Karly Parker Talks Interior Trends and Home Design at The Foothills

You can say Karly Parker was destined to have a career in some facet of the housing industry one way or the other. Her family’s business Wheatcroft Construction Ltd has been in the construction field since 1928 and is still active in the community today. Her husband’s family is intertwined in the Real Estate industry across the Central and South Island areas.

Present day Karly is Managing Principal and Lead Designer at Karly Parker Interior Design. Over a decade of experience working on not only custom residential builds and renovations but also a multitude of commercial projects, has resulted in an extensive and diverse design portfolio. Her familiar black and white “Karly Parker Design” signs are a familiar staple in the growing Central Island projects. 

We sat down with Karly to chat about her start in the industry, the quickly growing Foothills community and more. 

Karly remembers her passion for Interior Design becoming more serious near the end of high school, upon graduating she attended the Interior Design program at Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University. She was quickly hired post grad, and she dove headfirst into the industry. With now over a decade of experience, Karly brings her expertise and unique perspective to every project creating truly unique designs.

In 2008 Karly stepped out on her own and opened her own Interior Design studio. Today her team of 5 designers collaborate on some of the Central Islands biggest new developments, ranging from high end residential renovations and new builds to office spaces, health care and retail design to multi- family developments and resorts. 

Karly approaches every project with enthusiasm and passion, praised for their modern, yet timeless designs, but taking pride in an unmatched level of service, and creating a design concept that is the perfect reflection of the client’s individual style and personality.

To date Karly has worked on 9 custom family homes in The Foothills, the 10th might be the most important one as Karly is soon to call The Foothills her home as well. 

Karly Parker Interior Design is working on the Lone Tree Home, soon to be The Foothills home office and show home due for completion this summer. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of that property next on The Foothills Today. 

Fast Facts with Karly Parker

The Foothills: Where Do You Get Design Inspiration From?

Karly: I spend a lot of time online researching. I like to explore designs globally and look for inspiration. I currently love the coastal aesthetics from California and Florida. I am known for spending hours looking for design inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest. 

The Foothills: Top Tips in Those Looking to Work with an Interior Designer

Karly: Timing is key. Ideally, we want to start working with our clients when they are starting their space planning and floor plans, this helps avoid changes or expensive change orders down the road. We want to make sure the function of the home works best for the homeowners well before the building starts. 

The Foothills: Top Design Trends You are Watching for 2023

Karly: 

1. We are seeing a departure from those all-white kitchens. We have already started designing more creamy and warm off white kitchens, with lots of wood accents and even full wood kitchens

2. White oaks floors are still taking the lead with the species of wood, but we are definitely seeing the tones are becoming more rich and having a lot more depth and warmth.

3. Curves are making their come back, whether it be in a furniture piece or an architectural detail, opting for an arched doorway.

The Foothills: Care to Join the Very Hot Topic of Gas VS Electric Ovens?

Karly: This is a very hot topic indeed. I will say most of clients my clients are still requesting gas ranges in their appliance packages, but I am keenly watching to see how or if that adjusts.