Karlene Hunter-Baum
Senior Interior Designer
The Whitney - Contemporary Condo
Originally a historic flour mill, the Whitney Hotel was converted to luxury, riverfront residences. Karlene Hunter Baum’s client desired a downtown condo that could be a retreat during his business travels to Minneapolis. It was important to have a comfortable place to stay as well as have the ability to conduct business meetings. The space needed a number of seating options that allowed for group conversations or a place to relax.
About the result:
Muted white and cream shades were used on the walls, flooring, and upholstery to create a neutral backdrop for punches of bright color. A crisp, colorful palette of cobalt blue, fresh green, and red is brought in through artwork, accessories, and pillows. The contrast of white and cream materials against the dark wood finishes in the furniture and cabinetry add to the contemporary ambiance. Tall windows are highlighted with long, sweeping sheer intense cobalt blue fabric.
Awards
- MN ASID First Place 2013 Residential - Showcase House for Sit a Spell
- MN ASID Showcase Home 2013 People's Choice for Favorite Room
- MN ASID First Place 2007 Contract Private Sector - Whitney Landmark Lobby
- MN ASID First Place 2006 Design is in the Details - Big Sky, Montana Bathroom
- MN ASID Honorable Mention 2006 Model Home - The Whitney Contemporary Condo/Loft
- MN ASID Honorable Mention 2003 Residential Design over 6,000 Square Feet
"An interior designer's goal is to make the design process more enjoyable for the client. Satisfaction comes from seeing the client's individual style emerge during the design process."
As a professional Interior Designer, Karlene’s passion is to help clients create homes that drastically improve their mood and quality of life. Functional. Beautiful. Timeless.
In her 20 years as a designer, Karlene has developed an approach of mixing design elements ranging from historic to contemporary. She prides herself on asking questions that facilitate the design process. "While listening to my client's responses, I also hear the underlying information," she says. This verbal and nonverbal communication enables her to create a plan uniquely suited to her client's needs and desires.
She has been chosen to design model homes for Parade of Homes. Since 2003, Karlene's work has been featured in the Robb Report — Exceptional Vacation Properties.
Karlene earned her B.A. in Interior Design from North Dakota State. She completed post-graduate work in Interior Design in Stuttgart, Germany.