--- title: "Associate Interiors — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/associate-interiors-pfvwus-pf~125899408 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~125899408.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Associate Interiors" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0aa3d89f0122455e_5706-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "182 Marbella Circle, Greenville, South Carolina 29617, United States" latitude: 34.912 longitude: -82.4666 phone: "(214) 783-8804" website: http:// rating: 5 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 188 last_updated: 2026-09-09 --- # Associate Interiors Original Houzz profile: [Associate Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/associate-interiors-pfvwus-pf~125899408) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Greenville, SC - **Serves:** Greenville - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2022), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Woman owned - Award winning Associate Interiors, established in 1990, is a full service Interior Design firm. We design beautiful functional spaces for where you LIVE, WORK, and PLAY. Owner, Karen Parks, is driven by strong beliefs in personal relationships and authentic communication. Karen is a creative thinker, problem solver, and dream weaver for her clients. She delivers modern solutions with unpretentious, casual and livable designs for today’s active lifestyles bringing a sense of balance and harmony to all projects. Her optimistic outlook and sense of humor make her a delight to work with. Her goal is to create spaces her clients cannot wait to come home to. After a 2-year new construction project, a client simply stated “We are so grateful Karen created our Happy Place!” Karen knows how overwhelming and time-consuming the design process can be. She is happiest when brought into a project that is “still on paper”- advocating for her clients while collaborating with an architect or builder. Karen has honed her expertise in space planning, curating material and finish out selections for custom cabinetry, decorative lighting, plumbing, and hardware specification as well as selection and procurement of furnishings. Karen seamlessly guides her clients through the finishing details of rugs, art and accessories by working with established vendors and local artists. By using organic elements, Karen transfers her appreciation for the Earth’s treasures and adds nature’s calming beauty to her client’s lives. Get to know Karen........ Karen and husband, Roger, are avid music lovers, enjoy traveling, and share a passion for collecting Native American artifacts. She loves entertaining, spending time with family, friends, and their 2 Australian Shepards, Riley and Cy. She also reserves time for giving back. Karen has participated in the building of 49 homes for Habitat for Humanity. She served on the Dallas Community ASID Board for 7 years as Programs Chair ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Built-ins - Design Consultation - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Home Bars - Art Selection - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Custom Table - Handicap-Accessible Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Custom Beds - Custom Storage - Decluttering - Custom Murphy Beds - Sports Equipment Storage - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Greenville ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Associate Interiors | | Address | 182 Marbella Circle, Greenville, South Carolina 29617, United States | | Phone | (214) 783-8804 | | Website | http:// | | License Number | South Carolina \#116427116 | | Followers on Houzz | 188 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — @karenparksassociateinteriors - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenparksinteriordesigner/ - Blog — https://www.associateinteriors.net ## Offers Purchase Free Holiday Package ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Associate Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/associate-interiors-pfvwus-pf~125899408) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (214) 783-8804 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ASID professional member since 1987. Multiple time winner of ASID Design Ovation and Legacy of Design awards. - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2022), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Susan Wetzel, Sept. 2021** > Karen listens to what the client wants and is able to look at the space and maximize its potential. She helped us renovate our guest bathroom and our youngest daughter's tiny bathroom and used solutions that allowed the spaces to be both beautiful and functional. I have worked with other designers before, and so often a designer is so fixated on his or her vision, they ignore what the client wants in the space or get offended when you do not like something in the proposed designed. That is not Karen - if you do not like something she has selected, she listens and then offers alternatives that fit both the design and what you like. We are planning to use her for future projects and highly recommend her. **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Remodeling during the Pandemic was certainly a challenge. You kept your cool and together we found the positive in every situation. It was a pleasure working with you and your family. I'm looking forward to seeing those new modern chairs around the custom live edge table in the kitchen. Let's keep this ball rolling! > I've posted a few photos of the beautiful Powder Bath. **★★★★★ — kblbjd, July 2020** > Need someone who is dedicated, flexible, willing to do both large and small projects, and comes with a list of contractors who can help make the project a reality? Karen at Associate Interiors is all of these. She artfully navigated my husband's and my distinctly different viewpoints in a downstairs remodel, and we are thrilled with the results. We achieved the cleaner, more modern look we were aiming for, yet Karen was able to weave in many of the items that we already owned and did not want to replace. She is also very reliable and on-time, which is much appreciated. I highly recommend Associate Interiors! **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Thank you, Bradleigh for your kind words and your confidence in me. I'm so glad we were all able to merge our preferences, your priorities, and move forward with the new look for your home! Looking forward to seeing more progress as we approach the finish line > And of course we have Piper's approval on the new rug! **★★★★★ — Garland Mitchell, June 2020** > Karen, what can I say... Thank you for guiding us through the maze of decisions to finally arrive at our newly remodeled kitchen and living room. Every couple needs a ‘Sherpa’ to keep them focused on the outcome and to minimize design distractions. We appreciate your experience, your eye for the smallest detail and the professionals you brought with you. We love our new kitchen and the friendship we’ve developed over the last six months. Looking forward to our next engagement. Again, thank you! **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Thank you for your kind words, Mitch! It was such a pleasure working with you and Brandy. Removing the fireplace between the kitchen and the family room was definitely the way to go to open up the space! I'm looking forward to having it professionally photographed! **★★★★★ — Lee Hintz, Sept. 2018** > Karen Parks of Associate Interiors did a fabulous job helping us to design, furnish and decorate our new contemporary style home. This was a 2+ year project that started with Karen helping us with paint, stain, and tile selections as we built our new home. She then helped us to furnish several rooms and decorate pretty much the entire house. She did an excellent job of pushing our comfort level just a bit, when it came to creativity, accents, and colors. She has a plethora of resources and pulled in artists, wood working shops, and accessory studios to help us complete some very custom accent features and the look that we wanted to achieve in our new home. She is fun to work with and makes the interior design process much easier when you are faced with having to make a lot of decisions while trying to stay within a budget. Our home is now our "happy place" due, in large part, to the talents of Karen and our builder Harry Purdom. **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Lee, I love that you call your home your HAPPY PLACE! It was quite a journey starting on paper with Harry's visionary plans. It has been my pleasure working with you and Scott on the design concept for your forever home. I'm looking forward to the photo shoot! > > I am especially thrilled with the latest addition of the custom walnut mosaic feature wall in the Master Bathroom! It serves as a perfect backdrop for your beautiful freestanding tub. > > Thank you again for your confidence in Associate Interiors. **★★★★★ — Rebecca M, Sept. 2017** > Karen's approach is both authoritative and consultative. She's really great to work with! I had never used an interior designer before, and I was a little nervous about working with someone to design something as intimate and personal as my living space. I needn't have worried! Karen both guided and listened, and in the end, the results reflected my personal taste and aesthetic in a way that was far beyond what I could have envisioned. I highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Kristy Shaw, Nov. 2016** > I hired Karen of Associate Interiors to help furnish our new home. We had to replace most of our furniture because of a significant style difference between our homes. Karen formulated a cohesive plan for the home, gave me choices for pieces that needed to be purchased, and placed orders so that we could receive the furniture in a timely manner. She fit the process to me and my schedule. The furniture is perfect for the space and for our personal style and use. Karen is a delight to work with and because of her experience was able to put everything together efficiently and stayed within my budget. I've continued to use her for finishing touches with accessories and art. I highly recommend her! **★★★★★ — cherylmullin, Jan. 2016** > We initially engaged Karen Parks to help us choose a palette for our law office remodel. I had never worked with a designer before. But after our first meeting, I realized that I couldn't complete the project without her. Karen listened to our vision, and presented us selections that were absolutely perfect for our space, but that I never would have been creative enough or brave enough to have selected myself. Many times she took me outside my comfort zone - but she always kept us within budget. The result was stunning, and I couldn't be more pleased. What a transformation!! I'm looking forward to my next remodel so that I can work with Karen again!! **★★★★★ — ALIGNED ART, LLC., Nov. 2015** > I have worked with Karen for the past 10 years on her installations, and she has always brought "life" to her clients homes. She is creative, efficient, & easy to work with. I'd recommend her to anyone. **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Ryan, thanks for posting this review. I love having you in my network of professionals. Here's to future business together! **★★★★★ — texasredbird, Nov. 2015** > Associate Interiors helped us to remodel our home taking into account our individual needs and tastes. Karen was efficient with her time and her efforts were spot on. The priorities and time line were practical and we are very pleased with the results. **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Ginger, thank you for your kind review. I loved that we were able to transform your artist's studio into a lighter brighter space in which to work. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and Mike on the updating of your home. Happy painting! **★★★★★ — cekazmann, Aug. 2015** > She helped guide me through the huge project of building a custom home from scratch. And helped me to live within my budgets on all levels from style design, tile and stone selection, paint colors, ornamental ironwork, custom interior door design on my office, specialty pantry and the wine grotto, granite selections, bathroom design. She designed to my specifications custom cabinet elevation diagrams for kitchen, bathroom, office and mudroom. From breaking ground to hanging curtains Karen was irreplaceable and extraordinarily talented in every phase of design. And also a sensible, but encouraging, sounding board for all my creative instincts. > She performed so well that we used her for my husband's business office redesign. **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Carolyn, we spent a lot of time pouring over your house plans before Richard even broke ground. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work with you and Bill on your lovely Tuscan home and that you enjoyed the design process. We were a great team! It was especially fun to work with all of the wonderful things you have collected through out the years including your mineral and fossil collection. Wishing you many years of joy and happiness in your home with your growing family of grandchildren! **★★★★★ — melody\_fortenberry, Aug. 2015** > We used Karen Parks to help us with the interior design of our home built by Richard Dietrichson. She was great in my making suggestions for paint colors, flooring, tile, lighting, countertops etc. Not only did she work closely with us, but also with our subcontractors. She is very talented and creative. She is a visionary. She was good at giving us selections which reflected our tastes and budget. After our home was built, she was very helpful in selecting fabrics for furniture and draperies and for accessorizing. She had so many good ideas. While building a new home can be stressful, she helped make the process fun and exciting. It's been a year since our house was finished and we couldn't be more pleased. We get so many compliments from our family and friends! **Comment from Associate Interiors:** > Thank you for the kind words Melody. I am honored to have won awards for your family room and kitchen. I have really enjoyed working with you and Don over the past year and a half. It was especially uplifting to see Connie Roschlau's paintings enhance the beauty of your home. **★★★★★ — Tj Rox Designs, March 2015** > I am an interior design student at the Art Institute of Dallas and had the opportunity to work with Karen Parks as an intern. I was able to assist her with CAD drawings and got some excellent hands on experience with her clients. Karen is a beautiful soul, with a very calm and pleasing disposition. She was eager to mentor and help me understand all areas of the design process. > Over a three month period I learned about the business of design, took field measurements for a remodel, explored showrooms, attended continuing education seminars, toured model homes, and even sat in on a cooking show at the Subzero/Wolf showroom. Karen makes design work fun yet still we managed to stay on task. Karen is a great designer, with many years of experience and a vast array of beautiful design projects to prove it. If you are looking for a professional design firm to work with, you won't be disappointed with Associate Interiors! ## Selected projects - [Empty Nester Ranch Refresh in Plano: ASID Design Ovation Winner 2020: Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/empty-nester-ranch-refresh-in-plano-asid-design-ovation-winner-2020-kitchen-pj-vj~6171519) - Location: Plano, TX - Photos: 12 - Description: A BIG shout out to Richard Dietrichson of Dietrichson Fine Homes in Richardson, TX for accomplishing our dreams and overseeing this fabulous renovation. The quality of workmanship and materials is outstanding. Our clients were thrilled with the results and loving it even more while Sheltering in Place during the pandemic. And thank you, Michael Hunter Photography, for your trained eye and composition for this photo shoot. I am truly grateful to partner with so many wonderful people on my interio… - [Lakewood Modern Farmhouse: ASID Design Ovation Winner Outdoor Living area](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakewood-modern-farmhouse-asid-design-ovation-winner-outdoor-living-area-pj-vj~2990137) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: This lovely new home is in the heart of Lakewood in East Dallas. It is nestled on a tree lined street a quarter mile from White Rock Lake. The family moved from a 2 story, traditional red brick home in Coppell. The new furnishings, art, accessories, and rugs reflect a fresh transitional style....perfect for their casual empty nester lifestyle where entertaining family and friends is the key. - [Move in Day- Richardson, TX](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/move-in-day-richardson-tx-pj-vj~6345448) - Location: Richardson, TX - Photos: 29 - Description: Welcome to the this newly constructed home on the golf course at the Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson! From finalizing the architectural plans, coordinating and specifying all selections, this home was a labor of love for over a year! We were thrilled to be a member of the client's team with Richard Dietrichson, of Dietrichson Fine Homes. Please join us for a tour...... - [Lucas Hill Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lucas-hill-country-pj-vj~6319864) - Location: Lucas, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: A country estate with a wooded 2 acre lot....what is not to love? Designed and built by Harry Purdom. By being involved from the concept stage through construction and furnishings procurement we blended open spaces and organic materials to blur the lines between nature and the indoors. After settling in, the clients nicknamed it their "Happy Place". Tailored to family-oriented living we secured a feeling of tranquility on this 2-acre wooded lot. Automated retractable screens enhance the expansiv… - [Modern North Dallas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-north-dallas-pj-vj~6319931) - Location: Dallas, TX - Photos: 20 - Description: Early in the planning stage of a kitchen and laundry room remodel it became clear the main design influencer was Reggie, a playful 2-year-old Great Dane. While updating the functionality of this 1970’s kitchen was important for our active family of 4, the clients requested it also accommodate their loveable gentle giant. The new floor plan enlarged the opening between the Kitchen and the Family Room to 5’ as we needed a way to corral our furry friend when free reign of the house was not allowed.… - [From a Galley Kitchen to an Open Plan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-a-galley-kitchen-to-an-open-plan-pj-vj~6650839) - Location: Irving, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: We enjoy the challenge of updating small spaces! This 1960's , 2360 sq. ft. foot ranch had a dark closed in feel. By removing the fireplace between the Family Room and the galley Kitchen, we created an open floor plan perfect for the casual lifestyle of the clients. - [Reclaimed Materials Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reclaimed-materials-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~2541754) - Location: Richardson, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: ASID Texas Chapter Dallas Design Community DESIGN OVATION Award Winner 2017! Let there be light! This small dark 70's Kitchen, with its peninsula counter top, was not conducive to today's life style. Cabinet space was at a premium and prep space was tight for this family of four in their 2,472 sq. ft. home. With 3 different of ceiling heights converging at various angles, it was difficult to determine how to increase the kitchen footprint. In order to capture space, the Dining Room was moved to… - [Ground up remodel in Lakewood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ground-up-remodel-in-lakewood-pj-vj~495023) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This charming ranch remodel started out as a spec home but sold before it was completed. Situated on a quiet street it was perfect for our empty nester clients. - [Modern Texas Hill Country: ASID Award winner- Legacy of Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-texas-hill-country-asid-award-winner-legacy-of-design-pj-vj~987637) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: LEGACY OF DESIGN AWARD WINNER: Living Area! With the warmth of traditional design and the clean, simple lines of contemporary style, transitional spaces project balance and harmony. Rich warm wood tones and materials with an organic feel led the way in this design. The focal point of the Family Room is the asymmetrical fireplace wall with cantilevered double mantels. The Kitchen showcases a truly one of a kind slab of exotic "Fusion" quartzite island that compliments the hand crafted copper hood… - [Richardson remodel. Master Bath ASID Design Ovation award winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richardson-remodel-master-bath-asid-design-ovation-award-winner-pj-vj~171330) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: The space plan for the new kitchen included moving the sink to the outside wall, adding a large island, and consolidating the work triangle for a more functional layout. The wood flooring and alder cabinetry create a warm and inviting feel. - [Tuscan design scheme inspired by travels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-design-scheme-inspired-by-travels-pj-vj~767150) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/associate-interiors-pfvwus-pf~125899408) ## Ideabooks - [Thomas and Michelle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128107937/list/thomas-and-michelle) — 9 ideas - [Audrey Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114682234/list/audrey-bathroom) — 1 idea - [As featured in Houzz April 2018- Best of the Week: 31 Breathtaking Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107429577/list/as-featured-in-houzz-april-2018-best-of-the-week-31-breathtaking-bath) — 1 idea - [Theilen MBath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65443196/list/theilen-mbath) — 2 ideas - [Chaparral](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83655515/list/chaparral) — 4 ideas - [Villas \#634](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80364359/list/villas-634) — 7 ideas - [Oden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62738996/list/oden) — 8 ideas - [Stoneleigh](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61942407/list/stoneleigh) — 4 ideas - [Stanford](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57533029/list/stanford) — 4 ideas - [Powell](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47258289/list/powell) — 4 ideas - [Barrett MBath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40028454/list/barrett-mbath) — 10 ideas - [soap box shower floor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32446091/list/soap-box-shower-floor) — 1 idea - [Plantes/ Lopano Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32366001/list/plantes-lopano-kitchen) — 4 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1092618/list/bathrooms) — 7 ideas - [stone color, bronze paint grip roof](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29113304/list/stone-color-bronze-paint-grip-roof) — 1 idea - [Carol](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26304515/list/carol) — 3 ideas - [island design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25942090/list/island-design) — 2 ideas - [Davis](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25924966/list/davis) — 2 ideas - [Schlictemeier](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23904422/list/schlictemeier) — 6 ideas - [Fortenberry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21676786/list/fortenberry) — 3 ideas [See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/karenparks) ## Community Q&A **Q: fabric on the chairs?** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to know the fabric on the chairs or which furniture company manufactured them? A: Hi Lee, Thanks for your inquiry. The chairs were custom made by Vanguard Furniture. Unfortunately, that fabric has been discontinued. **Q: beautiful kitchen.** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the backsplash? A: It is a marble. This tile has been discontinued and no longer available. **Q: who is the manufacturer of this bed?** *(in Photo Questions)* rcox@cbtky.com A: Caracole is the manufacturer. I am happy to see if it is still available and quote you a price if you are interested in purchasing one. **Q: Sheen in cabinet paint?** *(in Photo Questions)* What sheen did you use for the Wrought Iron paint for the cabinets? Also, what gray wall color did you use? Thank you - beautiful! A: We used a matt enamel on the cabinetry. The walls are Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. **Q: What is the brand or color of the island and cabinet color?** *(in Photo Questions)* I like the colors in the kitchen and want more information about brand, color etc A: The island countertop is a one of a kind natural stone called Black Fusion. We purchased it at Dallas Counterfeiters . Where is your project? **Q: Love the Backsplash tile. Could you share the info on the tile please** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the Backsplash tile. Could you share the info on the tile please A: I'm glad you like the backsplash tile. It is from The Tile shop: 'Bricklane' --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-09.*