My design style for each project is centered around the client’s vision and how they want to feel in their home. My clients tend to seek me out for curated spaces that are on trend, yet not trendy, and truly tell their story.
Amy Krause Amy Krause Design
This month’s designer spotlight features Amy Krause of Amy Krause Design. Her work has been featured in many design publications and she has accumulated quite a few awards for her beautifully functional and exquisite work for her clients. Amy and I served on the board of our local ASID chapter together and I have had the opportunity to watch Amy work up close and personal over the years.I have always been amazed by her thoughtful care and dedication to each project. I hope you enjoy the interview.
SGS: How did your interest in Design begin?
AKD: The awareness of experiencing design in my surroundings has always been a part of my life.
My mother loved the art of interior design, and she ensured our homes were welcoming and well put together.
That love grew in me and when I was in high school, we moved to a new home and my parents handed me some graph paper and told me that I could design my bedroom using component furniture from a local retailer.
I dove right in! I designed a deluxe set up – my bed included full height cabinets with bookshelves and nightstands connected by a lit wall bridge, a long wall of drawers and cabinets, and even selected a drafting table as my desk (despite not being in art classes). I recall handing the plans to them and my stepfather saying that I didn’t have to put furniture in every square inch of the space!
SGS: How would you describe your overall aesthetic?
AKD: My design style for each project is centered around the client’s vision and how they want to feel in their home. My clients tend to seek me out for curated spaces that are on trend, yet not trendy, and truly tell their story.
As for my style, I generally create timeless designs, mixing eclectic and modern elements along with embracing clean lines and room to breathe. This usually includes elements of nature, while keeping it both warm and personal.
SGS: If you could redo any space in your home what would it be?
AKD: We have designed many spaces in our home but now the kitchen and primary bath are ready to be (re)addressed. Our home is a unique home in the area with lots of character, a flair for the coast and opportunity for soulful design. With the variety of projects I’m working on with clients, it can be difficult to tackle my own home, but all good things come with time!
SGS: Where do you source inspiration?
AKD: In addition to inspiration images provided by clients, I like to select a material, such as fabric, tile, or artwork as a jumping off point for the color and materials palette in a project.
Personally, I find nature inspiring and a source of recharging. I love spending time near water, biking through lush environments, marveling at the natural environment around us. I also love exploring charming towns, engaging with the people, cuisine and lifestyle. It expands my point of view and feeds my ideas about different lifestyles, definition of quality living from other points of view and design.
SGS: What is a favorite space that you have designed?
AKD: Transforming an entire space, top to bottom, to create the biggest and longest lasting impact on functionally and style are my absolute favorites.
I live for full-service interior design projects where I’m involved from concept to completion. This includes all interior spaces including kitchens and bathrooms. I also really enjoy space planning … it’s a puzzle just waiting to be solved. Not to mention the final and most crucial personal touches to a full-service project that adds the polish and personality to the space.
The beauty of being a professional interior designer is that nearly every aspect – including all the technical details – make me excited each morning to start the day.
SGS: What advice do you have for young designers or artists just starting out?
AKD: First and foremost, get involved with your local ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and NKBA (Nation Kitchen and Bath Association) chapters now!
Getting involved with these organizations while in school was one of the best actions I took for my overall career as a designer. I became the Communications Director for our local ASID chapter when I graduated and was wonderfully surprised at how much this exposure and involvement would help build my reputation within my market.
Today this includes relationships with vendors whose knowledge are key to delivering the level of quality and service I strive for my clients, mentors who help me navigate through design and business challenges and willing to generously share their experiences and insight, publishers who featured my work early on and continue in helping me build my reputation and credibility within the industry, and remodelers and builders who refer me to new clients.
Photos courtesy Amy Krause Design
SGS: What is your approach to balancing beauty and function?
AKD: Good design is a balance of both beauty and function.
At the beginning of a project, I use questionnaires to assess both as a jumping off point for more in depth conversation. It is very important that I get to know who my clients are, what is important to them, how they use the space, and their likes and dislikes. To gain this insight requires quality communication. I also want to know how they want to feel and to experience their space as well as what the priorities and must haves are. We are a relatively small firm so we are selective with whom we work. The personal connection is key to our ability to translate our clients needs and wants into a design that will exceed their expectations.
SGS: What’s next for your business? Share something you would like the world to know about.
AKD: A recent and exciting development includes providing our clients with even better design options for their projects with our relationship with an exclusive, high quality cabinet manufacturer. Interior design is an investment in your home and life. Our goal is to exceed your expectation and create an incomparable result by offering the best possible products and design expertise.
Thank you Amy, for giving us the generosity of your time and insight to provide a view of your thoughtful approach to your work and projects.
Readers, I hope that you enjoyed this month’s designer spotlight with Amy Krause Design. If you would like to know more about Amy and her work please follow the link to her website: www.amykrausedesign.com
If you think you might want to work with Amy you can also go to her website and book a 15 minute discovery call or a 2 hour Hopes and Dreams session. Link to see details on her about page.
You can also follow her on Instagram @amykrausedesign
Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amykrausedesign
That’s a wrap!