IN WITH THE NEW
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler takes us behind the scenes of her autumn collection
Firstly, congratulations on your autumn collection – it is absolutely beautiful! Would you share with us the significance of this collection in light of the past year? Where did you draw inspiration from? How was it all brought to life?and how does it speak to a world grappling with the new normal?
My new collection reflects a modern fusion of architectural and organic silhouettes. Purity of form is central to the narrative. This is seen in the fluid curves of pieces such as theverge chair or theardent Bench, as well as the geometric lines in the otto sidetable and the rousseau double Boomarm Floor Lamp. These complementary forms allow for the inherent spirit of the materials, which range from bronze to marble to ebonised oak, to distinguish each design as singular and generous with personality.
I have experienced first-hand how well-designed interiors can change lives. good design can make someone happier, more confident, comfortable and organised. It can elevate everyday life experiences. It impacts your life and stimulates everything you do. When a design is thoughtful and well-considered, you probably do not even notice it, because it supports a melding of form and function.
What are some of your favourite pieces from the collection, and why? Some were reimagined... Why did you decide to reinvigorate these particular pieces?
natural materials and vintage pieces are infused into all of my projects. I love to ‘rescue’ and refabricate existing silhouettes and materials. I believe that there should be a sense of longevity and the luxurious, tactile and soulful sensibility of organic materials within every space, whether a residence or commercial setting.
designing furniture and lighting is akin to creating individual pieces of sculpture, art that will bring a distinctive point of view into a space. The shape and structure, materiality, texture and colour are all highly considered to create a beautiful melding of form and function. It is one of my favourite things to do.
Your design aesthetic is distinct, which is no mean feat in these times. Was it a matter of natural evolution, or a clear vision from the beginning of your career?
I have always been drawn to design. My mother was a designer, and she took me to antique shows and auctions as a girl, educating my eye from a young age. Interior design combines so many of my passions – architecture, art history, sculpture, pattern, texture, light and movement.
design is largely intuitive for me, and I am truly inspired by everything. Mother nature, architecture, fashion, art, travel, photography and landscape design are all incredible influences. Travelling – when I can – is another great source of inspiration. I love discovering new cultures, new landscapes, and diving firsthand into history and nature.
My style isamerican with an inherently californian,westcoast aesthetic – natural materials, effortless luxury, indoor-outdoor elements.asense of having no boundaries or restrictions on style. always something old and something new… My aesthetic has always been about mixology – the juxtaposition of contemporary and classic, masculine and feminine, raw and refined. and it is always evolving. I always say that design is like falling in love over and over again.
That being said, I have always believed in staying authentic. My goal is to remain consistent with my core philosophy of creating beauty through thoughtful design. I consider myself a designer of interiors, an expander of ideas, a creator of experiences. I want to tell a story that is adventurous and full of soul on every scale.
Speaking of visual language, your online presence is as magnificent as your work in design.as a designer though, have you always felt comfortable working in digital spaces (such as Instagram, or your Masterclass online course, for example)? Why do you think it is important to bring design to a larger audience that may not necessarily have access to it in other ways? and does working in these digital spaces in any way influence your work in the physical world?
I consider social media to be important because there is so much available online to get inspired by, and to discover. It brings an incredible diversity to what would otherwise be a limited scope of influence. digital media has made interesting new and vintage design pieces more and more accessible. I also use social media to discover emerging artists and galleries from all over the world.
additionally, I was so thrilled to be the first interior designer to teach a Masterclass – and in the company of such incredible talents in so many different fields. teaching this class gave me such a rich opportunity to reflect on my career and share my knowledge and experiences with others, especially those who are outside of the design industry.
My hope with working in these digital spaces is to take the mystery out of interior design and share the fundamentals of creating spaces that allow for beauty and functionality to coexist.
For me, design is storytelling and every space has a unique and inspired narrative to tell. I want people to be inspired and take risks, not be afraid to follow their passions. good design is such an important part of living a considered and intentional life.
What has the past year been like for you as a designer and businesswoman? What have some of your biggest challenges and successes looked like?
My interior projects are a collaborative effort. My clients are my greatest muse – each project is a reflection of their distinctive personalities. one of my favourite aspects of my work is learning to be a great listener and explore the tastes of my clients. I take into consideration what the programme is and what the client wants and run this through my filter. The best projects are inevitably the ones in which the client has a strong voice and distinctive point of view. I have been fortunate to have worked with incredible clients throughout my career. When projects are successfully articulated, there’s a natural progression that occurs and allows for growth.
We have been lucky at the studio to have been able to adapt well to this unpredictable year and are looking forward to further positive projects and collections through 2021 and beyond.
Lastly, what’s in store for you for the year ahead?
I launch new designs for my collections every year.we have new furniture silhouettes, fabrics, wallcoverings and lighting designs on the horizon. I am completing a few residential design projects and look forward to the opening of the new downtown Losangeles Proper hotel. kellywearstler.com