Karen Cooper is a blogger, sharing her DIY, upcycling and gardening projects on her blog, Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza. Karen loves writing about her design ideas, home decor projects and general musings about her life and family. She is extremely passionate about space planning, organization, decor, upcycling and of course colour. Her philosophy is that “if she can do the projects, you can do them, too”. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Karen Cooper.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
A little rustic, a little industrial, a little modern…basically, an eclectic mix. I like clean lines and crisp colors. And I love upcycling things into new, useful design elements.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
First, something inspires me – a color, picture, room, or materials. I sketch out the idea and list what’s needed to complete it. Then, I dive in!
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I admire and respect most those people who try a DIY or design project themselves, with no prior experience or expertise. For example, my neighbor needed a solution for a small guest room. So, she sketched out and built a trundle bed! She isn’t a carpenter; she just had a vision and did it. I admire those who have an idea and go for it.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Often I go to thrift stores or salvage yards. I’ll find a piece to makeover, or salvaged materials, and get an idea for how to use it in a project.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I started my professional life as a lawyer. Then I became a professor. Design, DIY, and blogging about it was just a hobby until many friends and my amazing husband supported me doing it full-time. My advice is to follow your passion, but have a plan.
