Meet The Team

Kristen Pawlak, DDCD

Owner/Interior Designer

Kristen is a multi-award winning and professionally certified designer who has owned Decorating Den since 2009. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Houzz, Louisville Magazine, Arabella, StyleBlueprint, House & Home, The Courier-Journal, the Voice Tribune, and on Your Kentuckiana Home. She is also a contributor to the Courier-Journal Stylemaker, WLKY-32 The Real Deal, KY Homes & Gardens, and Today’s Woman, and enjoys speaking to local organizations on design topics. Kristen has donated her time and talent to the Bellarmine University’s Designers’ Show House since 2011. Nationally, Kristen sits on the Leadership Council for Decorating Den corporate.

Having a personal love and knack for aesthetics all her life, she chose to follow her passion and build a second career in design. Prior to her ownership of Decorating Den Interiors, Kristen spent many successful years as a marketing research project manager, using skills which translate today to her interior design projects and clients.

While originally from Michigan, Kristen has lived with her family in Louisville for over 30 years. She is inspired by anything vintage, travel, dogs, and the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Nancy Gillespie, EPS

Junior Designer

Nancy is a Louisville native but relocated many, many times after college before returning to her hometown. She received her formal training and certification as an Expert Psychological Stager from Kristie Barnett, an award-winning and national expert in home staging, decorating, and residential paint color known as “The Decorologist.” She holds a BA in Fashion Merchandising from Eastern Kentucky University and is experienced in merchandising, styling, purchasing, and home staging.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, pickleball, and spending time with her growing family (of three grandchildren!)  and friends.

Nancy Reilly Bamforth

Office Manager

Nancy is the glue that holds our studio, warehouse, and designers together. She enjoys supporting the office flow and communicating with our clients as well as our extended team of contractors and installers.

Prior to Decorating Den, Nancy had extensive experience in administrative and marketing support in accounting and publication industries. She holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Nancy is the youngest of ten, from a large Louisville-born family. She and her husband reside just across the river. She is an extraordinary baker, with her specialty being cake pops. She also enjoys reading and making jewelry in her time away from work.

Our Alliance Partners

Ralph Pawlak

RK Renovations
Owner/Lead Contractor

KP Designs has an excellent alliance partner with RK Renovations. Having Ralph based in our studio to work with our clients is an asset that sets our design business apart. As we do “every room in the house”, Ralph’s firm provides all contract labor needed to renovate kitchens, bathrooms, as well as any room requiring light construction.

Ralph has helped Kristen in the business for several years, but also retired from a 30+ year career with the FAA in Air Traffic Control. In his very limited spare time, he enjoys aviation as a private pilot, building anything mechanical, mountain biking, and any outdoor recreation, especially during his trips to the Lake Michigan area.

Rosie (2005-2018), Gracie, and Bennie

KP Design Team Canine Support

Okay…while they are not technically KP Design Team staff, these pups provide a lot of moral support and affection to our designers! They are also our test subjects that all of your family members can be made comfortable in the design and function of your spaces!

If you are looking to add to your own Canine (or feline) Support Team, check out some furry pals HERE, available for adoption today! #AdoptDontShop

We can truly provide you full-service design!

Additionally, other long-time alliance partners include local craftsmen, installers, plumbers, electricians, upholsterers, and finish and decorative painters.