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'Property Brothers' Heads To Westchester In Newest Episode

LARCHMONT, N.Y. -- Kim Mitchell, founder of Larchmont-based KAM Design returns as the Design Lead for the latest installment of "Property Brothers."

Larchmont Designer Kim Mitchell, center, with "The Property Brothers."

Larchmont Designer Kim Mitchell, center, with "The Property Brothers."

Photo Credit: Submitted
Replacing hanging light fixtures helps make a dramatic statement, according to Larchmont Interior Designer Kim Mitchell.

Replacing hanging light fixtures helps make a dramatic statement, according to Larchmont Interior Designer Kim Mitchell.

Photo Credit: Susan Fisher Photography

Season 10, Episode 9, entitled "Unexpected Dream Home," premieres on HGTV on Wednesday, Feb. 15. 

Mitchell, recently honored as "Best of Houzz 2017" in the Customer Service Category and a finalist for Westchester Home’s 2017 Design Awards, worked with the design brother duo to navigate the area -- the house is located in Southern Westchester though she can't reveal where.

The interior designer worked on three episodes of their other show, 'Buying & Selling', which aired last summer but this is her first time working on "Property Brothers." It was nice, she said, to work so close to home. 

"The moment I stepped in this modern house I knew it had so much potential," said Mitchell. 

"The entire back wall is glass and it looks out onto woods and a little stream -- a stunning view of nature."

Six spaces in the home were designed: the entry, kitchen, living room, family room, dining room and a surprise personalized design for the children's bedroom. The kitchen was gut renovated by taking out a wall and creating a large island. 

The team also modernized the fireplace and facade wall that divides the dining room and family room. Curb appeal was enhanced dramatically by adding a mid-century modern style stained wood door fitting for the home.

It all fits in with Mitchells' motto: Fix the practical things first. 

"I recommend focusing on the architectural 'envelope' first so your spaces are clean, livable and ready for future projects," she said. 

"For example, paint inside all the closets and pantries. Once you have clothes and food inside it will never make it to the top of your priority list and it creates a fresh clean look for storing your belongings and food.

"Give ceilings a fresh coat of flat white as well. Ceilings get dingy over time and you would be surprised how much a space can be brightened."

Wood flooring is another biggie as sanding is messy and staining and poly finish is smelly, she said. "If you want to extend the wood flooring in areas that have tile or other material a good flooring specialist can thread new wood into your existing so it looks like it has always been there. Have your contractor place stain samples right on the floor before selecting your choice."

Other quick fixer-up tips: 

  • Assess your lighting. Ceiling and wall lighting can make a difference in updating your home as well as creating a bright space. Consider replacing ceiling lights if they are dated and have a large diameter. "My rule is to almost always have lights on a dimmer switch which provides flexibility and ambiance," explained Mitchell.
  • Change out old cabinet hardware in your kitchen or bathrooms. Make sure to measure the "c-to-c" length"  (center to center) which is from hole to hole for pulls so you can use existing holes. Also make sure to assess the diameter of any knobs you are purchasing so it fits and looks appropriate in scale to where you are using them. 
  • Change out old or dated door hardware including hinges. In the "Unexpected Dream Home" episode, the team replaced door and door hardware in the first-floor hallway.  Said Mitchell: "It is a small change that can really update a home or make it fit your personal style whether super modern or traditional."

Go to www.kaminteriordesign.com for more on Mitchell's work.

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