I am so excited to announce that Kate Hougen of Mira Jean Designs has joined our Design Collective! I have known Kate since our days at The Nature Conservancy more than 17 years ago. We both had babies one right after the other and then started our own entrepreneurial journey. It’s been wonderful to have our paths converge since she started her beautiful textile and wallpaper collection and now her interior design practice. 

 Photo Credit: Sarah Marcella

 Kate grew up in Northern Virginia, but I think her heart resides at the beach. Her designs reflect the coastal inspiration from which she draws upon. From bright turquoise and sunny yellows to rich navy blues and serene coral hues, she loves it all. Color is the name of Kate’s game and, as you can see from the design below, she uses it with style and panache. 

 Photo Credit: Jenn Verrier

Photo Credit: Jenn Verrier

 Photo Credit: Jenn Verrier

 “A bit about this scheme: I don't know about you, but I am always so ready for spring! Its fresh greens and spring flowers are always a welcome change after winter - and even more so this spring 2021. For this reason, I chose spring-inspired colors for this sweet sitting room scheme. This design guide would work well for a coastal or waterfront home - or even a year-round space here in Old Town that wants to feel fresh, colorful, and crisp year-round.Key design elements include: this super comfortable Cisco sofa (if you haven't sat in one yet, you won't want to leave it when you do... so comfortable); the Annie Selke multicolored rug, which grounds the space and brings in lots of color with a soft, muted touch (it's also wool which is both super soft and stands the test of time). Decorative pillows via Red Barn for a little bit of pattern. All the furnishings are crisp and white for a classic look that balances the pops of color in this scheme. The original art is by a painter based in coastal southeast Georgia, Johnna Douglas, whose work I've admired for years. I especially love how she brings in color in a subtle way and how her landscape painting balances the abstract print in the rug. The entire room is wallpapered in my new Olive Branch design in turquoise - again, a clean, crisp and fresh look with just the right touch of color. Last but not least, never forget finishing touches and decor: every space looks and feels better with a Sydney Hale candle and fresh, delicate fern! Happy spring refresh, everyone! xo, Kate” 

Hampshire sofa, starting at $4530 (Sale Price, $3262); 8x10 wool rug, $2482; Table lamp, $689; Nightstand, $1950; Johnna Douglas original art found here; Pillow, $160; Mira Jean Designs Wallpaper found here; Sydney Hale candle, $32

 Please join me in welcoming Kate Hougen to our merry band of interior design professionals. She is a literal ray of sunshine and I promise you will enjoy working with her. To start that conversation, Kate can be reached by email at kate@mirajeandesigns.com. And, if you’d like to order any items in her design, please email customerservice@redbarnmercantile.com.  Our upholstery sale continues through March 14, but don’t delay!