Katie Brender - Wenatchee Location

Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian says the kitchen “is where I feel most at ease and where I feel most like myself” – and designer Katie Brender couldn’t agree more. But it’s not a love of cooking that inspires her as much as it is a zest for creating interesting spaces in which to cook, eat and gather with loved ones.

“Everyone uses their kitchens differently, so it’s exciting to design something new for each person’s own needs,” Katie says. 

When she first started in the industry in 2006, Katie got first-hand experience of cabinetry and tile installation by visiting job sites. This expertise enabled her to make better estimates for clients’ project designs and led to running her own kitchen and bath design company for four years before she joined Standard Paint & Flooring in 2017. 

“What I like best is that every job is different and every client has different design ideas,” she says. “It really is rewarding to watch a client’s project come to life and see the excitement in their eyes when it is complete.”     

The signature style I’m best known for is: Kitchen and bath designs that incorporate traditional, farmhouse or rustic elements. 

What color was your bedroom when you were 10 years old? Pink and gold.

Favorite color to work with: Gray and slate, simply because there are so many options and interesting combinations. But I’d also love to work more with bold blues like aqua or teal. 

Pro tip for adding a pop of color in a neutral color scheme: Use bold colors in accessories; the color is easy to change out with the season or just because you get tired of it. 

Favorite place to find inspiration: Pinterest.

How do you ensure a space reflects your customers’ preferences? Listening is the most important way to ensure their opinion is heard and interpreted in the space I am designing for them. There is nothing quite like bringing someone’s dreams to life.