KSI Kitchen & Bath
Birmingham, MI

Some hobbies prepare you for work-related challenges—and for Kelsey Powell, yoga gives her the mindset to be inspired and creative on a daily basis. “I believe the skills learned from the yoga practice—physically, mentally and intellectually—not only benefit my personal life, but my professional life as well,” says the Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer. Employed since 2021 by KSI Kitchen & Bath, where she is now a Senior Designer in the company’s Birmingham, MI showroom, Kelsey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Michigan State University in 2015 and initially focused on commercial office design before “taking a chance on kitchen and bath” and finding her perfect niche.

Kelsey, who describes herself as “passionate,” says she is highly collaborative with clients and other design professionals such as architects, contractors and fellow designers. But her favorite moments involve the physical result of their combined efforts. “I find the most rewarding part of my job is watching the transformation of a space, or the development of a new space, and seeing how it refines the quality of life for those who work, play, and live in it,” she explains. Her personal design style is “transitional leaning toward a bit contemporary,” she says. “Neutrals with black accents is my jam. I love unique light fixtures and bold wallpapers. Organization and function are also a priority for me.”

“Neutrals with black accents is my jam. I love unique light fixtures and bold wallpapers. Organization and function are also a priority for me.”

Away from the office, Kelsey’s priorities are her family, including her daughter Violet, who is “2 going on 12,” she says. “She is the definition of sassy and sweet—her passion for everything is truly inspiring.” Still, this mom admits the work/life balance is very hard. “I need to keep myself in check quite a bit to slow down,” Kelsey says. “Although Violet does enjoy coming to the showroom with me and can find herself around a jobsite, we do try to make it to the beach as often as possible!” Also tagging along for play days and vacations on the lakes of Northern Michigan is Tucker, Kelsey’s English Golden Retriever. And international travel is on the agenda too, she says, noting Sydney is a favorite city she’s already visited. “I want to see and experience as much as life has to offer.”