Washable Bedding in Soothing Patterns. Here in this master bedroom we designed, we had washable bedding from Europe brought in that not only looks great but can also stand up to the wear and tear of children or pets. The soothing muted colors and seating enhance the retreat like feel of this space. 3 Tips for Reducing Stress and Nurturing the Soul

master retreat — Interior design by Karen Mills

3. Comfortable Seating In this gorgeous master bedroom our interior design firm designed, we added seating not only at the end of the bed and by the window but also in a nearby sitting area that’s set up just for relaxing. A muted color scheme on the leafy wallpaper, watery area rug, and seating for fabrics enhance the relaxing feel of the space.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Blue Color Scheme Options for the…

December 12, 2019February 13, 2020

One of the biggest questions I get asked as an interior designer is what color scheme to use in decorating or designing a space. If you’re not sure what color is best, trying shopping your closet for inspiration because your favorite outfits or jewelry are often the colors that look best. Read on for three possibilities for a blue color scheme in your living space.

2. Red, White, and Blue

In this living space blue and red has been used quite effectively to create a little drama. By starting with a neutral base of white and blue gray that’s more relaxing, red decor – tables, pillow patterns, and accents, can be added without overpowering the space.

3. Blue, Warm Gray, Beige, and White

When you have a room that already has bold finishes – patterns and color like this one, you might want to introduce lighter neutral colors with little or no pattern for everything else. Here we introduced lighter upholstery, pillows, decor, and an area rug with interesting textures and less pattern to create a calming effect.

Karen Mills' blog example of pattern — Interior design by Karen Mills

3. Blue, Orange, White, and Taupe

Inspiration for this color scheme came from the existing mermaid artwork over the mantel. To bring it all together we started with a light neutral sofa and coffee table, then layered in custom blue draperies and fun toss pillows along with an existing rug to create a cohesive color scheme with the artwork. In addition by using orange and blue together, you create a more energetic vibe since they are opposites on the color wheel.

For more great ideas on design or interior decorating sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

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

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 7 Steps to a Successful Living Room…

March 14, 2019March 14, 2019

Like any project that involves money, you need a budget or at least a range before you start. Do some research and bring in the experts – an interior designer, contractor/builder, and/or architect to give an estimated investment. Then follow these 7 steps to create the room of your dreams!

Decide on a design style or mix of styles that will flow with your architecture and existing furnishings you will be re purposing. As an interior designer in Kansas City, I always suggest clients select several photos of room designs they like and make sure any spouse or significant other involved agrees. Here in this great room our client wanted a glamorous Hollywood style mixed with touches from the beach in decor and color.

3. Create a floor plan so you know what fits in your space and the sizes you need. To do that you can go online and use space planning software or get an interior designer to help.

In this living room, we created a U shaped seating area to add emphasis to the fireplace which is the main focal point in the room.

4. Set a timetable. At this point you might want to bring in an expert – interior designer and/or contractor/builder to review your design time frame because investing a few dollars for a master plan and viable timetable can help avoid thousands of dollars in costly mistakes later.

5. Design and order custom furniture and any built in cabinetry after consulting with your interior designer or tradespeople if you’re managing the project yourself. At this point all custom designs need to be finalized and ordered. In addition permits need to be pulled for any construction.

In this great room we designed a custom sofa and reupholstered two chairs to perch atop a cozy organic style rug we found.

6. Select and order all plumbing, flooring, tile, and general lighting, if needed.

7. Design additional furnishings

Furnishings may include rugs, window treatments, pillows, bedding or other items. In addition ensure you select art, finishes, and other decor needed. Here we found coordinating pillow fabrics, a rug, tables, lamps, and decor to coordinate the custom sofa we designed.

For more great ideas and photos, sign up for our weekly interior 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
INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 8 Steps to Designing a Beautiful Space

August 22, 2018August 22, 2018

Commonsense Tips for Creating a Beautiful Interior

Designing a new or remodeled interior design can be both exciting and daunting. Read on for my 8 tips as an interior designer for creating a functional and beautiful space.

1. Decide on an interior design style or mix of styles that will flow with your architecture and existing furnishings you will be re purposing. Start by selecting several photos of room designs you like and make sure any spouse or significant other involved agrees.

3. Create a floor plan so you know what fits in your space and the sizes you need. To do that go online and use space planning software or get an expert to help.

4. Set a timetable. At this point you might want to bring in an expert to review your design plan/timetable because investing a few dollars for a master plan and viable timetable can help avoid thousands of dollars in costly mistakes or huge delays.

5. Design and order custom furniture and any built in cabinetry after consulting with your interior designer or tradespeople if you’re managing the project yourself. At this point all custom interior design needs to be finalized and ordered. In addition permits need to be pulled for construction.

6. Select and order all plumbing, flooring, tile, and general lighting needed.

7. Design any custom draperies, bedding, rugs, wall/floor/ceiling finishes or pillows needed along with choosing hard window coverings, light fixtures, and any ready made furnishings. Place orders.

8. Make final purchases including artwork, hardware pulls, lamps, and all other furnishings needed.

For more great interior design tips and ideas, sign up for our weekly 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 here

and instagram here!