Nashville Interior Design Spotlight- Kristen Finney

I would like you to meet, shooting star, Kristen Finney.

I first met Kristen a couple of years ago at the suggestion of a mutual friend, Nancy McNulty. Nancy was doing Public Relations for the Boulevard of Dreams home show in Murfreesboro, TN. Nancy has worked with the Parade of Homes for many years and through that has gotten to know many of the top designers, builders and artists in town. (Hmmm, note to self to do future post on Nancy.) She knew that we were always trying to keep an eye out for talented designers to work with in our faux painting business. She pulled me aside and said, “I’ve got someone you’ve got to meet. She is an up and coming designer and she is quickly making a name for herself in this town.” So, introductions were made and we hit it off immediately. She has since brought us in on several jobs and is a joy to work with. My favorite things about Kristen are: 1) She is the ultimate professional  2) She is OHHH so organized 3) All her clients love her, would hire her again, and recommend her to their friends 4) She is amazingly talented and easy to work with. 5) She gets that a few well executed faux finishes will be the icing on the cake in any style decor.

Here are some pictures of her designs:

And now, I’d like you to meet Kristen:

If  I could have anyone design a space for me it would be: Alexa Hampton

The books and magazines I go to faithfully for inspiration are: Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Dwell, Interior Design

I also find inspiration by: Traveling and picking up ideas everywhere I go.

Three essential tools of the trade are: Measuring Tape in your purse, car and pocket, Tool Box, Paint Samples of all Brands on you at all times

A first call with a new client might go something like this: I would first ask what space they are most interested in working on if it is a remodel. I really just listen to the client and take in everything they are saying. If you listen to the clients desires and needs for the space you cant go wrong.

I first realized I might have a career in interior design when: In high school I always liked to buy home decor accessories for my room and was always thinking of new ways to rearrange my room. I have always had a passion for design and I loved working with people so I think design came natural to me.

The interior designer I admire most is: Candace Olsen

A room would not be complete without: That warm inviting feeling that you would want to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine and have a great conversation.

Some practical advice for homeowners designing a room: Take everything out and start over. Think of functional ways to place your furniture. Zone your space according to what functions will take place in the room. Always measure before you purchase anything.

My strengths as a designer are: I specialize  in residential remodels and new construction. I am passionate about color selection and the psychological aspect behind design.

My best work is: My favorite room I have worked on is a Kitchen/Hearth room that had wooden beams on the ceiling with a beautiful stone fireplace. We used French inspired lighting  throughout the space to add warmth. The cabinets were ivory with the island a distressed cafe mocha color. We painted the walls Relic Bronze by  Sherwin Williams. We added a beautiful distressed farm table to complete the look. Overall it was a very warm and inviting space.

My favorite space in my own home is: My screened in porch is my favorite place in my home. It is my retreat. The sound of my pond and a glass of wine to unwind makes it my favorite place.

The following are on my own personal wish list: I love Caracole and Hooker furniture. I love to purchase lighting at a great price and save it for the perfect project. I also have an eye for divine fabrics. I will always find a use for great fabric.

I have the coolest job because: I love all projects big and small and pour my heart and ideas into them. Don’t really have a dream project. Love the aspect of my job that I am doing something new and different everyday. I enjoy finding solutions for design dilemmas.

A misconception about working with an interior designer is: That designers may try to push their personal style into a client’s space. I feel a good designer can pull together any style in any space.

Kristen Finney, founder of Finney Interiors earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Middle TN State University. She is an allied ASID member and has award winning designs from the Kings Chapel Holiday Home Tour and Boulevard of Dreams Home Tour. Kristen is committed to designing custom and personalized interiors that meet her client’s needs. She believes the design should reflect function and be aesthetically pleasing.  Kristen achieves this goal through continuous communication and attentive listening to her client’s desires. She provides an array of residential interior design services including new construction, staging, contractor selections, interior makeovers, paint selections, residential spaces planning and professional organizing. For more information call (615) 294-4227 or email [email protected].