Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Design Dilemma: How to Layer Heirloom Antiques into a…

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

When these Kansas City area clients purchased a brand new home that was already finished, they were excited to start over with new furniture too except for a few family heirloom pieces that had sentimental meaning.   So they called on our interior design firm who had worked with them before to solve their design dilemma.

First they needed to incorporate an antique coffee table into the interior design of this spacious living area so we placed the table front and center to create a wonderful conversation piece and cohesive look with the outdoor fireplace beyond.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

As we placed key heirloom pieces the homeowners wanted to incorporate, we had to ensure the pieces complemented the interior design overall because the main living area was an open concept.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mils/Photograpy by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

The armoire in the dining area was another existing piece that needed to be incorporated so we placed it behind a rustic style table with two existing end chairs that reflected an era gone by.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

The entry chest, initially one of the biggest dilemmas because of it’s orange speckles, fell into place beautifully once we placed an existing piece of artwork that picked up the same colors as the chest.  To finish off the look we added a more contemporary lamp and vase that mimicked colors in the painting to create a wow factor in the foyer.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills /Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

The master bedroom suite was also finished in warm gray colors so by repeating the orange wood hues of family heirlooms around the room along with designing simple custom bedding, the room complemented the antique pieces instead of competing.  A rustic bed and benches also help reinforce the timeworn feel of this space, making it more inviting and serene.

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

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

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 Ways to Design Smaller Kitchens to…

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

   1. Open up kitchen to rest of the house

In this kitchen we took out the wall to the former dining room and the wall to the maid’s quarters on the opposite end to create a space that lives large and even has enough room for a sit down island.  Once the walls were removed we matched the wood floors of the dining (now hearth) in the kitchen which also visually expands the kitchen so it lives larger.

2. Use lighter colors on walls and cabinetry

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

By selecting colors that are similar in hue and lighter in color, this kitchen becomes more cohesive and ultimately feels larger because the lighter colors bounce light around the room.

 

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29 Pixels

In this kitchen by designing a lighter white/gray color palette including the table/chairs, back splash and wall color, the room seems to visually expand also as light is reflected throughout.

  3. Add great lighting 

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

Great lighting can make or break a room, especially a kitchen.  Here in this kitchen we not only added great under cabinet lighting, beautiful chandeliers, extensive general lighting. and lit glass cabinetry but we also coordinated the lighting to be the same color temperature so it flowed together beautifully.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

Here’s another example of a smaller kitchen where we layered lighting to create a wonderful ambiance and a happy place to spend cooking or entertaining.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: How to Succeed at A Classic Kitchen…

 

Karen Mills' blog  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.

 

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios, LLC

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.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

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.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

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.

Karen Mills' blog

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

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

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: The Making of a Beautiful Bathroom

Interior Design: The Making of a Beautiful Bathroom

Karen Mills' blog

Interior design by Karen Mills

After working  as an interior designer on over 1200 projects , I’ve realized that most homeowners have no idea the amount of detail that goes into successfully creating a beautiful bathroom redmodel.   That’s why today I’m sharing a NARI award winning bathroom project we designed in a collaborative effort with our clients that’s been featured by Elle Decor magazine and MSN in the United States along with the United Kingdom.

The clients had a wonderful vision of a Hollywood Glam style bathroom and we helped them turn that vision into a reality, ensuring the bath was  warm, inviting, and up to date.

Karen Mills' blog

Since we already had a vision for the Hollywood glam design style, we began by selecting a color scheme from Benjamin Moore.

shower-layout

Then we discussed requirements for functionality including layout/space planning, storage, electrical requirements, and more.  And even though we loved the glossy marble finish on the floor, we opted instead for a matte finish to minimize slippage coming out of the zero entry shower or free standing tub.

Karen Mills' blog

Karen Mills' blog

The existing fireplace was not being used, so we decided to replace it with a fabulous custom make up cabinet where our client could relax and get ready.

 

Karen Mills' blog

 

As we began designing the beautiful custom vanities, we made sure they were functional with drawers deep enough to fit requirements for storage and built in electrical outlets for recharging toothbrushes/razors.  For the custom make up cabinet, we opted for mirrored fronts instead of glass on the upper cabinet doors to hide toiletries and make up.

finishes

Marvel floor tile by Atlas Concorde

Once the beautiful custom cabinetry design was finalized, we begin selecting the other finishes for the bathroom including a gorgeous stacked stone with embedded crystals for an accent wall behind the tub, a free standing tub, counter tops, back splash, floor/wall tile, plumbing fixtures, pulls, and light fixtures along with a lighting plan to show it off.

shower-in-progressKaren Mills' blog

But we didn’t stop there.  Once the walls were up, we sketched plans on exactly how to layout all the different colors and sizes of tile we had selected so  we would have just the look we wanted.

master-bath-bench-1

master-rock-wall-with-lighting-edited-for-website

The result?  A beautiful one of a kind award winning bathroom that our clients enjoy every day that helps reduce stress and make life better!

Karen Mills' blog

Interior design by Karen Mills

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

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

 

vanity-top-closeup

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: What Your Favorite Color Says About You

 

 

Karen Mills' blog

Ever wonder what your favorite color says about you, the meaning of color, or how to use it to design your interior?

As an interior designer and color expert, I can tell you that’s not always an easy task because it takes years of experience to learn how colors colors can impact a room in different lighting situations..  No wonder painting is currently listed as the most common home improvement project since countless homeowners waste money having their spaces repainted after selecting a color or combination that doesn’t work.

So here’s some insight on your color’s meaning that may help and ideas for using it in your home.

Karen Mills' blog
Photo courtesty of Century Furniture

If you love red like I do you most likely live life to the fullest with spontaneity and excitement.  But what does a red interior say to others?  The color, associated with blood, raises your blood pressure and grabs your attention!  So if you don’t want to go completely red, try using it as an accent color to make your space a little more vibrant.

Blue, however, exudes stability and calm, making it a perfect color for bedrooms where you need to unwind.  Lovers of this color tend to be dependable, responsible citizens who do the right thing.

Yellow, like a ray of sunshine portrays warmth and optimism in a room, making it perfect for a kitchen or a sunny living area, and fans of this color are often optimistic people with a positive encouraging attitude.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

Green, the color of nature exudes calmness and warmth, which makes it a good color for bedrooms or spaces where you need a more relaxed feel.  And fans of this color are usually warm, kind, and charitable.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

Purple fans, often a more complex and creative type of individual, are fascinating individuals but sometimes may seem mysterious or dark to others who don’t understand their creativity.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

Orange, the color of hunger and vibrancy fits perfectly into that dining room or kitchen area where you need some life.  And if you’re an orange lover, you probably show the same vibrant spirit as the color with your enthusiastic zest for life.

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

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

 

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Why White Kitchens Stand the Test of…

Karen Mills' blog
Kitchen refresh by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixels, LLC

If you’re like the majority of homeowners around the world, you love the ethereal feel of white kitchens, especially warm inviting ones with layers of texture and interest like this kitchen photo where the table top, formerly a door, was refinished in gray and leather chairs were slip covered in a washable fabric.

Some of you I know will disagree about the appeal of white kitchens but this kitchen has been featured repeatedly in the news, both in national print and on television, plus its a favorite of our clients.  And I think its because of its simplistic, light, classic design and marble counters even though existing cabinets weren’t replaced during the remodel.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

As an interior designer who specializes in remodels I believe we secretly crave these airy white spaces to work and play in because they not only feel clean and fresh but also reflect light from outside and around the room, enhancing the way we look and often feel when entering the space.

One of the other reasons I believe white kitchens are popular is because can go with almost any accent color and can easily be changed to another color scheme when we tire of the original one.

Karen Mills' blog

Interior design by Karen Mills

But if you’re looking for something different besides a simple white, you might consider having  your kitchen cabinets painted with a white that has been tinted with a favorite color like this photo where cabinets and walls have a hint of green.

For more great kitchen remodeling ideas, sign up for our weekly award winning interior design blog here

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

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

 

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Falling for Autumn Red

 

Karen Mills' blog
Styling by Karen Mills

As fall descends upon us I’m drawn to it’s beautiful rich colors, especially autumn red.  Vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado last week was a reminder of how much I love autumn with its brilliant changing leaves beginning to create an explosion of color on the mountains, hills, and valleys.

So this week I’m compelled to write about autumn in all its splendor, and how to apply it to our spaces.  Read on for great ideas for injecting red into your home whether its in a temporary fashion like fresh flowers, fruit/vegetables, or decor or in a more permanent way with wall coverings or furniture.

Here in this entryway, the red platter, leaves, and stunning artwork showcase simple ways to introduce autumn red into your home.

 

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills

In this living room, we placed red toss pillows and a custom blown vase to add a fall feel to the room.  The dark wood furniture and taupe drapes also add to the autumn ambiance.

Other simple ideas for introducing fall re could include red delicious apples in a bowl or clear container, a warm throw, an area rug with red or decor items layered into your room.

For more fabulous ideas on how to introduce autumn red into your decorating, read my latest article from Houzz here titled 6 Ways to Inject Rich Autumn Red in Your Living Room.

Plus become a fan of our weekly interior design blog here

And become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of Living Large, Karen Mills, on Facebook here!

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: Designer Spotlight

 

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills. Photography by 29 Pixels.

DesignerInc just did a Designer Spotlight interview with me today and wanted to share it with you!

Absolutely love interior design and working as an interior designer but if you knew my heart you would know my top priority is helping people make things better – increase their joy through forgiveness,  help navigate life changing choices,  or by simply creating an extraordinary living experience.

 

DESIGNER INC SPOTLIGHT                                           August 23, 2017

One of our favorite things about working with interior designers at DesignerInc is taking a moment to pause and revel in their work.  There are so many talented designers on the site that it’s hard not lose hours perusing their portfolios once you learn of them.

Our latest discovery was Karen Mills and her firm Interiors by Design.  You may have heard of her, as her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets including USA Today, Elle Decor, and The Washington Post.  When she’s not designing, she’s the host of nationally acclaimed Living Large, the first design and lifestyle radio program in the US.  And if that wasn’t enough, her award-winning blog was named to one of the Top 100 Interior Design Blogs.  It was there that we learned a few tricks of her trade.

Her blog offers many useful design tips such as how to deemphasis mismatched upholstery, reimagine a walk-in closet into a glam dressing room, design a basement that lives and breathes like the rest of house, or strike the right balance of drama in the dining room.  With her wealth of knowledge, it’s easy to understand how she’s become a go-to design expert in the media and a spokesperson for Kohler, Sherwin William, and Ferguson.

We love her skill of blending and layering textures.  In this mountain home living room, she balances a soft cool palette to enhance the warmth, color, and tone of the natural elements of rock, wood, metal and leather.

Or how she strikes the right amount of symmetry in this plush master bedroom that gives structure to various textures and materials in the room.

Karen says she “spent her childhood surrounded by art, literature, music, and textiles” and that this along with her travel experiences have founded the way she designs today.  We can’t help but wonder which memory or muse from her past she drew upon when asked to design a piano for Steinway & Sons!  We had a chance to chat with Karen this month to learn more about her:

What is your favorite part of being a designer?

The best part about being a designer are relationships forged with clients, as we translate their personal style into a timeless signature look that helps reduce stress, nurture their soul, and help them live better. The result is an extraordinary living experience, which often brings families closer together and creates a lifelong connection between us and them.

Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?

Experiencing different cultures through international travel and being cognizant of changes around me in everything from fashion or technology to lifestyle are my biggest influences.

If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?

I would keep asking until I found a mentor in the design field before launching our company, along with getting advice offered to start ups from the business development center.

What is your current favorite resource?

My favorite resource would be a mix of local tradespeople who help bring our visions to life and to-the-trade designer-only showrooms, both online and local.

We loved getting to know Karen and her work better.  Look out for more Designer Spotlights coming soon!

 

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: How to Coordinate Mismatched Upholstery

 

 

Do you have a room with mismatched furnishings that you’re not sure how to decorate?  Then read on for my 3 interior designer tips for creating a cohesive look in your room that includes a recent TV INTERVIEW on KCTV5 I did last week along with a Houzz article I wrote on a similar topic. 

Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29Pixel Studios

1. Repetition – To coordinate two pieces of mismatched upholstery, unify both pieces by repeating a color from one piece to onto another with a pillow or throw.  Here the blue green color of the ottoman was repeated in the pattern on the pillows, while the artwork brings everything together including the gray velvet sofa in the foreground.

 

2. Introduce a new design element  – A piece of artwork overhead or nearby accessories  with both colors can also serve as a way to bring two different colors of upholstery together effectively.  Here the blue center of the pillow is repeated in the blue candle nearby while the white seashell picks up the white upholstery.

When creating vignettes of accessories in your space whether its for a tabletop or shelves, try to place objects of various heights, sizes, texture, and shapes together to create a cohesive whole. Normally I place the taller narrower items at back with shorter wider items at the front.

Karen Mills' blog
Photo courtesy of Lillian August furniture

3. Layer a rug underneath – Placing a rug underneath your upholstery not only creates a grouping of furniture but can also help bring the two disparate colors together by introducing both of them in your rug.  In this photo above the magenta red pillow picks up the color in the chair on the banquette along with the rug, while the cream white from the rug is also repeated in the banquette pillow and upholstery legs.

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

Become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of the Living Large design showKaren Mills, on Facebook here!

Watch my KCTV5 interview on Better Kansas City on the same topic last week

 

 

Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: Tips n Tricks to Creating a Closet…

 

Karen Mills' blog
Photo courtesy of Closets to Go

Do you ever cringe at the disorganized mess you call a closet?  Read on for great tips and ideas for creating a beautiful closet that you can enjoy every day.

  1. Add storage whether that’s adding built ins or simple as simple as  free standing shelves with bins/baskets and/or a storage unit with drawers to your space.

    Karen Mills' blog
    Photo courtesy of Doctor Closet
  2. Organize your clothing and accessories for easy access.  Personally as an interior designer when I speak to groups about how to organize I  recommend you begin by pulling everything out of your closet, trying it on, and only putting back what you love.   When placing items back in your closet, separate your spring/summer clothing from                     your fall/winter clothing if you’re in a climate that dictates different wardrobes.  Then take it a couple of steps  further and separate by type of clothing and then by color.  

    Karen Mills' blog
    Photo courtesy of Easy Closets
  3. Style Your Closet – Click below to read the article I recently wrote on styling  for Houzz –   We Can Dream: Turn a Walk In Closet into a Glam Dressing Room below.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54686783/list/we-can-dream-turn-a-walk-in-closet-into-         a-glam-dressing-room

Plus sign up for our weekly interior design blog here so you don’t miss out on ways to                  improve your home and life

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