Meet Raleigh designer Kris Ozburn

Second Mile Designs, Raleigh

540-272-1882 or secondmiledesigns.com

My design signature: A contemporary space is more interesting with a refurbished antique, and an older home with vintage windows, well-loved wood floors and classic geometries gets new life with a more modern couch or lighting. An eclectic mix of styles keeps spaces feeling relevant, fun and fresh.

My best travel souvenir ever: I love to travel and pick up “souvenirs” wherever I go. I have brought back brass shelves, wooden footstools, wall clocks, dishes, seltzer bottles and art. Right now, my favorite is the chandelier that I found at a flea market in Italy and hung in my master bathroom.

What never goes out of style: I like to find ways to repurpose or “remix” items. If you have a blend of styles in your home, it will never go out of style. Classic pieces like a Chesterfield sofa, a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair or couch, a task light and a Louis Philippe mirror are timeless and can be “remixed” with many designs.

Round, square or rectangular dining table? I prefer a round table whenever I can use one. It is more conducive to conversation that involves the entire group, and your sight line to everyone is better.

How to decorate a boy’s bedroom: Keep it simple. Use basic furniture, but not completely matching to add interest. Choose a color palette that will grow up with the boy (they often don’t like “change” when it comes to decorating). Choose a paint color that is neither too bright nor expected. Having fun with art will give the room character: Frame something the boy has drawn or a poster of something that interests him. Blow up a photo of him with friends or relatives. All of these will add personality and can be changed out easily as the boy grows up.

Best $100 makeover idea: Shop your house. Rearrange! No rule says a piece of furniture has to stay in the same spot from now until eternity. You can give a room a needed facelift just by moving your pieces around. And a gallon of paint can take a dull room to dramatic new heights and give life to an old piece of furniture or a blank piece of canvas. And remember, adding or changing out pillows won’t break the budget.

Favorite hostess gift: I like to collect unusual spoons to take to a hostess. I will package it up with some cocktail napkins and some jam or nuts, or something that I am finding delicious at the time.

Next project at your house: About a year ago, we completed an entire renovation of our 1930’s Dutch Colonial house. We love how it turned out, but it’s time to tackle that infamous “last room.” I plan to turn the downstairs room in our small guest house into an office for my husband.

My favorite design blog: I enjoy several design blogs: Remodelista, Apartment Therapy and Design Milk. These sites are colorful, easy to read, trendy and inspiring.

Accessory that best describes me: I like any design accessory that is unique and different – need I say more?

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Meet Raleigh designer Kris Ozburn."