A Happy, Eclectic Transformation: Kristin’s Living Room Redesign
This month a new magazine article about LK Design came out in Durham magazine. It’s an honor to be included, and we’re excited to share some highlights below.
At LK Design, we believe every space should reflect the personality and energy of the people who live in it. So when executive coach Kristin Baker came to us with a vision for her living room, we knew it had to be a space filled with warmth, balance, and vibrancy.
Kristin and her family moved into their South Durham home in 2017, but the asymmetry of the living room always felt “off” to her. The focal wall had both a fireplace and a single window, which she felt disrupted the room’s flow. “It wasn’t balanced,” she shared. “The window felt like you needed another window.” As someone who helps clients set and achieve goals, she decided it was time to take on one of her own: redesigning the space to create a more cohesive, joyful atmosphere.
After researching local designers, Kristin discovered Laura Koshel, our principal designer here at LK Design, who has been consistently recognized as a readers’ favorite in Durham Magazine’s Best of Durham poll. Together, they crafted a plan to reimagine the space while maintaining its openness and charm.
“Her style is #HappyEclectic,” Laura says with a smile. “She has a bright personality, and we needed to reflect that in her interiors – that there’s a happiness here.”
To enhance symmetry and maximize functionality, Laura suggested defining the fireplace wall with vertical molding rather than installing bulky built-ins. The existing fireplace design was complemented by floating shelves and sleek, shallow cabinets for added storage without overwhelming the room. The finishing touches? Jewel tones, bold wallpaper adorned with watercolor roses, and a thoughtfully curated mix of textures and colors that truly brought Kristin’s personality into the space.
“It’s like an act of self-love,” Kristin says. “You deserve to have a beautiful living room. We look at that room every day, and we say, ‘I freakin’ love this.”
We love it too! Kristin’s space is a perfect example of how small design changes can make a big impact, and we’re so thrilled to have been part of her journey.
Read the full article in Durham Magazine’s April/May 2025 issue here.
See more photos of this living room here.
