Designer Series: Form and Function with Kristen Dena Design
Working with an interior designer can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. The key is finding someone who truly cares. Simple, right? Meeting Kristen Mullen of @kristendenadesign has made us a believer of a professional interior designer who, not only sticks to the budget, but someone who puts forth the importance of function and flow in a home. We did something a bit different this time – instead of giving Kristen two pieces to style, we gave her three and girl, did she deliver. Fun fact: she used to be an educator so we knew she’s a toughie and can handle a challenge. She’s a purveyor of making the space work based upon a person’s lifestyle and can be done so by simply being mindful of which furniture pieces and accents to design the space with. Take a look into Kristen’s way of creating spaces with form and function.
The Plan
Kristen takes on a large living room sectional and two occasional sets to demonstrate versatile multi-purpose furniture design.
The Prep
Style using a combination of Mor Furniture furniture accents, studio props and Kristen's very own personal accent decor pieces.
Set #1: Hansel Sectional
Kristen’s first set was the Hansel 4 Piece Sectional in Anello Charcoal. The Hansel is an ultra-contemporary collection featuring soft chenille fabric, low profile deep seating, customizable, and offers a level of comfort you could find if placed in a family room or theatre room. It currently comes in two different colors and is available as configurable sectionals, sofa, loveseat, chairs, and ottoman. Kristen styled the Hansel keeping in mind the space as intimate yet comfortable with an open flow. She kept it cozy by adding two Flax Swivel Chairs in Linen, the Boswell Coffee Table and End Table, the Granada Rug in Washed Ivory 8x10 for warmth, and the Wrenleigh Wall Art for size and statement. We loved how Kristen made the, typically large, Hansel sectional look and feel compact and extra homey. She finished off the look with light touches of accent décor with the Malthace Table Lamp and accent pillows perfectly placed in the corner sectional for a soft contrast. The versatility of this living room design can easily entertain a large party or settle in for an intimate gathering.
Set #2: Artisans Office Desk
The second set styled was the Artisans Office Desk in White. The spike of the work-from-home trend has forced all of us to combine our home space with our workspace. In the last couple of years, none of us really thought about designing a home office space for long term purpose. Here, Kristen highlights the value of creating such a space that doubles as a place of function and good design. The Artisans collection has a wide selection of occasional pieces ranging in different sizes and colors. Kristen chose the white office desk for a neutral base pairing it with the Bay Creek Side Chair, two Copley Accent Chair in Light Gray, the Essentials Rug 8x10, and the multifaceted Hamilton Media Console in Navy 63 inch. The great thing about all of the pieces Kristen handpicked for this design is that each item can be used and styled in different other ways depending on function and purpose.
Set #3: Stone Sofa Bar Table w/ Stools
The Result:
Lastly, the third piece styled features the Stone Sofa Bar Table & 3 Stools in Charcoal with USB and media outlet capabilities. The Stone dining collection has been an all-time customer-favorite which highlights an intricate and distinctive design, available in two other colors and ranges in size from large dining sets to compact sets catering to apartment-style small spaces. This set is yet another versatile piece that can be used for dining, living, or as a workstation. Kristen chose to style the Stone Sofa Bar Table & Stools in Charcoal as a casual and additional seating area in a living room setting conveniently placed behind the Cordoba Sofa in Linen and we absolutely love what she did with it. Some notable accents added are the Sonoma Rug in Ivory & Blue Natural 8x10, the Hogan Accent Ottoman in Sienna Leather, and the Spiro Wall Art. The result is a well-designed living room space fit for everyday living, working, and even dining in. The combination of pieces creates the perfect flow for a cozy living space.
Check out Kristen at @kristendenadesign for a closer look at an interior designer’s day-to-day, effective trends, tips and tricks, lifestyle, delicious recipes, and everything in between.
Kristen’s official website: https://kristendenadesign.com/