interior designer – Page 7

Interior Design: 3 Tips for Adding Glamour to a…

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020

Ideas for Softening the Look of Your Cabin

The romantic lure of the rustic style home or cabin is undeniable. Maybe its because of our rich heritage of building log cabins to protect our families from the weather. Or maybe its the way rustic homes connect us with the outdoors with their rough hewn beams, simple style, and organic materials like stacked stone fireplaces.

But even though we still love our rustic home, sometimes we crave furnishings that are more refined and luxurious to offset the rugged architecture for that perfect mix of masculine and feminine. If that’s you, here are my 3 tips as an interior designer to help you create the perfect blend.

Karen Mills' blog — Interior design by Karen Mills.

Select a muted color scheme that picks up the hues reflected in your finishes. By picking up existing colors in the home’s architecture for the furnishings, the overall design style is strengthened and the furnishings connect better with the hard surfaces . Here in this great room we pulled out the beautiful gray blue and taupe color scheme from the hues found in the nearby stone fireplace. Then select furniture and an area rug in a lighter color and softer materials in the same hues to create a more inviting comfortable feel that also adds interest to the space. 3 Ways to Create a Rustic Glam Style

2. Keep it simple Because of the rugged nature of this style it’s important to balance rough elements shown here with furnishings that have cleaner lines and softer edges to create the perfect balance of rugged and sleek. Here in this living room the softer lines of the sofa and tables help balance the rough hewn fireplace and stone columns in the background.

The same is true with this family room where the textural pillows, shag rug, and light neutral swivel chairs add texture and light to the darker hard surfaces of the fireplace, floors, and leather sofa. 7 Steps for Creating a Room Design

3. Layer in organic materials that coordinate with the room’s rugged finish to soften the room such as natural cottons as seen in the bedding and the casual fabrics on the chairs. The textural rug also adds light and interest to the room.

The beautiful simple pale blue shimmer wallpaper in an organic pattern also provides a nice juxtaposition against the stone columns and paneled wood ceiling.

In review by toning down the dramatic tile, stone, and wood throughout this rustic lodge with lighter muted colors, softer textures and organic elements you’re able to achieve a more inviting look.

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Interior Decorating: The Art of Framing

May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

3 Critical Tips You Need to know to Frame Paintings, Memorabilia, or Photos

Unfortunately most people have no idea how to properly frame art to enhance its overall look or even protect its value so today I’m sharing a few tips to get you started on the art of framing

example — Interior design by Karen Mills

Use matting to add impact to most artwork. Ideal for personal photos, smaller items, and memorabilia, the recommended matting size should follow the golden ratio of 1 to 1.6 unless its a smaller painting or item that needs more matting area to help size it a bit larger. Matting in a neutral hue like the white matting shown here is best unless you’re a interior designer or artist who understands how to frame art and the way to combine colors for the best look overall. Here a simple gold frame that ties in with the painting colors and other decor adds to the overall look. A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Original Art

2. Select a frame style that coordinates with the artwork style or period. Traditional artwork, period art, or classic artwork normally pairs well with a more traditional style frame in wood tones or gold while ethereal, light, or abstract art – like shown here plays well with simpler frames. Of course you can always break the rules but please don’t try it unless you’re an expert.

3. Adjust frame molding width to fit size of artwork With this original large artwork we had to fit the painting over the top of the buffet so instead of a larger width frame molding we did a narrow frame to make it work.

If you would like to help selecting or sourcing original artwork from around the world or help designing the best framing/matting/protective options for your artwork, click here for our services.

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Interior Design: 5 Easy Steps to Space Planning Your…

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020

5 Secrets for Creating a Cozy Inviting Living Space Using Existing Furnishings

blog post example — Shawnee Interior design by Karen Mills

Make it Functional – The first question I ask interior design clients who want us to space plan their living room is how they will use the room and what they need. For example if they entertain regularly how much seating do they need or if they take a nap how long does the sofa need to be. In this great room a coffee table and sofa table provide surfaces to place things while a nearby end table holds a much needed lamp.

to explain point — Prairie Village Design by Karen Mills

2. Determine Your Focal Point – In this outdoor living room the focal point is obvious because we put it front and center but if you don’t have a fireplace a great outdoor view or a furniture vignette created to be a focal point can work also such as a table, artwork, and lamp arrangement. Click here for 3 Ways to Make Your Living Space Bloom for Spring

rug sizing example — Overland Park interior design by Karen Mills

3. Place your sofa or largest upholstery (seating) facing your focal point. Here in this great room the sofa faces the fireplace, the focal point of the room while the other chairs sit nearby adding the to cozy appeal. Click here for 3 Tips for Refreshing Your Living Room for Less

4. Make furniture arrangement inviting and cozy but not too crowded. In this living room the sofa is facing a focal point, the view out the window. A round ottoman helps create a more spacious feel in this cozy room. Click here for How to Mix Up Furnishings in Your Home to Create a Fresh New Look

5. Layer in tables and a rug. Tables are critical in your room for lamps and to place drinks or other items. In this hearth living space we designed a comfortable rug was layered underneath bringing all the furniture into a cozy grouping.

If you would like to re decorate you living spaces right now check out our interior design and decorating options that we have whether its for remodel/new home builds, a design dilemma, or just decorating.

If you’re looking for interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, ideas, and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

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Remodel Workbook: Master Bath Renovation

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

Critical Steps and Timely Tips for Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

photo example — Lenexa interior design by Karen Mills

1 Get Inspired – As an interior designer I always recommend that you find at least three photos of bathrooms that you love because they will reveal your style preferences.

Since our clients were inspired by the beach, a favorite vacation destination of theirs, we designed their master bathroom remodel around a color scheme of watery blues, white, sandy beige, and warm rustic grays.

Click here to read our blog post 3 Ideas for Luxury Bath Design with Free Standing Tubs

2. Evaluate Your Needs -Now that you’re motivated to get started on your bathroom remodel, its time to step back and decide on what’s most important to you functionally. If you’re not sure think about-

A. What can you do to make your space more functional for you??

B. Why are you remodeling in the first place?

C. Do you need to move plumbing? If not, that can mean big savings.

D. Will you be aging in place (retiring) in this bathroom?

E. What are your priorities – tub, shower, or both?

In this bathroom, we needed to enlarge the usable space in the closet area and since there wasn’t room for pocket doors we layered in barn doors which also added a fun unexpected design element.

Click here to read our blog post How to Remodel a Tiny Bathroom into a Visually Larger Space

3. Determine a Budget – Now its time to decide how much you can invest into your bathroom remodel. I always suggest to our interior design clients to consider the neighborhood, how long they will stay in the house, and resale.

If you have no idea of costs, you can go online to get a rough idea but remember that many online companies post estimates that are way too low and that’s why I recommend that you reach out to a professional to get a better idea.

In this master bath remodel located in a million dollar high rise apartment we needed to create a wow look on a reasonable budget so I covered the floors and walls with a marble look tile from Italy to give it a wow when you walked in the bathroom.

4. Reach Out to Professionals – Now that you’ve gotten an idea of your style, figured out your needs, and determined a budget, its time to reach out to a professional interior designer who specializes in bathroom remodels so they can create a design concept, often using sketches, finishes, and floor plans to help you visualize the final project while also helping you determine if your budget will work or not.

Now that you’ve have an interior design plan, its time to reach out to a contractor and/or architect to give you a remodel budget estimate based on your design and schedule a time to start your project.

5. Finalize Design and Select Finishes– Now that you’ve found inspiration, determined your needs, set a budget, and contacted a professional interior designer, its time to finalize everything that’s part of your project including paint colors, flooring, plumbing, tile, back splash, mirrors, light fixtures and more.

Click here to read our blog post about the 3 Biggest Mistakes We Make in the Bathroom

If you’re looking for more custom interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, ideas, and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

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Interior Decorating: 3 Ways to Make Your Living Space…

April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

How to add life to your living room design

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

1. Add bold pops of spring color in your favorite hue(s).

One of the easiest ways to add spring color begins with introducing bright pillows in happy colors. Other simple ideas could include removing dark heavy drapes, adding white cotton slipcovers to your upholstery, or replacing a heavy darker rug with a visually lighter one like sisal or a light neutral cotton one.

In this room we did for an interior design client the graphic blue and white pillows contrast nicely against the chairs while also picking up the cobalt blue color in the ottoman. A light cotton rug sits underneath.

2. Introduce fresh flowers, plants and/or nature inspired decor

Nothing says spring like a bouquet of fresh flowers, a beautiful orchid or live plants. Here in this outdoor living room the orange flowers pick up the color in the napkins, creating a cheerful spring look while branches in a blue vase beyond bring the outdoors in.

Karen Mills' design blog — Interior design by Karen Mills

3. Swap out dark furnishings for lighter ones

Light neutral slipcovers, light area rugs, and eliminating dark heavy drapes can do wonders for your living room in spring. Painting the walls a lighter color can also make a huge difference along with adding table/floor lamps and introducing more white hues into your room.

In this family room we reupholstered dark upholstery – sofa and chairs, in fresh lighter hues along with swapping out the rug for a lighter one, and introducing light decor including white coral, a rope glass lantern, lighter pillows/throw, and a plant on the chest beyond.

In summary by replacing visually heavy or dark furnishings with lighter ones and introducing items from outdoors you can create a space that’s fresh and spring ready.

If you’re looking for more custom interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, ideas, and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

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Interior Design: 3 Tips for Reducing Stress and Nurturing…

March 25, 2020March 25, 2020

An Interior Designer’s Suggestions for Adapting to Working or Playing at Home

We understand how you feel and we are here for you, your family, and your business during this season. As the owner of a small business and mother of four with a second grand baby on the way I get it so my biggest focus right now at work/home is keeping everyone safe in a nurturing stress free environment – our specialty.

That’s why I’m reaching out from my home to yours today to share some simple ideas for making your interiors, including your home office, a space that reduces stress and helps nurture the soul.

Inviting Ambiance – If you’ve followed our interior design/decorating blog for any length of time you know that our number one requirement for designing a beautiful interior is that it’s inviting. To make your space warm and inviting begin with colors that soothe you, textural finishes, and good lighting for starters without too much pattern.. In this Mission Hills entryway we began with a calming color scheme of blue and white on the walls, then layered in a cozy textural throw and blue pillows to create a perfect spot to relax by the window, while also mimicking the view of nature beyond with branches strategically placed on adjoining shelves. Click here for 3 Tips For Creating a Cozy bedroom.

2. Clear Clutter and Get Organized – As an interior designer who’s worked on over 1200 projects I truly understand the impact of clutter and disorganization on elevating stress levels so now is the time to take action and clear the mess before you even think about decorating. Start by removing any clutter on floors, furniture and shelves, while also getting organized and I guarantee when you’re finished you will feel better.

In this Overland Park home interior design project we added only a few decor pieces to create a peaceful atmosphere with calming blue pillows and decor on the sofa, end table, and kitchen counters beyond.

example of comfortable seating — Interior design by Karen Mills

3. Layer in Meaningful Decor – I’m a huge proponent of decorating with items that speak to you on an emotional level whether its a treasured family heirloom as I have throughout my personal living space or items that bring you joy like this Overland Park hearth design that features a tray with casual textural beach items that are a happy reminder to our client of her love of the ocean. Just be sure when you’re introducing your meaningful decor that it doesn’t clash with other items nearby which can add stress instead of a calming feel. Click here to read our Design Dilemma blog on how to layer in meaningful furnishings.

As I’m sitting in my home office right now I’m surrounded by meaningful things -an ocean painting, mouse pad, and blue candle that smells of sea salt – a reminder of a favorite trip to the Galapagos, along with a bright green plant that reminds me of my love of the outdoors, and my adopted dog Mila who’s anxiously awaiting a walk.

Master bedroom retreat example — Design by Karen Mills

Overall the key to creating a nurturing stress free environment begins with decluttering and getting organized then editing out most furnishings with busy patterns, while introducing meaningful things that fit with your interior design.

If you’re looking for more custom interior design, decorating, or remodeling inspiration, ideas, and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design blog here

Plus check out our recent kitchen remodel blogs – 3 Big Kitchen Trends for 2020 and 5 Big Mistakes We Make in the Kitchen and 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 Big Kitchen Trends for 2020

March 20, 2020March 12, 2020

What’s hot in colors, finishes, and more…

example of blog topic — Interior design by Karen MIlls

Color – For cabinetry in 2020 we’re still seeing a color trend towards warmer grays and taupe colors grow in popularity along with a newer affinity towards richer cabinet colors like cobalt blue or the black cabinetry shown in this basement kitchen done by our interior design firm. Warmer colors are also making a come back in softer or organic hues like the stained wood finish inside these glass upper cabinets. Even though appliance manufacturers are still pushing the graphite and stainless color appliances, we are also seeing soft hues in pink and beige make an appearance.

2. Finishes – One of the most common questions I hear as an interior designer from clients is “What counter top should I use?’ Granite reigned for years as the counter top of choice in the kitchen until a few years ago when white quartz made an appearance. White quartz still remains popular but the new trend is a more natural look leaning towards darker counters. In kitchen our interior design firm remodeled we introduced a white and warm gray quartz with veining that mimics marble to make the kitchen feel more timeless and appear larger.

Mixed metals continue to trend for pulls, lighting, and plumbing including the newer matte black but as an interior designer I don’t recommend much mixing and matching unless you have an amazing eye because the result can be disastrous.

3. Functionality – Even though the kitchen acts as a work space we often neglect the needs of the space in favor of looks, but if your space doesn’t function efficiently, you won’t truly enjoy your kitchen. That’s why I always start a new kitchen design with our clients by discussing what they need and how they use their room.

Huge functionality trends for this year are insets in drawers and cabinets that make storage more efficient or maximize space like these pegged drawers under the stove in the kitchen we designed here that hold pots and lids close by in an organized manner.

Other important considerations should include ample lighting for cooking or eating, hands free faucets that can be activated when you have dirty hands, pullouts that allow access to hard to reach places in corners or cabinetry/pantries, and functional back splashes with little or no grout lines.

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

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Interior Design: 3 Huge Mistakes We Make in the…

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020

An Interior Designer’s Tips for Making Your Dining Room More Appealing

Lack of emphasis Creating a focal point with your table in the dining room gives you the opportunity to create a dramatic look, perfect for a dinner table or family gathering. Here in this Mission Hills dining room our interior design firm began with an existing table and buffet along with selecting a fabulous hand knotted wool rug. Then we took the design to another whole level but introducing more contemporary elements from the stunning Swarovoski crystal chandelier that compels you to take a closer look to the bold abstract art beyond, contemporary sculpture, and rich leather squares on the wall.

2. Cold uninviting space – One of the most common issues I see as an interior designer are dining rooms filled with all hard shiny surfaces such as crystal, glass, or ceramic along with hard flooring like wood or tile and no art on the walls. To solve this dilemna try warming up your dining space with lots of texture. Here in this Overland Park room the client requested we use their heirlooms – a table and armoire, along with leather chairs. To warm up this cold stark space, we introduced a piece of gnarled wood, two beautiful blue vases that look handmade, a custom cloth runner, and a thick hand knotted wool area rug underneath.

3. Looks Unfinished When we walk into an interior design client’s home one of the first things we often see is an undone dining room or area. To enhance this space and make it more updated, I recommend adding color or texture like this dining area next to the existing kitchen. In this dining area we refinished a door in a soft neutral gray, replace the dark dated light fixture with two light airy ones, repainted the dark walls white, covered existing leather chairs with custom slipcovers, and add an interesting centerpiece plus a cheerful piece of blue art that reflected our client’s love of the ocean.

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Interior Design: 5 Big Mistakes We Make in the…

March 6, 2020March 6, 2020

If you’re thinking about remodeling or designing a new home, read on to learn about some of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a kitchen.

Work Area Not Functional – Creating a functional layout is the first step to kitchen design that works whether you’re designing for a new home or doing a kitchen remodel. Here in this interior design client’s kitchen a work area with the stove, refrigerator, and sink in an accessible triangle and distance reduces the number of steps required when cooking and easy access.

2. Wasting Potential Storage – Countless storage options exist so there’s no reason to waste space in the kitchen especially with the adaptive kitchen storage units that make drawers and cabinets more functional from trash pullouts to roll out shelves. Here in this fabulous historic Walnuts condo where space is at a premium, we added pegged drawers under the stove for pots/lids, hidden pop open storage under the island. and used the extra space we gained straightening out a crooked back wall to create a coffee bar and pantry area that’s also draws you into the space.

3. Work Area Too Crowded- As an interior designer I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve walked into a home that didn’t have enough work space. Even though the recommended distance between an island and wall cabinetry is at least 42-48″ usually I find that the minimum required distance of 36″ is often the reality of existing kitchens, resulting in a space that’s too cramped and not functional. Other issues I often encounter with interior design clients are kitchens where drawers or refrigerator doors can’t open to function correctly.

Here in this kitchen we widened the walking area and made sure counter space was provided where needed whether to set down groceries or items from the dishwasher or room to simply bake a pie.

4. Lack of right lighting – If your new kitchen doesn’t have a mix of general, task, and accent lighting, it will tend to be a little lackluster in appeal and probably function. Here in this kitchen design, I created a kitchen with can lights for general lighting, added puck lights tucked away inside the glass cabinets for accent lighting and interest, plus introduced mini chandeliers over the island that not only provide accent lighting but also task lighting for working in the kitchen.

5. Not bringing in a professional – Hiring a professional kitchen designer with experience who creates kitchens and bathrooms for a living can help you avoid costly mistakes, free up your time, and create the space of your dreams, while ensuring your space is functional. In this kitchen refresh where we reused most of the existing cabinetry, we were able to introduce new elements that created a wow factor – bigger airy light fixtures open shelving, counters that continued up the wall, a mitered edge island counter top, and bold cabinetry colors, to create a fresh new look showed off our client’s creative spirit while ensuring the space would well for them.

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Interior Decorating: A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Original Art

February 27, 2020February 27, 2020

Original artwork by well known artists available through Karen Mills

After traveling the world in search of the perfect artwork to tell a client’s story in an interior design project I’ve learned a few things about selecting original artwork to fit the needs and personality of our clients. Read on for my tips and tricks to getting started with collecting your own original paintings or adding to your collection.

Original artwork available through Karen Mills

Figure out what style(s) of artwork speak to you visually and emotionally. This depiction of a woman or figure would be an impressionist style because of its ethereal feel. To get a sense of what you love select three or more paintings and look for common factors like landscapes, abstract or figures.

Original art by well known artists available through Karen Mills

This colorful painting would be classified as a bold color abstract.

2. Select colors that you love which also gives onlookers a hint about your personality.

Orginal art by well known artists available through Karen Mills

This painting tells the dramatic story of the parting of the sea with the hand of God hovering above.

3. Coordinate the paintings in your home or office to not only enhance your interior design but also to not compete with each other.

This bold artwork depicts a more modern version of a landscape scene.

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