Visionary Design: Kay Rains

Making the world a more beautiful place comes naturally to the head of Koontz Design Studio. This Ocala native loves helping people express and enhance their own personal style in their living spaces. With bachelor’s degrees in both architecture and interior design, she’s known for visualizing a customer’s ideas and creating masterpieces of home design.

What’s your role as an interior designer with Koontz Furniture and Design?
As the head of Koontz Design Studio, I enjoy adding value to any space with custom window treatments of any kind, enhance furniture by giving it a face lift with fine fabrics and all the trimmings or deck the walls with the latest wallpaper. The truth is, I love the transformation of a space and all that entails.

Have you always been able to understand a customer’s vision and bring it to life?
I have always loved being creative and seeing an idea develop and come to fruition. Eventually, I discovered a strong interest in construction. My career started in architecture and in recent years has continued in interior design. Both areas of expertise have been interchangeable throughout my career, and I am fortunate to work and experience two disciplines I love.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with people and helping them enhance their own personal style.

Can you share any design trends you’re seeing right now?
The trends that I see and love are [about] color and texture. These trends are being expressed boldly and subtly on everything from fabrics and wallpapers to art pieces, roller shades, area rugs and furnishings of every kind.

What advice do you have for homeowners thinking about making some changes or refreshing their living space?
Be yourself—with a twist. If you have a piece you can’t part with, perhaps give it a refresh with a custom finish or fabric. On the other hand, if your furnishings are new in an old space, knock out a wall or add a splash of color or texture with an exciting, redefining wallpaper or paint color on a wall or ceiling.

You were born and raised in Ocala and moved away to attend Florida State University and then to work at a top 15 architectural firm in Houston, Texas before returning to your hometown. How are you involved in our community these days?
I have been happy to settle here again in recent years. I love working with people and for people. I am a leader at my church and am also on the H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc. board of directors. (Heartfelt. Unconditional. Giving. is a nonprofit that raises funds for the research, prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer and assists individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by it.).

Do all your hobbies and leisure activities include making the world a more beautiful place?
My creative juices are always flowing. I truly love to bake all sorts of confections. My favorite leisure activity is spending quality time with friends and family. The ultimate is movie night with the kids!

To talk with Kay about your design project, contact her at Koontz Furniture and Design › 3111 S. Pine Ave, Ocala › (352) 622-3241 or email kayrains@koontzfurnitureanddesign.com

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