Turning Houses into Homes: Kim Degraff's Approach to Functional Design

“I felt God whisper ‘Many mustard seeds’—small acts of faith that blossom into something greater.”

• Understanding space and flow. In fashion, she thought about drape, movement, texture. Translating that into spatial relationships—how people move through a house, how rooms connect—was a different muscle.
• Learning structural constraints. Walls, plumbing, electrical—these weren’t in the fashion curriculum. She studied, asked contractors, watched, and learned intimately.
• Balancing budgets and aesthetics. In early jobs, she had to prove that she could bring style without overspending. She developed creative solutions (repurposing, layering, smart paint) to stay on budget.

“I was drawn not to just be a designer, but to be a steward. God entrusted me with people’s spaces and lives.”

• Tithing from day one. Even when her income was small, she committed to giving a percentage. She says that mindset shifted how she viewed abundance.
• Project management discipline. She adopted invoicing systems, checklists, and timelines. She insisted on clarity in contracts and scope. That reduced friction with contractors and clients alike.
• Values-driven decisions. She declined projects that didn’t align with her core beliefs or would demand compromising her integrity.
• Continuous learning. Kim never assumed she was “done.” She consumed design podcasts, online courses, design magazines, got mentorship. She’s always refining her eye.

• Homeowners & creatives. She listens deeply: who lives there? What makes them feel at home? She blends personality and practicality.
• Builders & new construction. She advises on finishes, lighting, layout decisions early—before walls go up—so the home flows organically.
• Staging + resale design. She knows what appeals to buyers. She steps in to transform a house into a home buyers can imagine and fall in love with.

• Comfort over formality. Even in upscale projects, there must be softness: cushions, throws, tactile fabrics.
• Layered texture. She uses unexpected materials (woven baskets, plaster walls, linen curtains) to bring depth.
• Color with courage. She doesn’t shy away from color—muted greens, warm terracottas, soft blues. She believes neutrals are safe, not always soul‑stirring.
• Intentional furniture layout. Furniture should facilitate conversation, rest, movement—not force people into less comfortable walking lines.
• Personal touches. She encourages clients to incorporate heirlooms, art, travel mementos—to make the space theirs. Design isn’t about copying a catalog; it’s about telling a story.

• Vendor relationships matter. She emphasizes treating contractors, painters, installers—with respect, clear communication, prompt payment. When things go wrong (and they often do), goodwill helps solve them.
• Delegation is a growth step. Early on, Kim tried doing everything. Now she has trusted teammates or contractors to support tasks so she can lead more.
• Scope control is essential. She draws project boundaries on paper. If a client wants to add a floor or change structure mid‑project, she revisits the contract. She avoids becoming “yes woman” to her own detriment.
• Buffers and contingency. She budgets extra time and money for surprises—walls that aren’t square, delays, materials that don’t match mock‑ups. That humility helps her client experience fewer shocks.
• Capture before/after. Every completed job gets a full photo shoot. She documents not just the pretty, but the process, to feed her portfolio and marketing.

• Lighting design for wellbeing. Natural light, layered artificial light, and control (dimmers, switches) influence mood, rest, productivity.
• Color psychology. Warm tones can ground, cool tones can calm. She uses palette intentionally: entryways may energize, bedrooms may soothe.
• Decluttering & breathing space. Even if a space is beautiful, if it’s overwhelmed by stuff, it feels heavy. She emphasizes editing, negative space, and purpose in placement.
• Flow and movement. A home should feel easy: you walk between rooms naturally. Barriers or awkward layouts can create frustration, movement friction, mental friction.
• Intentional rest zones. Spaces meant for recharge—reading nooks, cozy corners, seats near windows—are part of her design. Homes need corners to exhale.

• Most underused tool? Paint. A fresh palette, even on existing furniture or walls, can transform a room on a modest budget.
• Biggest mistake homeowners make? Choosing furniture first, then trying to fit it into the space, rather than designing the space first and then selecting furniture.
• Dream collab? Kim would love to style with a faith-forward furniture line or a sustainable material brand.
• Color trend she loves? Muted terracotta, warm sage green, and soft earthen pinks. Not screaming, but quiet statements.
• Underrated tip? Use area rugs that extend beyond furniture edges to visually unify a space.
• Favorite design mantra? Function plus beauty. If it doesn’t function well, the beauty won’t sustain.

1. Start small and do well. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Take one room project, nail it, get referrals.
2. Document everything. Before/after photos, process notes—this becomes your portfolio and proof.
3. Invest in business systems early. Contracts, invoicing, project timelines—these guard your time and sanity.
4. Always be learning. Architecture, color theory, lighting, psychology—consume content, courses, real projects.
5. Build faith into your foundation. For Kim, prayer, listening, and integrity guide decisions—win or lose.
6. Be generous with value. Give advice, share tips, mentor others. It builds reputation and community.
7. Protect your margins. Room for error (time, money) is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
8. Design spaces people can live in. Prioritize comfort, usability, and soul over showiness.

• Faith as architecture. Many Mustard Seeds isn’t just a tagline. Kim infuses spiritual intention into her process, believing that every home is more than walls.
• Client empathy. She listens deeply. She doesn’t force trends—she surfaces a client’s story and co‑creates.
• Holistic vision. She considers aesthetics, ergonomics, light, architecture, mood—always in balance.
• Results-oriented design. She’s not doing decor for show—she aims for transformation, comfort, flow, and (in resale cases) strategic value.
• Growth mindset. She doesn’t rest. Her best work is still ahead; she’s pushing herself always to new challenges, new rooms, new clients.

• The Instant Sale Home. Kim was called into a house that had been on the market for months. With limited time, she focused on the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. She updated lighting, repainted key walls, repositioned furniture, and added warm accents. Within days of relisting, the home sold. That result became one of her cornerstone case studies.
• The Faith Pivot. Early in her career, she wondered if she was “qualified enough.” She wrestled with imposter syndrome. But a season of clarity—through prayer, reflection, affirmation from mentors—helped her push through. She leapt when she felt the nudge, even before having every credential. In hindsight, that leap catalyzed her growth.
• The Client Who Cried. She described a client who walked into their transformed bedroom and burst into tears. The space had been reworked—with soft light, layered fabrics, calm palette, and strategic layout—and the client said, “This is the first time I feel seen in a home.” For Kim, moments like that confirm that design isn’t just about surfaces. It’s about dignity, rest, and heart.

• Repaint the ceiling. A slightly lighter or warmer shade than the walls can soften overhead space.
• Swap in new hardware. Door knobs, cabinet pulls—small changes with big visual impact.
• Move your furniture away from the wall. Let space breathe; float a sofa or twin chairs toward the center to define seating zones.
• Mix three textures. Wood, fabric, metal (or rattan) layered in every room brings visual richness.
• Layer lighting. Ambient (ceiling), task (lamps), accent (wall sconces)—each adds dimension.
• Edit your accessories. Keep only what you love or use. Negative space is your friend.
• Use rugs large enough. Rugs should fit under front legs of sofas/chairs—not just sit like a small patch.
• Introduce a mood color. A soft accent wall or piece of furniture in a tone that resonates.
• Use live elements. Plants breathe life into rooms—leaves, wood, clay all signal vitality.
• Rotate decor seasonally. Refresh pillows, throws, small accents to shift energy without large investment.

• A faith‑centered furniture or decor line. She’s considering partnering with artisans who create sustainable, meaningful pieces that align with her aesthetic.
• Educational content. She hopes to launch mini‑courses and installable guides for homeowners and DIYers to understand basic design foundations.
• Expansion in staging for real estate developers. She sees potential in collaborating with agents and developers at scale to design model homes and accelerate sales.
• Team growth & mentorship. She wants to raise up new designers—especially those who, like her, feel called but unqualified—offering mentorship, internships, and a space to grow.

You don’t need to begin with everything. You just need a seed—faith, action, devotion—and willingness to grow it.

• What is your mustard seed—your small idea, call, or dream?
• What daily habits or disciplines will nourish it?
• Where can you accept small projects now, do them well, and build momentum?
• How can you let your values guide your choices—even when easier paths are tempting?
• What room (in your work, life, or space) needs attention, empathy, clarity?