How do I choose the right interior designer?

Choosing the right interior designer starts with finding someone who has direct experience in the type of renovation you're planning, whether that's a kitchen, bath, or whole-home project. A strong designer offers a clear process, guides both design and construction-related decisions, and has a track record of completed local projects you can review.

Just as important is how well you communicate together. A renovation involves many decisions over many months, so pay attention to how a designer listens, explains their reasoning, and responds to your questions early on. If that communication feels easy and clear from the start, it's usually a good sign for how the rest of the project will go.

Do you offer both in-person and virtual interior design services?

Yes. Amy Krause Design offers both in-person and virtual consultations, depending on your project and location. Most renovation projects include a mix of in-person meetings and site visits alongside virtual conversations and remote coordination, so the format can flex to fit your schedule and what types of decisions need to be made.

Virtual meetings tend to live and die by screen share, since everyone is usually looking at space plans, inspiration boards, or finalizing product selections together. Camera on or off, it's no problem either way. We're just as comfortable talking design at your kitchen table, in our office, or on a video call.

When should I hire an interior designer?

The earlier, the better. Honestly, earlier than most people think.

Many of the most successful projects begin months before construction starts. Engaging a designer early gives you time to explore possibilities, develop a clear plan, and coordinate with contractors before work begins. Early planning creates a smoother experience, helps avoid costly revisions once walls are already open, and lets the whole project team work from the same vision from the start.

What does a full-service interior designer handle during a renovation project?

A full-service interior designer handles the full renovation process from early planning through final installation, including space planning and layout, material and cabinetry selections, furnishings, and final styling. With trusted contractors, Amy Krause Design acts as the steward between the client, the design, and the people building it, keeping every decision moving in the same direction.

Renovations come with a lot of detailed decisions and, honestly, a few surprises along the way. The goal is to make sure each one supports the larger vision for the home, so clients can move through the process with confidence instead of carrying the stress of a myriad of decisions alone.

Can I use my own contractor?

In many projects, contractors already known and trusted by the studio are recommended, but working with a client’s preferred contractor is possible. The important thing is that everyone is on the same page about how the project will run and how communication will work along the way.

Will you help us choose a contractor?

Yes, Amy Krause Design will gladly help you choose a contractor already known and trusted by the studio. Many clients come to us before they’ve chosen a contractor, and we are happy to recommend teams we’ve worked with who are a good fit for the scope of your project and the way you like to communicate. We can also talk through any contractors you’re considering, so you feel confident in who’s leading the work in your home.

How do you help clients make investment decisions?

Choosing where to invest in a renovation involves a series of decisions and tradeoffs, and it's natural to feel pressure to get it right. Throughout the design process, Amy Krause Design helps you evaluate options, understand where your investment will actually make a difference, and make choices that align with your priorities, lifestyle, and goals for the home.
Because design and pricing develop together, adjustments can happen before materials are ordered or construction begins, so you can move forward with clarity rather than uncertainty, reducing costly surprises later.

What should I consider when planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation?

When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, start with how the space needs to function: layout, lighting, storage, materials, plumbing, and cabinetry all matter, along with how the room will hold up over years of daily use. A successful renovation treats beauty and function as equal partners.

It's also worth considering how you want the space to feel. A kitchen might feel social and open for cooking with a crowd, or calm and efficient for a quick morning routine. A bathroom might feel bright and energizing, or quiet and dim for winding down. As you collect inspiration images, jot down what you're responding to in each one, whether it's a specific detail like a pendant light or a broader mood. Naming both early makes it easier to translate inspiration into real decisions.

Where does Amy Krause Design work?

Amy Krause Design is based in Overland Park, Kansas, and works with homeowners throughout Overland Park, Leawood, and the greater Kansas City metro area on kitchen, bath, and whole-home renovations. Kansas City is home, and there is nothing better than seeing a familiar street transformed by a project the studio has poured months into.

Select projects outside the region are also considered, including Orange County and San Diego, California, where family ties make visits and projects a natural extension of the work.

Ready to explore what your home could become?

During a brief Discovery Call, the conversation will cover your goals, general scope, timing, and whether Amy Krause Design may be the right fit for your project.