News

Designer chosen for Kohler Tour

By KEVIN SELDERS, The Olathe News

A local designer recently took the trip of a lifetime to the world of Kohler.

Karen Mills, founder of Interiors by Design, Inc and the host of the “Living Large” radio show on News Radio 980 KMBZ, was selected to visit the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis., a few weeks ago,   She’s the first Kansas City-area designer to be chosen.  Such a trip usually is granted to architects, developers and high-profile designers throughout the world. 

“I just felt really privileged to be invited to the Kohler experience since nobody else from Kansas City has been invited,” she said.  “Kohler is a wonderful company.”

Mills also has a chance to design her own room at the center.

“It’s really exciting,” she said.  There’s major design icons already have rooms there, like Benny Williams, Barbara Barry and Albert Hadley.

The 36,000-square-foot design center is considered by some as the Midwest mecca for more than 140,000 homeowners, builders, architects and designers each year.

Those participating in the Kohler Experience in Kohler Village stay in The American Club, the only AAA Five Diamond Resort in the Midwest.

They also get a preview of the latest Kohler products while touring the factory and design center.

“I got to take a tour of the Kohler factories, and I just learned about the incredible amount of work Kohler goes through to have the highest quality and the best product,” she said.  “I also got to go to the Kohler museum in the bottom of the design center and see their entire history.”

Mills said she believes the experience gives her an edge as a designer because she not only saw how a product is designed, but also how it’s made.

She also made many connections.  Mills will interview Cindy Howley, director of the center, on her show Oct. 22.

“Living Large” is a design and lifestyle news magazine featuring celebrity designers from HGTV and other venues who discuss the latest trends in interior design and home improvement.  It airs at 1 p.m. Sundays on News Radio 980

KMBZ and at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays on Classical 1660 KXTR.

For more information about Mills or “Living Large,” go to entercomkc.com/livinglarge or interiorsbydesigninc.com.

With the experience behind her, Mills is even more passionate about pursuing her goals for herself and her hometown.  She’ll share her vision for the Kansas City area at the 2007 color forecast event for designers and architects today at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo.

“I want KC to become a design mecca, a design destination,” she said.  “I’m going to be sharing my vision with designers and architects in Kansas City.  I really believe we have a shot at it if we all come together and become a team.”