Designer insights with Kerrie Kelly

Kerrie Kelly is the founder of Sacramento based Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, an interior design firm offering a seamless design process. Kerrie is an award-winning designer having won the Houzz’s Best of Remodeling Award and the Best of Design and Customer Satisfaction Award. With over 20 years of experience, Kerrie has worked personally with Ralph Lauren and has authored two books: Home Décor: A Sunset Design Guide and My Interior Design Kit. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Kerrie Kelly.

Designer Insights with Kerrie Kelly

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

My style is a mix of vintage and modern with classic undertones. Mixing styles comes naturally for me—it’s an unexpected aesthetic that keeps things visually interesting and authentic to our clients.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

Each project process is unique. For me, I need to understand the client’s vision and expectations. Every project is a balance of beauty and function as we always want clients to feel that their outcome is tailored specifically to them.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Ralph Lauren has been my biggest inspiration in my career and I admire him immensely. Having the opportunity to work for Mr. Lauren, allowed me to understand scale, pattern and the mixing of all design elements. I respect and appreciate the lifestyle brand he has built and that many enjoy today. He is one of a few that understands what timelessness truly is yet is constantly innovating in fashion, design and the art of living well.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

“Getting out of the building” sheds new light on my designs. Traveling and exploring new places has always been a great inspiration for me. It continues to broaden my horizons whether I see iconic architecture in Europe or fabulous tile layouts in a local restaurant.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“Leap and the net will appear.” This truly has been my motto for branching out on my own and expanding my design firm over the years. Success is not overnight—you have to put in your dues and be flexible. Each day is completely different—but that keeps us on our toes in a good way.