Designer insights with Kathleen Walsh

Kathleen Walsh is the founder of her own interior design firm, specialising in high end residential design and renovation, based in New York. Kathleen creates peaceful and custom designed interiors that balance luxury with unique and peculiar features. She actually studied at the Pratt Institute for fashion but soon came to realise it was the tactile nature of fabric that she loved. This then translated into a love of interior design, through her appreciation of architecture and sculpture. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Kathleen Walsh.

Designer Insights - Kathleen Walsh

Image Credit: 1) Fortuny Dalbo 2) Rubelli Venezia Pardes 3) Baccarat Cadix 4) Thomas Hayes 5) Gaggenau

- Transcript -

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

I love to design an interior that nods to the surrounding architecture and sense of place - a home must feel connected to its environment. From there - we take our style cues from the clients - it is their home after all. Our signature is mixing in unexpected pieces and colors to delight the client.

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

Together with clients, we explore aesthetics, explore gut-reactions to color, and we talk about how clients live. This exercise ensures we understand the client, and it jumpstarts our brainstorming sessions.

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

My master lesson with Thierry Despont is a time that I am most grateful for, and was very lucky to have experienced. He had a creative process that respected deadlines, but was not rushed. When he sat to dream a home for a client, he did so after much listening. His presentations were magical, and time after time, he delivered gorgeous, place-sensitive, luxurious homes that always met with an “aaaah”.

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

My eye never stops, I take in everything- but to start a new project, I like to walk, clear my mind, imagine myself using the house and the right direction presents itself.

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

Delivering better every time, really listening to our clients, providing smart solutions and working collaboratively with our vendors and fellow professionals has worked well for us. Figure out who your real client is and wait for them - you’ll do your best work and the results will build the strongest business foundation.