Biography

Karen Fron DID, B.A., B.Ed

Karen started her design career 20 years ago and still passionately believes that everyone deserves to have a beautiful and functional home. She is personally drawn to creating warm interiors with natural materials and an abundance of texture, while always understanding the reality of good design and family life.

Graduating with a diploma in Interior Design, Karen then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. After a two-year teaching contract in Toronto, Karen realized that designing was her true calling. She settled in Thunder Bay, Ontario and ran a very successful home-decorating store for many years.

Along with the day to day operation of the store, Karen was a sought after consultant and did many speaking engagements. She was often sourced as an industry expert by newspapers and magazines, as well as a regular design commentator on CBC radio.

Since 2010, Karen has been working in Calgary specializing in residential, light commercial and retail design. Her keen understanding of the principals of design and her natural instinct in all matters of taste and style have won her clients across the city.

When not busy with her design business, Karen likes to explore the outdoors with her husband and three boys.

Philosophy

Interior Design is not just about making things pretty or stylish. Good design is about the functionality and feel of a space. Everyone deserves to live and work in an environment that inspires and enhances the occupant’s quality of life.

Karen strongly believes that good design is for everyone. It does not have to be expensive and should never be trendy or contrived. What it should do is simplify life and create an atmosphere that is comforting and functional.

An important role of the interior designer is to fully understand the needs, lifestyle and vision of the client. In turn, the designer can provide efficient design solutions.

Knowing the demands of raising a family, Karen believes that a well functioning home provides peace and harmony. Rather than go for what is fashionable or trendy, one should always be surrounded by what is useful and loved. There are many components that make a room beautiful, but the most important is that the occupant feels authentic.

It is surprising what can happen to a room once the function of the space has been addressed. Many times, existing furniture can be reused and repositioned. Only after the initial assessment can the aesthetic element be effectively considered. It is now when colour, texture, balance and proportion become important.

Often in today’s throwaway society we think new equals better or more stylish. Karen believes that we should consider carefully all purchases. Put money into good quality basics that will endure. When something is truly loved, it never becomes outdated.