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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Universal Design: Bathroom Trend of the Future

February 17, 2017February 16, 2017

Karen Mills' blog — Photo courtesy of Moen

Whether you’re planning to grow old in your home or not, you should seriously consider incorporating some universal design practices into your home.

Why? Because universal design is becoming more in demand by an aging baby boomer generation, plus universal design features can add value.

Glass enclosed showers make your room not only appear larger but large zero entry showers can usually accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

Interior design by Karen Mills Zero entry shower

For years, homeowners have thought of universal design as utilitarian or ugly like the white bathroom grab bars and plastic bath benches, but the good news is that universally designed homes, especially bathrooms have become beautiful thanks to the interior designers and those savvy architects or builders who understand universal design and how to make it beautiful.

Some additional considerations besides large walk in showers for a more universal design include wall mounted sinks, 36″ wide doorways and grab bars that look like towel bars.

I also love the idea of the bathroom melding into the bedroom to become one large space.

For more great information on how to create a beautiful universally designed bathroom space, subscribe to our weekly interior design blog here

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

INTERIOR DESIGN: 3 TIPS FOR TRANSFORMING YOUR ROOM FROM…

February 3, 2017

Does your interior feel “blah” or boring even though its filled with furniture? Often the reason a space looks unfinished is because rooms either lack the key ingredients to make them come alive or the key ingredients aren’t placed in a way that creates harmony and variety. So here are my 3 tips to transforming your interior ordinary to extraordinary!

1. A Color Story – The first thing that’s usually missing in a home is color. And I don’t necessarily mean bold color, just a lack of cohesive color throughout. Take a look at this bedroom design above from Circa. Even though the grayed out blue isn’t dramatic, by placing it on the headboard, bedding, bench, and drapes it creates a color story of calm and quiet for the person who sleeps there.

In contrast this dramatic living space by Kravet above shows how you can create drama in a room by using bolder colors like the warm reds used throughout to draw your eye around the room along with the blue that plays a supporting role and nice contrast in the interior design.

2. Accent lighting – Having ample accent lighting in a space makes it more inviting and interesting. And as a general rule, I you need at least three lamps in every living space to add ambiance to your interior design.

3. Groupings of large accessories – Most people tend to buy small accessories which when grouped together often creates a feeling of clutter that adds to the tension in your space instead of enhancing your interior design. Instead strive for a balance of accessory sizes with more emphasis on large than small.

Another key to successfully accessorizing includes selecting colors, styles, and textures that will enhance your design and grouping accessories together to create vignettes or points of interest throughout your space. For example when I’m adding the final touches to a project as an interior designer, I often mix not only sizes of accessories but also textures which gives the vignette or grouping a more interesting mix.

For more great photos and tip for accessorizing and ideas on interior design, become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of Living Large design show, Karen Mills on Facebook here

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Trends to Watch in 2017

January 27, 2017

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the bombardment of different decorating styles, finishes, and patterns? With all those choices, the ability to make a final decision on your interior design can be daunting. So today I’m sharing five trends to watch.

Karen Mils' blog — Photo courtesy of Overstock.com

1. Mix n match of fabrics and finishes

Mixing patterns in quilt like combinations, terrazo, and mixed finishes will continue to gain popularity from mixed wood and metal furniture pieces, accessories, or lighting to mixed metals in a room, especially in more muted tones.

Other ways we can apply this hot trend is by mixing up the patterns on upholstery, bedding, wallpaper, or accessories.

2. Texture

Texture will never die as a popular choice because we need it to balance the hard cold surfaces or more formal items in our interior design projects. This year we’re seeing an increase in material choices ranging from wicker and rattan to crushed velvets and tassels/ trims.

3. Greens and Blues

When Lea Eiseman of the world renowned Pantone Color Institute announced the color of 2017, Greenery, we began to see the color green popping up everywhere from paint and accessories to clothing and more in different shades and tones from dark to light.

As an interior designer, I’ve done several rooms in navy too, especially dining rooms because navy’s such a regal classic color and looks spectacular against white trim. Navy also goes well with everything from spring green and pink hues to silver or gold.

Organic whites still dominant the interior design scene also as they connect us to nature and the outdoors.

4. Artisan/Handmade Quality

As interior designers, we try to educate our clients on the value of investing in quality furnishings because they last longer, are more comfortable, and a better value over the long haul. This year we’re starting to see an increase in this trend towards quality by homeowners who are looking for new or antique/vintage quality furniture and handmade items including art or accessories.

5. Organic Materials and Patterns

If you’ve been paying close attention, you may have noticed the growing trend towards tropical designs, especially butterflies, parrots, and leaves which is perfect match with our color of the year Greenery. Mix that trend with the texture trend and you’ll have an interesting casual interior that’s warm and welcoming.

Marble, an organic material that I absolutely adore, is still hugely popular in kitchens, baths, and even on faux patterns.

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

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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.

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

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: Wild About Wallpaper

January 6, 2017January 20, 2017

Wallpaper continues to grow in popularity and as an interior designer I believe part of the reason is because wallpaper is such an affordable way to make a impression on an accent wall or anywhere.

You can go with an interesting grass cloth texture like pictured above or select an unique paper like Celestial Dragon below that shows off your personality and style.

Plus don’t forget about digital wallpaper! You can buy something already designed or create your own version using a sketch or a photograph, maybe of a favorite destination.

And there’s nothing better than a wallpaper that’s textural because it adds so much interest to a room without overpowering the space like the chevron paper by F. Schumacher that we used above.

For more great trends and ideas, 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 Facebook here.

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Lucite (clear acrylic) Furniture Finds

December 23, 2016February 13, 2020

Here’s something I bet you didn’t know. When an interior design trend reaches the retail market it’s usually a good sign to interior designers that the trend is on its way out. But that’s not been true with lucite furnishings, an acrylic almost transparent material.

In fact as an interior designer, I just suggested this lucite sink base pictured below for a bathroom.

And I specified a lucite coffee table for another interior design project recently. One of the big reasons I love lucite is because it virtually disappears in a room helping create a lighter feel. But lucite was popular in the 70s too which has made a huge comeback in the U.S.

If you’re a fan of lucite furnishings and want to add one to your collection you need to understand that not all lucite furnishings are high quality.

One way to tell if you’re looking at a quality piece is to ensure the joints or connected areas are transparent. Then you can purchase a piece that will be more likely to hold up and maybe even become valuable later.

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

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Trending in Winter White

December 15, 2016December 15, 2016

The color white has ruled the interior design market for 2016 and I don’t see signs of this dreamy color dying out yet. In fact there’s nothing I personally love to wear or be surrounded by than white because of the way it bounces light around the room and how fresh it makes me feel.

Believe it or not the majority of my new projects as an interior designer are still requests for whites and cool light neutrals with a pop of color even in the midst of winter.

So today I’m sharing some winter whites that inspire me and giving more insight into this fabulous color from the color experts.

According to former Living Large show guest and color expert Kate Smith color affects us physically in the following ways:

Aids mental clarity

Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles

Evokes purification of thoughts or actions

Enables fresh beginnings

But that’s not all. The nation’s leading color expert and former Living Large guest Lea Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute states in one of her books, “White also signifies innocence. It is a recall of youth and simplicity, and a longing to be young again.” No wonder I love white!

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

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: Fabulous New Finds in Chairs

December 2, 2016

Ready to see what’s new or fun in chairs from the interior design industry? Here are some of my favorites that are starting to make an appearance or already have.

Love how the embossed leather is juxtaposed against the shiny metallic arms to create a “wow” look.

This Elka chair looks so inviting and could fit in a wide range of design styles, making it a popular choice for interior designers.

When I saw this Alexandra chair I just made me smile because its so feminine and light. Plus I love the quatrofoil design in the back that’s commonly described as Moroccan style.

How beautiful are the lines in this Dixon chair with arms that almost feel like they’re trying to hug you?

Love how much style is in the Barrington chair by Dunn. Amazing how a simple wood chair can have such a feminine edge to it by introducing sexy slim legs and a thin profile seat.

For more great trends and photos sign up for our interior design blog here

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Tips to Creating a Beautiful Bedroom

October 29, 2016

If you’re getting tired of your dated or uninviting master bedroom, then its time to incorporate my top 3 tips for designing a beautiful bedroom.

Select a color scheme and design style that fits how you want to feel in your bedroom. After working on over a thousand home projects as an interior designer, I would say that most of you want a comfortable cozy inviting space where you can unwind. One of the most popular choices for a relaxing bedroom are the variations of blues, blue greens or greens, but neutrals and even dramatic colors can still work in a calm environment. If you’re looking for another feeling in this space, though, then listen to your heart and create exactly what you are dreaming about for your room.

2. Create a floor plan that’s not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. Normally it’s best to place the head of your bed on the longest wall and in a position where it can be seen from the entrance. Add end tables and lamps for functionality and ambiance along with a chair or bench for seating.

3. Texture Texture Texture To accomplish this feat consider adding different textures around your room from walls, bedding fabrics and window treatments to furniture and accessories because variety in texture is what keeps a space from being too cold. Plus as an interior designer, I recommend keeping busy patterns to a minimum because if overdone, you’ve suddenly created a room with competing patterns that can be unnerving.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Budget Savvy Ways to Refresh Your…

October 7, 2016October 13, 2016

If you haven’t updated your interior for 5 years or more, it may be time for a refresh. If your budget doesn’t allow you to start completely over, why not opt for a one day makeover instead?

Even though the majority of my time as an interior designer is spent on custom design and remodel projects, when I have a spare hour or two I love helping enthusiast homeowners style their space using existing furnishings in their home to create a fresh new look.

In this photo above our interior design firm reupholstered an existing sofa and chairs to freshen up the space along with refinishing the kitchen table top and updating the room’s finishes including the floor, light fixtures and walls.

If you’re ready to refresh your space, here are my top three tips!

1. Create an inviting floor plan that emphasizes your focal point whether its a fireplace or bed, for example. If you don’t have a focal point, design one yourself by grouping items together such as a sofa table or chest with a piece of artwork overhead and a table lamp and/or tabletop decor, for example.

In the room pictured above the client started with a favorite piece of art over the mantel and we replaced the fireplace tile along with upholstering the existing chairs and ottoman to create a fabulous new look!

2. Shop your entire house for furniture/furnishings you can use in your room. Keep those items you discover in mind as you start to put together your room, bringing ones you think might work to a staging area nearby.

As an interior designer I often re purpose items to make them work in a space such as using a bench or a set of small end tables for a coffee table. Or I have a piece of furniture repainted to give it new life.

3. Add a pop of color with accents throughout your room with pillows, art, drapes, decor or an area rug. Remember, you can repaint or re purpose items to use in your refreshed room too.

For example, a chest could repainted and moved to your entry, used as a focal point in a living space, or even placed behind a sofa. Ottomans can be upholstered and tucked under a sofa table for extra seating, used as a coffee table or pulled up to a comfy chair.

Looking for more great budget friendly decorating ideas? SIgn up for our weekly interior design blog here

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