Blankenship Design

We met early during construction of our 4,000 sq foot loft to discuss what we were looking for in our new home. It was important to show a bit more of our personality and that of our 3 kids - colorful, comfortable and creative. We weren’t really sure if Karen could get it since none of her previous work was like that. She came back with options we really liked and we continued to develop the scheme. The big starting point was our large sofa, which was all white that we loved but was from our time before kids. Karen found a warm orange fabric and had it reupholstered, and that’s kind of where it really took off. We came to realize that custom furniture would be the way to go for some of the other large pieces, so she brought in a furniture maker and together we created the dining table and chairs as well as the bed. That said she also found wonderful older pieced in stores and online that we have. Everything from little wooden children's chairs to a bathroom mirror on ebay. Throughout the process we kept saying how everything needed to be fun or quirky, and Karen totally got it. It comes through in the kids room with the hanging chair and the brightly patterned rug and bean bags, as well as the custom wallpaper with our Chinese zodiac signs as silhouette portraits (and our cats!). Nothing is matchy-matchy. She found some unusual pieces in antique shops, like the rusted steel file cabinets that became side tables. I think it all came together nicely to reflect who we are and how we live. Karen is flexible, positive, with a great eye and can, I think, work with any clients specific style She is GREAT with color. Our apartments while basically white, has pink, green, yellow, and orange accent colors through out. Surprises like pink inside a closet, or turquoise inside a cabinet. She also was wonderful with combinations for pillows. We have LOTS of pillows. She is great.

Karen was extremely helpful in helping me figure out how to coordinate the space, color, and existing furniture in my apartment. She brought in great ideas for using color in my dining room making the best use of the double picture-frame moldings detailed ceiling. Karen also helped me customize the colors for the Flavor Paper Brooklyn Toile wallpaper in my powder room.

We have worked with Blankenship Design on several residential projects including townhouses, lofts, and apartments. Every collaboration has been seamless. Karen is a pleasure to work with, brings impeccable taste and perfectionism to every aspect of the design.