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Interior Design: 3 Big Bathroom Trends for 2019

January 9, 2019January 9, 2019

What’s in and what’s out for bathrooms this year

Karen Mills' blog — Interior design by Karen Mills

OPEN CONCEPT – In 2008 I talked about open concept living where master suites will merge sleeping and bath areas together on my broadcast interior design show Living Large. Now I’m finally starting to see this open concept appearing more in upscale hotels which means its coming to homes next! The precursor to that open concept are bathrooms with glass or an open shower where you can see the plumbing with zero entry (no curb) tile that extends into the shower which will gain popularity this year like this bathroom above. A free standing tub and light airy chandelier add to the look.

2. SPA LOOK WITH A WOW FACTOR Not sure the spa look will ever die because its so appealing but bolder colors will increase for this year including a trend towards dark colors like dark gray or black paired with light neutrals, especially white. In this bathroom we added a candle wall over the tub to create a wow factor when you enter the space. The rolled towels and teak furniture in wood to coordinate with the shelves reinforce the teak feel.

3. MORE TIMELESS APPEAL – Marbled tiles, sleek lines, less busy patterns and a neutral palette help create the more enduring look. In this nationally published project we designed an unique vanity that feels classic in front of marbled tile that runs up to the ceiling for a wow factor.

And in the adjoining shower we designed a jewel box of a shower that becomes part of the room, making it more timeless and definitely a showstopper.

For more inspiration, 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
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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 Cozy Bedroom Trends for 2019

December 29, 2018December 29, 2018

UP YOUR SLEEP FACTOR WITH A COCOONED BEDROOM

Often we take sleep for granted until we start to have problems with concentration, alertness, or our overall ability to function well. Then good sleep becomes more of a priority. Read on for 3 ways to create a nest like atmosphere in your bedroom that’s conducive to better sleep.

Interior design by Karen Mills featured in international book titled **Architecture Today Interior Design**

Simpler Bedding and Patterns As an interior designer I’ve used simple tone on tone patterns and texture in bedrooms for years but this trend for bedding is going public for 2019 in everything from fabulous washable lines from Italy to textured velvet or sheared fabrics like we’ve seen recently in fashion wear. Here in this bedroom Italian bedding in simpler patterns, textural finishes and clutter free space create a stress free environment where we can unwind and relax.

2. Cozy Beds Beds that envelope us will continue to be popular whether its are a four poster bed, an upholstered bed like this guest room, or a fabulous combination of both. In this guest room calming colors and patterns, low lighting, and clean lined furnishings enhance the overall feel.

In this bedroom a four poster bed creates a cozy feel
while the wallpaper, area rug, upholstered bench, and simpler fabrics on the chairs beyond enhance the relaxed inviting feel of this space.

3. Textured Walls Painted accent walls have been a craze for years but wrapping the whole room in textural walls will gain popularity in 2019. In this space featured by Curated Kravet an upholstered bed, area rug, bench, throw, and bedding add to the cocoon feel created by the gorgeous textural walls enveloping the space.

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

For more information on how to get better sleep, learn more at SLEEP BETTER LIVE BETTER 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 Showcase Room with Interior…

December 14, 2018December 14, 2018

The architecture or bones of the house are the most important elements when building or remodeling because they set the backdrop for any interior design you’re about to create and determine the style of your space. That’s why not only the walls and ceilings are so important but also the doors and windows.

Here are 3 ways you can use doors to create drama in your space.

Make your door the focal point like the shower door pictured here. In this room the grid design of the door draws attention to itself along with the dark dramatic color, making it the star of the room.

Once you’ve selected your shower door, then you can repeat the color or pattern on the door to unify your space.

2. Introduce doors that are wider or taller than average to give a grander feel to your space. In this room the french doors appear to be taller by adding a transom above.

Recently completed an interior design project for a client where we specified 8 foot doors to create a majestic look walking in the front door and we are currently creating a fabulous new interior design project where every interior door will be at least 8 feet, completely transforming the space into a grandiose one of a kind home.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is office.jpg — Interior design by Karen Mills

3. Use doors to divide space without visually closing off the rooms in an open floor plan. The french doors here create a wonderful view into the adjacent home office while providing an option to be closed when needed.

For more inspiration, 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
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Interior Decorating: Wild About Wallpaper Interior Design: 3 Secrets to Showcasing Your Room with a Chandelier or Pendants

INTERIOR DECORATING: COLOR TRENDS 2019 Interior Design: 5 Tips for…Interior Design: 7 Tips to…Interior Decorating: 3 Tips for…Interior Design: 3 Tips for…Interior Decorating: How to Showcase…Interior Decorating: Fall Decorating Ideas…Interior Design: How to Cozy…Interior Design: 7 Secrets to…Interior Decorating: How to Inject…

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INTERIOR DECORATING: COLOR TRENDS 2019

December 6, 2018

2019 Color Forecast for 2019

Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord. Lea Eiseman, Director of Pantone Color Institute

The impact of the annual color forecast by the Pantone Color Institute reaches much further than what you might imagine covering a wide range of industries from interior design and fashion to cars and appliances to name just a few. Why? Because their forecast is considered to be the one to follow for what’s new and next. But today I want to include a couple of other color forecasts for 2019 along with sharing color trends I see as an interior designer for the future.

As you read through this color forecast look for similarities because I think you might notice an overall trend this year for color.

Calm, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2019, Metropolitan AF-690, exudes glamour, beauty and balance.

Benjamin Moore company

A warm terracotta color with ancient, elemental roots, Cavern Clay SW 7701, is our 2019 Color of the Year. Cavern Clay is a nod to midcentury modern style, but with the soul of the American Southwest, which together creates a desert modern aesthetic. Sherwin Williams Company

My Color Forecast: Warm Vibrant Colors

Red, black and white color scheme

Even though I’m still a big fan of warm grays, I have to admit I’m a little bit excited to see warm vibrant colors and bold color combinations coming back into vogue. Red has been huge trend this year in fashion, especially with black, white or other vibrant colors like golden yellow, bold blue, and persimmon.

Golden yellow or mustard will be popular also along with a return to more traditional tobacco colored in leather, suede, and other materials like this wall pictured above.

For more great ideas on selecting furnishings and design sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

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here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Sofa

November 29, 2018

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 regularly 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.

For more great ideas on selecting furnishings and design 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

here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: Fall Decorating Ideas From Your Backyard

September 28, 2018September 26, 2018

Tips for Creating Fall Arrangements Using Items from Your Backyard and More

A couple of weeks ago I did a live TV segment on Fox4 TV where I shared tips for fall decorating using natural items from outdoors from the perspective of an interior designer. Of course the foliage hadn’t started to turn yet here in the mid west so I had to inject some rustic color foliage from the store to create the look of what can be done.

To recreate this lovely fall decor piece start with a container you have around the house that coordinates with your home. Then cut some evergreen branches and fall color leaves from nearby trees along with other interesting additions you find along the way.

I added a couple of mangoes that I already had on my counter for additional color along with a beautiful white pumpkin that my friend Marilyn Beebe decorated for me a couple of weeks earlier.

Here’s another of Marilyn’s fun creations.

Here’s a closeup of the fun tabletop decoration we did. First I grabbed a clear vase and filled it with barren branches I got from the woods. Then I placed the vase of branches on an existing tray and filled the bottom with pieces of a decaying log and pine cones I discovered while traipsing through the woods and topped it off with leaves and berries.

For more great fall decor ideas and design tips 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 or Instagram here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: How to Cozy up Your Space with…

September 19, 2018

Area Rug Design Ideas for Your Interior

As our long term interior design clients know I have a penchant for designing custom rugs that have a pattern that relates back to nature so when The Rug Company presented their line of rugs to our interior design firm last week I got excited about what they’re doing and wanted to share some of the most interesting ones.

How amazing would this butterfly rug look in the right space? And the best part? We can source the rug in an array of color options to fit our client’s needs just like we do when we design custom rugs.

Love graphic designs especially like this rug that reinforces the cleaner lines in this room, plus the combination of warm and cool neutral colors makes it more versatile.

Of course if you’re a lover of bold contrasts and a more modern look then this blue and white rug might be just the right fit whether its in blue, red, black or another color.

You might not be able to tell it but this fabulous leaf rug is multi dimensional which gives it a one of kind look that you don’t see everyday. And in this bedroom the tonal color palette is perfect for giving a serene feel to the space.

Finally I wanted to share this wonderful rug that feels like a contemporary paint or paint brushed across a canvas. Don’t you love the way this patterned rug makes a huge statement without overpowering the living room?

What’s your favorite rug design? Let us know!

For more great ideas and photos on how to design with area rugs, 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 or Instagram here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 7 Secrets to Creating a Dramatic Dining…

September 6, 2018

Designer Tips for Making a Dramatic Dining Space

Who doesn’t love the thought of a beautiful dining room where you can have dinner parties, a romantic dinner, or just intimate family gatherings. Read on for how to design your own beautiful dining room.

1. Select Your Personal Design Style – If you have no idea what style you are start by finding inspiration photos online or in print. Then notate your favorite elements from each room to get a sense of your style.

Using existing furniture, we added personality to this room by introducing a stunning crystal chandelier by Schonbek along with dramatic art, texture and pattern.

Karen Mills — Styling by Summer Ann of Girlsinmadras.com

2. Pick a Color Scheme – Most of us don’t spend much time in a dining room so have fun in here and pick colors you love. Bolder colors can go on decor, rugs, chairs, or even walls but if you like to change up your style often, you might consider neutral walls and floors that give more flexibility when you want to change your color scheme.

Photo courtesy of Hickory White

3. Add Dining Table and Seating – The dining room table and chairs along with the items directly behind them are the focal point of your room. Begin by determining how many people you need to seat and ensuring you have room for the table you want. Plus remember that your chairs don’t need to match your table, just enhance them.

If you opt for a dramatically styled table, then consider simpler style chairs and backdrop. Or if you go with a simpler style table, you might bring in drama with a wall covering or beautiful buffet with art above.

4. Consider Including Additional Furniture – The majority of dining rooms benefit from functional storage furniture like a buffet and curio cabinets or an antique armoire like shown in this photo, but remember sofa tables, tea carts, and other furnishings can also enhance your room and provide handy surfaces for lamps, platters, trays, or display.

Photo courtesy of Schumacher

5. Introduce a Dramatic Element – A bold element can range from a gorgeous piece of art and beautiful buffet to a stunning light fixture over a painting or interesting chair backs and wallpaper like shown here.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall

6. Layer in Texture – Adding texture softens all the hard surfaces of the table, chairs, buffets, and hard flooring. Texture can be introduced with an area rug, drapes/window coverings, fresh flowers, live plants/trees, or textural decor. In this photo fresh flowers on the table and upholstered furniture add much needed texture.

7. Add lighting – Table lamps on a buffet or sofa table look beautiful behind a dining table along with a stunning chandelier and/or sconces on the wall behind.

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 Facebook or Instagram here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: How to Inject Autumn Orange into Your…

August 31, 2018

Ways to Fall for Orange in Your Home

Injecting fall hues like orange into your home for the season can be as simple as layering in orange toss pillows or artwork over the mantel like this room.

Introducing fall leaves in a glass container or a ceramic vase can also add a pop of orange along with an orange rug and art pictured here.

In this dining room artwork helps create a fall orange vibe along along with velvet covered seats in orange and brown.

But if you want just a pop of orange then you might opt for a couple of toss pillows with orange accents and orange decor on the coffee table like we did here.

Other options might include also include pumpkins or oranges grouped together in a clear glass container or orange decor.

For more great ideas about how to inject orange into your home for autumn, read my latest Houzz article here.

then 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: 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.

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.

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!

Interior Design: 3 Big Bathroom Trends for 2019

What’s in and what’s out for bathrooms this year

Interior Design: 3 Cozy Bedroom Trends for 2019

Interior Design: 3 Ways to Showcase Room with Interior…

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INTERIOR DECORATING: COLOR TRENDS 2019

Interior Design: 5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Sofa

Interior Decorating: Fall Decorating Ideas From Your Backyard

Interior Design: How to Cozy up Your Space with…

Interior Design: 7 Secrets to Creating a Dramatic Dining…

Interior Decorating: How to Inject Autumn Orange into Your…

Ways to Fall for Orange in Your Home

Interior Design: 8 Steps to Designing a Beautiful Space

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.