--- title: "Authentic Home — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/authentic-home-pfvwus-pf~688126771 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~688126771.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Authentic Home" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0873d2f300198114_0068-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Hayden, Idaho 83835, United States" phone: "(208) 755-5618" website: http://www.authentic-home.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 771 last_updated: 2026-09-09 --- # Authentic Home Original Houzz profile: [Authentic Home](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/authentic-home-pfvwus-pf~688126771) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Hayden, ID - **Serves:** Coeur D Alene, Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Bellevue, Dalton Gardens, Hauser, Athol, Hayden Lake, Huetter, Fernan Lake Village, Cle Elum, Idaho, Issaquah, Kirkland, Klahanie, Lake Sammamish, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Seattle, Yakima, Yarrow Point - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Kathy masterfully works with colors, textures, furniture, and accessories to tackle projects of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a major remodel, a simple room design, or new construction Kathy works her magic as a “color visionary” to create an atmosphere that reflects your values and lifestyle – resulting in your Authentic Home. ### 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 - Home Office Design & Construction - 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 - Art Selection - Closet Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Wine Cellar Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Home Staging - Downsizing - Holiday Decorating - Custom Table - Custom Beds - Custom Storage - Decluttering - Feng Shui Design - Garage Storage - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Coeur D Alene - Coeur d'Alene - Post Falls - Hayden - Rathdrum - Bellevue - Dalton Gardens - Hauser - Athol - Hayden Lake - Huetter - Fernan Lake Village - Cle Elum - Idaho - Issaquah - Kirkland - Klahanie - Lake Sammamish - Medina - Mercer Island - Newcastle - Redmond - Seattle - Yakima - Yarrow Point ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 400,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Authentic Home | | Address | Hayden, Idaho 83835, United States | | Phone | (208) 755-5618 | | Website | http://www.authentic-home.com | | License Number | CC AUTHEHL940JE | | Followers on Houzz | 771 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/authentichome.colorpaint.interiordesign?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/authentichome - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathybanak - Blog — http://authentic-home.com/category/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Authentic Home](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/authentic-home-pfvwus-pf~688126771) - **Website:** http://www.authentic-home.com - **Phone:** (208) 755-5618 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ASID - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2022), for Service. **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: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 45.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Holly Banak, Aug. 2021** > Kathy was excellent to work with. She thought of things that I as a typical homeowner would not have thought about. She provided me with options based on my taste and then helped me select what she thought would be the best fit. She was very responsive and very pleasant to work with. **★★★★★ — Nancy Overton, Feb. 2021** > Kathy was wonderful to work with. She helped us select furnishings and window treatments for our recently remodeled home. With her guidance, we were able to define our style and select pieces that gave us a cohesive look and made the most use of every inch of available space. She provided options to make our home fully functional for someone in a wheelchair. She was always available, answering emails within minutes and kept us informed every step of the way. We wish we would have engaged her sooner in the remodel process to help with the myriad of choices required along the way. We couldn't be happier with the results! **★★★★★ — Jeff Rockey, Jan. 2018** > We can't speak highly enough of Kathy! She has amazing talent, more patience than you can believe and an eye for detail. Our first phase of home refresh has everyone amazed and complementing the beautiful space she created - even without having completed the look with wall art yet. She hires and recommends only the best contractors. We cannot wait to begin our next phase. Kathy walked us through every step taking time to understand our family and showing us possibilities we couldn't have imagined. **★★★★★ — Willa Nizolek, March 2017** > Absolutely loved working with Kathy Banak. She is professional, mindful of time, has great follow through, and spot on for taste! I would highly recommend her as a designer/decorator **★★★★ — Stacey K, May 2016** > Kathy took my old, drab, mis-matched, no personality bedroom and made it MINE. > After talking with me, she pulled together exactly the room I wanted (without me knowing beforehand what I wanted). > Every time I walk in the room, I am happy. **★★★★★ — bruce cline, May 2016** > Kathy Banak, owner of Authentic Home LTD. does it right the first time. > She knows how to keep costs in line with the budget and follows up with time frames to make sure the job gets completed on time.I deal with a lot of interior designers and she is one of the most organized. > I would give her a 5 star rating **★★★★★ — carolynduncan, May 2015** > Kathy did a color consultation and helped me identify which pieces of furniture, rugs and widow coverings etc. to change after moving from a brick Tudor home to a contemporary waterfront condo. It was interesting and inexpensive how she had me move the drapes out of my master to my living room and what a positive difference. Changing lamp shades and getting rid of certain pieces of furniture was transformative. > > She also helped me select and install beautiful natural fiber Roman shades (very much worth the cost) in the Master and in the kitchen/dining area. Perfect. > > Another low cost change was painting some of my patio furniture so it was all coordinated. It increased the coastal vibe for my patio, and I get lots of compliments on it. . **★★★★★ — Heather Gordon, May 2015** > I love working with Kathy! I feel like she really listens to me and does not push her own agenda. I have used Kathy to determine paint colors for the outside of my home as well as the interior. Kathy has recently helped me in lightening up the feel inside my home and I love the results. No matter the size of the project, Kathy always makes me feel great about with the choices and ideas she brings. **★★★★★ — rhimmel1, Dec. 2014** > When I decided to build a new home a little over one year ago, I quickly realized my project was at serious risk of looking like a single, divorced dude designed and decorated it. I didn’t have a clue on how to go about selecting the right materials and colors and I needed help fast. I met Kathy and soon realized what a god-send she was. Although I had a general vision of what I wanted, I didn’t know how to put it all together. Kathy was able to take all my ideas and create the beautiful home I envisioned; it turned out well beyond my expectations. She did it all – from paint colors, countertops, tile, flooring, carpet. The best part was she listened and never let her ego get in the way – she understood this was my home and it should reflect my style and personality. Whenever I was a little unsure of how colors and finishes would come together, Kathy would take the time to explain how every individual piece and color fit together; she patiently waited until I could “see” it for myself before deciding to move ahead with an idea. Not only is Kathy a highly creative and talented designer, she’s a fun, upbeat person to work with. If you are planning a small remodel or a huge new home project, I highly recommend Kathy with Authentic Home; you’ll be glad you did. **★★★★★ — marciaalexander, Dec. 2014** > . Kathy was first recommend to use by several people in the Mukilteo area after we made the move to a new house and needed help with colors to bring it all together. We were extremely satisfied so much that after a few years we bought an existing house that needed a huge make over. There was a lot of trim work, some cabinetry, all new carpet and wood floors with loads of painting. We continued to use Kathy's expertise as we lived in the house. Of course we are extremely happy with the results and the honest,artful approach to our home. Give Kathy a call, you will never regret it. **★★★★★ — maryjarobins, Dec. 2014** > Kathy did the color palette for the house, inside and out. It turned out beautiful and we have received many compliments on it. It has a continuity and flow that I could not have achieved on my own. The outside colors give honor to the age of the house and the leaded glass windows. Kathy is great to work with and I will hire her again. Such a relief for me! She has many great ideas. **★★★★★ — katzlf, Dec. 2014** > Kathy Banak is an absolute dream to work with! I hired her to help me with a kitchen remodel. She was incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and has a great eye for design. She answered questions easily, helped me move out of my comfort zones to consider new options, and was patient when I was stuck and could not make decisions. She also understood the constraints of my budget and was still able to figure out solutions that were within budget. I have since used Kathy for my living room and bedroom furniture remodel. I could not be making the progress I have in freshening up the design of my home without her! ## Selected projects - [Yarrow Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yarrow-point-pj-vj~6718958) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Redmond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redmond-pj-vj~6718010) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Seascape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seascape-pj-vj~6718956) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Peko](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peko-pj-vj~6718959) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Medina Classic Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medina-classic-manor-pj-vj~951802) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Casually Elegant Kitchen Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casually-elegant-kitchen-design-pj-vj~82972) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: Casually Elegant Kitchen Design The homeowners of a 1938 Georgian Colonial home were ready to remodel their 10-year old kitchen for a casually elegant design with a more functional layout. The outdated oak cabinets, tile countertops and dark colors didn’t reflect the family’s outgoing personality and they were desperate for a change. The client’s most important requests included a larger island and additional seating for their family of four. New linen colored custom alder cabinets were installe… - [Seattle Home with View of the Sound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-home-with-view-of-the-sound-pj-vj~94692) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: The couple of this 1930’s split level home wanted a more contemporary feel to their entire home especially since the wife recently retired. Tom Fine of Fine Construction headed up the project while Kathy provided aesthetic guidance with the selection of the interior materials for the kitchen and living rooms including the furnishings. The scope of work consisted of removing a main wall between the living room and the kitchen and dining room and the removal of several windows so to take advantage… - [Mercer Island Bedroom Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mercer-island-bedroom-makeover-pj-vj~1781163) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [PNW Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pnw-home-pj-vj~1802084) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Spa Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spa-bathroom-pj-vj~79280) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Every busy member of a family needs there own space within a home. This family of five added second floor addition to their existing 1980’s home. The husband and wife are both physicians and were in desperate need of a separate master suite. They desired a bathroom to have a spa like, contemporary feel. The blue green wall tiles have a grey colored circular insert in each which makes them feel very modern. We related the insert with the circular shape of the glass mosaic tiles that are on the sh… - [Teenage Bathroom Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/teenage-bathroom-transformation-pj-vj~142202) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: For this bathroom interior design project, the client was a pre-teen girl who shared an adjoining bathroom with her older teenage brother. At one time, the space was a closet between the two bedrooms, and given the growing size of both young adults, the bathroom needed to be updated to work more effectively within the space. By removing the claw foot tub there was ample room to design a walk-in shower. The shower was built with a frameless glass door which allowed natural light to enter the rest… - [Awards and Accolades](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awards-and-accolades-pj-vj~1796791) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Elegant Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-bathroom-pj-vj~142201) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: This master bathroom was small, dark and a bit outdated. The client wanted the new design to remain consistent with the light, beachy feel throughout the rest of the home, while also conveying a touch of elegance. Because the client rarely used the bathtub, we replaced it with a large walk-in steam/shower combination, along with a two-sink vanity and heated floors. There was ample room in an adjoining closet, so we moved the sinks to an adjacent wall, which offered additional space for a double… - [Suncadia Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suncadia-residence-pj-vj~66456) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Master Bathroom Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bathroom-revival-pj-vj~352087) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Modern Zen Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-zen-powder-room-pj-vj~142207) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Little girl's dream bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/little-girl-s-dream-bedroom-pj-vj~91359) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Feminine Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/feminine-living-room-pj-vj~142230) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Serene Master Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/serene-master-bedroom-pj-vj~142217) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: Prior to the remodel, wall-to-wall carpeting, heavy oak furniture and dark colors adorned this large master bedroom. In addition, a bulky television armoire stole the focus away from a set of windows with spectacular ocean views. The client requested a new bedroom that was serene and elegant, and capitalized on the west facing view. Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ in Milk Chocolate was selected for the walls and Glacier was used for the ceiling to establish an elegant and inviting feel. The carpet w… - [Room to Grow Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/room-to-grow-bedroom-pj-vj~142220) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/authentic-home-pfvwus-pf~688126771) ## Community Q&A **Q: Comforter** *(in Photo Questions)* Please tell me where this comforter can be purchased. Thank you. A: It is from Pottery Barn! **Q: Love the cabinetry. What is the wood and stain color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These cabinets are by Canyon Creek and are a Maple wood with a Chicory stain. **Q: What is this countertop made of?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is Calcutta Gold marble. **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the color and type of the wood floor A: Hi emiliaandflynn, thank you for inquiring. The floor is oak, in an antique brown finish. **Q: Before and after one year later!** *(in Before & After)* It has been one year since I posted our living room project. We took all of the advice we received and tried to incorporate as much as we could. We tore out the carpet and added hardwood floors, put in a new fireplace and added stone and a rustic mantle, replaced the sliders with French doors, painted the walls with an earthy green color, found an area rug and sectional and a table and chairs for the dining area. We are now ready for some more of your input. We need help with ideas for art on the walls, accessories, and anything else you see that would bring the space together. This space is open to the kitchen, which we also completely gutted and remodeled. Please help us put the finishing touches on it! Here are some pictures. One of the before and three after. A: It's a great transformation! **Q: Ranch House Redo** *(in Before & After)* Relocated the garage door, which allowed us to "fill in the 'L'" and have some fun with the roofline. A: That's the same house?! Amazing! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-09.*