Interior Designer Spotlight: 10 Questions with Kristi Frei
Designing with Heart, Function & Personality
Great design isn’t just about how a space looks.
It’s about how it feels to live in.
That’s exactly what interior designer Kristi Frei, founder of Interiors by Kristi, brings to every project—spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal and functional .
This week, we’re sharing insights from Kristi herself—along with a behind-the-scenes look at how she approaches design, clients, and creating spaces that truly feel like home.1. What introduced you to interior design?
KF: “I was a psychology major until my senior year in college at UNL when I switched to Interior Design with an emphasis in the psychology of interiors. Making the switch freed me to cultivate and release the creative side of my brain while still helping people through the creation of aesthetically and functionally pleasing spaces. My background in psychology has been a great asset to my Interior Design business. It aids me in the use of color, textures and space planning.”
2. How did you get into the profession?
KF: “My path to my current business in Interior Design has been an adventure, to say the least! Upon graduation from college, I moved to Denver and interned with established Designer, Kitty Zlogar and afterward, landed a job with a commercial Design firm in Denver. During this time I got married and soon after my husband accepted a job in Omaha. The design field there was pretty saturated at the time, so I left the design field and worked for an information service company, doing customer service and corporate training. With the birth of my third child I left the work force to focus on family. I worked part-time on several design adventures along the way as the children were growing. My creative bucket was getting filled and my number one focus of family was getting met. Around 2012 I accepted a teaching position with Metropolitan Community College in the Interior Design Department. This has been a great fit, allowing me to combine my passion, experience and knowledge of Interior Design with the joy of sharing and instructing.”
3. What does your home look like?
KF: “I am very eclectic. I prefer to surround myself with items that bring me joy and fill me with loving memories. Mixing in eye-catching surprises that just bring a smile. I tend to gravitate to a colorful Boho feel against white neutral walls, mixing in unique premium-quality new and reclaimed rustic furniture pieces. My furnishings are purpose driven. Functionality of a piece is important to me. I gravitate to “less is more” rather than just acquiring LOTS to just fill spaces. This is my personal vibe, however I really like assisting clients that want more of a “filled”space. One that gives you a great big hug when you walk in the door. It is so fun getting to know my clients and creating spaces for their personality!!! I love the uniqueness and individuality of each client.”
4. What is an example of an ideal project?
KF: “As someone that loves change and can see the potential in any space, every project I take on is ideal. If I had to pick one area, I’d say my sweets pot is remodeling and renovations. I love to go in and look at a space and visualize the potential. I am very familiar with architectural and construction components that are involved in remodeling, looking beyond the exterior of a remodel project and focusing on the good bones of the space and rebuilding from there. Updating the space but maintaining the character and charm of its original glory.”
5. What new trends do you see and what do you think of them?
KF: “I don’t really focus on “trends”. I prefer to focus on the client and believe their home or office should be a reflection of who they are. Surrounding them with decor that makes the space their “happy place,” showing off the clients personality and uniqueness. Trends can be fleeting.”
Before and after photos of a small bath remodel.
6. How do you incorporate family heirlooms into a home design?
KF: “This is a very important part of the design approach and process for me. I want the client to walk in the door at the end of a long day and feel at peace. If Grammy’s old chair makes them happy and gives them that hug that they need at the end of the day, then we need to incorporate Grammys chair into the design. Grammys chair may get a face lift with a new finish and upholstery so that now it becomes the focal point of the room and brings warmth into the space. And now Grammy’s chair is even more of the story.”
7. Do you incorporate reclaimed items in your design?
KF: “Often times. One of a kind, unique pieces just bring such interest and conversation to a room. I call them “treasures” and I’m always on a treasure hunt. That’s what lead me to OUT OF THE BOX and keeps me coming back!
Kitchen update, before and after.
8. What are common design mistakes people make when decorating?
KF: “Everything having to be “Matchy Matchy,” following trends to a fault. Imitating a recent Pinterest post! Falling prey to ‘can’t and shouldn’t’ thinking when it comes to designing their space.”
9. At what point should someone seek out a professional?
KF: “At any point but especially if they begin to feel overwhelmed or confused by the thought or process of change. If they start to lose focus on the big picture of the project and start going down too many rabbit holes!”
10. Do you have any advice for aspiring Interior Designers?
KF: “You will spend the majority of your time on the logistics of running a business and less time on the fun designing side. Therefore, my advice is take a basic business class. Get educated in the basics of running your own business. This includes how to structure and form your business, knowledge of basic accounting, insurance and tax requirements, etc. And always be willing to work on your networking and communication skills.”
From Psychology to Design: A Natural Evolution
Kristi didn’t start in design—she started in psychology.
And that background still shapes her work today.
Understanding:
- How people experience space
- How color and texture affect mood
- How layout influences behavior
…gives her an edge that goes beyond aesthetics.
For Kristi, design isn’t just visual—it’s emotional and experiential.
A Career Built Over Time (and Life)
Like many creative paths, Kristi’s journey wasn’t linear.
From working in Denver design firms…
To stepping away to focus on family…
To eventually teaching interior design…
Each step added depth to her approach.
Today, she combines:
- Real-world experience
- Teaching and mentorship
- Hands-on project work
All into a design process that feels both professional and personal.
Her Style: Eclectic, Joyful, and Intentional
If you had to sum up Kristi’s personal style in one word?
Eclectic.
But not cluttered.
Her spaces are:
- Colorful but grounded
- Layered but intentional
- Personal without feeling busy
She believes your home should reflect you—not a trend, not a showroom, not a Pinterest board.
And that philosophy carries into every client project.
The Power of Meaningful Pieces
One of the most memorable stories she shares?
A chair that belonged to her mother.
Worn, outdated… but impossible to part with.
Instead of letting it go, she reimagined it:
- New upholstery
- Fresh life
- Same emotional connection
Now?
It’s a focal point—and a daily reminder of someone she loves.
That’s design at its best.
Remodeling: Where She Really Shines
If there’s one area Kristi especially loves, it’s renovation.
She has a unique ability to:
- See potential in a space
- Understand structural possibilities
- Preserve original character while updating function
It’s not about starting over.
It’s about building on what’s already there.
Trends? Not So Much.
While many designers chase trends, Kristi takes a different approach.
Her focus is simple:
The client comes first.
Because trends fade.
But a space that reflects your personality?
That lasts.
Designing Around Real Life
One of her core beliefs:
A home should feel like a “happy place.”
That means:
- Comfort
- Function
- Emotional connection
If a family heirloom brings joy—it belongs in the design.
And sometimes, with a little updating, it becomes the centerpiece of the room.
Reclaimed Pieces = Character
Kristi is a big believer in mixing in reclaimed and one-of-a-kind items.
Why?
Because they:
- Add depth
- Tell a story
- Create conversation
She calls them “treasures”—and she’s always on the hunt.
(It’s also what keeps her coming back to Out of the Box.)
Common Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
According to Kristi, the biggest pitfalls are:
- Trying to make everything match
- Following trends too closely
- Copying instead of creating
- Feeling boxed in by “rules”
Her advice?
Let go of perfection—and design something that feels like you.
When to Bring in a Designer
Short answer: anytime.
But especially when:
- You feel overwhelmed
- You’re losing the big picture
- You’re stuck in decision loops
A designer helps bring clarity, direction, and confidence.
Advice for Aspiring Designers
Kristi keeps it real:
Design is only part of the job.
Running a business means:
- Understanding finances
- Managing logistics
- Communicating effectively
Her advice?
Learn the business side early—it makes everything else possible.
Just In: Pieces Kristi Would Love
This week’s arrivals feel right in line with Kristi’s approach—mixing personality, function, and standout design:
- A Restoration Hardware Maxwell leather sofa with rich, broken-in character
- Striped velvet lounge chairs in warm, layered tones
- A round pedestal table with lion-leg detail and inlay
- A playful monkey motif ceramic lamp with personality
- A rustic four-poster queen bed in solid wood
- French-made vintage side tables with timeless charm
- A carved accent chair with peach-toned upholstery and gilt detail
- A sculptural iron-base table with stone top
- A large iron hanging rack with multiple uses
- A classic Pearson sofa in colorful stripes
Each piece offers something unique—just the way Kristi likes it.
What We Can Learn from Kristi Frei
Design doesn’t have to follow rules.
It should:
- Reflect your story
- Support your lifestyle
- Bring you joy
Because at the end of the day…
The best spaces aren’t the most perfect.
They’re the most personal.
Visit Out of the Box
Looking for your own “treasure”?
With new arrivals weekly and one-of-a-kind finds throughout the showroom, there’s always something waiting to inspire your next project.
Open Tuesday – Sunday
New inventory arriving daily
Stop in—and start creating a space that truly feels like you.
FAQs: Working with an Interior Designer
Do I need a designer for a small project?
No project is too small—designers can help at any stage.
Will a designer force a certain style?
Not if they’re good—they’ll help define your style.
Is it expensive to hire a designer?
It can be more affordable than costly mistakes.
Can I mix old and new pieces?
Absolutely—this often creates the best results.
What’s the biggest benefit?
Clarity, confidence, and a finished space that works.
