--- title: "Iron Key Designs LLC — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iron-key-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1669430318 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1669430318.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Iron Key Designs LLC" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f95385800c6875ad_7716-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302, United States" latitude: 42.5848 longitude: -83.2821 phone: "(248) 953-9520" website: http://ironkeydesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 36 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 317 last_updated: 2026-11-06 --- # Iron Key Designs LLC Original Houzz profile: [Iron Key Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iron-key-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1669430318) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Bloomfield Hills, MI - **Serves:** Troy, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield Township, Royal Oak, White Lake, Birmingham, Rochester, Farmington, Beverly Hills, Walled Lake, Huntington Woods, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, West Bloomfield - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (36 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves An award winning and featured designer in Metro Detroit for all kitchen, bath, and home interior needs, excelling in project management of full remodels for clients, working alongside their builders and subcontractors. Independent contractor/designer that works with Metro Detroit Design firm, ""Iron Key Designs" Hourly rate is $125 per hour within 30 miles of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and increases to $175 per hour beyond 30 miles ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Kids Bedroom Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Playroom Design - Nursery Design - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Project Management - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Wine Cellar Design - Kitchen Remodeling ### Areas Served - Troy - Farmington Hills - Rochester Hills - West Bloomfield Township - Royal Oak - White Lake - Birmingham - Rochester - Farmington - Beverly Hills - Walled Lake - Huntington Woods - Bloomfield Hills - Franklin - Keego Harbor - Orchard Lake - Sylvan Lake - West Bloomfield ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Iron Key Designs LLC | | Address | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302, United States | | Phone | (248) 953-9520 | | Website | http://ironkeydesigns.com | | Followers on Houzz | 317 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/midwest-cabinet-and-counter-inc/175966772457515 - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=47692946&trk=hb\_tab\_pro\_top - Blog — http://pinterest.com/kshell77/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Iron Key Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iron-key-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1669430318) - **Website:** http://ironkeydesigns.com - **Phone:** (248) 953-9520 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 1st place Winner in Detroit Home Awards 2009 - Nominated for "Rising Star Award" Detroit Home Awards 2009, BIA, NAHBR, PWB - Featured in Detroit Home - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2026), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 36 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — agibaud, Oct. 2026** > Kristen was invaluable throughout our first-floor renovation, including a complete kitchen remodel. She suggested finishes and design details I never would have considered on my own, and those choices truly elevated the entire space. Her experience and expertise were also incredibly helpful when navigating unexpected challenges with materials and fabricators. Beyond her talent, Kristen is an absolute delight to work with. She is always responsive, thoughtful, and kind, and genuinely cares about the outcome of every detail. I couldn't recommend her more highly! **★★★★★ — Verner House, May 2026** > We loved working with Iron Key Designs (Kristen) for our main floor remodel. We trusted Kristen's insight and design knowledge. We gave her ideas and a budget and she delivered!! Kristen was always available to us when we had questions. > > With Kristen and Iron Key Designs you get the whole package, from beginning design to decorating your finished space. Because of Kristen's extensive background she was able to suggest design items that we never could have imagined. > > We are truly grateful that we went with Iron Key Designs! **★★★★★ — woodygontina, May 2026** > I can not say enough good things about Kristen and Iron Key Designs. My wife had never built a home before and was overwhelmed by the number of decisions necessary. Kristen was patient, always came well informed and made the process as wonderful as could be. > > The consummate professional, Kristen always arrived at every meeting and conversation well prepared. She was able to balance her professional guidance with our individual tastes. > > If a 10 Star rating were available, that is what I would give her and Iron Key Designs!! **★★★★★ — HU-313208345, May 2026** > We had a wonderful experience with Iron Key Designs. We completed a whole home renovation and Kristen and Liz were great at making the overwhelming design process manageable and fun. We could not have done this without them. We would highly recommend them for any and all design projects! **★★★★★ — lbuchholz25, April 2025** > Kristen and Iron Key Designs are fabulous to work with! Kristen pushed me outside of my comfort zone by proposing ideas that I would never have thought of. They respond very quickly regardless of the complexity of the question. The team helped us transform our dated lake house into a wonderful family retreat! I cannot thank Kristen and her team enough for their designs, ideas, and support in completing our home redesign! **★★★★★ — Katrina Kill, Dec. 2024** > I have been working with Kristen at Iron Key Designs for a few years now as we built our home. And I can't recommend her more! Not only is she a kind and lovely human, she is so, so, so easy to work with. In a world where customer service seems to be a thing of the past, Kristen is an exception. She is prompt in communication, and she's never left me waiting. She has a great eye for design, tuning us into ideas and thoughts we would have never explored. And when she pushed me slightly out of my comfort zone with style, I NEVER regretted it. All of her vendors are vetted by her decades-long experience, and on the occasion I did have trouble with a vendor, she was right there with me getting things sorted out to my satisfaction. Our builder also found her very easy to work with. She was happy to work with her installers or the one our builder suggested. I never felt like she was up-selling me on anything. Pricing was always, always upfront and open. If something felt pricey, she was there with different options and/or explaining why a particular item was more expensive. Our budget was always at the front of her planning and suggestions. I would 10 out of 10 recommend her! **★★★★★ — stephanie, Nov. 2024** > Kristen is by far the best in the business! She is thorough and knowledgeable and an all around gem of a designer! Her expertise with materials, vendors, and products is out of this world good. There is NO WAY we could have done our renovations without her guidance and help every step of the way. She was always there for us with whatever question we had or for any problem that arose. She knows how to link style and function to create harmony in any space. > > Highly, highly recommend!!!!! **★★★★★ — HU-582487805, Nov. 2021** > Kristen was incredibly knowledgeable, creative, attentive and just all around awesome! She had so many great ideas that I would’ve never thought. She’s incredibly talented and resourceful and really brings your ideas to life. I’d highly recommend her! Although my job was fairly small (wet bar and bathroom in basement), the area feels so much more than I expected it to. **★★★★★ — Jon Armstrong, May 2020** > Kristen was so great to work with. We had her help us with renovating our kitchen and living room. She helped us with so much- from the layout, to materials, colors, vendors and even suggestions for other rooms. She is super personable, friendly and professional. Always quick to respond and available for any questions we had. She went above and beyond helping us with our cabinets and dealing with our quartz order when running into an issue with the company. Was even able to save money and get discounts through companies. She truly knows what she is doing and is absolutely worth the cost. She is the best! **Comment from Iron Key Designs LLC:** > Thank you! It was a pleasure designing your new kitchen in time for your sweet little's arrival! **★★★★★ — chumar, Oct. 2019** > I used Iron Key Designs to help me with my master bathroom remodel. Kristen helped me with the layout, drawing me a quick sketch to help me visualize the finished look. In addition, she met me at the tile store to help me make selections. I was overwhelmed with the choices, and in the end, I chose tile that was completely different than I had envisioned. She helped me get the look I wanted, but steered me toward materials that were more within my budget and coordinated better with the vanities I had already chosen. It all looks amazing together! In between our two meetings, she answered endless questions via text when I needed direction or reassurance. I am so happy I decided to use a designer, and Kristen was just who I needed! **Comment from Iron Key Designs LLC:** > Thank you Candace! It was so fun helping you. Can’t wait to see the finished job too **★★★★★ — Adam London, Oct. 2019** > I highly recommend Iron Key Designs! Kristen did a great job working within our budget, and picking out great finishes. She did an awesome design in regards to our master bathroom floor-plan with 2D and 3D layouts. She helped us with all of the minor details that we simply didn't know. I highly recommend her for any renovation! **Comment from Iron Key Designs LLC:** > thank you Londons' and it was a pleasure designing the space for you guys! :) **★★★★★ — JR Kennedy, March 2019** > Kristen has a incredible eye for design, impeccable taste, great imagination of what things can be, and the ability to put it altogether, yet still make it work within the boundaries of a clients personal taste!! ## Selected projects - [Northern Michigan Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northern-michigan-master-bath-pj-vj~5949337) - Location: Traverse City, Michigan - Photos: 4 - Description: Off site interior design - [CUSTOM HOME-NORTHVILLE MICHIGAN KITCHEN AND MASTER BATH](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-northville-michigan-kitchen-and-master-bath-pj-vj~5928119) - Location: Northville, MI - Photos: 7 - [Wolverine Lake-remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolverine-lake-remodel-pj-vj~5884267) - Location: Commerce Charter Township, MI - Photos: 1 - [Detroit Fisher Mansion-Garden Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/detroit-fisher-mansion-garden-bath-pj-vj~5505176) - Location: Detroit, MI - Photos: 4 - [Bloomfield Twp Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bloomfield-twp-remodel-pj-vj~129788) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Kitchen remodel-Clarkston](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-clarkston-pj-vj~2495512) - Location: Clarkston, MI - Photos: 10 - Description: A lovely kitchen remodel for this home in a Clarkston, MI We created a much better use of space and function by switching the sliding patio doors to a window, and increasing our kitchen space by double - [FARMHOUSE KITCHEN-MILFORD, MICHIGAN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-kitchen-milford-michigan-pj-vj~2396061) - Location: Milford Charter Township, MI - Photos: 7 - [Press-Detroit Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/press-detroit-home-pj-vj~2298195) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 5 - [Staff Lactation Room- Northville High School](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staff-lactation-room-northville-high-school-pj-vj~2222896) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 16 - Description: I donated my time for design and install in one afternoon for the Staff of Northville High School, for a proper lactation/pumping/relaxing room for Staff/Working mothers. I wanted to create a calm and cozy retreat of a private space, where the working moms could come and nourish themselves, relax and pump for their babies at home. The Principal and A.P.'s of the highschool were very excited and supportive of this space for their team. I sourced all design accessories from HomeGoods, IKEA, and Mi… - [Northern Michigan addition & remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northern-michigan-addition-and-remodel-pj-vj~1939074) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Bedroom designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedroom-designs-pj-vj~1898281) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [MUDROOM-LAUNDRY-OFF GARAGE-BLOOMFIELD HILLS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mudroom-laundry-off-garage-bloomfield-hills-pj-vj~1772995) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 5 - [LAUNDRY-GARAGE ENTRY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laundry-garage-entry-pj-vj~1772940) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Birmingham kitchen addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/birmingham-kitchen-addition-pj-vj~1681257) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Family room in Birmingham MI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-room-in-birmingham-mi-pj-vj~1681175) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 4 - [Powder bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/powder-bath-pj-vj~1681051) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 5 - [BOY NURSERY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boy-nursery-pj-vj~841814) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Michigan interior designer creates her nursery for future son with inspiration from Michigan beaches, woods and neutral palette. - [ROYAL OAK BASEMENT BATH REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/royal-oak-basement-bath-remodel-pj-vj~793795) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: A small full basement bath was remodeled in Royal Oak, MI During demo, all leaking/mold was fixed and cleared away After is a spacious, usable clean bathroom suitable for main level - [CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-window-treatments-pj-vj~351940) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [CUSTOM LOCKER IN MUDSUITE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-locker-in-mudsuite-pj-vj~344814) - Location: BLOOMFIELD, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: REMOVING AN OLD CLOSET IN LAUNDRY ROOM BY GARAGE SIDE DOOR TO CREATE A CUSTOM MUD SUITE LOCKER SYSTEM FOR FAMILY [See all 60 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iron-key-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1669430318) ## Ideabooks - [Kissel- Primary Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179352710/list/kissel-primary-bathroom) — 29 ideas - [Banning - Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171338984/list/banning-kitchen) — 28 ideas - [Buchholz Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165897341/list/buchholz-cottage) — 14 ideas - [Kill Exterior Insp](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166928533/list/kill-exterior-insp) — 15 ideas - [Khalil Foyer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164480531/list/khalil-foyer) — 1 idea - [Natalie Baum-home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95352774/list/natalie-baum-home) — 10 ideas - [Davis Staircase](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162619832/list/davis-staircase) — 9 ideas - [arndt](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117067988/list/arndt) — 24 ideas - [Nelson bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158715790/list/nelson-bath) — 7 ideas - [Banning Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160439426/list/banning-family-room) — 4 ideas - [PASQUALI-owners Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157939486/list/pasquali-owners-bath) — 10 ideas - [Lounge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158413825/list/lounge) — 1 idea - [Faycurry Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/150869787/list/faycurry-home-office) — 4 ideas - [Cavanaugh-front Room B](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145522634/list/cavanaugh-front-room-b) — 5 ideas - [Kamen - access](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121127771/list/kamen-access) — 9 ideas - [HOYER-kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142463452/list/hoyer-kitchen) — 10 ideas - [Pasquali Powder Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142226747/list/pasquali-powder-bath) — 11 ideas - [BLAKE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116710143/list/blake) — 12 ideas - [Faycurry Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134566114/list/faycurry-laundry) — 16 ideas - [Stony River](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131304109/list/stony-river) — 4 ideas [See all 74 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/kristenshellenbarger) ## Community Q&A **Q: Kitchen Cabinet Trash Can Pull Out Paint Protection-advice needed!** *(in Other)* Hi all...this may seem relatively incidental but I know I can't be the o n l y person who deals with this annoying issue so I am asking/pleading...what do you do to protect the paint finish on that pesky edge of trash & recycle can pull outs??! I have dealt with this excessively fast wear and tear on every trash can pullout, not just this recent set of cabinets...of which I just spent thousands of dollars on custom cabinets (factory finish/paint with protective sealant) that are less than 6 months old, and I am already seeing the beginning signs of wear looming : (( On the cabinets we had before the remodel I applied a thin layer of clear latex poly coat, but it got gummy to the touch and started to collect imprints, looked even worse, and then eventually peeled off with the paint. Sadly I can't contact the cabinetmaker for a solution because things ended badly so I am wondering if anyone has any insider tricks for this ridiculously high-use cabinet? I really want to catch this before it gets super unsightly (maybe too late) but I can't find any helpful info online...not sure what exactly I am looking for maybe...but I was wondering if there is some kind of thin clear plastic film that I could apply or something of that nature?? Any-all ideas/information welcome...thanks in advance! Here are some pics, hopefully you can see where the paint is chipping: Here's the new cabinets and why i care so much: A: There are stainless steel 3/4” edge covers to help keep it wipeable but protect /cover that top edge of cabinet. **Q: Faucet?** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of material is this faucet made of? A: It's called living brass. It's S natural un lacquered finish which means it will age differently. It's gorgeous but not for the neat freak ;) **Q: Ship lap?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that a ship lap wall? Love the space! A: It's actually just pine boards 3/4" x 8" from Home Depot that I purchased and painted one coat of paint to, to allow the rustic knots to slow through **Q: Cabinet and counter** *(in Photo Questions)* what color are cabinets and what is the counter? very pretty. A: Thank you. The cabinetry was done in Medallion cabinets in divinity white and the countertop is a natural (not man made) Quartz in Moon night. **Q: Would love to use these knobs in my powder room - where are they from?** *(in Photo Questions)* I was scrolling through your projects etc because you're in my area and I'm going to be looking for some design help soon. I noticed these knobs would be perfect for my powder room, which I'm in the midst of updating. Just the right touch to add some subtle bling! A: Hi, knobs were sourced from Anthropologie **Q: Like the continuous work surface above w/machine.** *(in Photo Questions)* Like the look of continuous work surface about washer/dryer. Could you please let us know height of the base unit used and what the finished height of the work surface is. Thanks. A: Kitchen Height-36" H --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-06.*