Allison Ann Klawinski’s design sensibility is rooted in Memphis but shaped by a deep curiosity and years of hands-on immersion in every corner of the design world. Long before founding Mimosa Home, she was rearranging rooms, restyling bookshelves and gravitating toward art and interiors with an intuitive ease. That instinct eventually led her to Parsons in New York for coursework, followed by work at the Atlanta markets, an internship with ADAC in Atlanta and roles with Laura Park Designs in Charlotte and Elizabeth Malmo back home. Once back in Memphis, she rolled up her sleeves alongside her brother at Gusmus Construction, learning the ins and outs of building and remodeling firsthand. “My goal during and after college was to immerse myself in every side of the design world, so when I was prepared to start my own business, I understood who and what was involved to move a project from start to finish,” she says. “It was especially cool to work with my brother, who taught me so much about the building and remodeling side of the design business.”
When Klawinski welcomed her first son, Welby, at the start of 2024, everything shifted. “I decided to pursue my dreams of having my own interior design business,” she says. Over the past year, Mimosa Home has been built on warmth, flexibility and the idea that good design should feel personal, livable and within reach.
That philosophy comes to life in a recent project centered around a French-influenced residence designed by Tulsa architect Jack Arnold. “Jack Arnold is a pro at creating timeless spaces. This house is 25 years old and has a unique feel that will stand the test of time. The use of old beams in five spaces adds to the old, European energy.” Rather than overhaul the architecture, Klawinski saw the home as an opportunity to layer, enrich and honor what was already there.
When the clients moved in, almost every room was reimagined. “We touched nearly every space. The entire house was one color when we started the project. We used wallpapers in seven spaces, painted nine rooms, added custom rugs to every room and used a mix of florals, plaids, geometrics and animal prints to add beautiful layers to a well-designed home.” Structural changes were made where they mattered most. “We gutted the powder room and created a gorgeous skirted quartzite vanity.” Art also played a meaningful role. “We commissioned or found several pieces of art from local Memphis artists for four of the spaces.” Throughout the process, trust was key. “The client was open to new and creative ideas and trusted me to design each of the rooms with thoughtful consideration to their love of color but desire to honor the French architecture of the home.”
Klawinski’s favorite spaces are the ones where beauty and comfort meet. The living room, with its two custom green velvet sofas, is made for gathering—a spot where a big family can settle in, with room for eighteen. The sun room is a quieter retreat, painted blue from floor to ceiling and inspired by the gardens just outside. The grandchildren’s bedroom shines with charm and practicality, with three beds (not just two), bold patterns and tiny ottomans for climbing in and out. Every detail is designed for real life and for making memories.
At Mimosa Home, accessibility is at the heart of everything. Klawinski set out to make design accessible to everyone, with an hourly rate and a flexible approach. Some clients want a little advice, while others dream big and build from the ground up. “Some clients want to do one room at a time, and some hire me to build and design their entire home. It makes every client, every meeting and every day a little different and a lot of fun.” As she puts it simply, “I firmly believe that there is a tremendous market of people who want to love their home but are working within a budget and timeline. Oftentimes, people already like what they have but need a few touch-ups.”
Klawinski’s style is all about contrast and character. She loves to mix old and new, layering patterns, colors and textures so every room feels full of life. She’s not afraid to break the rules, either—sometimes a space comes together one step at a time, and a bookshelf can be styled like an outfit, with a little high and a little low. But there are a few hard no’s: no shiny gold, no fake plants or flowers and no decor with words. It’s all about creating spaces that feel thoughtfully layered, not contrived.
When it comes to where to invest, her advice is unwavering. “Buy good, custom drapery rods even if you hang inexpensive drapes on them,” she says. And, “make sure all of your furniture sits on your rug.”
Looking back on her first year helming Mimosa Home, the projects that linger most are those rooted in emotion. “I helped two clients this year who had lost a spouse. I wanted to create spaces for them that brought them joy.” For Klawinski, the reward is deeply personal. “The biggest joy this year has been watching my designs bring people newfound happiness and transform the way they feel about their home.”