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Empty Nesters

Designing a Downsize

Later in life, people often want homes that are more manageable. Condominiums are a great fit for many, but others want the privacy and floor plan only a house can offer. Things like additional space for adult children and grandchildren to gather and stay overnight, a yard for pets, and a place to entertain outdoors are a few perks when remaining in a home.  Katie Bassett, owner of Katie Bassett Interiors, recently took on a design project in Edina where incorporating downsizing while maintaining lifestyle was key.  Katie recognized the scope and needs of her clients commenting, “This home was for an empty nest client, and is the house that they’re going to live in for the rest of their lives.”    

Katie describes the Edina project as a modern Ranch with European influence and says, “it’s just really classic and comfortable.” The new build was designed by James McNeal Architecture and Design, and built by Streeter Custom Builder. Katie Bassett Interiors was then able to work their design magic by turning this house into a home. Katie’s ability to work as a team with clients, architects and builders allows her to follow her mantra of “Relax, Play and Be Happy.”

“It took collaboration between the three of us and the homeowners,” says Katie. “It’s a beautiful relationship and I think the homeowners are really happy because they felt taken care of by everybody.”

“Most of the living is on the main floor, but they do have a wonderful family room on the lower level, as well as two extra bedrooms and a bath, a photography studio, and plenty of storage,” she says. “They could not be happier.”

Katie helped the homeowners pick out everything from the tile, paint, lighting and hardware to the furniture and carpeting.

“We designed an interior that is calm and soothing with pops of color,” she says. “The clients had a beautiful art collection for us to pull color from. They’re also well-traveled and already own many beautiful items that we used to decorate their home.”

Katie says when designing someone’s home, she’ll first see if there are pieces of art and family heirlooms that she can use as part of her design. Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, these personal items will help distinguish one home from all the others.

“People have hidden gems in their homes and don’t realize it, so we like to shop within our homeowners’ stash of goods and see what we can pull out,” she says. “We can then add where we need to.”

One of the things Katie loves most about her work is helping clients develop living spaces where they will experience many happy memories. 

“Helping them to create the vision they dreamt about but didn't necessarily know how to do themselves,” she says.

Katie Bassett Interiors has been in business for 18 years, and the office is located at International Market Square. Katie also provides interior design services for clients’ vacation homes. Some of these have included cabins in Minnesota and Wisconsin, vineyard retreats in California, beach homes in Florida, and ocean-front homes in Croatia and Mexico.

“We work on projects anywhere, and from the build to the interior,” says Katie. “We try to help create a lifestyle and avoid outlandish home designs that people can get tired of.”

Of course, she says, she might do a fun blue tile in a bathroom or something like that, but nothing that is going to date the house.

“It’s going to be classic and timeless,” says Katie. “What I like to do is have a lot of classic things, but also add a little touch of whimsy or a little touch of fun.”

There are many interior designers out there, and it’s important to find the one right for your personality, style, and home. When hiring an interior designer, Katie suggests first looking at their website to see if you like the work they do. Then find out if they have time available, and if so, what their timeline would be. Ask how they bill, so everything is transparent with no surprises. Finally, meet with the person to make sure you have the right rapport. A contract is also important in order to define expectations.   

“When we’re hired, it’s an honor, because we know they’re trusting us with their hard-earned money,” says Katie. “What I love most about the clients I work with is the adventure each client takes me on. I get to help them create a part of their new life here. It's really exciting!” 

http://katiebassett.studio/

https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/

https://www.streeterhomes.com/

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