MK Interiors: Bridging Mid-Century Integrity with Contemporary Livability in Boise
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- Aug 2
- 7 min read
MK Interiors has become one of Boise’s most respected design studios, known for its ability to fuse architectural preservation with modern comfort—particularly in the context of mid-century homes. Founded by Mary Kathrine “Katie” Focht, the firm has developed a reputation for design work that feels both personal and precise. After relocating from Sammamish, Washington to the Boise area in 2019 with her husband Eric and their two children, Katie took the leap to turn her longtime creative outlet into a professional design practice. What began as late-night room makeovers and helping friends with renovations quickly evolved into a thriving business rooted in passion, experience, and a deep understanding of how good design shapes the way people live.
Katie’s journey into design wasn’t a straight line. Before launching MK Interiors, she worked in her family’s poultry and dairy business—a chapter that, while far removed from the world of textiles and tile, helped shape her work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset. It was while living in and transforming her family’s own fixer-uppers that Katie realized her ability to blend functionality with aesthetic balance. Her motto—“find something you love to do, and figure out a way to make a living at it”—would eventually lead to the formation of MK Interiors. With the completion of her own dream home and a growing list of ground-up client projects, Katie embraced the momentum and built a studio grounded in experience and heart.
Since its founding, MK Interiors has received a wave of regional and national attention. In 2025, the firm was named Idaho’s Best Interior Designer and Best Interior Designer in the Treasure Valley. MK Interiors was also a Best of Boise winner in 2023 and runner-up in 2024. Its work has been widely featured by Home Bunch, McGee & Co., Becki Owens Living, and Pottery Barn, as well as highlighted in Sunset Magazine’s Western Design Watchlist. These features have helped cement MK Interiors’ place as a go-to studio for mid-century preservationists and design-savvy homeowners throughout Idaho.
Their project portfolio includes extensive work in neighborhoods such as Hillcrest, Randolph-Robertson, and the Highlands—areas prized for their mid-century homes and architectural authenticity. One standout project in the Boise Highlands involved the full restoration of a 1963 ranch-style home, preserving its original slate flooring and breeze block façade while reimagining the kitchen with cabinetry and millwork inspired by the home’s original design. Another renovation, a split-level property on the Boise Bench, was featured in the Treasure Valley Remodel Showcase and praised for its faithful homage to postwar aesthetics without compromising functionality. The project garnered viral traction across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and was subsequently spotlighted in BoiseDev for its preservation-forward design approach.
MK Interiors is also known for its ability to address the technical complexities that come with restoring older homes. The firm routinely works with slab-on-grade foundations, radiant heating systems, original cork or terrazzo flooring, and exposed post-and-beam frameworks—navigating these features with a level of fluency not typically found in mainstream design firms. Under the creative leadership of Katie Focht and designer Mandi Keener, the studio prioritizes spatial rhythm, natural light, and warm material layering to bring mid-century spaces back to life. Mandi, in particular, has been recognized for her intuitive ability to soften rigid geometries through palette and proportion, helping to humanize and elevate the more utilitarian aspects of mid-century design.
MK Interiors approaches every project with a respect for architectural context. Rather than forcing a contemporary design aesthetic onto a vintage structure, the studio adapts its approach to highlight each home’s original intent. This methodology is especially significant in Boise, where postwar neighborhoods vary widely in terms of layout, material palette, and construction methods. Whether modernizing a 1957 carport ranch or consulting on a new build inspired by Case Study prototypes, MK Interiors delivers results with restraint, thoughtfulness, and technical clarity.
As Boise continues to grow and its architectural history faces increased pressure from development and renovation, MK Interiors plays a vital role in shaping the city’s design identity. The firm stands as a trusted partner for homeowners who value authenticity and want to preserve—not replace—the spirit of their homes. For those seeking a balance of period-accurate detailing and modern-day livability, MK Interiors offers a rare combination of creative skill, historical literacy, and down-to-earth professionalism.
Meet the Team at MK Interiors
The success of MK Interiors is built on the collective talent and dedication of a team that blends creativity, strategy, and precision. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared passion for design, ensuring that every project is executed with care and integrity.
Angela Hansen — Design Assistant
Originally from Orange County, California, Angela relocated to Eagle, Idaho in 2022 to pursue a new chapter—one centered around her passion for interior design. With a previous career in finance and software development, she brings a unique perspective and sharp organizational skills to her role. Angela supports the principal designer by developing floor plans, renderings, and material presentations, while keeping projects on track and well-coordinated. Her strong background in budgeting and communication makes her an essential part of the design process. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and gardening, and treasures time with her husband, two daughters, and granddaughter.
Katrina Vehlow — Business Manager
A Boise native, Katrina holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and passed the CPA exam in 2007. She began her career at Deloitte before transitioning to small business accounting, eventually taking time off in 2013 to focus on raising her family. Since joining MK Interiors in 2024, Katrina has become instrumental in managing the firm’s financial operations and supporting its continued growth. Her deep understanding of business management and personal investment in the studio’s success makes her a steady force behind the scenes. She and her husband have three school-aged children, and she enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Brooke Henson — Studio Support Manager
With over two decades of experience in digital strategy and SEO, Brooke plays a pivotal role in ensuring the operational side of MK Interiors runs seamlessly. She manages project workflows, marketing content, and client communication, while optimizing internal systems to allow the design team to stay focused on creative execution. After years in agency life serving medical clients, Brooke chose to support small business owners, leading to her collaboration with Katie and MK Interiors. What began as a client relationship has grown into a close professional partnership. Outside the studio, Brooke runs a successful Etsy shop and enjoys sewing, reading, and camping.
Denise Chandler — Studio Assistant
A graphic designer with over ten years of experience, Denise brings a refined visual sensibility to MK Interiors’ brand presence. With a background in marketing and luxury stationery design, she specializes in creating cohesive brand visuals and maintaining the studio’s graphic identity. Denise joined the MK Interiors team after leading the redesign of the firm’s website—an experience that led to a natural integration into the business. Her detail-driven mindset and design fluency help shape the studio’s image across all platforms. She balances her creative work with a love of cooking, entertaining, outdoor adventures, and reading.
Together, the MK Interiors team offers not just beautiful design—but strategic support, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to helping every client feel at home.
Services Offered by MK Interiors
MK Interiors offers a comprehensive range of interior design services tailored to the unique needs of homeowners throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. Whether you’re reimagining a single room, furnishing a custom build, or preserving the character of a mid-century gem, MK Interiors delivers expert guidance, strategic sourcing, and turn-key design support from concept to completion.
Design Consultations
Ideal for homeowners seeking professional guidance without a full-service design commitment, MK Interiors’ in-home consultations typically last 60–90 minutes. During the visit, the designer reviews your space, assesses layout options, considers existing furnishings, explores paint and finish selections, and discusses how to incorporate meaningful décor pieces. Consults also cover budget planning and project scope.
For clients who choose to move forward with full-service design, the consultation is also used to take detailed photos and measurements, which are later used to develop customized mood boards and design plans. At the end of the appointment, a detailed quote is provided based on the estimated design hours per room.
Design, Sourcing and Set Up
This full-service package includes everything from creative development to purchasing and on-site installation. MK Interiors creates mood boards and renderings (as needed) to provide a clear visual direction for each room. Once designs are approved, clients receive a comprehensive product list and a final invoice covering all items and services.
MK Interiors handles the entire sourcing and procurement process, coordinating deliveries and verifying the quality and placement of every item. For locally sourced pieces, the team ensures pre-approval before purchasing and delivers items directly for installation.
New Construction and Renovation Services
Building or remodeling a home is a complex process that benefits from early and ongoing design input. MK Interiors works closely with homeowners and builders to ensure all permanent selections—flooring, cabinetry, lighting, tile, fixtures—align with the client’s aesthetic goals and the architectural integrity of the home.
Design involvement begins during plan review to flag framing adjustments and layout considerations before construction begins. Once design inspiration, timelines, and budgets are aligned, MK Interiors coordinates material selections and attends key build meetings, including electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, and trim walk-throughs.
Additional meetings or construction oversight beyond the standard package are billed separately to allow for flexible client needs.
MK Interiors blends vision, precision, and personalized service to bring each client’s space to life—whether refreshing a single room or building a home from the ground up.
Contact MK Interiors
MK Interiors proudly serves clients throughout Idaho, including Eagle, Boise, Meridian, Star, Nampa, Middleton, Donnelly, and McCall.
Email: mkinteriorsboise@gmail.com
Phone: (425) 890-6937
Instagram: @mkinteriorsboise
For inquiries, consultations, or collaboration opportunities, reach out via email or phone—or follow along on Instagram to see their latest projects and design inspiration.

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