By Aubrie Rounds, Marketing Coordinator, Flooring Depot of Panama City
Starting any renovation can be overwhelming, but having a strong design foundation makes all the difference. Flooring Depot PCB provides the perfect starting point with its Design Center and expert in-house specialist, Kirsten Brock. With 34 years of experience in interior design spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, Kirsten helps clients bring their visions to life with confidence.
A Legacy in Design
A graduate of The University of Georgia with a B.S. in Interiors, Kirsten spent more than a decade as a Design Studio Manager for Atlanta’s leading home builders. Her extensive experience allows her to expertly guide homeowners through the design process.
The Role of a Design Specialist
At Flooring Depot, Kirsten serves as a Design Specialist and Sales Associate, offering professional recommendations tailored to each client’s needs. “As an interior designer, I provide professional recommendations based on client goals, preferences and budget,” she explains. Her goal is to make selections that will create the aesthetic that the client is hoping to achieve with the finished product.
The Design Process: From Vision to Reality
Kirsten stresses the importance of listening to and understanding the customer’s needs. “I usually ask for a consultation where we sit down and discuss the project in its entirety so that we can brainstorm color, texture, finishes, and find out what the customer loves and what they don’t. From there, I pull together options I think they will love and that aligns with their needs.”
Smart Renovation Strategies
When starting a renovation, Kirsten urges homeowners to prioritize wisely. “Set realistic budgets, research contractors carefully, and consider how construction will impact daily life,” she advises. “A renovation is a long-term investment in your home, the value it adds to the home is key.”
Finding Inspiration
For design inspiration, Kirsten recommends doing your research. “Whether it’s a magazine or a design blog, she encourages homeowners to find inspiration in personal items, whether it’s a cherished vacation souvenir or a family heirloom.”
Creating a Personalized Space
Understanding a client’s lifestyle is key to Kirsten’s approach. “If a client has mood boards or specific elements they want to incorporate, that’s a great place to start,” she shares. She learns how families live in their homes to ensure designs reflect their needs. After selections are made, she creates a lookbook to provide a cohesive visual representation of the materials and finishes.
The Importance of Flooring in Home Design
“Flooring is the most important color in the home,” Kirsten emphasizes. It sets the foundation for all other design elements. She ensures flooring choices complement existing features while considering lifestyle factors like children and pets.
A Comprehensive Design Approach
While Flooring Depot specializes in flooring, Kirsten’s expertise extends beyond. “If you turn a home upside down, anything that doesn’t fall out is part of the discussion,” she says. From countertops and cabinetry to trim details and furniture placement, she helps create cohesive spaces.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Sometimes, the smallest design choices create the biggest transformations. Kirsten suggests adding wallpaper to unexpected spaces like powder rooms for a touch of whimsy. She also highlights the power of applied trim details and statement countertops, noting that quartzite is a top choice for 2025 due to its timeless appeal.
Maximizing Small Spaces
For smaller homes, Kirsten recommends several strategies to create openness. “Layering lighting—ambient, accent, and task—makes a world of difference,” she advises. Color-drenching, where walls, trim, and ceilings are painted the same shade, creates a sense of grandeur. Vertical storage, multifunctional furniture, and reflective surfaces like mirrors further enhance a space’s depth and usability.
Final Thoughts
Refreshing a home doesn’t always require a major overhaul. Simple changes like replacing cabinet hardware or introducing a new area rug can instantly update a home’s aesthetic.
With expert guidance from Kirsten Brock and Flooring Depot’s PCB Design Center, homeowners can confidently bring their design dreams to life.
