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What really makes an impression of Karen Skinner, an industry veteran of 23 years, is her ability to design an atmosphere with a personal, welcoming style. Using collections of accessories and custom furnishings, she creates the appearance that each room design has been enhanced with someone's personal touch -- making the house a home.
Skinner began in the industry through the encouragement of friends and family who admired her design skills that she used in her own home. She has taken that same ability and design approach and applied it to her business, which has kept Karen Skinner Interiors growing.
"First, I designed a beauty shop in town that was rather unique. And through referral, I started doing homes in the area that were very different in style from the beauty shop. These experiences showcased my versatility," says Skinner.
She begins each job by getting to know a client's preferences and interpreting their tastes. "I ask questions to find out what colors they like and what they are comfortable with," she explains.
Her resumé of experience includes custom homes, remodels and re-designs in the residential sector, as well as commercial projects such as doctors' offices, three buildings of the Produce Center and a retail jewelry shop.
For the past five years, Skinner also has been busy designing multi-million dollar custom desert homes, one of which is shown here. This featured project is a good example of how she designs with continuity and elements of individual interest that characterize the personality of each room, each home and the client's taste.
When asked what makes Karen Skinner Interiors' signature, she says, "I like to design with colors that flow throughout the whole project, yet, I add different touches of accent color to make each room a little different. I love accessories and art, which is how I provide the finishing touches to make a design a home or reflect the identity of a business."
Although the process can be very time consuming, Skinner says her favorite part of her job is looking for the perfect art and accessories, which she thoughtfully chooses to look as if the owner has been collecting these items for years.
Skinner's special talent as well as her love for her work is shared by her daughter, Pamela Cameron, who has been working with Skinner for the past three years.
Credits:
Living room custom painted and guest suite wallpaper: Jeffery Stevens; Glass artwork: Greg Shoot; Custom upholstery: Dennis Peton; Dining room custom rug: Davis Carpet Co.; Dining room chair upholstery fabric: Robert Allen; Accessory suppliers include: Collection 85, JTAN Associates; Dillon Wells.
Karen Skinner Interiors
17146 Avenida de la Herradura
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272;
(310) 459-1466; fax: (310) 459-8286.
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