About The Little Blue Barn
Design Rooted in Real Life
Hi, I’m Karen — the heart behind The Little Blue Barn.
My story with design started long before I built my first piece of furniture. I grew up watching my mom design floral arrangements for weddings across San Diego. I can still remember the way her whole face would light up when she talked about color combinations, texture, and flow. I’d tag along to appointments, quietly observing as she guided brides through their visions. I learned how color tells a story before I ever knew what “design theory” meant.
I helped make pew bows, set up reception tables, and clean up in some of the most beautiful venues — all while watching creativity unfold right in front of me. She taught me to love color, embrace change, and never take no for an answer.
That foundation stayed with me.
Years later, The Little Blue Barn began with a little red bench I built from an old headboard. I painted it Red, loaded it into my truck to sell at a friend’s shop — and it sold before it ever made it inside. At that moment, I was hooked. I realized how much I loved taking something practical, adding color and character, and bringing excitement into someone’s home.
Long before I called this a business, I was cutting design inspiration from magazines, falling deep into the Pinterest rabbit hole, wandering the aisles of home improvement stores studying finishes, and never passing up a garage sale or estate sale. I’ve sat cross-legged on library floors surrounded by design, history, and culture books, completely losing track of time.
Design wasn’t a hobby. It was always part of me.
A Military Spouse Who Understands Real Moves
As a military spouse, I’ve experienced the fast pace of relocations, tight timelines, and getting homes market-ready with little notice. I’ve moved into new spaces wondering where to even start — and I’ve learned how to transform a home quickly and thoughtfully so it feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in.
Several moves taught me something powerful: a home doesn’t have to be perfect to feel meaningful. With intentional color, practical layout, and layered details, a space can feel warm and elevated — even on a deadline.
All of this unfolded while raising kids, rebuilding community with each move, and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. Those seasons shaped how I design: practical, functional, family-aware, and realistic.
