Designer Spotlight: Kelly Trotz
When Kelly Trotz rearranged her childhood bedroom for better flow, she didn’t know it was the start of a career solving spatial puzzles. Now an NKBA-recognized designer with over a decade of experience, Kelly approaches every project with equal parts technical precision and creative fearlessness. From award-winning powder rooms to kitchens that make daily life easier, her designs prove that functionality and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive. We sat down with Kelly to learn what drives her process, how she handles design dilemmas, and why teaching the next generation of designers keeps her inspired.
Q: What made you pivot from architecture to interior design?
A: I loved the grandeur of ornate buildings, but architecture felt too rigid for my creative side. After taking time to explore, I realized interior design was the perfect balance—it let me solve real-world problems while making spaces truly personal. Funny enough, my mom later reminded me I’d been doing this since childhood, sketching floor plans and rearranging furniture. Some paths choose you!
Q: Your NKBA award-winning powder room started with wallpaper. Tell us about taking that risk.
A: The client was open to something bold, and when we found that floral Schumacher wallpaper with deep blues and botanicals, it became our North Star. We balanced it with crisp white millwork and a vanity in this rich, moody finish—it created drama without feeling cramped. I almost didn’t enter the competition because I thought, “Is this really special enough?” But that’s the lesson: When a design feels right to the client and you, it’s worth celebrating.
Q: How do you handle clients who struggle to visualize their ideal space?
A: I curate image galleries to help them pinpoint what resonates. Often, they’ll love elements from different styles—maybe clean Shaker cabinets but with bold Moroccan tile. My job is to blend those tastes into something cohesive. And I always bring it back to function first. If we nail how they’ll use the space, the aesthetics follow naturally.
Q: What’s one design challenge you frequently encounter and how do you solve it?
A: Awkward corner spaces in kitchens! Many homeowners just accept that corner cabinets will be black holes, but there are so many smart solutions now — like magic corner pull-outs or diagonal drawers. I recently designed a kitchen where we used a 45-degree angled cabinet with full-extension pull-outs, and the client said it was ‘life-changing’ for how they cook!
Q: How do you approach lighting design in kitchens and baths?
A: Lighting is everything. I layer three types: ambient (general illumination), task (focused light where you need it), and accent (for drama). In kitchens, I love using slim LED strips under cabinets—they’re invisible until you need them. For baths, sconces at eye level are magic for makeup application. And dimmers everywhere! Mood lighting matters — even in functional spaces.
Q: What’s your philosophy on selecting finishes and materials?
A: I call it the “three F’s”: Form, Function, and Forever. First, does it look beautiful? Second, does it perform well for the space (like quartz counters for busy families)? Third, will the client still love it in 5+ years? That last one is why I often steer clients toward classic foundations with personality in changeable elements like hardware or backsplashes.
Q: What’s a design trend you’re loving right now — and one you’re ready to retire?
A: I’m thrilled color is making a comeback! After years of all-white kitchens, seeing emerald greens or cobalt blues on islands feels fresh. As for overdone trends? Maybe modern farmhouse? The shiplap/subway tile/black hardware combo became a parody of itself. That said, if a client loves it, we’ll find ways to make it feel unique—maybe with unexpected lighting or handmade tile.
Q: You teach design students. What’s the #1 lesson you hope they take from your classes?
A: Never stop being curious. This industry changes fast — new materials, tech, and building standards emerge constantly. The best designers stay humble, ask questions, and geek out over details like drawer glide mechanisms. (Yes, really!)
Q: What’s your secret for creating timeless designs?
A: Restraint. If you go all-in on a trend, it’ll feel dated fast. Instead, use trend elements as accents — like a single statement tile wall or colorful appliance—paired with classic foundations. And always, always prioritize quality. A well-built Shaker cabinet will outlast any passing fad.
Q: What’s one thing you wish all clients knew before starting a project?
A: That the design process isn’t linear — and that’s okay! We might discover new needs as we dig into plans. Maybe you thought you wanted an open concept, but after seeing the layout realize you actually need defined zones. The best results come when clients stay open to evolving ideas while keeping their must-haves clear.
Q: How do you personalize storage solutions for different lifestyles?
A: It starts with really understanding daily routines. For a passionate home baker, we might do deep drawers for sheet pans and a marble slab for dough rolling. For a coffee enthusiast, a dedicated station with built-in grinder storage. One of my favorite recent solutions was a “dog station” with pull-out food bins and leash hooks near the mudroom — it made mornings smoother for the whole family.
Q: What do you love most about working in the Chicago/Glen Ellyn area?
A: The mix of architectural styles keeps me inspired! From classic Glen Ellyn colonials to bold Chicago lofts, each project has unique character. And our clients here truly value craftsmanship — they appreciate the difference quality materials and smart layouts make in daily life.
Ready to transform your kitchen or bath with a designer who listens?
Kelly loves tackling new challenges and would love to hear about your project. Reach her at kelly@drurydesigns.com or 630-446-7639 to start the conversation!