How to Get Million-Dollar Design Without the Million-Dollar Price Tag (with Karen Schmidt)

Karen Schmidt is back on We Are Lake Norman, and this time she's talking about her newest venture—Freshwater Shoppe, a curated home decor store in Mooresville that's an extension of her award-winning design and build studio.

We dive into how Karen went from designing multimillion-dollar custom homes to opening a retail shop where anyone can buy the same high-end pieces she uses in her full-service design projects. No $30,000 renovation required—just walk in and grab what you need.

Karen breaks down what's trending in home design right now (spoiler: gray is dead, plaid is back, and if you're still using gray, we need to talk). We talk about why she opened a physical retail store when everyone said retail is dead, how she curates products that work in any home, and why having designers on-site to help you pick the right pieces is a game-changer.

Plus, Karen shares her favorite white paint colors (yes, there's a difference), why communication is the key to avoiding design disasters, and how she's building a business that serves everyone—from DIYers looking for the perfect pillow to clients who want a full custom build from the ground up.

If you're into home design, thinking about opening a retail business, or just need to know what to do with your sad-looking living room, this episode is for you.