Karlene Hunter-Baum
Senior Interior Designer
Whitney Lobby
The Whitney Landmark Residence, originally a historic riverfront flour mill, was converted to luxury, riverfront residences. The project called for designing a unique lobby/common space using the authentic existing architectural elements to create a contemporary design that would attract today’s sophisticated business professional. To create buyer interest, the clients wanted the lobby to give a dramatic first impression. The creative challenge and result became “cosmopolitan meets culture,” incorporating the theme of “wheat and water” to celebrate the original use of a flour mill and the adjacent Mississippi River.
About the result:
Karlene Hunter Baum’s (and team) design concept maintains the integrity of a historical landmark, yet expresses the present rhythm of the city by blending chic, classic art deco with antiques. The sophisticated use of color helps to create an emotional reaction and comfortable atmosphere. Classic straight lines contrast the circular motion in various textiles, custom carpets, bold accessories, scale of furniture and splashes of color which created drama, tension, and movement while overcoming space challenges.
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.