Kari Vander Plaats

This week we wanted to give you a peak into the inspiration of our latest DesignIt 2012 contestant, Kari.  Be sure to check out her photo on Facebook and Like and Share in order to vote for her.

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around? 

There were so many pieces that I loved in Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring, so it was hard for me to decide on just one room design.  I chose to do an office/conference room design because I wanted to design something different than others in previous weeks had done.  Also, I thought that customers would get a good feel for what a home office or a conference room for a business could look like with furniture from Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring.  

The inspiration piece that got the ball rolling was the rug that is located underneath the conference room table.  I found it in one of the modular homes and instantly thought it was the perfect piece.  It allowed me to incorporate all different colors.  I was not limited to black or brown.  It seemed to pull out both colors well.  After I found that piece, the other pieces just fell into place.

How would you describe your design style?

I would describe my design style as sophisticated with a rustic twist.  I love both ends of the spectrum.  I love the fancy feel, but have acquired a love for rust and antiques as of late.  You'll see pieces with a little bit of sophistication (like the conference room chairs) and then see pieces with a fun rustic edge to them (like the burlap bow on the red chairs and the burlap lamp on the desk).  I think you get a great balance by incorporating a little bit of each.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I love to design and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try my hand at a larger project.  I had never designed a whole room from scratch.  I love to redecorate my room at home, but only add new accent pieces here and there.  This great experience gave me the opportunity to try something new and I had a blast doing just that.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

There are so many pieces in Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring that I don’t know if I would ever be able to make up my mind.  I think that I would choose something that I could use later on when I have a place of my own.  I would also want it to be something that I could remember this great experience with.

What else would you like us to know?

I just want to thank Vander Bergs for putting together such a fun activity for the community.  I had a blast getting to work with all of you and hope to see many more fun designs in the weeks to come!