When marrying a client’s design sensibility to your own, what is your process at Kelly Sutton Design?
When meeting with clients, we really work to get a feel for all their wants and needs for the spaces, going through different image references to start narrowing down what they like and dislike, and why. Then, after an initial image presentation, we can begin crafting the overall look and feel before we get into full design details.
Your design work has taken you all over the world, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. What has that globetrotting taught you, and how has it inspired you?
Travel has always been a huge inspiration. I make a point to make a couple of trips a year, so I’m always keeping my perspective fresh. Getting the opportunity to design in these larger cities has afforded me a large base of resources and an understanding of how to create something truly custom and bespoke. With my background in hotel and restaurant design, I was also able to design in various styles and for many different brands.
What are the newest trends in design that excite you?
I’m happy to see that people are venturing out beyond the open floor plan and all-white kitchen. I love bringing in color that still somehow feels neutral and layered in a space. I’m seeing a greater variety of wood tones, with darker and warmer tones coming back in a new way.
Most common misconception about the interior design industry?
I get calls all the time from potential clients asking for help with paint and furniture, but they are doing a full gut renovation of a house. For some reason, their instinct is to call for paint when the reality is they need someone to re-layout spaces, a full kitchen, bathroom design, and custom millwork. The paint and furniture are really the next layer to all of that design work. Somewhere along the way, there has been a misalignment of what a true Certified Interior Designer can contribute to a project. I think the assumption is that it is only decor.
FUN FACT
My mom actually owns an antique store in Lafayette – Lafayette Antique Market. Growing up, it was like musical chairs at our house. She was constantly rearranging and switching out furniture, mixing new and old pieces. I learned about different eras of furniture at a young age and gained my love of mixing styles from this exposure.
3800 Dryades Street, New Orleans | 504.302.2547 | kellysuttoninc.com
