There’s a reason why celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell go to Kari Whitman when they want to revamp their homes. The interior designer can turn any room into a breathtaking space, and that’s why we can’t wait to share her BTR home picks with all of you November 6-12.
Inspired by her worldly travels, Kari infuses her work with styles ranging from Spanish, Moroccan, to Mediterranean. Her designs have been featured in In Style Home, Homes by Design, and more publications.
Stop by her website kariwhitmaninteriors.com to see her before and after photos that are sure to inspire. And if you’re still looking for that perfect color for your walls, then take a look at her Wall makeup kit, the do-it-yourself painting set that unleashes your creativity.
Kari is also famed for her eco-friendly design techniques, which extend to her line of dog beds. All profits from Greener Pup beds go to Ace of Hearts dog rescue.
Read this informative Q&A with the designer to the stars herself. The next best thing to having Kari decorating your home.
Q: You’ve decorated the homes of A-list celebs, including Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell. Can you give our members some wallet-friendly ways to bring that glamorous, Hollywood style into their space?
A: Give yourself permission to be creative and find the artist in your personality. Remember that not everything has to match, so work with what you have and pepper in what’s truly needed. Be resourceful. You can get online and find wallpaper appliqués and purchase accessories from Beyond the Rack! I always feel that your walls are the cheapest and easiest way to change the entire look of a room.
Q: What was your approach to decorating Jessica Alba’s home? How involved was she in the process?
A: Jessica is the greenest client I have and that was always front of mind when designing her home. There’s no BS about her when it comes to being eco-friendly; she’s not a wannabe and I love that about her. She’s been very involved in every project we’ve worked on together, which is great since she has extraordinary taste but no ego about what she buys. She’s just as comfortable with a $20 table we hunted down at a swap meet as she is spending $10,000 on a wonderful piece of original art. Plus, she loves dogs and always kept them in mind with all of our choices. She’s hip, smart and green and I adore her.
Q: What emerging home décor trends are you noticing?
Lots of metal, which is something I love anyway. Especially pieces made from reclaimed or salvaged materials! I’m also noticing a lot of eclectic creativity, which I’m so excited about. Art is back and I love it. People are checking out shows at art schools and universities, being open to up-and-coming talents. Whether it’s a $50 piece from a sidewalk show or from an exclusive shop on Rodeo, art is back big time. I’m personally fond of going on a creative dig on the internet.
Q: Can you give us some examples of small-scale ideas that can have a large impact in a room?
A: Again, changing up your walls and ceilings with paint and wallpaper always has a wow factor. I’m also a fan of switching out floor coverings for different seasons or moods. Hit up your local carpet store or Beyond the Rack to check for pieces at discounted prices. Leave the edges raw or have them bound by the carpet store or a local tailor/seamstress to match or enhance your decor. If you hate your cabinets, you can find great paper at a paper supply or art store and grab a can of Marine Coat (used for boats). Don Henley covered his entire kitchen in cool paper using this decoupage-like method and it rules! It’s perfect to create a new look in your kitchen, bathroom or powder room. Plus, it’s cheap, fun and doesn’t need to be permanent. Also, a small move with a big impact is flowers. So check out your local flower market or farmers markets for fresh blooms that add instant energy and freshness to a room.
Q: The holiday season is almost here. How can our readers create an attractive party environment or dinner table?
A: Clusters of candles are a quick and simple way to add warmth as a centerpiece. I love bringing nature indoors for every season with elements I gather on walks with my dogs. Whether I’m at my home by the beach or in the mountains in Colorado, I love to create vignettes with natural elements like stones, twigs, leaves and shells and arrange them in a stunning crystal or silver vase or bowl. My favorite addition to an evening of entertaining is a great rolling bar cart. Use it to wow guests to serve a signature cocktail for the season, add light and ambiance with candles or battery operated votives and greens.
Today’s events that include Kari’s picks:
Set the Table: Splendide Cutlery
ATOM