inSTUDIO
Kelly Wearstler

One of Kelly Wearstler’s goals when designing new interiors and projects is to “create a sense of adventure for [her] clients.” Visiting her studio is certainly a sensory adventure in itself. Moving from the impeccably curated foyer, past conference rooms and into the bustling work area, the scope of her work—from her interior design to a home accessories collection, dishes, jewelry, and now ready-to-wear, among others—unfolds through the many objects positioned on tables, concept trays arrayed on counters and working images posted on walls. Drawers conceal Wearstler’s collection of vintage buttons, gemstone beads, fabric and tile samples—colors and textures that seem to burst into the room once they are exposed to light. A favorite object is a sculpted wood head with a pyrite rock placed over the eye; tiny metal boxes topped with unusually shaped crystals embedded in rock are also eye-catching.

The activity within the office is busy, yet unified. Wearstler’s uniquely bold, vibrant and colorful aesthetic is woven through each of the projects in progress. The patterns of the ready-to-wear garments connect to the working images for dishes on the walls; the smooth-rough dichotomy of the table objects mirror the textures in the concept trays. Everything is tactile and visually engaging, yet organized, cohesive and complementary. The cohesion that threads through all of Wearstler’s diverse products and projects solidify her not only as a talented interior designer, but as a tastemaker, risk-taker and the head of what has become a well-defined lifestyle brand that still has numerous avenues to invite adventure.

-Kana Hammon

Your style is especially bold, vibrant, and eye catching.  However, I imagine that many people are hesitant to include so many bright colors, patterns, textures and objects in their homes.  How do you balance the demands of your clients with your own personal aesthetic, while encouraging them to take risks with the design of their homes?

From the very beginning of every project it is important for me to listen to my client to gain an understanding of their individual program and needs.  I try to infuse their personality in each space. At the same time I try to encourage clients to be willing to bend because the ultimate goal is to make them happy.  I believe design is all about experimenting and breaking your habits, but I suggest only buying things you really love.  My goal is to create a sense of adventure for my clients.

You have expanded your brand/services from interior design, to books, textiles, rugs, dishes and now fashion and jewelry.  What have been the driving forces that push you to continue to move into areas that many interior designers have not?  Why do you think this expansion has been possible for you?  What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who are also interested in doing more than just designing spaces?

Every young designer faces challenges when they are first starting out.  Those who stick with it are the ones who truly love what they do.  Expanding my brand to include accessories, rugs, linens, and a Ready-To-Wear line has been a natural extension of my work as an interior designer.  It has taken a lot of hard work, but loving what I do has enabled me to persevere.  Having a thick skin doesn’t hurt either!

I imagine that you are incredibly busy with your work, but you seem to also love spending time with your boys.  How do you balance and manage all of your different projects with time for yourself and your family?

My schedule is built around my family.  I work out at 5:30 am so that I can wake up my boys, have breakfast, and take them to school.  My days are filled with meetings with clients, my design team, and my in-house creative and licensing team; shopping at antique stores, site visits, photo shoots, and press interviews.  My husband and I are home by 6:30 pm and we have dinner together as a family.  That has always been so important to me.