Minka Kelly Designing Tips

Actress Minka Kelly has earned a rabid fan base for her role as the Texan cheerleader on the cult favorite show (and streaming on Netflix) Friday night lights. Now the Los Angeles native and interior designer is focused on some offscreen projects like finding a new home in a great neighborhood. Décor Aid sat down with Minka to discuss her approach to creating a new place and the toughest lesson she has learned about decorating.

What are you looking for in your next neighborhood?

I want to be able to go to a coffee shop and dog park. I have two dogs: a Cockapoo named Chewy, short for Chewbacca, and Fred, a Border Terrier. Where I live now, I have to drive everywhere. I also learned the importance of being in a good school district by working with Trulia.

What style of living are you looking for?

I am a creature of habit. I like places that are older with character, history and charm. I experiment more with furniture.

Are you looking forward to decorating a new place or does it feel overwhelming?

I love interior design. I don’t like shopping [for clothes]but I could shop for my home all day.

Do you have any advice on decorating a new home?

Take your time decorating, which is very, very difficult. Because of the time overlap, things feel special. Live in a room for a few months before making big changes. When I moved into my house, I wanted to renovate the bathroom, but my friend pushed me to live with it for a while. I loved my bathroom for the way it is and I’m glad I didn’t change it.

How does a room feel like at home?

Good lighting, art, and dogs. And plants – I need a lot of green.