You know your a designer when.....

The past few days, I have been a busy bee, baking trays of holiday goodies! Most people buy a tin, box up the cookies and baked deliciousness, and wish their families and friends, a happy holiday. My inner designer will not allow for that. I have to design and put together choreographed, pretty, eye catching trays! Plus, a few moments of extra preparation goes a long way towards presentation!

Holiday Adoo....Just for two!

After decking the halls, dressing the walls, and buying gifts for the "smalls", don't forget to relax, unwind and dine a deaux! Happy Holidays to YOU!

Holiday Entertaining

Does the hustle and bustle of the holiday's have you running ragged? With the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking, the baking, let alone the entertaining! Well, don't let the entertaining stress you out! Good times with family and friends are priceless, especially this time of the year! A few dollars and simple steps, can create a beautiful atmosphere and entertaining ease! This table scape was created for the BUDGET FRIENDLY price of $20! AND......It only took 20 minutes to assemble! Festive, fun and fast!

A great gift idea!

Searching for the perfect gift? Want something specific, individual and all encompassing of the gift's recipient? Here's a shopping hint! What about the gift of DESIGN & ART!!!!!!

Kat "eyes" and constructs a WINDOW SEAT!

I have always loved window seats! They add such a touch of warmth and coziness to a room. Having mastered the nail gun, I was eager to try my hand at more carpentry projects (Larry is still hording the power tools -LOL!) Thus, when I saw this space, not only could I envision the finished room, but I did so, with the window seat I was longing to build! Quite pleased with the finsihed product! Photo appears courtesy of FREEDOM CHIC PRODUCTIONS

The Audition......

Under the influence...of Superhero's

Growing up, my brother loved Batman and the superhero's. My beloved nephew also loves Batman and Spidey. My godson, however, loves the Power Rangers. When he asked me which superhero I would "like to be", I said a TRANSFORMER, because, as a designer, that is what I do best! I used my design "superpowers" to transform an old radio cabinet into a sleek, elegant sideboard, for the low cost of $50! Photo appears courtesy of Freedom Chic Productions

Designer Kat's Tour of HGTV's URBAN OASIS

Today, I got to be a guest of HGTV and tour their Vern Yip designed, Urban Oasis. Located in Trump Towers, in the heart of downtown Chicago. The views and the space are pretty spectacular!

Upholstry-PALOOOOOZA!

Being the bargain shopper that I am, I stopped dead in my tracks, when I found two DREXEL chairs for the bargain basement, budget friendly price of $10 dollars! I was giddy! Granted, the chairs needed some updating, but I was armed with my staple gun and happened to have the perfect paint and fabric on hand! I could not be more thrilled with the turnout!

Designer Kat's Latest Movie!

Design Star......It's ON

I swore I was NOT going to audition again for Design Star. I know that on each audition, I put forth my best effort. I just figured it wasn't meant to be. Then, I get the email with the paperwork and low and behold, I am at it again! Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so armed with my new mantra, here I go again!

To the top of the class!

While at an estate sale this past weekend, I stumbled across a piece of furniture, that I just couldn't walk past. Was it a chair?????? Was it a desk????? I finally decided that it was just plain interesting and decided I had to transform it! I love taking pieces that are irrelevant and outdated and giving them a whole new life! This lil gem is no longer hiding - she is showing of her sanded, refinished legs, freshly painted body and sleek new modern cushions! She is now ready to take her place, in the FRONT of the class!

A Summer Compilation

"Brennie's Toy Story"

My beloved "nephew" Brennie loves "Toy Story" and Star Wars. When it came time to design a room for him, I struggled with how to incorporate such different genre's, into a small space. Then, inspiration struck! Instead of choosing one or the other, I would make this space Brennie's own personal toy story, which would allow for all of it to co-exist! Thankfully, Buzz, Woody, Mr. Potato Head and the entire "Toy Story" gang are adjusting nicely to sharing a space with Luke, Chewie, C3po and R2d2! LOL!!! Photo appears courtesy of Freedom Chic Productions

A Pre-Tween's Twilight Garden

How do you design a room around an 8 year old, who is "8 going on 18"??? You incorporate her love of all things girlie, yet add an air of sophistication she can grow into! Photo appears courtesy of Freedom Chic Productions.

A night with an HGTV star!

Tonight, I got to attend Vecco Design's Studio's launch of their new paintable carpets. All I can say is what a cool product! They have templates and custom colors to create a rug with your own imprint! In addition, I got to meet HGTV's Monica Pederson! Monica was very charming, friendly and gave a great demonstration of this super cool new product!

NEO CON - 2011

Neo Con kicked off yesterday in a spectacular fashion! From color, paint, textiles, furnishings, office, ergo, green, commercial and healthcare design, it was all there in fine form. Almost to the point of overstimulation of my design imagination! I put together a movie of some of the highlights!

Designer Kat's Eye for Design is now on Thumbtack!

In addition to Facebook, maintaining a website and linked in, DESIGNING & STAGING, writing a blog, and various advertising campaigns, DESIGNER KAT'S EYE FOR DESIGN is now listed on thumbtack! Be sure to check us out (and feel free to say nice, glowing things about us :) Check out the link!!!

Interior Design, Decorating & Real Estate Staging

by Designer Kat's Eye for Design

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AMEN to the AFTER!!!!

Here are the complete BEFORE and AFTER pictures of the transformation of "Horder House" into a beautiful, HABITABLE home! Again, my THANKS to FREEDOM CHIC PRODUCTIONS for the wonderful pictures!

Bath Beautification Project

I am so drawn to the glamour of Old Hollywood and the elegance of vintage. Thus, this job truly reflects my own taste and personal style. My THANKS to Freedom Chic Photography for another set of spectacular photos!

From Hoarded to HABITABLE!

Check out the FABULOUS photo's by FREEDOM CHIC PHOTOGRAPHY of my latest design work!

"Cooking Up" Another Set Design

My THANKS to the very talented MICHAEL ROTHMAN, for indulging me and allowing me to create this set! There is a rumor floating around that Designer Kat can't cook! I beg to differ! Just look at the photographic evidence! LOL!!!!
Photo appears courtesy of Michael Rothman photography

My new flyer!

You would think that making a new business flyer would be a fun project, esp. for a creative type like me. However, having to choose one of my designs, out of the vast multitude, would be like asking a parent to choose a favorite child! After much deliberation and careful thought, I came up with a solution. I chose the design that best matched the colors I used in the flyer! LOL!!! Check it out & feel free to pass the flyer along to anyone in need of a DESIGNER/DECORATOR/STAGER or SET DESIGNER!

The "Ugly Duckling" of Baths, becomes a BEAUTY!

Renovating this bathroom, was NOOOOO small feat. Before we could even start the renovation process, we had to clear out floor to celing junk, and scub down every inch of the space. We had to entirely rip out and rebuild the floor, re-wire the electric, replace the toilet, mirror, vanity, sink - basically, we tore out everything that was there! But, for all that hard work, time, efforts and money spent, the neglected "little duckling" became a BEAUTY!!!!

Add Carpentry to the CAN DO List!

Today, I experienced a first!!! With out the aid or instruction of my contractor, I installed carpet....on a staircase nonetheless! Not only was I able to do this myself, with no training, instruction or experience, it actually came out great! What a sense of accomplishment! The dreary staircase now looks vibrant and refreshed! I am so proud of what I was able to do!!!!!!

The bath gets foxy...with help from EPOXY!

As I have previously mentioned, Horder house needed MAJOR work!!! The bathroom was no exception! We scrubbed, we painted, we are changing fixtures, the works! The original bathtub was the least offensive thing in the room...but it had one small caveat -it was Barbie pink! Now, Barbie pink is fine for a 6 year old girl, but let's just say that color did not work with design plan! I bought tub epoxy (and almost knocked myself out due to the fumes! LOL!) But, let me tell you it was worth it. The tub now looks brand new. Total cost for this brand "new" tub....$12.00

Sneak a Peek @ Horder House!

When I took on the job at Horder House, I knew it was no small job, but I was ready and eager for the challenge. What I did not expect however, was the laundry list of problems we would encounter, during this cleanup and remodel. It basically turned into a TOTAL GUT REHAB! While work is still on-going, here is a little sneak peak, into where the majority of my time, efforts, creativity and labor have been going into. When the job is finished, I will post complete before and after pictures, so stay tuned!!!!!

Perfecting Pandora....

The set design for the Pandora's Box Runway Experience is shaping up to be spectacular! This show will be like nothing else of it's kind! We are working hard to create visually stunning sets, imagery and an awesome, one of a kind show experience! It is so much fun to do work that I love and to be surrounded by enthisiastic, creative people!

Workin Overtime!

It's probably a good thing I don't sleep much! I have been working my rear end off lately!!! What started as a "lipstick design job" has turned into a major gut and remodeling project. The space had been occupied by a horder and was left in dire need of repair. Not only have I had to be designer, I have had to be painter, architect, project manager, property liason...just to name a few of the hats!! As intense as it has been, the project is really starting to take shape. I turned trashed, into TREASURE!!!! I am exhausted, but proud!!!! As soon as the project is completed, I look forward to posting before and after pictures!

EXCITED to announce...........

I have been named SET DESIGNER for the PANDORA'S BOX FASHION EXPERRIENCE! This will be a fashion/design experience like no other!!!!!!! It will be FABULOSITY at it's FINEST! Sharp visual imagery, vast creativity, imagination and GREAT DESIGN!!!!! Additionally, all proceeds from the evening will benefit At-Risk Youth!!! So thrilled to be a part of this & so grateful to Beau Ideal, Kate Johnson and KC Child!!!!

Speaking of Facebook......

On Facebook, Ok, dumb question! EVERYONE is on Facebook these days!!!! Next time you log on to update your status, post pictures, or chat with friends, please stop by and check us out! I would really LOVE it if you "LIKE" my page!!!!! Plus, Facebook fans of DESIGNER KAT'S EYE FOR DESIGN, get the first look at all the exciting design projects we have in the works!!!! Scroll on over to that page "LIKE" button and stay in the loop!!! Photo appears courtesy of Michael Rothman Photography

SET DESIGN - "The Engagement"

What a fun job!!!! Designing the interior and sets for the "Engagement Shoot"!!! What is in store for the newly engaged twosome????? You will have to keep your "Eye" on my designs to find out!!!!!! Stay tuned to my blog and facebook pages!!!!! Photo's appear courtesy of KC CHILD PRODUCTIONS!