design show host – KAREN MILLS

Interior Decorating: 3 Ways to Make Your Living Room…

March 22, 2018

If you’re like me you’re ready for warmer weather and cheerful colors. Here are 3 ways to make your room bloom!

Karen Mills' blog — Photo courtesy of Kravet furniture

1. Add bold pops of spring color

In this room bold patterned pillows, a cheerful blue vase and red throw mimic the colors of the brightly colored area rug underneath to give a spring like feel to this beautiful room by Kravet furniture.

2. Introduce fresh flowers and/or plants

This dining room gets a touch of spring with fresh flowers on the table that replicate the colors in the artwork on the furniture to add life to this space.

Photo courtesy of Lillian White for Hickory furniture

3. Swap out dark furnishings for lighter ones when possible

If you have a lighter area rug like the one pictured here that you can swap out for a darker one, the entire room can be transformed from winter to spring. Fresh leaf clippings, a red pillow, and purple throw add to the fresh spring atmosphere of this living room.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Tips for Injecting Spring into Your…

March 23, 2017March 23, 2017

The first day of spring has arrived in the United States and it’s a joyous time for most of us in the colder climates because it marks the end of a season of cold, ice, and snow.

As I walked through my yard this last weekend I saw green buds appearing everywhere from bushes and trees to perennials. So of course that motivated me to perform my semi-annual tradition of packing up heavy winter decor and ushering in spring with lighter decor. If you would like to lighten your interior too, here are 5 tips for injecting spring into your home.

Add life with fresh flowers and seasonal plants like this photo by Jonathan Charles furniture above. Lighter finishes also help enhance the spring feel of this room along with an infusion of sunlight.

2. Add fresh pops of color in pillows and decor like the room above. The shell and lantern beach inspired decor also add to the warm season feel.

3. Replace dark heavy items like rugs with lighter options like shown above or go with a natural rug like a sisal. If that’s not possible, opt for removing the rug altogether.

Light pillow covers in natural fabrics also add to the appeal along with fresh flowers and light upholstery. If you don’t have light upholstery, consider adding a slipcover for spring/summer weather like the dining chairs we had slip covered below.

4. Lighten up in the bedroom by replacing heavy dark bedding with light natural fabrics in cotton and consider using sheer drapery panels instead of heavy drapes.

5. Spring Clean Remove all the extra items that have accumulated over the winter months and do some spring cleaning so your room feels fresh and fabulous. Now you’re ready for spring!

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Secrets to Showcasing Your Room with…

January 20, 2017

To make your ceiling light fixture the star of the show you need to ensure you have everything in place first. The background, color scheme, natural light, and interior design all play an important role.

Pick a light fixture that grabs your attention. Look for light fixtures with interesting shapes, texture, or a look overall that draws you into the room like the Swarovski fixture above or the Circa pendant lights in the kitchen at top. Plus consider selecting a light that not only looks great when lit but also holds its own when not.

2. Select a light that enhances your room instead of detracting from it. You don’t have to purchase a light in the same style as your room’s interior design as long as it complements your room and makes it more interesting. For example, if you have a room with a dramatic col

Other considerations for selecting an ideal fixture include making sure its proportionate to the space like the kitchen pictured above and that the finish color adds to the overall design.

3. Create a neutral backdrop or interior design that doesn’t compete with your light like this entry above where the chandelier has the starring role in the scene, while the rest of the room has a supporting role.

If you already have a dramatic interior design with color and/or pattern, then you’ll need to find a light fixture that doesn’t compete with what you already have in the room.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Secrets to Selecting the Perfect Sofa

November 18, 2016

As an interior designer I realize how little most homeowners know about how to select a sofa that best fits them. Here are my top 5 secrets to selecting a perfect custom sofa for your home!

Determine the style and size of sofa needed for your space. If you have tall ceilings and supersized furnishings, you will need a sofa that’s in proportion to the room’s design.

2. Make sure you select the right cushioning for your sofa style and your personal preference whether it’s foam and down, all down, allergy free, or a combination of materials on the seat and back of your sofa.

3. Ensure the sofa fits your body type and height so your feet aren’t dangling above the floor or you aren’t unable to lean back comfortably in the seat.

4. Select the correct material for your sofa. If you will be using the sofa constantly then you will need a higher double rub count for durability and if you have dogs or cats, try to avoid a fabric that can be snagged easily. Also keep in mind how easily the fabric will clean and if it will go will with your room’s design and other fabrics.

5. Color – As an interior designer, I prefer a solid color or tone on tone sofa because it’s usually one of the biggest items in your room and can seem overpowering if you select a busy pattern or even a color that’s too bold.

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