Interior Design That Balances Beauty and Functionality
Transitional and contemporary interior design for Charleston-area homeowners who want a home that feels personal, comfortable, and truly tells their story.
Let's Talk About Your Space
Meet Karen
I'm Karen Crapse, founder of KDC Interiors. I designed my first home from scratch in 1995. I drew up the floor plans, took them to a builder, and lived in that house for 23 years. But for most of my career, I was an industrial engineer leading quality programs and manufacturing operations for a Fortune 100 manufacturer. Process design, problem solving, attention to detail. That was my world.
When I moved to Mount Pleasant and turned a lifelong passion into a second career, I brought all of that with me. Some might say, I traded factories for floorplans and refined interiors. I earned my interior design certification from the Charleston School of Interior Design and began working with homeowners across the Charleston area.
Today, I create spaces that are comfortable, functional, and unmistakably theirs. I'm not interested in designing a room you're afraid to live in. Beyond enjoying the comfort of your space, I want you to enjoy its beauty. I want you to walk through your front door and think: this is exactly right.
My husband, Amos, is my assistant. Amos' craftsmanship and installation expertise allow us to deliver tailored solutions — from custom shelving and cabinetry to perfectly placed drapery and furnishings — so when your project calls for something truly one-of-a-kind, we can make it happen.
Why KDC
An Engineer's Eye for Detail
Most designers think about how a room looks. Karen thinks about how it works: traffic flow, ergonomics, durability, and the details most people miss. Three decades in quality engineering means nothing gets overlooked.
Designed for Real Life
A beautiful sofa you can't clean isn't beautiful. It's a problem. Karen selects materials that hold up to how you actually live: performance fabrics that still feel luxurious, timeless finishes that won't date your home in five years.
Your Space, Your Story
Karen's process starts by listening. A detailed intake questionnaire, an honest conversation about what you love (and what you don't), and a collaborative approach that makes sure every room reflects the people living in it, not the designer.
A Timeless, Livable Aesthetic
Transitional Design
Karen's signature style lives in the transitional space, where traditional warmth meets modern simplicity. Think clean lines and comfortable furnishings with classical touches like crown molding and refined details. The palette leans toward soft neutrals, with visual interest built through layered textures rather than bold patterns. It's a deliberate blend of historical and contemporary that feels both polished and welcoming.
Contemporary Design
For clients drawn to a more current look, Karen also works in contemporary styles, emphasizing simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. Modern materials, open space, and intentional restraint create rooms that feel fresh without feeling cold.
Both approaches share the same philosophy: spaces should be beautiful, comfortable, and built to last. Karen adapts her style to fit you, not the other way around.
How We Can Work Together
Designer for a Day
Need a creative push in the right direction? Book 4–8 hours of hands-on design support: room styling, co-shopping, layout advice, and material selections guidance. Perfect for homeowners who want expert input without a long-term commitment.
Designer by Your Side
Ongoing design guidance for furnishings, paint colors, tile, countertops, flooring, and space planning. You stay in the driver's seat. Karen makes sure every choice works together.
Single & Multi-Room Design
A complete design package for one room or several: space planning, mood boards, finish specifications, and material procurement. Installation and styling services are available as add-ons.
Full Service Design
The whole experience from concept to completion. Space planning, cabinetry design, finishes selection, materials procurement, project management assistance, and room styling. Karen handles it all so you don't have to.
Concept Design
Not ready for a full project? Get a design concept — floor plans, electrical plans, and 3D renderings — that an architect or your contractor can run with. Ideal for new builds and major renovations.
Not sure which service fits? That's exactly what the discovery call is for. We'll talk through your space, your goals, and what level of support makes the most sense.
What to Expect
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Reach Out
Fill out the contact form or give us a call. Tell us a little about your space and what you have in mind.
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Discovery Call
We'll have a short conversation about your project: scope, timeline, style preferences, and budget. This is where we figure out if we're a good fit.
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Proposal & Agreement
You'll receive a clear project proposal with scope, timeline, and pricing. No surprises, no hidden fees.
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Design & Implement
This is the fun part. We get to work bringing your vision to life, with regular check-ins along the way to make sure you love every decision.
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Enjoy Your Space
Walk into a home that looks beautiful, works perfectly, and feels unmistakably yours.
Recent Work
Let's Get Started
Whether you're reimagining a single room or rethinking your entire home, it starts with a conversation. Tell me a little about your space and what you're hoping to create. I'd love to hear about it. We'll schedule a discovery call to explore next steps.