Meet Karen Billman of Billman Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Billman.

Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started designing when I was 8 years old. My parents let me pick out carpeting throughout our house and also let me design my bathroom and bedroom. From then on, I would re-arrange our living room. It was a joke when my Dad would come home from work, everything would be changed around. It was like that Dick Van Dyke show when Rob would walk in the door and trip over the ottomon. I moved to NYC and my friends would ask me to give them design advice and that’s how the path took me to Billman Designs today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The design world is very welcoming and once you get in the door there are so many opportunities to see and meet various showroom sales people and pick their brain and get ideas on design. I was just talking to my contractor today about our client and I mentioned that every job that I go on, I learn something new and perhaps a better way of doing things. Has it always been smooth, for the most part for me it has. I have also had very lean years, but then when it rains it pours. That takes away the bad of this business.

We’ve been impressed with Billman Designs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I started in this business, it was doing bathrooms, then it morphed into textiles and now I’m back to bathrooms and whole remodels. I always try to lead my clients into using wallpaper. The number one question I get from people, is they ask: “Oh wallpaper is back in style?” For me, it always has been, its like paint, its easy to change on a whim. Sure it could be pricey, but it can really add an extra layer of design to any room. You can put it in the whole room or just put on one wall or behind bookshelves, so many options. Color is my next design element that I try to use with all my clients. That doesn’t mean on the walls, you can put it on pillows, furniture or accessories. Make it fun, show your personality. I really enjoy learning and studying color. I have a family of artists. My Dad went to the Art Center of Design and still paints today. In fact, I have used his art in some of my clients homes.

I love when my previous clients call me to ask if they can pick my brain on a design question for their house. You know that you made them happy with the choices you picked out and you have their respect.

Billman Designs is a full-service design firm. We offer renderings, design options, color advice, material sourcing, and a shoulder to cry on when the client gets overwhelmed half-way through construction.

How do you think about luck?
My husband and I talk about luck all the time. We are both lucky people. I always believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes you think you take the wrong path, but later down the road you find it was the right one. This has happened many times for me. I always believe you never know who you might meet, that person may be your next client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.billmandesigns.com
• Instagram: @billmandesigns