A home filled with color can be really intimidating when your defaults are neutrals! But don't stress! Today’s guest is the queen of color, and she’s going to share her approach to decorating fearlessly in a style that will suit your home and lifestyle. 

Kelly Mindell is a colorful visionary with a magical ability to turn the ordinary into the playfully clever extraordinary. 

Boldly artistic and full of personality, her brand, Studio DIY, is a kaleidoscope of DIY, whimsical set design, travel, personal style, and more recently home makeovers and design that evoke clever fun with every twist and turn. 

Kelly has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Apartment Therapy, My Domaine, Parenting Magazine, NPR, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed and TODAY.com. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Jeff and son Arlo, and her work is truly inspiring.

Today we’re going to push everything we’ve learned about an all white home aside, and explore the vibrant potential of our living spaces!

By the end of this class you’ll have tips for visualizing the potential of your home, the confidence to choose colors fearlessly and hacks for modernizing your home, while respecting it’s bones.

What has inspired you to play with color so fearlessly?

It's how Kelly and Jeff grew up and they love it!

Color positively affects your mood.

What are some of your tips for homeowners to incorporate color into their homes?

Start with art and accessories!

Holiday decor is another great way to play with colors.

Hide your colors behind doors or inside closets or drawers!

Do you believe anyone can pull off your vibrant style?

Yes! It's never too late to incorporate color.

What is your process for mixing patterns and color? Do you typically have a plan, or just layer things on?

Kelly likes to find something like a rug and use it as a starting point.

Any colors can be mixed together as long as you have the right shades.

Great places to look for color inspiration are art and fashion.

You’re latest bathroom remodel is amazing. What are some of your favorite home decor shops to source from?

Jungalow, Facebook Marketplace, Kip and Co, Soukie Modern, Anthropologie and Target are great too!

As you’re working on your home, do you take resale into consideration? If so, what are some things you try to keep in mind?

Make bold choices in places that are manageable to change, like the bathroom or paint colors. That being said, don't decorate your house for the next homeowners!

What has been your biggest challenge in terms of home renovation?

Living in the home during a renovation has been challenging, so they try to contain it as much as possible and only do one room at a time.

What has been your biggest victory? 

The backyard was the biggest transformation, but the master bath is probably one of her favorites! Kelly's also really proud of the closet doors she made for the nursery. See HERE

On your blog you’ve talked about your belief in keeping the character on old homes. What are some ways you’ve been able to update your house while keeping it’s 1930’s charm?

Everything is old and needs some updating, so Kelly tries to update the functional things but keep the character of the home.

You went with Ikea cabinetry in your kitchen, how was your experience, and would you do it again?

They did Ikea cabinet bases with doors from Semi Handmade. It was more cost effective.

What are some simple elements home-owners can add to any room to add warmth and fun? 

Textiles add easy warmth, but Kelly also recommends anything with meaning or a memento. Collect things over time to create that storied and layered feel.

What are some tips for working with your husband on the house?

It's important to know your roles so you're not stepping on each other's toes. Make the big decisions together.

Take a breather when you need it!

HOMEWORK!

Before you replace or buy the next item on your list, think about how you can make a more bold or meaningful choice!

FIND KELLY:

Instagram: @studiodiy

Blog: StudioDIY.com