I am sitting down to write this review on Thanksgiving Day, and it is fitting, because words cannot describe how thankful I am for Kelly Hopkins Brown! She has literally made this Thanksgiving possible this year. I live in a beautiful old New Orleans home, which was desperately in need of some work and style on the main floor, but that was also a design challenge, given the uniquely arranged and large space connecting all of the rooms. I had also moved to New Orleans within the past five years, and hadn’t bought new furniture in probably ten years due to small kids. As an artist, and a somewhat “crafty” homeowner, I had never thought I would enjoy having an interior designer – and as a young professional, I thought it would likely just be a drain on my wallet. I knew, however, that I needed some help with this project, and I found all of my preconceptions to be completely wrong. Kelly brought a world of ideas and expertise, but from the start she did so in a way that took into account all of my tastes, the specific needs of my family, and even portions that I preferred to design with my own art. Her team of professionals, who refinished my floors, painted the interior (including high ceilings and intricate trim), and created a custom bar, were honest, reliable, true craftsmen, and at a BETTER price than I would have found anywhere else on my own. Due to external factors, I had a very narrow timeline in which to complete the floor refinishing and painting, and ALL of the major construction work was done by the assigned deadlines. Having seen several friends go through horrors of delayed or poorly constructed renovations, I can say that her skill and professionalism with leading her team is NOT something to take lightly in New Orleans. Likewise, Kelly always presented me with a range of options to choose from, which were well-thought out, creative, within my budget, and which in the end are beautiful, high quality, and comfortable. She approached each of our meetings with a smile and excitement on her face, and took responsibility for the quality, timing and perfection of every item in the project – making it so much easier for me, and my life! I looked forward to seeing her and hearing from her, and it feels as though she is not just my designer, but a friend. I am so grateful to have found KHB Interiors, and can see now that even while not breaking my budget, the value added to my home appears to be at least double what I have put into the project. Prior to KHB, I hadn’t really entertained beyond baby birthday parties, and close family visits, in part because I wasn’t really comfortable with the state of my home. Within just a few months, Kelly’s full service design has completely transformed my first floor into something that I can be proud of – and that has changed my life! My family and I love to use the space, both on my own, and for entertaining, and I have already gotten so many compliments from guests. It is a space that reflects me, and which I am proud of – and the ability to bring out the best in a home and individual’s character is really the hallmark of an outstanding designer. Today, my home is a place that I am grateful to be enjoying with plenty of guests on this Thanksgiving, and I owe a good part of that to KHB Interiors!
-H.U.