Alexandra Kaehler's Design Philosophy: A Welcome Home

Kelly Wearstler, a prominent figure in contemporary American design, views design as an intuitive process akin to falling in love repeatedly. Her distinctive style, characterized by sumptuous and vibrant interiors, is evident in high-end residences and luxury hotels worldwide, from Beverly Hills to the Caribbean. Wearstler's design philosophy is deeply influenced by a wide array of sources, including global travel, nature, architecture, fashion, graphic design, literature, and art, with particular admiration for the works of Pierre Cardin, Oscar Niemeyer, Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn, Gio Ponti, and Carlo Mollino. Her eponymous luxury-lifestyle brand encompasses a broad spectrum of design services, including residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design, alongside curated collections of furniture, lighting, rugs, fabrics, wallcoverings, tiles, luxe bedding, fine china, and decorative home accessories. Wearstler's design approach is marked by a sophisticated contrast of raw and refined elements, a harmonious blend of color, and a thoughtful integration of diverse periods of furniture. This unique methodology has earned her recognition on prestigious lists such as Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Architecture & Interior Design, Elle Décor’s A-List, Wallpaper’s Top 20 Designers, and TIME Style & Design’s Design 100. She conceptualizes each project as an opportunity for storytelling, aiming to create evocative, adventurous, and soulful narratives through a rich mix of materials and influences. Her mantra, “love color, take risks, stay curious,” guides her attraction to designs that intelligently utilize materiality, juxtapose various historical styles, and introduce an element of surprise. Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1967, Wearstler honed her skills in interior and graphic design at the Massachusetts College of Art. After relocating to the West Coast, she launched her design business, initially gaining traction with the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. This success paved the way for numerous international projects, including the Viceroy Santa Monica, multiple properties for the Viceroy Group, and the Four Seasons Anguilla, where she skillfully merged natural elements like driftwood and petrified wood with global textiles to redefine Caribbean luxury. Her portfolio also features the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant in New York City, which elegantly combines elements from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the Compartés flagship store in Los Angeles, a modern reinterpretation of classic European chocolate shops. Her residential work spans high-profile homes for celebrity clients like Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani, and Ben Stiller. A current venture, Proper Hospitality, involves the design of high-end residences and hotels, with completed projects including the Hollywood Proper Residences, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, and San Francisco Proper Hotel. These projects showcase her signature blend of vintage and new furnishings, custom lighting, bespoke elements, and local artworks. Upcoming Proper hotels in Austin and Downtown Los Angeles further demonstrate her expansive vision. Wearstler emphasizes the importance of client collaboration, stating that the most successful projects arise when clients actively voice their vision. Her role is to interpret and filter these ideas, creating spaces that evoke specific moods and tell compelling stories. She stresses the significance of scale and hierarchy within a space, advocating for a thoughtful mix of texture, history, pattern, and color to achieve balance and allow statement pieces to stand out. Her creative process involves deep research into a location's history and architecture, followed by an intuitive selection of art, rugs, and vintage pieces to establish the core vibe. She uses “vibe trays” to visualize how all elements, textures, and colors will harmoniously interact within a space, sourcing unique items from around the globe to curate truly distinctive environments. Wearstler sees windows as framed artworks that integrate external elements and colors into the interior, further enhancing the cohesive design narrative. Throughout her career, Wearstler has continually challenged herself, taking risks and expanding her artistic horizons. She views her clients, particularly those from the film, music, and art industries, as vital partners and teachers, each contributing unique perspectives that enrich her design process. A key distinction in her work is the tailored approach to residential versus hospitality projects; while both receive the same passion and explorative process, hospitality designs require a greater focus on commercial specifications and creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere unique to the location. Turning points in her career include the Avalon Hotel, the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant, and the large-scale Westfield Century City renovation, all of which pushed her creative boundaries and fostered a sense of accomplishment. Wearstler's home collections target individuals who appreciate art, travel, and thoughtful details, offering environments designed to expand experiences and heighten senses. Her ongoing projects continue to explore new commercial and residential ventures globally, consistently seeking the next design adventure. #KellyWearstler #InteriorDesign #ModernAmericanDesign #LuxuryInteriors #HospitalityDesign #ResidentialDesign #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalDesign #StorytellingInDesign

The article presents a business spotlight on AGA Interior Design, a full-service residential interior design firm owned by Alexandra Aquadro, based in Marblehead. The firm recently relocated its studio to 84 Washington St. and specializes in projects ranging from single-room updates to comprehensive home renovations and new construction. The interview, conducted by Discover Marblehead, delves into Aquadro's background, her passion for design, the genesis of her company, and her approach to client work. Aquadro recounts discovering her love for design at a young age, growing up in an antique home undergoing renovations. She vividly remembers selecting her bedroom wallpaper in the fourth grade, a cheerful yellow and floral pattern that remains a fixture in her childhood home. Her professional journey began after graduating from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and gaining experience at Kuhn Riddle Architects and Susan Reddick Design. In 2014, she launched AGA Interior Design, driven by a desire to bring her unique aesthetic to clients. AGA Interior Design's signature style is characterized by a curated blend of warm color palettes, comfortable furnishings, and layered textures, aiming to create sophisticated, timeless, functional, and welcoming spaces. A core aspect of Aquadro's business philosophy is her hands-on involvement in every project, from the initial consultation to the final installation. This personal approach ensures that each design is meticulously tailored to the client's specific vision and needs, ultimately leading to client satisfaction, which Aquadro considers her greatest reward. When asked about the best business advice she has received, Aquadro quotes Jim Henson: “If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.” This quote reflects her dedication and work ethic, which have been instrumental in building her successful design firm. Her favorite spot in Marblehead is Old Town, where she enjoys strolling through the charming streets, admiring the original doorways and timeless architectural details, which likely influence her design sensibilities. A surprising fact about Aquadro is that she was the first girl on her high school golf team, highlighting her pioneering spirit and willingness to challenge norms. This business spotlight is part of a weekly feature in partnership with Discover Marblehead, an organization dedicated to promoting local businesses, tourism, community events, and attractions through various marketing channels. The article encourages readers to learn more about AGA Interior Design by visiting their website and to explore Discover Marblehead's initiatives. #AGAInteriorDesign #InteriorDesign #BusinessSpotlight #MarbleheadLocalBusiness #AlexandraAquadro #ResidentialDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignPhilosophy #Entrepreneurship

Kaylin LaFleche, a 2024 graduate of High Point University (HPU) with a major in interior design, is set to join Bignell Watkins Hasser Architects in Annapolis, Maryland, as an interior designer. Her role will involve participating in the design process, developing space planning concepts, producing digital plans, and preparing design presentations. LaFleche attributes her preparedness for this position to the comprehensive education and support she received from HPU's interior design department. The curriculum equipped her with essential software skills, knowledge of industry codes, and general design principles from the outset of her academic journey. Her professors played a pivotal role in her success, extending beyond academic requirements to provide references and consistent encouragement. The Office of Career and Professional Development at HPU was instrumental in helping LaFleche secure an internship during her junior year. This office offered valuable interview tips and reviewed her resume, significantly contributing to her professional readiness. Brandon Jones, an instructor of home furnishings and interior design, is highlighted as LaFleche's most impactful mentor at HPU. Professor Jones demonstrated a strong commitment to his students' success, both academically and professionally, boosting LaFleche's confidence as a designer and preparing her for the workforce. His continuous support, including numerous references and a welcoming presence on campus, was crucial to her development. LaFleche's experience working at the High Point Furniture Market four times during her studies was a particularly impactful moment. This opportunity allowed her to gain practical experience relevant to her future career and establish connections with professionals in the design industry. She expressed gratitude for this recurring opportunity, which deepened her industry knowledge each year. HPU's environment fostered her confidence, encouraging her to pursue ambitious goals and demonstrating that significant achievements are attainable through dedication. The success stories of HPU alumni further motivated her to strive for her aspirations. The Office of Career and Professional Development not only provided a list of companies where HPU students had previously worked, leading her to one of her internships, but also imparted interview techniques that she continues to utilize. HPU instilled in her the importance of self-belief and proactive engagement, emphasizing that assistance is available to those who seek it and that perseverance is key to achieving desired outcomes. A core value that LaFleche embraced from HPU is the concept of family. Despite the initial challenge of moving six hours away from her home, HPU's supportive atmosphere encouraged her to build a new community, resulting in lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. For underclassmen, LaFleche advises active involvement in extracurricular activities. She believes that participation outside the classroom profoundly shaped her personal and professional identity, making her a more well-rounded individual and designer. Her involvement impressed prospective employers during interviews, underscoring its contribution to her overall success. High Point University emphasizes an extraordinary education that equips students with life skills and professional competencies, ensuring they are prepared for successful careers and personal growth after graduation. #InteriorDesign #HighPointUniversity #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #StudentSuccess #Mentorship #InternshipExperience #FurnitureMarket #AlumniAchievement

This comprehensive guide details every design element and product used in the 2024 Southern Living Idea House, a Sea Island Farmhouse located in Kiawah River, South Carolina. Designed by Allison Elebash, the house features a blend of traditional Southern charm and modern sophistication, meticulously curated to inspire home decorating. The guide is organized room by room, providing specific brands, colors, materials, and even installers for each item, from major structural components to decorative accessories and plants. The exterior and landscape section highlights Marvin Ultimate and Elevate windows and doors in Gunmetal, James Hardie siding and trim, and Sherwin-Williams paints in Origami White and Porpoise. Noteworthy outdoor features include a Clopay Canyon Ridge garage door, Zuri Premium Decking in Walnut, and extensive landscaping using plants from the Southern Living Plant Collection, such as Roman Candle Podocarpus, Misty River Sweet Olive, and various Gardenia and Hydrangea varieties. Propane-fueled items like the outdoor grill, pool heater, and lanterns underscore modern amenities integrated into the design. Local contractors, such as Pain-less Home Improvements for window installation and Aqua Blue Pools, are also specified. Throughout the house, consistent choices include William M. Bird hardwood flooring in Veranda, Asheville Collection, Vineyard color, and various tile selections from Melcer Tile. Custom cabinetry, millwork, and closets were provided by Village Millworks, while plumbing fixtures from Bird Decorative Hardware and Bath feature Waterworks and DXV brands. Lighting fixtures are predominantly from Regina Andrew, contributing to the cohesive aesthetic. Painting was done by AE Painting, and wallpaper installation by East Coast Paper & Paint, demonstrating the detail involved. The main level features spaces such as the Front Porch, Entry, Powder Bath, Kitchen, Scullery, Friends' Entrance, Laundry Room, Dining Room, Living Room, and Back Porch/Outdoor Living Room. Each area showcases a unique palette and selection of furnishings and decor. For instance, the Kitchen includes Monogram Luxury Appliances, custom range hood by The Heirloom Companies, and Emily Daws Textiles for custom stool cushions. The Living Room incorporates a Lee Industries sofa and chairs, alongside custom pieces from Brooks Custom Woodworks and artworks from various galleries, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable environment. The Back Porch extends the living space outdoors with Teak + Table furniture and a Charleston Bedswing Company porch swing. The second floor comprises a Den, Den Bar, Upstairs Primary Bath, Upstairs Primary Bedroom, Office, Office Bath, Coffee Vestibule, Twin Room Vestibule, Twin Bedroom, and Twin Bath. The Den, for example, features Sherwin-Williams paint in Sand Trap and Bateau Brown, a Coley Home sectional, and numerous artworks. The Den Bar includes Monogram Luxury Appliances and bespoke glassware from Estelle Colored Glass. Bedrooms are furnished with Reid Classics mattresses and beds, Chelsea Textiles bedside tables, and bedding from the Southern Living Home Collection at Dillard’s, ensuring both comfort and style. The Office space is designed with a Brooks Custom Woodworks desk and Chelsea Textiles chest. The Carriage House, including its Entry/Stairwell, Vestibule, Powder Bath, Kitchenette, Bedroom, and Bath, continues the design philosophy with elements like Mirth Studio decorative flooring, GE Profile and Café Appliances in the kitchenette, and coordinated paint schemes. Dog-friendly features such as The Houndry dog beds and bowls are also integrated. The Backyard and Garage areas are not overlooked, featuring a Propane Heated Pool by Aqua Blue Pools, Teak + Table outdoor furniture, and a detailed list of garage storage and recreational items, emphasizing a holistic approach to home design and functionality. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SouthernLivingIdeaHouse #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #LandscapeDesign #KiawahRiver #AllisonElebash

This article features an interview with Elizabeth Zachry, an interior designer at Taylor House Interiors, who shares insights into her career, design philosophy, and personal background. Zachry has been an interior designer for almost five years, beginning her role by designing the showroom floor, which she still considers one of her favorite tasks. Her work involves collaborating with clients to understand their vision and create living environments that resonate with their personal styles. Zachry's connection to the Golden Isles is deeply rooted, as her family moved to Jekyll Island in 1975 due to the shrimping industry. She cherishes Jekyll Island, highlighting its unique natural beauty where one can experience both sunrise on the beach and sunset on the river. The beaches of Jekyll Island remain her favorite landmark. Her passion for interior design was influenced by her family's long-standing involvement in the furniture business; her father's side of the family owned Zachry’s furniture for decades. This upbringing fostered a love for beautiful furniture and well-finished rooms, making design feel like a natural inclination. She also draws inspiration from acclaimed designers like Bill Baldwin. Describing her personal design style as eclectic, Zachry enjoys incorporating patterns, textures, and organic elements into her work. In her own home, she values integrating meaningful items, unexpected touches, and a sense of humor, elements she believes her clients appreciate. Her objective is to create homes that authentically reflect the personalities of her clients, rather than simply replicating magazine aesthetics. This approach emphasizes individuality and emotional connection to the living space, ensuring that each design is unique and personalized. Zachry's career path at Taylor House Interiors started with designing the showroom, a role she finds particularly fulfilling. The opportunity to build strong relationships with clients, some of whom have become like family, is a significant aspect of her job satisfaction. She emphasizes the importance of understanding a client's desires to craft a home environment that truly suits them. This interview provides a glimpse into the professional journey and creative perspective of an interior designer who prioritizes personal expression and client connection in her work, drawing on her heritage and surroundings for inspiration. #InteriorDesign #ElizabethZachry #TaylorHouseInteriors #DesignPhilosophy #GoldenIsles #JekyllIsland #EclecticStyle #HomeDecor #DesignerInterview