Posts Tagged ‘interior design tulsa’

‘Tis the Season for Giving: How Our Team Shares Their Time and Love

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‘Tis the Season for Giving: How Our Team Shares Their Time and Love

Our team at K|D has been gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year! It’s not just about festive decorations (which we love!); it’s about spreading joy and giving back to our communities. In the spirit of Christmas, we want to share some heartwarming ways our staff gives their time and love during the holiday season.

We asked our team members how they contribute, whether financially or with their precious time, to make a difference in the lives of others. Their responses were inspiring, ranging from volunteering at local organizations in Tulsa to donating coats and gifts to families in need.

Here are some of our team’s favorite giving ideas:

  • Set up a giving tree at kids’ school to buy Christmas gifts for kids in need
  • Give to a borrower through KivaMake a loan, change a life
  • Partner and volunteer with John 3:16 Mission
  • Make gift sacks with food, socks, hats, gloves, hot hand warmers, and scarfs for the homeless community in Tulsa
  • Sponsor a foster child
  • Volunteer with Tulsa Dream Center
  • Give financially to help local families in need
  • Volunteering at a homeless shelter to serve hot meals
  • Coats for KidsNow taking donations!

Holiday Gift Guides

In addition to giving their time, our Kirkendall Design team also has some great last-minute gift ideas to share. Keep scrolling for thoughtful and unique gifts for your loved ones!

Gift Guide for Her

 

Gift Guide for Him

Gift Guide for Kids/Baby

Shop All Gift Guides Here

We hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of your holidays with loved ones and make a difference in your community this December. Merry Christmas from the K|D staff!

 

Telling Your Story Through Interior Design

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Telling Your Story Through Interior Design

Bright and open living and dining room, luxury interior design by Kirkendall Design

If you’ve been a part of the Kirkendall Design community for any length of time, you will know that we firmly uphold the belief that great interior design should tell your unique story.

Our mission is to highlight those special moments within your home, designing it in a way that simplifies your life while creating spaces that are not only luxurious but also highly functional for you.

Luxury Interior Design with Purpose

We are passionate about knowing where you’ve been, what you’ve experienced, and what holds meaning to you. Whether it’s a piece of art you’ve collected or an antique with its own story, we aim to incorporate these cherished elements into the design. This way, your memories become an integral part of your home, and it’s more than just a magazine-worthy picture.

The Best of Both Worlds

Our Furniture & Styling service seamlessly combines your most precious and meaningful pieces with high end, luxury furnishings that complete the overall design of your home. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or transform your entire home, our team is committed to delivering exceptional results tailored to your style and preferences. We will take care of everything, from sourcing and procuring all the necessary furniture and decor to handling the installation. You can sit back and relax while we work our magic, resulting in a beautifully styled and livable space that you’ll love.

Our Furniture & Styling Service Includes:

  • Paint or wall covering selections
  • Carpet, tile, or other flooring options
  • Lighting selections
  • Hardware selections
  • Countertop selections
  • Space plans
  • Sourcing furniture + decor
  • Expert project management
  • Procurement of luxury furnishings + decor
  • Installation of furnishings + decor

We invite you to take the next step with us and explore how our Furniture & Styling interior design services in Tulsa, OK can help transform your space into a reflection of your unique story. Contact us today to schedule your free discovery call and take the next step toward a more luxurious and inviting living space.

Submit a design request to get started.

10 Timeless Accessories You Should Add To Your Home

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The holidays are over and the decorations are all put away (or will be soon!) and your house feels a little blah, right? Understandable. January is always a month we want to give our interiors a little refresh. So, let’s talk about my favorite way to do this with accessories.  I’m willing to bet you already have quite a few of these.
1) Conversational Pieces
The best accessories are the ones that define your own personal style and tell the story of you and your family. Using decorative pieces that have been passed down through a family for generations can add a unique and personal touch to a space. These items often have a rich history and sentimental value, which can make them great conversation starters when people see them displayed in a home.
Pro tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have any family heirlooms.  Explore estate sales and flea markets for unique conversational pieces that have interesting histories or uses. As a rule of thumb, if you come across an item that you are drawn to, consider it a keeper.
This vintage horse head lighter and antique ashtray are great conversational pieces.
2) Vase or Bowl
Vases can be filled with fresh flowers to add a pop of color and bring life to a space, or they can be left empty as a statement piece. Bowls can be used to hold fruit, serve as a catchall for keys and other small items, or simply be displayed as a decorative element. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and materials for a cohesive yet eclectic look. Grouping vases and bowls together can also make for a visually interesting display. When decorating with vases and bowls, consider the style of the room and choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic.
Large wooden bowl with fresh flowers adds a decorative touch to this cream colored kitchen with green granite countertops
White vase with gold stand filled with fresh flowers sits on a mid century modern console
3) Small Art
Perhaps you have an artist in your family (lucky you!) but if not a great place to find art and make it memorable is to pick up pieces along your travels. It doesn’t even have to be a large piece. Get in the habit of picking up little 8x10s when you travel. They can be unframed prints or canvases and they make great little pieces to prop up in bookshelves to add texture and color.
 

Floating gold shelves and gold-framed art displayed above a black and gray bar station

4) Table Top Pieces
Every family has that one dish that is always used when a certain recipe is served. Maybe it’s the family turkey platter. Why not make it a display piece? Sometimes that platter can sit up in your kitchen and become an accessory rather than be stored in a cabinet only to be used once a year. Rethinking these pieces as accessories gives them a whole new purpose.
Table top pieces like cutting board and fruit platter are displayed in large white kitchens with tall cabinets
5) Cookie Jar
Special treats are naturally going to elicit special memories. My aunt has a large commercial sized mayonnaise jar that she always stores her homemade cookies and treats in. It’s nothing special, yet it’s still proudly displayed in her beautiful kitchen. These are things that are more sentimental. You can buy accessories anywhere, but using things that mean something to you makes your house a home.
6) Books
With more and more people switching to Kindles and reading on their iPads, book purchases have been on the decline. As a result, we’ve been seeing fewer books in people’s homes. But I’ve noticed a trend of people starting to buy books again, and I’m really happy about it. I think having actual books, even cookbooks, can add such a personal touch to a home. We often put a couple of really pretty cookbooks on the kitchen shelf when we’re styling a space. It fills it up nicely, adds some color, and gives a sense of the homeowners’ interests or travels.
Pretty books and decorate box sit on top of a gold rimmed glass coffee table
7) Handmade Items
Handmade items often have a special meaning or story behind them and make a meaningful addition to your home.  I have many beloved items in my home – one of them being a pig-shaped cutting board that my husband made as Christmas gifts for us and our siblings when we were newly married. Most of our siblings still display them in their kitchens. Recently, I visited a client’s home and saw that she had a similar pig-shaped cutting board. She told me that it was her most treasured item in her kitchen because it was so unique and well-loved. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community. There are many ways to find great handmade home accessories. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community.  Local markets and art crawls are a great place to start, as you can often meet the makers in person and learn about their process and techniques. Online marketplaces and social media platforms, like Etsy and Instagram, are also excellent sources for finding handmade items.
8) Picture Frames
Picture frames are a great and personal accessory! I don’t know about you but I sometimes get tired of seeing the same frame and image sitting there. So, I have a box filled with framed pictures and I rotate them with each season or sometimes each holiday. It’s fun because my family enjoys them more that way, too. Even my two-year old granddaughter recognized her uncle from his senior picture–how fun is that? Printing pictures anymore is a novelty, so don’t forget to print your pictures and display those memories.
9) Blanket/Throw
A few months ago we were styling a client’s whiskey room and it was just missing something. Everything was dark, with clean, modern lines and so we added a soft throw over a leather chair and that was it! The texture and softness was exactly what the room needed to pop. We all use blankets so why not make them part of your decor?
Cream colored blanket is draped on the arm of a leather chair in sitting room with fireplace
10) Family Clock
This may be showing the old-fashioned Julia, but for years (during our grandparents’ generation) clocks were frequently given as gifts–perhaps for a wedding, anniversary or retirement. Sometimes they were mantle clocks or brass clocks under a glass cachet or even pocket watches. When I can find a clock in a client’s home I always use it. It’s just a great reminder of how precious time truly is.

Double Duty: Reimagining the Home Office

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Being an interior designer means you have to have excellent detective skills. Why? As designers, our job is to understand human behavior and figure out how people want to live; Then we create designs for that lifestyle. And, let me tell you, previous living patterns are constantly being rerouted to center around new environments within the home. Case in point: the home office.
For a long time, the communications center was the big trend. You walk in the door, drop your things down, and there’s a built-in desk with the computer and family calendar right in the kitchen. We aren’t seeing that as much now. People want a dedicated office space where you can actually WORK–imagine that! So, let’s take a look at what this space needs to function at its best…
A Multi-Purpose Space

The past decade or more has been defined by open concept living. But, now people are finding they need little spaces within the home to…well, get away from everyone! Whether it’s a place to pay bills, take a phone call, or work on homework, people need quiet workspaces. Sorry, Dad, the home office is now the family office. People simply don’t want to give up that much square footage in their house for a separate room for each of these tasks so you really need a space where all of these activities can happen. Essentially, a landing spot for working. One of my favorite ways to offer the most flexibility within the room is to opt for a table as a workstation rather than a traditional desk. Even better if you can either float the table in the room or have it coming out from one wall so you can get chairs on more than one side. This opens up multiple workstations so, for example, you can be working on your laptop while your child is doing homework across from you. This typically allows for a larger work surface–perfect for school crafts or assembling holiday cards!

Well Equipped

In order for a home office to function well in today’s day and age you need to make sure you have the right equipment. At the top of that equipment list is…you guessed it, the Internet! Connectivity is key. If your router isn’t located in this room and you are not able to get a strong signal, then you simply add a booster. I love Google Boosters and am often surprised how many people don’t know about them–you don’t need an AV guy, just add a booster and you’re set! When the weather is nice the last thing I want to do is be stuck inside my home office. I’ll often take my laptop to the patio, so I added a booster out there–and voila! Working from home is almost like being on vacation….well, almost.
Another must-have item is the wireless printer. If you don’t have one of these already, the next printer you buy should be wireless. It can be easily hidden away in a cabinet or closet and accessed only when you need it. This saves you from unsightly cords and yet another thing on your desk to dust and keep clean.

Work, But Make It Pretty

Office spaces tend to be smaller spaces so, like a powder room, we see it as a chance to do something a little bit more impactful and daring. Perhaps you want to use a color in this room or wallpaper. You don’t have to commit to painting or wallpapering the entire room, believe it or not accent walls are making a comeback—hello, ‘90s!

If you are painting woodwork, be careful to select a color you are NOT using in the kitchen otherwise you will feel like you’re still in the kitchen! Either paint cabinetry and trim the wall color or a new accent color to give this room its own signature.


Mix It Up

It’s perfectly OK to wear a shirt from Target and carry a Gucci bag. We are all about that at Kirkendall Design! So, why not do the same in your home? Mixing and matching styles and eras helps create fresh interiors that celebrate the past, present and future of design. Maybe you love your grandmother’s vintage dining table–use that as your desk! Top it with a lamp from Target and spend money on your rug and fabric to upholster a pair of chairs for either side of the work table. Try to reimagine spaces so they can incorporate things that have meaning to you and that will make the space uniquely yours.

Always look for unexpected material combinations that are intentionally collected. In other words, don’t just go buy the office suite of furniture from Mathis Brothers! When we design for longevity and create spaces that are ambiguous in era they stand the test of time so they may be passed down for generations to come.



Find Your Inspiration

People are pushing back against hustle culture, and rightfully so. As a result, rest and wellness is at the center of each design decision I make. Creating common spaces and peaceful vignettes within the home of our clients helps us tell the story of where people have been and where they are going.

All this gives us a sense of purpose and serves as a huge source of encouragement–especially important in a room where we may be doing something rather uninspiring to begin with (ahem, paying bills). I always try to incorporate a reminder of the past, present and future–this could be an object, a photograph, or even a piece of furniture. It causes us to remember where we are from and who got us here, not to mention who you are working for and where you are going. What could be more motivating than that?

Room For Improvement: The Most Impactful Home Improvement

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Room For Improvement: The Most Impactful Home Improvement

 

kitchen renovation in tulsa, oklahoma by Kirkendall Design

In the previous blog, we covered our most requested home improvement and interior design service among homeowners in Tulsa. Today, we’re going to focus on what home home improvement project will have the largest impact and return on investment (ROI). It’s a question we get a lot, and while the answer can vary depending on the specific house, we believe there is one clear winner.
Most Impactful Home Improvement
Once gain, it’s the kitchen. The reason is simple: everyone is impacted by the kitchen.
The primary bathroom is another popular area to improve for a return on investment, but really only two people benefit from that space. The kitchen is where all the action happens.
Whether it’s to improve the quality of food or the quality of entertainment, money spent in the kitchen is money well spent.

Splurge
How you cook depends on what area you’ll want to spend the most money on in your kitchen, however, it’s always a good idea to spend money on your countertops. They will last a lifetime and make a big impact.
If you’re an avid home chef, you will want to upgrade your appliances. Lucky for us, the way they are producing appliances now is really impressive! We were genuinely excited about how this kitchen renovation turned out, especially when it came to the refrigerator. Our interior design team nailed it with the sleek black interior and cool illuminated display. It not only made the space more functional but also added a touch of class and modern vibes. Our dedication to infusing practicality with style is what sets our kitchen interior design projects apart.

If you like a well-stocked and organized refrigerator, then you likely will want to invest in high-end refrigeration. Fridge and freezer drawers are a great option for extra storage, too, and they can be fully customized to suit your needs. Entertain a lot? Consider adding a second dishwasher. Love to bake? Then you may want to invest in a Wolf range.
A myth to bust is that all appliances have to come from the same manufacturer. No! Choose what meets your needs. Most have their niche anyway, so choose to spend your money where you want the most performance.
Of course I can’t write this blog without mentioning that most of these appliances are six to nine months out, so keep that in mind. The time to start planning (and ordering!) is now.
Save
On the flip side, if you need to save on appliances, I would look at a package. Sometimes a manufacturer will offer you a rebate or free appliance if you buy a whole suite from their brand.
People also don’t realize how much of an impact changing your backsplash can make. Maybe you can’t afford to replace the countertops, but often times a simple change of the backsplash can give your room an entirely different design.
While painting cabinets is not easy, nor is it cheap, it is definitely less expensive than replacing cabinetry. You can also consider keeping the cabinetry frames and replacing the style of door and drawer fronts to give your room a new look.  And, of course, painting the walls can dramatically change any room.
The kitchen is a room where order and organization are key – both for visual appeal and functionality.  A quick order from The Container Store can help bring your kitchen up to par in both respects. With so many cool bins and tools available, you’re sure to find what you need to get your space in tip-top shape.
Make sure you don’t miss the third and final installment of this series where I’ll be sharing my favorite home improvement project (spoiler alert: it’s not the kitchen!).