For some, the early stages of considering a remodel project can feel like a personal Indiana Jones adventure. Searching through the deep dark caves to find the legendary crystal skull, or in this case, a #NothingOrdinary kitchen, bath, or wherever space. Whatever your design dilemma, the Karr Bick family is here to help guide you along the way. Few people realize that home designers are all very different creatures. There’s a special skill set needed when it comes to home design. Some designers and builders are short on design skills and long on building expertise, while in many other cases, design talent and training doesn’t necessarily come with technical skills. While these professions revolve around home and building design, there remain some skills that necessitate the hiring of one over the other. Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath designers are masters of their home designing domain. Hiring Karr Bick ensures a smooth transition from dreams to reality. Here’s the how, why, and helpful distinguishing characteristics in the home design profession. Skills Karr Bick Designers Master: Space Planning Karr Bick designers are experienced in interior space planning and additions. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or adding a family room, our designers […]

This year has been unlike any other. With COVID-19 disrupting the lives of every single person, we were faced with new challenges, hardships, and obstacles to navigate. Along with this though, we had the opportunity to spend time with family, learn new lessons, and build up our resilience. This has truly been an unforgettable journey. In light of everything, we’ve taken the time to reflect on the joys this year brought us. February The biggest event in February for us was the Design STL’s Architect & Designer Awards, ADA Awards. Owner Todd won Best Millwork for the family’s home bar. Designer Wendy had 3 nominations in the final round, and won Best Powder Room. Designer Janelle was a finalist in two categories, Traditional Kitchen Greater than 300 sq ft. and Traditional Bathroom Greater than 150 sq ft.. We couldn’t be more proud of the amazing work our team has done! September To kick off the Fall season, we welcomed Ashley Willman Obradovits to the team and announced the launch of our new Interior Design department. Ashley, daughter of the late accomplished local designer, Sonja Willman (Summer House), is carrying on her mother’s legacy with her own touch. October The Karr […]

We have another paint collection for you! In the past, we’ve shared our designer’s favorite whites, neutrals, and blues. This time, the designers pulled together their favorite greens… and boy are they incredible! Known to bring a sense of renewal, peace, and growth, green is perfect for every space. Below, you’ll find some of our designer’s amazing greens. Designer Wendy’s Color Choices: When asked about her favorite greens, Designer Wendy immediately said, “Green tones are my favorite!!” Her picks are perfect to bring an earthy touch to any room. If used for cabinetry, Wendy suggests going with something that has a greyed out tone. Ben Moore- Soothing Green Farrow & Ball- Vert de Terre Sherwin Willams- Foxhall Green Designer Janelle’s Favorite Greens Designer Janelle’s green picks are truly #NothingOrdinary. Each bringing their own richness to spaces. Benjamin Moore’s “Dakota Shadow” is lovely to use on furniture, cabinets, or walls. Sherwin Williams “Roycroft Bottle Green” speaks of luxury. If you’re looking for the perfect sage green, Farrow & Ball’s “Calke Green” is the pick for you. Farrow & Ball- Calke Green Benjamin Moore- Dakota Shadow Sherwin Williams- Roycroft Bottle Green Designer Deb’s Picks: When it comes to Designer Deb’s favorites, there’s […]

We are back with our ever so popular paint collection series! In the past, we’ve shared our designer’s favorites for both whites and neutrals. Recently, we’ve been sharing color inspiration and how you can start a colorful remodel journey yourself. To pair all these ideas together, we want to share some of our designer’s top blue picks. The color blue is known for adding a sense of peace and calmness. Below, you’ll find some of our designer’s beautiful blues. Owner Jenny’s Go-To Colors: To begin, Owner Jenny picked hues of blue that would make any heart sing. With hints of gray and green, these colors were popular among all the designers. Each of these would look great in any space. Sherwin Williams- Gale Force Benjamin Moore- Silver Gray PPG- Silent Night Designer Wendy’s Color Choices: Secondly, Designer Wendy tends to like her blues really light or extremely dark. Her favorites have a slight hint of green in them which brings an additional sense of calmness to the space. These amazing blues are always easy on the eyes. Benjamin Moore- Brittany Blue Benjamin Moore- Hale Navy Benjamin Moore- Water’s Edge Designer Janelle’s Favorite Blues: Lastly, Designer Janelle picked some beautiful and […]

“Just Do What You Do…” – Homeowner Julie Portman A designer’s dream is when a client trusts their vision. Trust is believing the designer and jumping on board with their vision and advice. Especially when that vision involves happy color everywhere! This project is for a beautiful century-old Tudor home that is abundant in natural charm and graceful architecture. Such a fun palette to work with. As is usually the case with old homes, the bathrooms are outdated and need some 21st century Karr Bick talent and love.   The attic bathroom is for a young girl who is passionate about life and dance. She is excited for her charming little bathroom to be expanded and made cheerful with pink touches; pink cabinetry and pink penny dot tile on the wall behind the free-standing tub (which is everyone’s bathroom dream). All sitting cheerfully on grayish taupey flower porcelain tiles. The pink cabinetry will extend to a framed wainscot mirror that frames 3 precious wall sconces that hearken to historic industrial architectural days. It’s the bathroom every young girl wishes they had in their life.     The boy’s bathroom is for a young, energetic, hockey loving boy and will also […]

“Every once in a while I take a giant step outside my normal confined “kitchen/bath lady” role. I agree to take on a project that includes an entire renovation from top to bottom. That means window selection, HVAC discussions, fighting for old doors to be used and dreaming of details that would do justice to a home. The thing that these projects all have in common is not what you might think. The thread that ties them all together is the people. Really dang good people. If you have been on a journey like this with me it’s because I really like you. I also at some point along the way have fallen deeply in love with your home. I am fully invested in its happiness. These pictures were taken yesterday. The day before move-in day. It’s one of my favorite days to be on site, listening to the panicked scramble and hustle and bustle. So much happens in this day. Lights get hung, paint gets a final coat and door hardware finds it’s home. I get asked a million questions about Where? How? When? and I love to make those quick decisions that keep it all moving. It’s where […]

I’m a sucker for a good quote. The ability to sum up an idea or concept succinctly is a very compelling thing. Words are powerful. String the right words together and they have the ability to heal, to hurt, to motivate and turn something on inside the soul. To me the digestion of words is therapy. When I just can’t, words help me do. They help organize my thoughts and emotions and motivate me to act. I have collected a few insanely well-written sentences and included my not so dynamic ramblings about why they are fuel to me. “Creativity is a highfalutin word for the work I have to do between now and Tuesday.” –Ray Kroc I am often thought of as a “creative”. What does that even mean? On most days I feel like Ray Kroc hit the nail on the head. Plus, I like that really successful people use the word “highfalutin”. “Leave it better than you found it.” –Bruce A. Nordstrom This is a dang good way to allow yourself room to breathe. The redesign of a room can be rather suffocating at the start. The expectations of what you can and need to do can out […]

It is my belief that the “Craftsman” is becoming an endangered species. A nose to the grindstone, unassuming species, adorned with tool belts slung across their shoulders or hung around their waists, their name is “Craftsmen.” By nature, they are accommodating and analytical, and they produce highly precise and accurate work; but they have been hunted to near extinction by an aggressive and unhappy race of new consumers. Now they can be found wandering around alongside the giant panda, the Grus Americana whooping crane, and other endangered species. A person of this species is highly skilled at working in the manual arts and is motivated by the mastery of his trade. He is an artisan with distinctive, technical, tireless skill. He builds the infrastructure of our daily lives through the trades which include electrical, mechanical, framing, HVAC, finish carpentry, stone masonry, plumbing, and more. We believe these are jobs and people we must value. Let’s get to the “how do you kill them” part. To kill a craftsman, you’ve gotta hit ‘em where it counts. A true craftsman is highly skilled and innovative. He puts his soul into everything he touches. He deserves our respect. So, load your ammo and […]

A kitchen can be filled with beautiful cabinets, countertops and decorative accoutrements, but if the layout and space don't work well, it's not an effective design. In kitchens, more than any other room, a good space plan is critical. The most efficiently designed kitchens are focused around a “work triangle”.