Getting to know your designers.
Since Mysa Home Design has recently grown, we thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce ourselves and do a Q&A to chat all things personal and design.
Lets Chat!
How do you know each other?
Fun fact: we are cousins! We both studied nursing, but design is our absolute passion and we look at each other all the time and say “this doesn’t even feel like work!”
What do you think makes you such a good team?
Amber: We have the same sense of style which is key. Kara will put together designs and I ogle over them like man that was good. We admire each other’s work which is really important.
Kara: Amber is so easy to work with. Our time spent designing together is so fun because we get to bounce ideas off of each other and we always have a built in sounding board to run things by. We’ve known each other our whole lives so we enjoy our time together and we can always be honest with each other.
Did you both always want to be designers?
Amber: I knew I loved design from a really early age. I used to rearrange my room as a child to keep things interesting and I loved looking at design magazines. I truly felt torn whether to pursue it as a career since I was also interested in the medical field. There were people in my life that built up nursing for the job stability factor, so I decided to go that route. I enjoyed my time as a nurse and had the privilege to be a part of so many people’s stories, but something always felt like it was missing. I always went back to design because that was what truly excited me. I feel like I finally get to live out my talents which is a great feeling.
Kara: I’ve always had a need for some sort of artistic outlet. I used to want to be a fashion designer so I would draw outfits and cut them out one by one to hang all over the walls of my room. As I grew up, I channeled that desire into other creative hobbies like knitting, scrapbooking, and sewing. It wasn’t until after college when I realized that interior design was the outlet that suited me best. Since we moved frequently, I loved getting to put our home together each time we went somewhere new. I started helping friends and family with their homes and soon I knew it was what I wanted to do as more than a hobby and so I started Mysa.
What are your individual design styles?
Amber: I really gravitate towards the “California Cool” style which is a mix of Bohemian, Scandinavian, and Mid-Century. This style feels organic, airy, minimalist, and relaxing. Think white walls, wood tones, and neutrals with pops of color.
Kara: I would say my style is very similar to Ambers. I love the focus on bright and airy and bringing the outside in. Think earth tones, natural elements like leather, wood, and linen, and curated yet casual finishes. I also like to focus on functionality because as a mom of little ones I know that a home is meant to be lived in and enjoyed.
What do you admire most about each other’s design work?
Amber: I think Kara could make a Motel 6 look good. She is so good at going into an already established space and accessorizing with what they have to make the space look great! She also does a great job at mixing budget friendly options with higher end items to give that beautiful, polished look while being budget conscious.
Kara: Amber is amazing at finding unexpected pieces that go with the style of the room and make it look so custom and high end. She comes up with designs that look straight out of a design magazine. She thinks outside of the box and comes up with the most beautiful spaces.
Share a favorite design tip.
Amber: paint your interior white. Just do it! You’ll never look back. One of my fatal flaws is I repaint our already white walls even whiter. It literally drives my husband crazy! Kara and I warn all of our clients we’re a big fan of white walls and by the end of it, we usually have them convinced and picking out a shade of white. It’s the best backdrop so your furnishings and accessories can stand out the most without things seeming too chaotic. It just has the cleanest, minimalist, vibrant look. But don’t get us wrong, we love a good pop of color in a built in or fireplace so we aren’t scared to go astray!
Also one more: Go “shopping” in your house when you need a refresh. I’ll swap items in different rooms so the space feels new. It feels like you redid the space but didn’t spend a dime. Win win.
Kara: Don’t be afraid to mix metals or use more than one wood finish. People tend to buy furniture in sets or they choose all of their hardware and lighting in one metal finish because they think mixed tones and finishes won’t look good. This can cause a room to look too matchy. Using different but cohesive colored wood, metals, and fabrics will make your room look custom and high end. It’s important to mix it up so that your room has personality and that designer feel.
Why should you hire us over other designers?
We once had a client tell us she hired us because we seemed the most approachable and we loved that! We are both busy moms who could literally eat, drink, and sleep design. Because of those two passions, we relate to those aiming for design on a reasonable budget. We also agree Target is the best store out there and love mixing high end items with more budget friendly options. Your home can be both luxurious and functional. The two can coexist to create a beautiful, magazine worthy space!