kitchen remodel Archives | Page 2 of 2

Interior Design: 3 Ways to Remodel Smaller Kitchens to…

December 19, 2019February 13, 2020

An Interior Designer’s Perspective on How to Make Your Kitchen Remodel Appear Bigger

As an interior designer who specializes in kitchen remodels, I often get called on to make a kitchen live larger. Read on for my 3 expert tips on how to do just that.

Interior design by Karen Mills – Kansas City

Paint cabinets white or a light neutral color to reflect light around the room so the kitchen appears larger and cabinets seem to disappear. In this kitchen remodel natural light and interior lighting also give the room a larger feel.

Interior design by Karen Mills – Leawood

2. Incorporate open shelving or another design element to make cabinetry not appear so overwhelming. In this kitchen partial remodel we ran beautiful white quartz counter tops by Cambria up the wall as a back splash behind the shelving to offset the dark cabinets and lighten the room.

3. Glass front shelves, preferably lit, help open up this kitchen remodel to make it live larger by visually shrinking the cabinetry. Great interior lighting, sunlight, light neutral painted kitchen cabinets, white granite counter tops, and open shelves add to the larger feel.

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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: Backsplash Trends 2019

September 19, 2019September 19, 2019

What’s New & Next for Kitchen & Bath Back splashes

Since I specialize as an interior designer with remodels, especially bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, I’m in tile showrooms constantly always looking for what’s new and next in tile. Of course personal style still dominates as a huge trend but read on for some of the other new trends I’ve been noticing for the past couple of years that are still trending into next year.

1. Go Bold or Go Home – The tiles shown may look small but they are actually closer to 10″ square. Big contrasts like the gold border on the black tile are another trend along with mixing up sizes.

3D Walker Zanger Tiles from Virginia Tile

2. 3D Designs including Graphic Patterns – Three dimensional designs may have been around for a few years but they’ve gotten bolder, especially with a solid tone on tone color. We’re also getting more options in shapes giving homeowners and interior designers an opportunity to play with the tiles like puzzle pieces to create one of a kind designs like this triangle shape shown here.

You may have noticed how much I love this graphic 3D design here and that’s because it adds so much style and interest without overpowering the room. Will be sharing a recent kitchen remodel project completed with this tile in the coming weeks so stay tuned!

3D Yosemite Tiles courtesy of M&S Distribution

Yosemite Glass Tile from M&S Distribution

3. Organic Tile Designs – Don’t know about you but I never tire of design that relates to what I see in nature, especially this fabulous large glass tile panel that reminds me of ocean waves rolling in.

For more great interior design ideas, sign up for our blog here!

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

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Tips for Refreshing Kitchen For Less

August 15, 2019August 15, 2019

Ideas for Bringing Your Kitchen up to Date Without Breaking the Bank

Karen Mills' blog — Interior design by Karen Mills

If a kitchen remodel isn’t in your future because of either lack of budget or not recouping your investment in your current home, then why not consider what I like to call as an interior designer a KITCHEN REFRESH! Read on for my 5 tips for giving your kitchen a budget friendly makeover below.

1.Paint both your kitchen cabinets and walls to give your entire space a fresh new look. In this kitchen refresh we repainted darker cabinetry and walls a much lighter version of white to lighten up the space and visually expand it, while also swapping out dark counter tops for light ones.

To save money and not waste perfectly good granite our client re purposed the darker counters to a new basement bar where they were a perfect fit! Then to bring in more light we installed an existing chandelier the client wanted to incorporate and added new mini chandeliers over the eating area where we re purposed a tabletop made out of a door by gray washing it and having slip covers made to hide existing dark leather dining chairs.

2.Replace back splash along with counter tops – After working on over 1200 interior design projects a huge problem we’ve noticed is that homeowners planning a budget kitchen remodel typically omit replacing their back splash. Unfortunately an old back splash screams dated so as an interior designer I recommend to our clients that they replace it at the the same time to create a wow factor when you walk into the room.

In this playful and creative kitchen makeover, we replaced the dark granite with white mitered quartz tops on the island and ran the quartz up the walls behind the cabinetry instead of traditional tile to add drama and interest. We painted the cabinets three different shades of gray, added new mini chandeliers, and replaced a few wall cabinets with live edge shelves to create a fun focal point.

3. Introduce new bar stools In addition to the new live edge shelves the client in this kitchen purchased contemporary counter stools that really pop against the gray and white color scheme while adding a little warmth with the wood. New stools that contrast against your island or peninsula can completely have a huge impact on your kitchen without a big investment.

4. Replace dated chandeliers or pendant lights – By updating your light fixtures you can make a great impression walking into your kitchen where the fixtures are usually front and center over an island or table like shown here.

To help these new mini chandeliers and the drum shade beyond in the hearth area blend seamlessly with the existing chandelier the client wanted to use in this space, we went with lighter finishes – champagne on the mini chandeliers and silver on the drum shade.

5. Layer in accent color with accessories, rug, or art – When styling a space for an interior design project, especially a kitchen, I love to introduce a fun accent color that can be layered in on everything from napkins or a rug to platters and art. In this photo the client styled their live edge shelves to showcase their beautiful collection of red and turquoise dishes which creates a real showstopper in this kitchen, while also providing storage.

for more kitchen design 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 and Instagram now!

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80705354/list/ideas-for-refreshing-your-kitchen-without-remodeling

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 3 MUST DOS BEFORE A KITCHEN REMODEL

July 26, 2019July 26, 2019

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen or even designing a new kitchen, here are my suggestions as an interior designer to consider before signing any contracts or starting construction to avoid costly mistakes.

First I recommend that you look for design inspiration in interior design magazines or online to get ideas of what you like so you can effectively communicate your design vision to the team you assemble.

2. Make a list of items you absolutely must have in your kitchen and another list of things you would like to have. If you’re not sure, make an ongoing list as you use your kitchen on a daily basis for a couple of weeks.

3. Hire a kitchen designer to design a kitchen layout and cabinetry that’s both functional and beautifully designed. An interior designer that specializes in kitchens will also have great resources for contractors/ architects/trades people to help you accomplish your goal, can act as a trusted advisor and/or oversee the design, and will provide help coordinating finishes, assisting with lighting, and giving advice on storage to ensure your kitchen design looks great!

If you can’t afford an interior designer for the whole project, I would recommend hiring a designer for at least a couple of hours to help you create a master plan that makes sense.

Looking for more great kitchen design ideas that you can implement? 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 or instagram here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Hottest Product Trends for Kitchen Design/Remodels…

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019

White Quartz Counter tops – Even though darker kitchens are making appearances across the U.S. and especially on the coasts, white quartz counters still dominate with interior design clients as the most popular material here in the United States. As an interior designer I’ve worked with over 1200 clients and believe wholeheartedly the reason for this appeal is because white reflected back onto our skin makes us look and feel younger. White also feels fresh after years of darker colors plus marble style patterns are classic and timeless.

Here in this kitchen the island counter has been designed with a mitered edge (thick) which is another huge kitchen remodel trend that gives a more luxurious feel and wow factor.

2. Counter Depth Refrigerator Here in this kitchen space a counter depth fridge creates a wider walkway through the kitchen to the garage and other rooms behind. Other trendy features include reflective tile back splash, and lit glass cabinets.

3. Touch Faucet – Touch faucets are gaining popularity because you only need to touch the faucet with a part of your body to activate or deactivate the flow of water at a preset temperature.

4. Steam Convection Oven – Who doesn’t love an oven that can cook food in half the time at a lower temperature plus keep foods moister and brown bread.

5. LED lighting

For more great ideas and photos on kitchen design or kitchen remodels, 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: What to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

July 6, 2018

First I recommend that you look for design inspiration in interior design magazines or online to get ideas of what you like so you can effectively communicate your design vision to the team you assemble.

Make a list of items you absolutely must have in your kitchen and another list of things you would like to have. If you’re not sure, make an ongoing list as you use your kitchen on a daily basis for a couple of weeks.

Next hire an interior designer to show you how to layout a kitchen that’s both functional for your family and beautifully designed. An interior designer will have great resources for contractors, architects, and trades people to help you accomplish your goal, will act as a trusted advisor, and will help create flow in the space along with coordinating finishes, assisting with lighting, and giving advice on storage to ensure your kitchen design looks great!

If you can’t afford an interior designer for the whole project, I would recommend hiring a designer for at least a couple of hours to help you create a master plan that makes sense.

Looking for more great kitchen design ideas that you can implement? 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!

or instagram

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Kitchen Remodel – From Ugly Duckling to…

June 22, 2018June 22, 2018

Remodeling a historic high rise kitchen

When updating a historic high rise apartment like this one on the renowned plaza area in Kansas City, there’s much more to consider than the interior design of your home.

First you must find out the building’s requirements for construction from time of day limits to how the construction is completed. Next you need to know building structure limitations (especially for a 1931 historic building like this one) and if your finish materials or products will fit whether it’s up the elevator or via another method.

When I first entered this kitchen in Kansas City I knew as an interior designer it was going to be one of our more challenging interior design projects which was exciting because I new the change would be dramatic and could see the new open space in my mind almost instantly.

To start the process I got a barely legible copy of the 1930’s blueprints and immediately went to work creating an interior design that was an open floor plan. For the kitchen I had the wall between the maid’s room and kitchen torn out along with the wall between the dining room and kitchen.

In addition we right sized the windows from the maid’s room and kitchen to flow together and added layers of lighting. The result?!

A beautiful airy light filled kitchen that now opens to the hearth room (formerly a dining room.

Much of this high rise apartment had original wood floors so we weaved in new wood flooring in the kitchen to make the space live larger and feel more cohesive.

For the stove area we squeezed in a beautiful custom wood hood and beautifully lit glass cabinets flanking the hood to create a wow factor when entering the hearth/kitchen area. In addition we designed inset cabinetry drawers and doors (flush with cabinet frame) to create a luxurious look along with mixing it up with pulls and knobs.

At the end of the kitchen (formerly maid’s room) we designed pantry area that hides a permanent slanted wall and to provide much needed storage which includes cabinet doors that open up to reveal both a coffee station and appliance garage.

The thick mitered island counter by Cambria was juxtaposed against the light airy mini chandeliers for a perfect composition.

The bar area includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and lit glass cabinets to hold glassware along with a hidden washer/dryer area.

Overall as an interior designer I was thrilled with the outcome of this remodeled kitchen especially now as I’m reminded of where we started.

Looking for more great remodeling ideas that you can implement? 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!

or instagram

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: How to Succeed at A Classic Kitchen…

November 17, 2017

Karen Mills' blog

BEFORE AFTER

Are you dreaming of a kitchen like the one on the right but your reality is the one on the left?

As I toured this historic high rise condo on the plaza in Kansas City for the first time as the interior designer, the reality of the situation was bleak. The condo hadn’t been updated for years and the warren of tiny rooms made it difficult to imagine a beautiful open kitchen. On top of that the small elevator and restrictions limited what could be done with cabinetry, counters, and much more.

To start I knew we had to enlarge the kitchen so we took over the tiny adjoining maid’s room shown above to gain a few more feet.

Our end goal was a large open inviting kitchen full of natural daylight that was a classic so to start we tore down the existing entrance wall (shown on left) to open the kitchen up to the existing dining room and we resized the mismatched windows in each room to flow together as one big window area.

We also relocated the adjoining dining room to the over sized living area and made the former dining room a hearth area that opened into the kitchen.

Karen Mills' blog

To make the rooms feel more expansive but also timeless, we tore out the flooring in the kitchen and wove in new wood floors to match the existing wood flooring elsewhere.

Next we began to lay out a floor plan that included a gorgeous custom island along with designing custom flush mount European style cabinetry that was also functional and a lighting plan that would make the room pop.

On the right we designed a beautiful custom stove hood with lit glass cabinetry and large drawers underneath to hold pots and pans. Plus we took the beveled subway tile to the ceiling to add height and drama to the space.

In the back we designed a pantry area that disguised the crooked structural wall and added doors that opened to reveal a coffee station and appliance storage along with additional glass lit cabinetry.

On the left we created a bar area with a wine cooler, additional sink, and storage along with lit glass front cabinetry to hold glassware.

And on the island we added a mitered top to give the beautiful Cambria marble style top even more importance!

The result – a large open living/work space that lives large and is also functional.

For more great 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 and let us know how we can make your dream a reality!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 5 Tips for Refreshing Your Kitchen For…

July 21, 2017

Kitchens can be a huge investment so countless homeowners across the United States are choosing to just refresh their kitchen to save costs instead of remodeling. Read on for my 5 tips as an interior designer for refreshing your kitchen. Then watch my live interview on

1.Paint kitchen walls along with kitchen cabinets. In this photo we painted the walls an almost white color to lighten up the dark space that didn’t get much light and kept the original footprint of the floor plan to save costs since she needed new cabinets. When painting kitchen cabinets, remember to replace exposed hinges with hidden ones beforehand and update your pulls/knobs.

2.Replace back splash along with counter top – After working on over 1200 interior design projects we’ve noticed that homeowners doing a budget kitchen remodel usually plan to replace only their counter tops and that’s a problem because the old back splash often makes the kitchen still look dated and less desirable. In this kitchen we opted for a linear glass, marble, and stainless tile that would make the kitchen pop.

Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach

3. Introduce new bar stools New stools that contrast well against your island or peninsula can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen without spending a large sum of money.

4. Replace dated chandeliers or pendant lights – By updating your light fixtures you can make a great impression walking into your kitchen because they are usually front and center over an island or table.

5. Layer in accent color with accessories, rug, or art – When I’m styling a space for an interior design project, especially a kitchen, I love to introduce a fun accent color that can be layered in on everything from napkins or a rug to platters and art. In this photo the client showcased their beautiful collection of red and turquoise dishes on the live edge shelves to create a “wow” factor.

For more information check out my recent TV interview about How to Refresh Your Kitchen plus

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

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

ALso here’s an article we recently wrote – Ideas for Refreshing Your Kitchen for Less

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80705354/list/ideas-for-refreshing-your-kitchen-without-remodeling