The Story Behind Kimmel Design

They say business isn’t personal, but for me, it always has been (in the best way!).

In 2015, Justin and I decided to sell our first home of only 1 year, and begin a journey we didn’t even know we were looking for. I knew I wanted a home with more character, something I could put my own style into, but I never really thought of how that would happen. When we decided to sell our home, we did not have prospects of another home to buy. We had some specifics of what we wanted and needed, but it was more so our budget that was a bit restrictive. We continued our search and in the meantime, moved in my my in laws! (I know, I know, GASP!!! But, they are the exception to the “Terrible In-Law” Rule. In fact, most of my husbands friends from childhood still say they wish they were a Kimmel 😉). They graciously opened their home to their grown son, his VERY pregnant wife, 18 month old granddaughter, and 110lb. chocolate lab! Not a light load to take on when you’ve been empty nesters, but I think the grandchildren helped sweeten the deal!

After a few months of house hunting and a few heart breaking deals and tears, we finally found the one. In fact, I was signing papers in the hospital while I was in labor with our second child! When we went to look at the house the first time, there was a line of cars in front upon our exit. We knew we needed to act fast, so that’s exactly what we did! We took our newborn daughter to the closing (when they were all in person!) and soon began a renovation on the home. And just like that, I found my passion for design when I wasn't even looking.

When Kimmel Design began in 2015, I had no idea where it would go, if it would be successful or even if it was a good idea! But I did know that I was passionate about it. If I could find joy and life in renovating and designing our home while living with my in laws with my 18 month old and a newborn, I was pretty certain it was what I was meant to do it!

From then on, I slowly started doing jobs for close friends and word of mouth spread and the business grew. I spent three years working directly with a local contractor and that time was invaluable! I learned so much about the construction side of the business and that has helped me immensely in understanding that functional, possible design starts behind the walls! I love bringing visions off the paper and into my clients most beloved asset, their homes.

In 2018 we sold our home and were able to buy another fixer upper in the next county over. Another stint at the in laws, (except with 3 kids this time 😅and Justin’s Aunt + Uncle living there too!) and complete 3 month renovation! This home was truly a labor of love! We were able to touch every inch of it inside and out to completely restore it! I felt immense pride after 3 years when we sold it to the sweetest family who had been tirelessly searching and could enjoy that home! The feeling of fixing up a home to completion to have another family be able to take it on, burden free, will always be one of our greatest joys!

So here we are in 2021, onto our 3rd project home together. Who knows how long we will stay, or if we will ever leave! But we pour our hearts into every home we have, that same way I approach my clients homes. I know from personal experience, how much people’s homes mean to them. My hope is to always bring to life, in a home, what they always dreamed it could be. For many of us, our homes are what we are most proud of. What we worked so hard to create and maintain. Where memories are made and meals are shared.

After 6 years, the business and my knowledge have grown, but I still love it as much (if not more!) than I did when I started. I am always so grateful to all of my amazing clients who trust me with their homes and for every one of you that follow along our journey! If you want to follow along our 3rd home renovation follow #KDClassicComfortRanch and @KimmelDesign on Instagram.

And as always, thank you for following along!