DESIGN PROJECT: CORGI DRIVE RESIDENCE

DESIGN PROJECT LOCATION: SIMPSONVILLE, SC

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO: KCL-IDESIGN, LLC

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER: KIMBERLY C. LYONS

PROJECT GOAL: HALLWAY FEATURING MINIMALISM

PROJECT OUTCOME: Incorporate the perfect amount of color, decor, and artwork, which gives way to a cohesive and stylish hallway.

Have you ever heard the phrase "less is more" when dealing with interior design? If not, the term minimalism may not be a familiar subject or topic for some. Whether or not it is, I will state and acknowledge that it has been around for a while now, and it is trendy among individuals who desire to live only with their most needed necessities. While I will not get too in-depth with the fundamentals behind the style and how it originated, I did have a chance to incorporate it within a client's home. The most exciting part is applying it within one of my favorite areas: a landing. I am obsessed with this type of space and usually call it an extension. And I have one in my home, and they add so much character and appeal to a stairway.

Over the years, I always told myself I would not buy a house without stairs and a landing, and I still feel the same way. However, I love this dynamic duo even more because both can create a subtle focal point, whether they start at the top or halfway down—commonly known as a bonus room, a sitting nook, a home office, an exercise, or a craft area when spacious enough.

Moreover, when it came to redesigning a client's space, it was an excellent opportunity to feature bold artwork and simple decorative objects while dealing with limited space. Believe it or not, everything in the area the client already owned. Not knowing what to do with it before hiring a designer (yippee – me), everything was going to a thrift store or given to her friends. Then, one day, both of us were looking for something in the client's garage, and I came across the console table and mirror combo, but the most fantastic part was the light fixture. The client picked it up for $3.00. I was excited to put this stylish piece in place.

OMG, my creative juices kicked in when I saw all these objects. I felt like a crazed woman in a shoe store. What makes the icing on the cake sweeter? The only item purchased for this newly designed space was the red vase.

Design Tip: Sometimes, all it takes to create an aesthetically pleasing interior is using what is already in a home.