Article by Lynne Konstantin
Originally published in Birmingham City Lifestyle

Kristi Karimpour has a passion for color, art history, and working with people. As the founder of Birmingham Design Studio, she uses those passions to help clients create distinctive interiors that reflect their personalities and lifestyles.

From Fine Rugs to Complete Interior Design

While studying at Oakland University, Karimpour began working with her future husband, Kamran Karimpour, at Woven Treasures Oriental Rugs in Birmingham. During that time, she developed a love for Persian and Oriental rugs, which inspired her to become a certified rug appraiser.

“Clients would come to us with an empty room, wanting to start with a rug then work around it,” Karimpour says. “I began helping clients not only select a rug, but also with other resources and industry connections to complete their entire project.”

As clients began requesting additional assistance, the couple expanded their business to include Maison Furniture, Rugs and Design. The new business offered furniture, accessories, rugs, and complete interior design services.

The Beginning of Birmingham Design Studio

In 2008, the couple expanded once again and created Birmingham Design Studio—a one-stop destination for home furnishings and interior design.

The studio offers an extensive selection of high-end furniture, area rugs, upholstery, custom draperies, window treatments, fine art, accessories, and more. Its resources extend far beyond what is displayed in the Birmingham showroom, giving clients nearly unlimited options for creating personalized interiors.

Karimpour and her team of in-house designers are known for meeting clients wherever they are in the design process. Services range from selecting individual furnishings, finishes, and fabrics to complete space planning, home makeovers, and staging.

“We can help our clients from the blueprints through final accessorizing—or anything in between,” Karimpour says. “We have developed a network of builders and other tradespeople to complement our extensive selection of products and services.”

Under Karimpour’s guidance, the Birmingham Design Studio team works closely with each client. This collaborative approach helps clients discover their individual aesthetic while creating homes that are both beautiful and functional.

Five Interior Design Ideas to Refresh Your Home

Karimpour’s goal is to help every client recognize and embrace their own style. These five interior design ideas can bring new color, character, and functionality into your home.

1. Introduce Stronger Colors

Bold color can instantly bring depth and energy to a room. It can be introduced through a dramatic wall color or smaller accents that are easier to update over time.

“We are using a lot of stronger colors in our recent projects,” Karimpour says. “Whether it’s a deep rich wall color, or pops of bright color, color is back! Current favorites are emerald green, hot pink, teal blue and purple.”

2. Create Interest Through Juxtaposition

Combining contrasting styles, periods, and textures can make an interior feel more personal and collected. Modern furniture can refresh traditional architecture, while antique or ornate details can add warmth to a contemporary room.

“Opposites attract! Mixing opposing styles and textures creates visual interest with contrast,” Karimpour says. “Dropping sleek modern furniture into classic architecture creates a timeless blend of new and old. Change up your art by using a detailed carved wood frame on a stark contemporary oil painting to freshen it up.”

3. Use Wallpaper in Unexpected Places

Wallpaper introduces color, texture, and pattern while giving a room a more finished appearance. It can be used across an entire room, on the ceiling, or as an accent inside a bookcase or cabinet.

“Wallpaper on the walls and/or ceilings adds texture and design to any project,” Karimpour says. “Wallpaper incorporates color and texture to add richness to any room. To really change things up, add an interesting wallpaper to the back of your bookcase or cabinet to pop your displays.”

4. Maximize Every Inch of Space

Thoughtful space planning can transform overlooked areas into useful parts of the home. Small alcoves, unused corners, and existing closets can often provide additional storage, display space, or functionality.

“Use every inch of space,” Karimpour says. “Convert small nooks and crannies to usable space whenever possible. Whether adding a few shelves for display or storage, or reworking an existing closet, creative space planning can help you better utilize your home.”

5. Choose Durable Finishes and Fabrics

A beautifully designed home should also be comfortable and practical. Performance fabrics and protective finishes make it easier to select stylish furnishings that can withstand everyday life.

“Your home is made to be lived in! Wherever possible, we make sure that the materials we are using are made to be used,” Karimpour says. “With so many fabrics on the market with protective coatings available, you don’t have to worry about family-friendly furniture. Many companies offer durable top coats for their wood products as well.”

Create a Home That Reflects Your Style

From full-service interior design to help selecting the perfect rug, furniture, fabric, or finishing touch, Birmingham Design Studio offers a personalized and collaborative experience.

With access to extensive design resources and a trusted network of industry professionals, Karimpour and her team can assist with every stage of a project—from the initial blueprints to final accessorizing.

https://citylifestyle.com/detroit-mi/articles/home-services/one-stop-shop-3