Karen Asprea is an interior designer with roots in Brooklyn, New York. She has a townhouse studio in Tribeca and an office in historic Coral Gables, Miami. Over her 19-year career, Karen has focused on creating curated, luxury designs for residential towers, hospitality projects, and private homes. Her resume currently encompasses over 7 million square feet of residential and commercial construction. In 2018, Karen started her own design studio, applying her industry expertise together with outstanding design to provide high-level services for her clients. Karen’s studio provides a multidisciplinary approach to interior design and design architecture, from custom furniture to developing budgets and project management of $300M+ new construction projects. Karen’s dedicated team of designers curates stunning finish packages that are sensitive to her clients’ needs, whether they are private homeowners or corporate developers. See Karen’s stunning interiors in today’s Designer Friday.
The low-profile sectional anchors this double-height space in this living room, allowing the eye to travel effortlessly toward the skyline beyond.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Karen Asprea: I’ve always believed that the spaces we live in shape the way we feel, think, and move through the world. From a very young age, I was drawn to art, shapes in spaces, and the details that we live in. What inspired me to become a designer was the ability to create occupiable and tangible art. There is a transformative process in creating environments that are not only visually striking, but also elevate the way people experience their lives. For me, design is storytelling, and every project is an opportunity to tell a story that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
KA: I begin every project by listening to my clients and understanding their emotional vision for their lifestyle and priorities. From there, I balance creativity with discipline, translating their story into a stunning backdrop that represents their family brand, while keeping clear budgets and schedules. That combination of artistry and structure ensures each project is both inspiring and buildable.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
KA: In general, the most challenging projects are when a commercial developer client becomes a private client. They are accustomed to being the person in charge of all aspects of a project. But when it comes to designing their personal homes, I need to redirect and reframe the conversation to their emotional state and family needs instead of budget spreadsheets. Establishing emotional safety can be a challenge for high-powered business leaders, but once it’s there, the work flows seamlessly.
The waterfall island and soft-grained cabinetry create a seamless flow that makes this kitchen feel both sculptural and serene.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
KA: I’m less interested in following trends and more focused on setting them. Lately, I love to color-drench a space, wrapping walls, ceilings, and larger pieces using similar colors in different tones. It creates a sense of intimacy and completion, while pairing beautifully with the natural materials and strong architectural lines I gravitate toward. The result feels sophisticated and timeless.
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
KA: Without question, a solid and mutual understanding and respect between myself and my clients. From there, anything is possible.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KA: Eternal curiosity. I stay creative by constantly engaging with the world around me. I’m inspired by travel, taking bits of how other cultures and trendsetters curate their spaces, and implementing them into my design scapes. I expose myself to new and classic art, architecture, and even the rhythm of a different city can spark ideas. For me, creativity is less about waiting for a spark and more about cultivating a lifestyle that fuels it every day.
A lucite coffee table with brass detailing keeps the center light, allowing the rug’s pattern to shine through and leaving a soft glow that lifts this room.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
KA: One of the moments I felt most accomplished was realizing the scale of my body of work. I’ve designed a little over 7 million square feet across luxury residences, commercial spaces, and landmark properties. That milestone reminded me how much trust clients have placed in me and how every project, no matter the scale, contributes to a much larger legacy.
AJ: How do you stay up to date on the latest technology in design?
KA: The truth is that I don’t. I’m much happier sketching with a pencil than touching a screen; there’s a tactility and immediacy to it that keeps me grounded in the human experience. In design, that connection is essential. While technology has its place, I believe true creativity begins with the hand, not the device.
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