The Making of Wistar Designs and Enlightened Living Spaces
Published July 2014
Tell us a little about your company and its foundation.
I am blessed to have had my passion evolve into a life long career, and I feel that my devotion to creating beautiful, harmonious spaces is what makes my work unique, similar to piece of art. Improving and beautifying spaces has always been a joy of mine. Whether it is envisioning a completely different atmosphere or taking one extraordinary piece within your home to build upon, any space can evolve into an attractive, organized environment.
I created Wistar Designs in 1990 after graduating from Univ. of Delaware with a BS in Interior Design. Many years later, I experienced some health issues, which opened my mind to a whole new world of spiritual experiences, one of which was Feng Shui. Once I realized that it wasn't Chinese superstition but a real Metaphysical Art and Science I became immersed in the study of it. I now incorporate Feng Shui with all my design projects. The combination of the, two go hand and hand and make a design approach a much richer experience. Houses are more than just a place to live; they are sanctuaries that reflect those who dwell within. More simply, your house is a symbolic representation of you. My focus is to convey your individualized style through elements that bring warmth, 'liveability' and a timeless feel to your home.
I educate my clients about making conscious design choices that reflects their inner beauty with intention of what they want to create in this world. Together we create an enlightened home that supports them to live in beauty and harmony and to support them in to live their fullest potential.
On a personal level, Kristin is married with 2 children and 2 dogs. Her love of nature fuels her passion for animals, photography, traveling, organic gardening, cooking and healthy nutrition. She studied Spring Forest Qigong in Minnesota. She enjoys yoga and dancing.
What are the most common decoration mistakes you notice when you walk into a home?
I would say that people don't often love their things and live with it anyway. There are many reasons for this. It could be lack of finances, or inherited items that are being used out of a sense of obligation. It could be that furnishing were bought on sale just for the good deal, or working with a Designer that told you what they wanted for the space that wasn't true to the client. I say surround yourself with items you love. It doesn't have to be expensive. It could be a simple as a beautiful vibrant plant in a lovely pot or stones collected from your garden. Everything has a vibration and if you walk by something everyday that you don't like it drags your energy down. Make wise choices when decorating your house. Is this something you can live with for a long time? Do you like the feel and texture of the fabric? Will you tire of the color choice? Are you holding on to something because it was gifted to you but isn't your style? I'd rather have someone keep a space empty than to fill it up with something that they don't love. Wait till you find what it is that you love or get professional help reveal what you truly desire.
What tips do you have for themes, color choices, furniture when decorating a long lasting room for a young child?
Remember that you need to change it up along the way. A room that supports a baby or toddler is quite different than a room that a grade school child lives in. So
try to keep the bones of the room as timeless as possible. This includes the flooring, walls and window treatments and key pieces of furniture.
The flooring should be neutral, such as hard wood floor, laminate, or a neutral carpeting (verses a bright color). Hardwood flooring is the healthiest choice for your child's environment and will hold up and last until they leave the house. Use inexpensive accent rugs that you can change as they age, that will take the beating of your child's activity and will suite the his or her interest at each stage.
The wall color should be one that you can live with for several years. Soft tones that encourage sleep (yin, which is quieting) are important in a child's room. I have seen many children's rooms painted in bold colors with busy hand painted murals or themes (yang, loud and active), which can be quite costly that your child will grow out of, sooner than you think. If you like the look of a hand painted mural, then try removable self adhesive wall murals and/or adding artwork or posters with self adhesive foam tapes that you can easily change as the child grows.
Invest in a quality shade or blind for the window in a neutral white or off white that blends with the trim color. A quality, shade or blind can last for many years in the home. You can then add a fabric window treatment if you choose to add a splash of softness or color, that can be changed out as the child grows.
Go with a convertible crib to a queen if you have the space. A queen bed and bedding is only slightly more expensive than a twin. Your children grow up faster than you think and a queen size bed makes a great bed for guests. Invest in the best quality and timeless dresser, nightstands, and desk that you can afford. Avoid buying furniture that is too childish. You can always accessorize and accent with inexpensive accessories and lamps that are more playful and fun.
How do you deal with combined living and dining room?
I start with a well-designed floor plan. Arranging the seating in the living room to have its back facing the dining room, but still allowing a comfortable flow to at least one side is important. The use of screens, sofa tables, an open sided wall unit, and plants to fill in corners are good options between the two spaces. Make sure the colors and design theme carry through from one area to the next.
Do you ever have trouble finding inspiration? What inspire you today?
When I have trouble with inspiration I look to see what inspires my clients and then I look to nature to inspire me. Natural objects are not only beautiful but are timeless and create feelings of connection, peace and inspiration. I often ask my clients.. What is your favorite spot you like to go to? Often they mention a place in nature, such a sandy beach at the ocean, a mountainous area, or a quiet lake. I then look to natural sources to inspire my design direction to create a beautiful palate for my client.
I look at shapes, colors and textures that inspire the 5 elements of nature as used in Feng Shui. They are water, wood, fire, earth and metal. I think about textures and dimensions of surfaces and materials. Are they soft, coarse, layered, smooth, or shiny? What are the pattern, shape and color and how does it relate to one of these five elements.
I may sense that a space is not in balance with nature. It may be decorated with too many wood objects, or too many earth tones or shapes, leaving it feeling dull and stagnant or too much metal, leaving it feeling cold and sparse. A space that is in balance using all the elements feels good.
Do you have any personal design secrets you'd like to share?
As I mentioned previously, finding the perfect balance of the five elements makes a space feel wonderful. I like adding lots of textures and dimensions that inspire a connection with nature. Lighting is also very important aspect to good design. Multiple lighting sources in kitchens create a wonder ambience. Some of the areas I like to add lighting is under and above wall cabinets, and inside glass cabinets, or below in toe kicks in addition to overhead lighting. Up lights behind floor plants create a sense of depth and accent light in dark corners. I really enjoy using colored LED lighting to create a completely different feeling based on my mood. I recommend dimmers on all light switches. It not only saves on electricity but also creates a wonderful mood. I also like to allure the senses of sound, touch, sight and smell. Lovely sounds, such as pleasant music playing in the background, wind chimes, or the sound of an indoor water fountain create a feeling of relaxation and peacefulness. The soft textures of fabrics, flooring surfaces, bedding materials evoke a feeling of comfort. The sight of a beautifully decorated space raises ones spirits. And the smell of fresh air, naturally organic scented candles, or essential oils that are diffused in the air also raise the vibration of the environment and create another sense of well being.