Welcome to Krella Design. About me:

I'm a busy working mom in Michigan who believes a beautiful home changes the way people feel—and that the way we live inside our homes matters just as much as how they look.

Over the last 12 years, my family and I have transformed our 1972 lake house room by room—designing, renovating, problem-solving, and reimagining every inch along the way. From kitchens and bathrooms to moving walls, plumbing, and electrical work, I’ve acted as the general contractor and designer for every project myself, often with nothing more than graph paper, a ruler, determination, and late-night Pinterest inspiration after work when parenting duties were done. My goal is to show other busy women and homeowners that creating a home you truly love is possible, even without endless time, unlimited money, or a professional design team.

This blog exists to make both home and lifestyle feel approachable, inspiring, and empowering. I know what it feels like to want a high-end, collected home while balancing work deadlines, family schedules, budgets, and real life. I’ve learned how to prioritize where to splurge, where to DIY, and how to create timeless spaces that feel warm, elevated, and deeply personal.

But just as importantly, I’ve learned that lifestyle design matters just as much as interior design. How we organize our days, how we host, how we simplify routines, how we care for our families and pets, and how we create calm in the everyday chaos all play a role in how a home actually feels to live in.

Here you’ll find inspiration for home renovations, interior and exterior design, organization, entertaining, family and pet-friendly living, wellness at home, seasonal rhythms, simple routines, and curated finds that make everyday life easier and more beautiful. I share not just how to design a space, but how to live in it well.

My signature style for everything at home—including interior and exterior design for family and pets—blends eclectic character with classic design, current trends, natural materials, healthy living, and a minimalistic approach. I believe in natural stone, layered textures, practical beauty, and thoughtful details that support real life, not just picture-perfect moments.

What makes my perspective different is that I’m not designing from a showroom or a studio—I’m designing from real life. I studied art in college, but most of what I know came from hands-on experience, trial and error, and years of managing renovations while raising a family and working full time. I understand how to make confident design decisions without hiring expensive designers or contractors for every detail because I’ve lived it. I also understand how lifestyle choices—from daily routines to home organization systems—can completely change how a space functions for a busy family.

My goal is to help others trust their own vision, save money where it matters, simplify the overwhelm, and create homes and lifestyles that reflect who they are instead of chasing trends that don’t fit their lives.

If you love beautiful spaces but also want practical guidance from someone who understands busy schedules, budgets, family life, and the chaos of everyday living, you’re in the right place. This blog is here to share inspiration, honest recommendations, renovation lessons, design ideas, lifestyle solutions, and the little details that turn a house into a home and a life you truly love.

My hope is that you leave here feeling inspired, capable, and excited about both your home and your everyday life.

Happy Designing,
Katie Roy