Karen Comeau Watson
I am not your traditional interior designer; I believe that being comfortable in your space is the greatest luxury and that regardless of budget, every home can be beautiful and functional.
Though I have been a professional designer for over fifteen years, I have had a passion for design my whole life. Even as a young child I attempted to move around furniture in my parents and family friends’ houses because the placement felt wrong. Even though my expertise is in interior design, I frequently work with some of my closest clients on party decoration, and other exciting projects. One aspect of this career that I am the most grateful for is the close bond my clients share with me, demonstrating how greatly redesign has the ability to change your life and the way you see your space.
My company is a multi-award-winning business, but my true passion is helping my clients achieve fantastic style on a budget, and that when I leave a space you feel as though it now reflects your lifestyle and the way in which you want to live.
Awards & Mentions
The Pilot's Best of the Beach, Interior Decorating Company
Silver, 2014, 2013
Featured in Virginia Living Magazine
Top of the Trade 2018, Virginia Beach
What our clients are saying…
“Several years ago, Open Door Design was contracted by our oceanside condominium to help us renovate our 1980’s lobby and community room. Since then, Karen has worked closely with our Aesthetic Committee to identify and prioritize individual projects and present design materials that stay within our modest budget. With her help we have completed the floors, finishes, fixtures and furniture for the entire lower lobby, office and community room. Our old lobby is nowhere to be seen in the beautiful modern look that now greets our residents and guests!”
“Absolutely love Karen and everything she has done for us. She staged my condo which sold in 3 weeks, helped with the renovation and did the interior design of our house in Croatan, planned my rehearsal dinner and wedding decorations and set them all up. She picked out the flowers for my 24 pots around the house and helped me plant them, and when it was time (years later) she updated our house. We can’t say enough wonderful things about Karen and her skills.”
“I have worked with Open Door design for many years. Karen has guided me through 3 minor remodels, 1 major remodel, updating the children’s bedrooms and many other projects. She lets you know the latest trends and styles but never wants to influence you go with what doesn’t make you and your family comfortable. The list of other trades that she refers her clients to are just as professional and honest as she is and I have never been referred to anyone that I would not use again. She really listens to her clients. You definitely get more than you pay for with Open Door Design.”
“People say they love coming to my home because it is so peaceful and relaxing. I love hearing that. Karen Watson of Open Door Design is the reason. I was attracted by her ability to redesign with my own things & what I had just inherited from family. I have stayed with her for ability to refresh my look with both simple & more elaborate transformations. Karen also is excellent at decluttering & landscape improvements. She is creative, accommodating, trustworthy, affordable & fun to work with. You have as much control of the process as you need. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a partner who can help transform your own corner of the world.”
“About 10 years ago, we called Karen to help us spruce up our older ranch home before we put it up for sale. The outcome was fabulous - it sold within 24 hours of listing. And that house looked so good we almost stayed. Since then she has helped us redesign three more homes. In each one, she used her natural talent for colors and design to accommodate our casual lifestyle and to accentuate our love of the ocean and our family. We know now that to live in a space you love is a joyful thing and Karen can help you create it.”