A tour de force in the realm of interiors, Kelly Wearstler’s work has pioneered the art of eclectic design, shaping spaces worldwide, and setting her apart as a true visionary.
From her early days of being a vintage store regular to her ascent as a global design powerhouse, Kelly Wearstler’s path reflects a fusion of creativity and determination, culminating in a design aesthetic that embraces timeless charm with an eclectic, contemporary flair.
Kelly’s story begins in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she grew up spending her formative years meandering through flea markets as well as antique shops with her mother, who was an antique dealer. “She would take me and my sister to yard sales and auctions all the time,” she said in an interview with Elle. “I was always surrounded by furniture or art or vintage magazines — everything that you could possibly imagine.” Her mother’s deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship imbued Kelly with a respect for the past, while nurturing her flair for experimentation. This early exposure to thoughtful curation created the framework for her ethos as a designer who plays with unexpected juxtapositions, merging antique and modern, delicate and bold.
In 1995, Kelly established her own design firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design. One of her first major projects was the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, which reopened in 1999 with a style described as “a playful take on mid-century modernism,” featuring modernist pieces by icons such as Arne Jacobsen and Eero Saarinen. Kelly’s work at the Avalon set a new standard for boutique hotels, instantly catapulting her to fame, and her signature aesthetic — an unapologetically glamorous mix of textures, patterns and metallics — became sought after. This was just the beginning of Kelly’s influence on the design industry. “My design philosophy is rooted in a firm commitment to juxtaposition and contrast, whether this be in relation to textures and colourways, materials or even eras in time,” said Kelly in an interview with Dezeen. “For me, contrast is what brings a sense of soul to a space. It creates interest, lets the space take on a life of its own with
a feeling of genuine authenticity.”
Synonymous with bold and eclectic design that transcends trends, Kelly’s illustrious career has seen her work with the likes of Gwen Stefani, Cameron Diaz and Stacey Snider, cementing her name as an interior designer to the stars. However, to understand who Kelly Wearstler is at home, it’s all about the spaces she has created for herself and her family in Los Angeles.
“When I moved to Los Angeles, I was set on getting a job at an architectural firm. A friend of a friend said, ‘Oh, my friends bought this bungalow and needs help with the space.’ They committed to having me do the living room. I did the living room, and then ended up finishing the whole house,” she said in an interview with Elle. Los Angeles’ diversity, from the landscape, the architecture, the food, culture, and the art deeply moved Kelly, making the move a defining point in her career.
Her home was originally built in 1926 and underwent a transformation in 1934 by architect James E. Dolena, who reimagined it in a Georgian style. Embracing the home’s distinctive architecture and rich Hollywood history, Kelly carried out structural updates with historical integrity, showcasing her signature style — a curated blend of progressive contemporary pieces, vintage furniture, and unique finds from her travels.
At the heart of the home is an interior courtyard featuring a lush garden, visible through tall glass doors that connect all the ground-floor rooms. Even though the entirety of her home is special — some spaces stand out more than others. “The kitchen is one of my favourite rooms in our home; it has such a magnetic pull, being the centre of life at home,” said Kelly in an interview with Wallpaper. “It is the ultimate space where elevated form meets function. My kitchen features mixed metals – with the cabinetry exhibiting handsome stainless steel with a warm gold-brass trim. A textured eggshell wallpaper subtly frames this cool metal appearance. We have a stunning skylight that emits daytime streams of sun.”
“Of course, accent lighting is so important for setting the mood of a space,” she continues. “I chose warm pendant lights with dimmable features, to allow for relaxed evenings by the table with the family sharing a meal. I love how the light interacts with the metal cabinets and our central marble countertop, diffusing a warming glow.
I also love our central countertop; the surface is so striking in contrast to the metal cabinetry and provides a wonderful place for me to prepare a meal in the company of my friends and family, creating a truly open atmosphere.”
Kelly’s design philosophy centres on finding harmony within contrast — it’s de rigueur for her to seamlessly blend diverse materials to create unexpected yet balanced compositions, a signature style of the American interior designer who has been in the business for 30 years. To stay inspired, Kelly draws upon a range of influences, from contemporary art to travel, architecture, and even the natural world.
She is known to bring elements of her surroundings indoors, from sculptural stones to earthy ceramics. This blend of organic and man-made materials helps connect her living spaces to the outside world, grounding her work in a sense of place and balance.
Kelly views her interiors as sculptures and aims to create a sense of adventure with artful pieces that tell a story. “My passion for travel has a considerable influence on my work. Exploring different cultures and diverse landscapes is a profound source of inspiration,” she said in an interview with Belgian design brand Serax. “Several pieces in each of my homes are special souvenirs. There is a large cornucopia that greets guests in my Malibu house, which my husband, Brad, and I found in Miami many years ago.”
Kelly’s home is a laboratory for her design philosophy, but above all, it’s a sanctuary. While her public projects are characterised by boldness and luxury, her personal spaces are rooted in a desire for connection and sentimentality.
“To me, luxury is more of a feeling than a specific, tangible quality,” Kelly said in an interview with Dezeen. “It’s all about texture and sensation but also storytelling and considered curation. The most luxurious spaces bring together unique objects that each have their own history, essence and character, and encourage an elegant conversation between them,” she concludes.
Follow her
Instagram: @kellywearstler
Ed’s Note*
This story was written prior to the LA Fires, which took place earlier this year. Unfortunately Kelly and her family lost their home along with thousands of other residents.
By Shai Rama
Photographs: Supplied, Getty Images
