Leawood Archives | KAREN MILLS

Interior Design: 5 Decorating Tips to Make Your Living…

April 22, 2021October 18, 2023

Read on for how to make your room feel bigger without remodeling

example — Overland Park interior design by Karen Mills

Unify Your Wall Color – When our interior design clients ask how to the visually expand their living spaces I always recommend starting with painting the walls all one color – usually lighter . In this hearth room we painted the dark dated walls Sherwin William’s Shoji White to lighten up the room and make it appear larger.
Bring in More Daylight – Begin by removing dark furnishings and window coverings to bounce more light around. Introducing mirrors also brings more natural daylight into your space. Here we recovered a dark sofa and chairs to to a light neutral palette plus replaced light fixtures to bring in more light, making the space expand. 3 Tips for Refreshing Living Room for Less

Karen Mills' blog — Overland Park interior design by Karen Mills

3. Place furniture on an angle – By placing all your furniture on an angle away from the walls like this living room, you visually expand the size of your room. 3 Tips for Coordinating Mismatched Furniture in Your Living Room

4. Introduce Round Furnishings By bringing in a round ottoman like this space we visually expanded the room but you can create the same effect with a round rug or circular furniture.

5. Lighten up Your Floors – When I’m talking about interior decorating I don’t mean that you should re stain wood floors light, but go with lighter area rugs or carpet to bounce more light throughout to make it larger. Here our client opted for a plush rug that would feel good with bare feet while enlarging this smaller room.

In summary by removing dark furnishings, painting your walls lighter, and layering back in lighter furnishings you can visually expand your living room. 3 Ways to Make Your Living Space Bloom for Spring

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 4 Tips for a Kitchen Refresh

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021

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.

example of blog topic — Interior design by Karen MIlls

1.Paint both your kitchen cabinets and walls to give your entire space a fresh new look. In this kitchen refresh the dated stained cabinetry and dark walls were painted much lighter white colors that bounced light across the room, making it appear larger. Dark counter tops were also replaced 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 loved and added new mini chandeliers over the eating area where we had the door repurposed as a tabletop painted and slip covered the existing dark leather dining chairs. The transformation was amazing!

2.Replace your dated back splash along with counter tops – After working on over 1300 interior design projects we’ve realized that most homeowners planning a budget kitchen remodel typically omit replacing their back splash. Unfortunately an old back splash instantly reveals just how old the kitchen is and that’s why as an interior designer I recommend replacing it at the the same time.

In this playful and creative Leawood kitchen makeover, we replaced the dark granite counter with white mitered (thick) quartz counters on the island and ran the same quartz up the walls behind the cabinetry instead of traditional backsplash tile to add drama and interest. Then we painted the existing cabinets three different shades of gray, added new mini chandeliers, and tore down a few upper wall cabinets so we could layer in live edge shelves to create a fun focal point.

3. Introduce new counter or 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 tone. New stools that contrast against your island or peninsula can 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 in this Overland Park kitchen the client wanted to use in this space, we went with lighter finishes – champagne on the mini chandeliers and silver on the drum shade.

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 Design: 3 Free Standing Tub Ideas for a…

December 17, 2020December 15, 2020

Dreamy Options for Soaking Tubs

Ever dream of soaking in a fabulous free standing tub without a care in the world? Read on for wonderful design possibilities for your bathroom

Enhance your tub as a focal point with a fabulous chandelier. In this stunning Lenexa master bathroom we designed as part of a remodel, we replaced a solid wall with a glass wall to enhance the view of the tub when entering the space, while also adding a soothing blue wall color beyond and rustic flooring underneath to enhance the relaxing vibe.

2. Add an accent wall behind your tub to add interest. For this master bathroom remodel we did in Overland Park, we ran an accent wall of tile to the ceiling to make the tub pop and show off the grand height of this room. A linen bench and rug help soften the space.

3. Make it Personal In this serene Leawood master bathroom the clients wanted a refuge from their hectic workday so we created a personal spa for them with a wall of candles, teak accessories, white towels, and best of all – a photo of them on the beach.

For more great ideas and photos, sign up for our weekly interior design and decorating 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: 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
INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK here!