Soothing tones and textures bring a relaxing vibe to this renovated Lake Quivira home.
Words by Corinne L. Casazza | Photos by Matt Kocourek
hen a Lake Quivira couple envisioned remodeling their home, they wanted to create a peaceful environment where their active, young family of six could relax and unwind. Designer Karen Mills, owner of Interiors by Design, evoked the feeling with warm wood, various textures and calming blue tones.
“Tone on tone, a monochromatic look, or calming colors in similar hues, bring in a feeling of relaxation,” she says.
The major challenge for the 1974 home was gaining light.
“The whole kitchen was dark and dreary. We took out a support pillar that was detracting from the kitchen, selected lighter finishes and layered in lighting to add ambiance and brightness,” Karen says.
The walnut stain on the front of the island is repeated on the stove hood, reinforcing the stove area as the focal point of the room, while adding warmth to the kitchen.
The kitchen is now a multifunctional space for entertaining yet is still intimate enough for family only. Karen created multiple zones in the space—such as the small table where someone could do homework. Opposite that, a set of swivel chairs provides a cozy spot to watch snow fall while enjoying warmth by a fire.
Originally, the hearth room fireplace donned old-looking, gold-and-gray stone. For the remodel, Karen bumped the fireplace out and designed a custom lit floating cabinet with shelves. She used a dark stacked stone to add drama and textural interest.
Originally, the hearth room fireplace donned old-looking, gold-and-gray stone. For the remodel, Karen bumped the fireplace out and designed a custom lit floating cabinet with shelves. She used a dark stacked stone to add drama and textural interest.
“What’s really important about texture is it can give you a sense of calm,” Karen describes. “Touch determines how we feel about a finish. When we touch a soft fabric or finish, it gives it a feeling of physical contact that creates comfort. Even if there’s no one in the room, it’s still nurturing.”
The back of the hearth room is simply a view of woods over the lake. Karen trimmed the windows in dark charcoal to draw attention to the view. The organic rug brings the feeling of nature indoors.
The abstract painting in the dining room draws the eye up to highlight the two-story ceiling, which makes the hearth room feel bigger. The chandelier over the table adds to the effect. A well-placed bowl on the table looks like someone just crafted it with their hands. Sourced from a showroom, it adds a rough-hewn, naturally textured feel, seamlessly melding the different organic elements of the space together.
Interior Designer: Interiors by Design, @interiordesignaholic
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