---
title: "By Necessity Interior Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-necessity-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1325574140
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325574140.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "By Necessity Interior Design"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/719392cf05d3d210_5278-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, United States"
latitude: 35.8762
longitude: -84.1746
phone: "(865) 256-9664"
website: http://www.bynecessity.com
rating: 5
review_count: 6
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 19
last_updated: 2026-08-26
---

# By Necessity Interior Design

Original Houzz profile: [By Necessity Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-necessity-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1325574140)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Knoxville, TN
- **Serves:** Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Farragut, Lenoir City, Loudon, Louisville, Friendsville
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2019–2021), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 25 Ideabook Saves

Alice Karlstad of By Necessity Interior Design offers a wide range of interior design services to help create the home of your dreams. I specialize in designs for residential homes that reflect my clients’ personality and lifestyle.  I can pull your house together for a modern and clean look or create an eclectic design using a collage of items including your "must keep" favorites.   I can create visually stunning designs that employ hard working, long wearing fabrics that are ideal for families and 4-legged loved ones. Here at By Necessity Interior Design, I make sure to provide unparalleled service so that the job is completed from beginning to end and that my clients are happy with the quality and craftsmanship throughout your home.

You can chose to begin your project with an affordable single room design and depending on your needs progress to a larger more involved project.

Allow me and my team of talented contractors, painters, tile installers, cabinet makers, seamstresses and artisans transform your dreams into reality and create a beautiful home out of your living space!  

I invite you to explore my interior design portfolio and to contact me if you would like to discuss your design needs.

"Decorating is a passionate endeavor. I try to resolve interior design issues, give fresh ideas, and based on the client's needs, let the space evolve into a comfortable, elegant and practical space that will be enjoyed for years to come." - Alice Karlstad

### 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
- Lighting Design
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Home Office Design & Construction
- Custom Built-ins
- Floor Plans
- Project Management
- Entry Design
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Playroom Design
- Custom Furniture
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- Custom Blinds & Shades
- Custom Home Bars
- Closet Design
- 3D Rendering
- Universal Design
- Basement Design
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Custom Rugs
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Downsizing
- Decluttering
- Custom Murphy Beds
- Kitchen Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Knoxville
- Oak Ridge
- Farragut
- Lenoir City
- Loudon
- Louisville
- Friendsville

### Typical Job Cost

$500 - 75,000

Initial client consultation is always complimentary!  I begin most every design project with an in-home consultation that is convenient for you.  During this consultation, I listen carefully to your project, discuss your personal likes and dislikes, and ask questions to help me formulate a custom design plan tailored to your budget.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | By Necessity Interior Design |
| Address | Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, United States |
| Phone | (865) 256-9664 |
| Website | http://www.bynecessity.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 19 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — www.bynecessity.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [By Necessity Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-necessity-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1325574140)
- **Website:** http://www.bynecessity.com
- **Phone:** (865) 256-9664

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2019–2021), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews**

### All 6 reviews

**★★★★★ — tonymsrad, Sept. 2020**

> Alice designed, planned and supervised my kitchen/dining/sun-room/living area remodel, a large project taking nearly a year to complete.  She’s a perfectionist, and insisted that everyone on the team perform to her standards. She was on-site daily, and sometimes multiple times daily.   As with any large project, there were unforeseen delays.  Alice was steely, and kept everyone on track. She went to bat with contractors and didn’t back down.  At times, there were carpenters, painters, faux painters, tile-layers, electricians, cabinet-makers all vying to get in and get their part of the job done.  Alice kept it all straight.  I’m a procrastinator, and she even kept me on task.  She designed and installed the most beautiful window treatments I’ve ever seen.  Daily, when I walk into my house, the first thing I see is the view framed by her draperies, and it makes me happy.   I can’t recommend her more highly.

**★★★★★ — KandyceHarber, Jan. 2018**

> Alice is an exceptional interior designer.  She's helped me on different projects for over 10 years, from an out-of-state new build to just freshening up a space.  Alice is the consummate design professional -- she listens, is patient, honest, organized and very creative; she also has impeccable taste.
>
> Yes, you can find new furniture, light fixtures and paint colors online, but Alice will save you from yourself and will ultimately save you time and money.  Small example -- I wanted to re-paint my dining room and had picked out a gorgeous color I'd seen in a magazine.  I showed it to Alice, and she immediately pointed out that it didn't flow into the kitchen and the colors would have fought when looking from room to room.  Alice suggested a color, and it's beautiful.
>
> I get many compliments on my house, and you will too.  It's a bonus that Alice is a pleasure to work with -- she makes the process relaxing and fun.  Alice will exceed your expectations and make your home look like the picture in that magazine!

**★★★★★ — Chiesa Williams, Jan. 2018**

> I thoroughly enjoyed working with Alice and would highly recommend her.  She helped me choose everything from paint and hardwood floor colors to furnishings, art work and drapes for my new home.  Alice spent time getting to know me and my preferences.  When she presented her design selections, they were things I loved and were put together in ways I could not have done myself.  I relied heavily on Alice’s professional judgement, and the end result was even better than I imagined!  I have had many compliments from my friends and family on the beautiful look of my new home.

**★★★★★ — Robin Paul, Jan. 2018**

> Alice has helped me design a bedroom and a dining room.   She listened to my needs, guided me on design choices, gave me isight into new ways of looking at my tired rooms, and offered me good pricing for high-quality furniture and bedding.    In both cases she worked with some of my existing furniture and added several pieces to enhance the rooms.  She is particularly adept at suggesting upholstery colors and fabrics to pull a look together.  Her goal is to create comfortable  and beautiful spaces that last for years.

**★★★★★ — missyanders, Jan. 2018**

> We have worked with Alice at By Necessity for over 15 years.  Alice is highly professional, extremely competent, and wonderful to work with. Alice has completed numerous projects in our home....from window treatments to complete gutting and renovation of our kitchen, complete Re-do of our basement
> and bonus room, plus many more. Alice has consistently provided us with excellent service, subcontractors and products—built-ins, furniture, window treatments, accessories, carpet, rugs,lighting, wall paper etc
> Alice has operated as project coordinator on several of our larger projects which made them hassle-free for us.
> After 15 years of using Alice and benefitting from her professionalism and expertise, we highy recommend her for your design needs!

**★★★★★ — Brad Williams, Jan. 2017**

> If you're looking for an interior design professional with the knowledge and expertise to turn your home into a showplace then don't bother looking anywhere else.   You just found the best in the Knoxville area.
>
> Alice will work with you from start to finish and make your house a home!  You'll be comfortable every step of the way knowing you're in great hands!

## Selected projects

- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~2821462)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Rustic Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-family-room-pj-vj~2868619)
  - Location: Knoxville, TN
  - Photos: 3
- [Great room,dining room,foyer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-room-dining-room-foyer-pj-vj~2821410)
  - Location: Alcoa, TN
  - Photos: 4
- [Sweet 16 Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sweet-16-bedroom-pj-vj~2821488)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~2821434)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Outdoor Covered Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-covered-porch-pj-vj~1261209)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Historic Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-pj-vj~2868502)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [European Rustic Home in Gettysvue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/european-rustic-home-in-gettysvue-pj-vj~2868605)
  - Location: Knoxville, TN
  - Photos: 9
- [Bunk Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bunk-room-pj-vj~2820617)
  - Location: Knoxville, TN
  - Photos: 4
- [Log Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/log-home-pj-vj~2868590)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Traditional Georgian Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-georgian-kitchen-pj-vj~1261110)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-necessity-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1325574140)

## Ideabooks

- [Dog Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185237002/list/dog-room) — 12 ideas
- [Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184231584/list/home-office) — 6 ideas
- [Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121380683/list/dining-room) — 8 ideas
- [Angela](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131109270/list/angela) — 23 ideas
- [Kandyce](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116969570/list/kandyce) — 9 ideas
- [Hot Tubs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182075262/list/hot-tubs) — 14 ideas
- [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127267626/list/bathroom) — 64 ideas
- [Laundry Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170159067/list/laundry-room) — 14 ideas
- [Outdoor Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178108915/list/outdoor-fireplace) — 18 ideas
- [Trish](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173184317/list/trish) — 31 ideas
- [Window Treatments](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106285745/list/window-treatments) — 23 ideas
- [Smith Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164170528/list/smith-kitchen) — 20 ideas
- [Katie’s Living](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157771207/list/katie-s-living) — 11 ideas
- [Smith Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162045561/list/smith-office) — 12 ideas
- [Smith Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159559732/list/smith-fireplace) — 15 ideas
- [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106285675/list/bathrooms) — 18 ideas
- [Basketweave Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158756603/list/basketweave-tile) — 15 ideas
- [Missy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137245435/list/missy) — 29 ideas
- [Diane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142230651/list/diane) — 14 ideas
- [Frosted Door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152415166/list/frosted-door) — 5 ideas

[See all 58 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bynecessity)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*