Kate McKinney Designs

Kate McKinney Designs I'm a Residential Interior Designer with 14 years experience in the Middle Tennessee area.

Last Sunday I decided to start on my cottage kitchen backsplash. I measured and installed while my husband made the tile...
05/05/2026

Last Sunday I decided to start on my cottage kitchen backsplash. I measured and installed while my husband made the tile cuts. It's been a learning experience and full body workout but I'm enjoying it. Now I've decided I need to tile above the window. Stay tuned for this projects progress.

As spring arrives, I'm enthusiastically installing wallpaper, literally 10' up in the air, and this wall has been in nee...
03/20/2026

As spring arrives, I'm enthusiastically installing wallpaper, literally 10' up in the air, and this wall has been in need of a pattern; the toile design strikes the perfect balance between visual interest and subtlety.

I'm deciding on base cabinet paint options.  I've been wanting to do this for the past 6 years but other projects took p...
11/01/2025

I'm deciding on base cabinet paint options. I've been wanting to do this for the past 6 years but other projects took precedent. I'll reevaluate in the morning to let the swatches dry and revisit them. This Kitchen gets direct sun around 10am and it's will change how these greens read.

Yay! My wallpaper was just delivered! Now I have to select a green paint to coordinate. There are so many good choices.
03/11/2025

Yay! My wallpaper was just delivered! Now I have to select a green paint to coordinate. There are so many good choices.

I'm so ready for spring, and this cold snap has me feeling down, so you know what that means: it's project time! I'm goi...
03/06/2025

I'm so ready for spring, and this cold snap has me feeling down, so you know what that means: it's project time! I'm going to teach you how to recover your own dining chair seats. You can do this on a weekend with two people.

First gather your supplies:

A sturdy fabric of your choice.
Extra batting for the cushion if needed.
Staple gun from the hardware store.
Staples
Fabric protection spray like scotchgaurd.
Electric screwdriver or drill.
Flathead screwdriver
Pliers
Iron

My husband works really hard for us to be home. I was so excited when I found him this handmade vintage secretary desk w...
07/17/2024

My husband works really hard for us to be home. I was so excited when I found him this handmade vintage secretary desk with storage. It was made by a 15 year old in shop class who is now 89! I love pieces with a story.

Spring is on its way!It's time for a change after all the sickness going around and the Winter blues. I picked up some f...
03/04/2024

Spring is on its way!

It's time for a change after all the sickness going around and the Winter blues. I picked up some faux flowers and a couple of lamps to transition to the new season. My toddler likes to get into everything so faux plants are the way to go at my house unless they are up high.

Ways to keep your budget down in this time of crazy inflation? Shop secondhand and discount stores! You will be surprised by what you can find at a fraction of the retail price. Facebook Marketplace is also a great place to find pieces.

Shop your house first.Before you jump on Amazon or run out to the store to buy something you think you need. Take a mome...
07/27/2023

Shop your house first.

Before you jump on Amazon or run out to the store to buy something you think you need. Take a moment and look around your house. You will be amazed by how many great pillows, baskets and decor you already own. Take this picture of my entry as an example. The lamp was already there but it was buried by clutter. The books and the geode were in another space and weren't showcased at all. The burl wood bowl was a thrift store find I stumbled upon and it was perfect for the space to hold keys etc. My entry table was not working for me at all. It was open at the bottom so my record player and board games were stacked and collecting dust. Now my marketplace sideboard has shelves inside so everything has its own home out of sight.

I love how it feels so much more bright and airy now and easy to wipe down.

Getting a similar look for less.Take your inspiration photo from Pinterest or Instagram and think about what parts you a...
07/26/2023

Getting a similar look for less.

Take your inspiration photo from Pinterest or Instagram and think about what parts you are drawn to the most.

Is it the colors and patterns and textures?

Is it more lighting than what you currently have?

Is it the furniture shape and size?

The easiest way to transform a space is paint. It's relatively inexpensive and can change the entire feeling of a room. You can never go wrong with warm neutrals, greens or blues depending on your size.

Wallpaper has made a big comeback and adds visual interest. Check out Amazon for vinyl peel and stick patterns that are super easy to install and affordable.

My favorite place to shop for lighting and mirrors on a budget are liquidation and discount stores. You can find great brands for a fraction of the price!

Look for vanities on marketplace and transform them with paint and new hardware.

The one place I pay full price for is plumbing fixtures. You may find the offhand faucet on marketplace but typically you want everything to coordinate or need a specific brand for your existing valves.

Need to update your vinyl Bathroom vinyl flooring but don't want to install tile? Check out Floor Pops vinyl stick tiles. I've had mine for two years and still love how it turned out. I even installed it 8 months pregnant 😉.

For accessories check your local thrift store! There are tons of baskets, vases, artwork, dishware and so much more.

Marketplace is the best place to find gently used furniture. Just make sure to steam clean any upholstery.

Buying as much as you can secondhand is great for your wallet and the environment.

I hope this was helpful ☺️

Can you believe it's been a year since I posted last?!!! A lot has changed. I have a wild toddler that's into everything...
07/25/2023

Can you believe it's been a year since I posted last?!!! A lot has changed. I have a wild toddler that's into everything and I've decided to slow way down to focus on raising my children. I want to share my Designer on a budget mom life with y'all in hopes it will help others in the same boat.

Upcoming posts:

1. How to get the same look for less.

2. Shop your own house first.

3. Decluttering goes a long way to open up your space.

4. How to stretch your budget.

5. Finding peace in the craziness of small children at home.

See you soon!
- Kate

Address

Murfreesboro, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

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