At Tenhulzen Construction, we understand that a successful remodel is more than just construction—it’s about bringing a homeowner’s vision to life. That’s why we value our partnerships with talented interior designers like Kelly DuByne, CfYH, founder and lead designer at Distinctive Interiors in Lake Stevens.
Kelly and her firm, Distinctive Interiors, are long-time, trusted collaborators. She met a Tenhulzen Project Manager at a kitchen and bath trade show, and since then, they have worked together on five projects, including kitchen and bath remodels. They’ve collaborated on major renovations for clients, and even on Kelly’s own residence. Several clients have also chosen to work with Kelly and Tenhulzen in phases, tackling one room first and following up a year or two later to remodel another.
Kelly’s Approach: Live Colorfully and Design Timelessly
As a certified color expert, Kelly’s personal motto is “Live colorfully”. She firmly believes that “Color equals happiness” and that after the pandemic, people desire color, simplicity, and clean lines in styles that will last a long time.
Kelly approaches design by first asking clients a lot of questions to understand their needs and wants, including the layout and desired aesthetics. Her philosophy and expertise include:
- Prioritizing Cabinets: In a kitchen remodel, Kelly typically starts with the cabinetry, as it is the material you see most.
- Embracing Color and Personalization: She loves bringing color into a kitchen, whether through bold hues on cabinetry, patterned tile, wallpaper, or unique appliances like a colorful fridge, range, or sink to add drama. She also highlights options like the LG Studio MoodUP™ French Door Refrigerator with color-changing panels, offering over 190,000 color combinations.
- Mixing Finishes: Kelly is comfortable mixing and matching finishes, preferring a look that isn’t too precise or over-thought. She notes that mixing metals for faucets, hardware, and lighting is a rising trend that adds interest and a custom feel.
- Focusing on Form: She incorporates elegant, geometric silhouettes in fixtures and hardware, and sees the mid-century line as “timeless”.
- Creating Custom Touches: For one kitchen renovation, Kelly worked with Architectural Cabinets to design custom bamboo cabinetry, which included a special built-in espresso machine with a slender drawer for preparing coffee.
Favorite Projects: Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Mid-Century Style
Distinctive Interiors specializes in home renovations and is recognized for its kitchen and bathroom remodels. Kelly loves the entire process of remodeling, especially the moment when it’s been “torn out and demoed” and they get to start fresh to make a new space for the client.
Her project experience is diverse, but her firm often works with mid-century modern homes in the Snohomish County area.
- Kitchen Projects: Kelly has designed kitchens that feature custom bamboo cabinetry, the removal of walls for open floor plans and island additions, and a “refresh” of small kitchens to add storage instead of a full renovation.
- Bathroom Projects: She has worked on maximizing small primary bathrooms with 24-inch vanities and custom floating shelves, and incorporating multiple patterned tiles in different ways to create continuity and contrast. She also advises clients to “go bold in smaller spaces”.
- Retro Design Elements: Kelly notes that retro design is seeing a comeback, with clients seeking happy colors and styles. She recently worked on a mid-century home on a lake and is planning to work around the original American Standard pink sink and toilet in the final bathroom, adding a color terrazzo floor and green hexagon shower tiles.
If you are considering a renovation, Tenhulzen Construction can help you find the perfect interior designer, like Kelly DuByne of Distinctive Interiors, whose expertise and personality align perfectly with your project and your vision.
