---
title: "Design Theory — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-pfvwus-pf~662857708
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~662857708.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Design Theory"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/55d34a780058a797_7444-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Louisville, Kentucky 40204, United States"
latitude: 38.2369
longitude: -85.7249
phone: "(502) 708-1497"
website: http://www.design-theory.net
rating: 4.9
review_count: 57
best_of_houzz_awards: 16
followers: 436
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Design Theory

Original Houzz profile: [Design Theory](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-pfvwus-pf~662857708)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Louisville, KY
- **Serves:** Louisville, Jeffersontown, Fern Creek, Saint Matthews, Douglass Hills, Hurstbourne, Graymoor-Devondale, Indian Hills, Jeffersonville, Hurstbourne Acres, Audubon Park, Beechwood Village, Barbourmeade, Indian Hills Cherokee Section, Heritage Creek, Langdon Place, Bellemeade, Rolling Hills, Hollow Creek, Seneca Gardens, Green Spring, Fincastle, Clarksville
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (57 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves

VOTED BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS 2013 & 2014, and 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 HOMEARAMA! 

I have held interior design positions with national homebuilders, and have experience in single family, condominium, and commercial/mixed use developments. My most recent projects have been for Poe Companies, and was involved with projects such as: Museum Plaza, 21C Austin, Teravista, and RiverPark Place.
My personal condo was selected to appear on the cover of Louisville’s Home and Design Magazine in 2007.  I was also interviewed by Louisville's Courier Journal for their Home and Garden section, which capitalized on my expertise in modern design.
Versatility is a hallmark of my design work. With experience ranging from traditional to contemporary, my passion for design gives my clients a rewarding experience.

### 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
- Lighting Design
- Design Consultation
- Floor Plans
- Project Management
- Entry Design
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Custom Furniture
- Playroom Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Custom Home Bars
- Art Selection
- Closet Design
- Universal Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Design
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Custom Rugs
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Home Theater Design
- Wine Cellar Design
- Home Staging
- Garage Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Home Office Design
- Redesign
- Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Louisville
- Jeffersontown
- Fern Creek
- Saint Matthews
- Douglass Hills
- Hurstbourne
- Graymoor-Devondale
- Indian Hills
- Jeffersonville
- Hurstbourne Acres
- Audubon Park
- Beechwood Village
- Barbourmeade
- Indian Hills Cherokee Section
- Heritage Creek
- Langdon Place
- Bellemeade
- Rolling Hills
- Hollow Creek
- Seneca Gardens
- Green Spring
- Fincastle
- Clarksville

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Design Theory |
| Address | Louisville, Kentucky 40204, United States |
| Phone | (502) 708-1497 |
| Website | http://www.design-theory.net |
| Followers on Houzz | 436 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/designtheoryky
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/karista\_hannah/53/504/641
- Blog — http://pinterest.com/setthestage2

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Design Theory](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-pfvwus-pf~662857708)
- **Website:** http://www.design-theory.net
- **Phone:** (502) 708-1497

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- VOTED HOMEARAMAS BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2014 2013.

- **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 57 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Louisville City Real Estate, Oct. 2021**

> We worked with Karista Hanna @ Set The Stage. She gave us style! lol.... Karista and Set The Stage knocked our new construction build out of the park! We interviewed a few other designers before our process began. We knew instantly Karista was our person!

**★★★★★ — Megan Zinser, Dec. 2017**

> Karista and her team are AMAZING to work with.  They worked on a tight timeline due to one of our largest clients visiting.  We are currently in the process of moving our location and we are so excited to work with them again.  I HIGHLY recommend Set The Stage,,,You won't regret it!

**★★★★★ — Home Inspired, Dec. 2017**

> We love working with the ladies at Set the Stage.  They are always professional and courteous, when bringing clients into the store.  We would recommend them for any interior design project.

**★★★★★ — Eric S, Dec. 2017**

> We hired Karista and her team as the design lead for both our home remodel as well as a new office for our business.  They understood our vision and were very proactive in making sure that our project turned out successful.  Thank you to the Set the Stage team!

**★★★★★ — Dana Case, July 2017**

> The ladies helped me with redecorating most of the main level of our house last year.  They were great to work with and we are very happy with the end result!

**★★★★★ — Jennifer Giles, May 2017**

> These girls are great!! Loved having them in my home and the results were amazing!
> Highly recommend Set the Stage!

**★★★★★ — Stephanie Koetter, April 2017**

> My husband and I called Set The Stage for some help in decorating two rooms in our house. I love decorating and styling myself but with a toddler and another baby on the way I just do not have the time to get out and shop like I use to. Set The Stage was great to work with and did a fantastic job picking items that match our style!

**★★★★★ — Colleen Gnau, April 2017**

> I contracted with Karista Hannah at Set the Stage in November 2016 to help me renovate and redecorate much of my 20 year old house.  Karista was very knowledgeable about everything I needed.  She helped with a complete remodel in the master bathroom--choosing tile, fixtures, freestanding tub, and lights.  She also assisted in choosing paint for five rooms, the foyer, and a hallway.  In the living room she helped me find the right size sectional sofa and an appropriate chair.  Later she guided my choices for an accent chest, a painting, a rug, pillows, decorative items, and lamps.  The final product is amazing.  Each area—fireplace, chest, sitting area—is like a small scene that fits together perfectly.
> The work took about seven weeks.
> I was fully satisfied with Karista.  My past efforts without a designer seemed incomplete or ineffective.  Karista fixed all of that.

**★★★★★ — Laura Clark, April 2017**

> My business partner and I hired Set The Stage to add the finishing touches to our new office before opening our doors in January.  They transformed a place to work into a place to love.  We could not be happier.

**★★★★★ — Elise Buck, May 2016**

> Karista and her team did an excellent job! We hired Set The Stage to redo our living room and are very pleased with the results. They helped us select new furniture and paint and helped us stage our very large built-ins to completely transform the room. They were professional and always quick to respond.
> again for a future project. Ty

**★★★★★ — andreachinn, March 2016**

> Karista helped us select paint colors, update furniture and has such talent in designing and coordinating decor.  She helped us select new light fixtures that totally changed the feel of our home.  We would highly recommend Set the Stage and will use their services in the future!

**★★★★★ — fitch230, March 2016**

> Loved working with Set the stage! My house looked great thanks to them and we didn't break the bank! They had lots of new ideas and options on different contractors to complete jobs. Very helpful

## Selected projects

- [Baxter Avenue Airbnb 2026](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/baxter-avenue-airbnb-2026-pj-vj~7886084)
  - Location: Louisville, KY
  - Photos: 94
- [Pink Tag Boutique 2025](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pink-tag-boutique-2025-pj-vj~7813329)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 23
- [Wolf Pen Branch Road 2025](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolf-pen-branch-road-2025-pj-vj~7813274)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 136
- [Oxmoor Woods Parkway 2024](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oxmoor-woods-parkway-2024-pj-vj~7748264)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 73
- [Eastwood 2025](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastwood-2025-pj-vj~7737855)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 100
- [Glenview 2025](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenview-2025-pj-vj~7674565)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 90
- [Dr. Chase Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dr-chase-office-pj-vj~7619023)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 36
- [Hurstbourne Country Club 2024](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hurstbourne-country-club-2024-pj-vj~7619013)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 91
- [Spring Beauty Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-beauty-lane-pj-vj~7610310)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 75
- [Southerland Farm Road 2024](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southerland-farm-road-2024-pj-vj~7610294)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 91
- [Nottingham Parkway 2024](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nottingham-parkway-2024-pj-vj~7610289)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 25
- [Fincastle Farms 2023](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fincastle-farms-2023-pj-vj~7488755)
  - Location: Prospect, KY
  - Photos: 81
- [Wendover Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wendover-avenue-pj-vj~7337760)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 69
- [Edith Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edith-way-pj-vj~7327964)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 80
- [Homearama 2023 House \#6](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/homearama-2023-house-6-pj-vj~7319282)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 91
- [Homearama 2023 House \#2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/homearama-2023-house-2-pj-vj~7319234)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 84
- [Homearama 2023 House \#1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/homearama-2023-house-1-pj-vj~7319180)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 92
- [Simpsonville 2023](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simpsonville-2023-pj-vj~7295634)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 133
- [Sanctuary Bluff 2022](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sanctuary-bluff-2022-pj-vj~7261877)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 64
- [Watch Hill Proper 2022](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/watch-hill-proper-2022-pj-vj~7051866)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 67

[See all 86 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-pfvwus-pf~662857708)

## Ideabooks

- [karista's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4756033/list/karista-s-ideas) — 237 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126635852/list/wish-list) — 4 ideas

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/karista)

## Community Q&A

**Q: what stone is around the fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Thank you!

A: Absolute black honed

**Q: what type of countertops did you use??** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the name please and is it granite?

A: Vintage white or vanilla ice

**Q: Love the entire room, where is the rug from? And what color is is?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I found one close to this rug design at Target, but I can't tell if this one is blue or gray?

A: It is gray and yes it was from target

**Q: door casing** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the door casing style?

A: I believe this was Sherwin Williams pure white

**Q: Turquoise paint color please!** *(in Photo Questions)*

LOVE the paint color turquoise on the doors. Can you tell me what color it is and who it is made by?

A: The paint should all be porter paint, but I no longer have this file on me so unable to answer exact color

**Q: Dining Table and Hutch!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me the maker?   Love!!!

A: I believe this was made by either coast to coast or steinworld

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*