From her early days rearranging her childhood bedroom to transforming outdated homes into stunning spaces, Kristen Corson’s journey from finance to interior design is a testament to following your passions. As the founder of KLC Interiors, she combines her creative flair with a keen understanding of construction, specializing in kitchen and bath renovations that transform houses into homes.

Whether it’s a minimalist aesthetic or multi-generational design, Corson tailors each project to her clients’ unique needs and dreams.

From her most memorable projects to her advice for homeowners embarking on renovations, Corson’s insights offer a glimpse into what it takes to excel in design and construction—and why she believes doing what you love means you’ll never work a day in your life.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?

Starting at a young age, art and design was just part of who I was. I remember at about 8 years old; I was always changing my room around, and buying little accessories with my allowance and decorating it with things that I would make in pottery class with my grandmother.

My career took me to finance, which was very successful but never fed my creative desires. While in finance my home was a place I enjoyed showing off and entertaining, I was approached by friends to help with their spaces and it eventually evolved.

When the housing market fell in 2006, I took a step back from finance and decided to focus on my passion for design and it quickly evolved into a full-time business.

Give us a snapshot on your company?

KLC INTERIORS offers not only interior design but also renovations, my specialty is kitchen and bath.

What trends are you seeing in the residential construction market today?

It varies in different markets of the country, but I would say a more minimalist approach in design is tending from what my clients request.

What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in the building trade today?

I would say permitting is challenging. Every county has different requirements and even inspectors have different interpretations of code, it can be challenging but we always get through it—more of a time challenge than anything.

What does the labor pool look like? How are you attracting and retaining skilled workers for your projects?

Great question. The labor pool is abundant, it’s getting the “good ones” and holding on to them. I have been fortunate with my team that has been with me for years. They are like family.

I established a work ethic from the beginning and I take good care of them. We established a good communication system. Oh, and I feed them, that helps.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in the residential construction sector?

Technology is definitely something to stay on top of; it’s a necessity in your price point of construction. It feels it is definitely a compensating factor in how long your home stays on the market.

How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new building materials and techniques?

Lots of research, a connection with fellow builders, suppliers and even social media has many influences that I find in my designs

What advice would you give to homeowners looking to embark on a new construction or renovation project?

This is a question I get a lot. I feel there are many aspects that need to be addressed, but I would have to say the most important would be to have a great relationship with your builder/contractor and definitely hire a designer, so many costly mistakes can be made with color and design that make or break your project’s value.

Can you share a story about the uniqueness of the project you have worked on? What made it stand out?

I had a client reach out to me that needed the entire main house renovated. They were living in the guest house on their back property for several years with intentions to renovate when the wife fell ill. It had been 30-plus years and gave kids later since they had done any renovations on the home, so it was in need. It was a beautiful property on several acres.

Several months went by and I did not hear anything and assumed he had moved on; I got a call in January that his wife passed away on Christmas Day. He said he needed to keep busy and was ready to go.

We went to work Immediately and turned this outdated diamond in the rough into an amazing feature home. I had carte blanche to design exactly what I felt worked for the home and its potential.

We removed walls, added amazing features and even received some smiles at what his wife would have thought of our final product. It may not be so “unique,” but the experience sure was. Some just deeply touch your heart and it’s why I love the saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What do you believe is the future of residential construction?

From my experience I’m seeing more multi-generational homes. Discussing the needs of the homeowner and customizing their individual family needs is my specialty.

One-on-One with…Kristen Corson

Describe a typical day.

Being awakened by the dogs, there’s never a day to sleep in with this crew. I make a to-do list almost nightly. So I keep myself and subs on track. I hit my projects daily and connect with my clients before they call me. It’s an important aspect of my business that I feel keeps me on a higher level than an average designer/contractor—one that I take great pride in.

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

Invoicing and estimates. It’s what I dislike the most but a necessity so it tends to take me longer than it should.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Delivering the final project! The connection I make with clients is the ultimate reward in seeing their reaction to seeing their dream come to fruition.

What was the best advice you ever received?

I believe I said this in a previous answer, but it is definitely do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I honestly wake up everyday and get excited about my projects that I have ongoing, not too many people get to say that in their Life.

What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?

I gave your name to my neighbor who loves my new design. I do a lot of my business through referrals so this is the ultimate compliment.