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Our Staff of Interior Designers

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With over 15 years of experience in both commercial and residential interior design, Katarina brings a deep passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces. She earned her degree in Interior Design from the New England Institute of Technology in 2003 and currently serves as the Showroom Designer and Accessory Buyer at The Rhode Island Design Center.
Katarina’s portfolio includes a wide range of projects, including private homes, custom builds, Airbnb properties, boutique hotels, and private real estate developments. Her strong background in spatial planning and blueprint interpretation enables her to deliver thoughtful, customized design solutions that reflect each client’s unique needs and style.
Whether you’re furnishing a new build, remodeling an investment property, or simply refreshing a room, Katarina offers expert guidance every step of the way. Her knowledge of color theory, furniture curation, window treatments, and accessories ensures that every detail aligns seamlessly with your vision.
Known for her eclectic style, Katarina loves mixing old and new to create interiors that are timeless, inviting, and full of personality. Her ability to balance aesthetics with function makes her an invaluable partner for projects of any size.
Stop by The Rhode Island Design Center to meet “Kat” and discover how she can help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re designing your dream home, preparing your next Airbnb, or developing a hospitality space that leaves a lasting impression, she’s ready to help.
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Kristen Marcks

As a designer, Kristen understands how tricky and challenging spaces can be. She loves a challenge! Mistakes can be expensive and disappointing. Buying things and returning them wastes time and energy. As your Decorating Solutions designer, Kristen will put a solid design plan in your hands, allowing you to know what's right for your space (or not), and you can work to the plan as your time and finances allow. With your Decorating Solutions plan, Kristen spends time in your home to discuss, measure and work out any design and color details. Design is collaborative and should address the wants and needs of everyone in your home! Sometimes homeowners have so many good ideas that they just can't narrow it down to one, or often they just can't find a good starting design concept. After the visit, a meeting takes place in the Rhode Island Design Center's beautiful Design Studio to refine your plan together with Kristen, focusing on how the space is to be used, and how it can be made more durable, comfortable and attractive. Along the way, you will also learn Kristen's designing tips and tricks to bring life to your space, and hopefully have a little fun too! With her expertise you should save time and money. Kristen has been a designer for over 18 years and has helped hundreds define their spaces in a way they were just not able to do by themselves. From furniture placement, whole-house color schemes, lighting, ADA compliance, blueprint reviews, and moving and downsizing - Kristen can help. Feel free to reach out directly if you have any questions!

Jennifer Ware
 
Jennifer joined Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses and the the Rhode Island Design Center in 2006. Jennifer has a diverse art, design and teaching background that supports several aspects of planning and creating living spaces that are safe, efficient, affordable, environmentally friendly, supportive of the community and reflective of the individual life style. She has been designing for over 25 years. Prior to joining the Rhode Island Design Center, Jennifer was an art teacher and now also owns her own business which provided a wide range of freelance services, including interior design, architectural drafting, general contracting, graphic arts, emblematic jewelry illustration, commissioned artwork, staging for special events, exhibits and weddings. Jennifer has also received several blue ribbon awards for her floral designs. These experiences have provided her with a strong background in design and will enable her to coordinate your living space to your style as she welcomes the opportunity to discuss how her skills would benefit you. Jennifer’s educational history includes graduate courses beyond Bachelor of Science degree related to Industrial Arts as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island. Jennifer is a member of Team Tarro Inc. 501 c charity for breast Cancer, Habitat for Humanities, Youth in Action, Rehoboth Garden Club, The R. I. Federation of Garden Club and a supporter of the Newport Historical Society.
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