HOW TO BALANCE CHARACTER AND TIMELESS STYLE WHILE REDESIGNING YOUR SPACE

The clients were divided in the beginning, about renovating their kitchen. The husband wanted to keep the cabinets to match the match the oak trim and doors throughout the home - a practical choice, especially when it feels overwhelming to update. But the wife wanted something fresh and personal to inspire her so she could inspire others.

It's hard to pour into others when our cup is empty.  I believe that health and wellness is crucial to living a life full of joy and peace…and that's the purpose of home.

I listened to both of them and interpreted their vision into this:

And after seeing the new room concept design, complete with white upper cabinets, a barn red lowers, fresh hardware, and updated flooring, all while keeping the existing oak trim and doors, they were both completely on board.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right design to see the full potential of a space.

Concept Design is an interior designer's magic tool to make the invisible visible and accurately communicate the best ideas to avoid surprises at the reveal.

I'm not talking about technical and construction drawings that leave a lot to the imagination. I'm talking about beautiful compositions that prove your ideas work and function so your hard earned money gets what it expects.

But this was where she was starting her day...

How would you feel waking up to this kitchen every morning? Would it inspire & encourage you to make the world more beautiful? I believe the purpose of home is to shape us so we can shape others.

I give a lot of credit to my client as she told me she knew exactly how she wanted to feel every morning and why it was important. And besides being a beautiful person, she is also a savvy business woman that didn't have the time or the budget for design do overs and stall outs from second guessing design decisions.

I listened very carefully to her ideas, goals and vision for the space and then created two options using 3D Interior Design Concepts:

And because seeing is believing, she quickly selected the best option for her.

I believe the famous artist, Picasso once said, "I begin with an idea and it becomes something else".

Meaning that just like your favorite recipe, personalization comes in the process of tweaking ingredients to perfection.

And because there are no hard and fast 'design rules' and no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to design - the only rules you need to follow is - does this design plan elevate your lifestyle, does it fit your budget and does it make you feel amazing! Because we all know what we like when we see it - right?

She also asked for help honing in on the exact design details so shopping would be easier for her.

Then she distributed her design plans to her own contractors for competitive bids and did her own shopping....which saved her (and them) a boatload of time & moolah. But then again, she owns her own business so she already knows the value of using an efficient, streamlined process to negotiate a win for everyone.

And here is the renovated space! How much better does this look! I am so happy she went for it and implemented the plan we created together.

The plan features barn red painted cabinetry paired with existing countertops and a sparkling tile backsplash — a striking combination that balances character and timeless style.

Now she has a kitchen that sparkles as much as she does!

I just love it when I capture my client's spirit and goals and am able to enrich their lives in a way that shapes them so they can shape the world.

They were able to keep the countertops and her lovely homemade lace window valance.

And, they were able to reuse their appliances to save money.

And because beauty begets beauty, her home now supports her and she can go out and share that beauty with others!

What a dramatic change was made in this kitchen and in the lives of those who live there with just a little money and a design plan that reflects their style and character.

How about you?  Do you have a kitchen (or another room) that might not be quite right but you're not sure what it needs or how to create a plan that checks off all the right boxes for you and your family?

A well designed space marries both the practical and pretty and reflects your authenticity and aims. How we live is affected by what surrounds us. And not defining success on your own terms is the biggest reason why people live with regret from their design decisions. I know because I field these phone calls everyday!

So before jumping in with 'hope and guessing' as your 'plan', do these instead:

How would it feel to live in a space that inspires you everyday?

Sometimes being a good steward of God's resources means participating in the process using more than hope and prayers.

WHY IS DESIGNING INTENTIONALLY IMPORTANT?

• It Manages expectations before they get emotional

• It Communicates expectation deliverables in a way anyone can actually absorb them

• It creates a framework for making cohesive design decisions, approvals, and communication

• It makes the work and the process visible, so nobody is guessing

• Each stage builds on the last, so your design scheme becomes coherent & your concept makes sense and you are not guessing your way through the project.

• Revisions are an expected part of the project.

How would it feel knowing you hit your interior design goals while avoiding the pitfalls of bad planning and trendy design decisions?

Are you ready to reimagine your kitchen or any space like this?

Let’s bring your vision to life.

Reach out to schedule your own design consultation! So we can start moving you forward with creative confidence.

Can't wait to here from you!

Until then,

Hugs and blessings (Numbers 6: 24-26),

Karen

p.s.. I work one on one with my clients in Elkhart, Goshen and Middlebury Indiana as well as customized virtual design services for clients across the country, to elevate them to the status of interior design hero by offering flexible, affordable service options.

Maybe that's why I'm called a pirate ship among the yachts.