Kathleen Hildebrand has always loved interior design. As a child, her friends were playing with Barbies, while Hildebrand was redecorating Barbie’s house with whatever accessories she could find.
Hildebrand believes that using her imagination and creativity at such a young age is what made her the resourceful, think-outside-the-box designer she is today.
Previously an interior designer in Massachusetts, Hildebrand moved to Washington state almost a decade ago, and last year picked up her paintbrush and measuring tape again to help area residents make their homes and offices beautiful.
Owner of Lily-Max Designs in Blaine, Hildebrand embraces a simple design philosophy – use what you have if you can, and turn it into something unrecognizably fabulous.
She also believes that it is just as important to have space that is purposeful and organized as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Hildebrand’s favorite part of the design process is the “after.” She enjoys the process of creating a space, but loves to see the client’s reaction to the finished product, especially since they often don’t know how to achieve what they want on their own.
“That’s what an interior designer is for, to help you make your space work best for you,” Hildebrand said. “I want people’s homes to be their refuge.”
Contrary to popular belief, interior design is not just for the wealthy. Hildebrand takes pride in being extremely budget-conscious, often reusing or repurposing existing materials. She recently redid a bathroom for $230 by making thoughtful choices and using what her clients already had.
If you are ready for a change, Hildebrand says there are two key things that will quickly make a difference in your space. “If you only have the resources to do one or two things, organize and paint,” she said. “Getting rid of clutter immediately improves the look and function of a space. Give everything its own place, and make sure it stays there.”
“Secondly, don’t underestimate the transformative powers of a fresh coat of paint,” she said. “It’s simple to do, reasonably priced, and can make a drastic change in the look of a room.”
Hildebrand also recommends that your big pieces of furniture be neutral in color, as this allows you to change up your accessories according to season or your mood. She also firmly believes that spending a little extra time hunting a yard sale or making something yourself is worth the effort. “Your home should have things that are special to you,” she said.
For more information on Lily-Max Designs, visit lilymax.com or call 800/398-0610.
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