Superstar designer Kelly Wearstler on curiosity and innovation in her maximalist work

Tell us about your new book.

Synchronicity embodies the synergy of diverse individuals coming together to create something unique and beautiful. The name itself reflects the collaborative process that informs our work at the studio.

Within its pages, the book explores seven of my latest residential and hospitality projects that mirror our dedication to this design philosophy. Each project in this book possesses its own distinct identity rooted in its location, client, and creative teams.

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Do you have a favourite project in the book, and why?

The process behind each project was vastly different, involving a variety of unique collaborations with diverse artists and clients, which makes it truly impossible to choose a favourite. Every project we selected for the book was intentional and meaningful in relation to the overall narrative.

One of my favourite aspects of the book is the continuous thread of mixology that informs each of its chapters, despite the differences in form and function. As you flip through the pages, the projects seamlessly engage in a compelling narrative while simultaneously expressing each individual story.

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Which would you say is the most challenging: designing a home, hotel, retail, or F&B space? Do you have a preference?

I don’t have a specific preference for any particular category; instead, my passion lies in the process of uncovering and expressing the unique story that is inherent in each design.

Whether a residence, a hotel, or a retail or culinary environment, I approach each project with the same process of exploration and experimentation, delving into its history, culture and surroundings to extract the essence that will inform my creative choices.

Every venture brings forth new and unique challenges that not only foster growth, but also propel our studio forward. 

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What’s your design process like? Please tell us more.

A process I like to use when beginning any design project is to create what I call a “material tray”. We keep a vast bank of materials in my studio, which I use as an ever-growing personal archive.

Drawing from this repository, I will assemble a material moodboard that incorporates an amalgam of fabrics and textures, which serves to lay the foundation for the overall ambience of the space.

Mixology is another integral facet of my design process. For me, it’s the [process of] juxtaposition that infuses a sense of soul into a space. 

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How do you keep the Kelly Wearstler style fresh and relevant?

I am naturally very curious and constantly seek new ways to challenge myself to evolve and grow with advances in the design world. In November last year, I sat on the Business of Fashion’s Voices panel, addressing the topic of technology and innovation.

This is a crucial aspect of my practice today, especially with the expanding integration of AI technologies into our daily routines. It’s important for us as designers to understand the evolving landscape of our field, as it plays a pivotal role in propelling our industry forward. 

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In your own words, how would you describe your signature style?

My signature style is bound to the art of mixology and the interplay of juxtaposition.

Central to my creative approach is the exploration of the intricate relationship between form and materiality, where a seamless fusion of vintage and contemporary designs engages in dialogue with commissioned pieces across all my interior projects.

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Has it evolved through the years?

My aesthetic constantly evolves, and I hope it is hard to pin down! I approach every new project as an exclusive exploration fuelled by curiosity and experimentation that lends itself to constant evolution.

Discovering inspiration from various sources and continuously educating my eye continues to shape my creative approach. 

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Your most recent product design collaboration was with Serax. How did that come about, and how do you decide which partnerships to take on?

My collaboration with Serax marks my first foray into tableware design. The opportunity to expand my portfolio into a whole new area of design was a huge milestone for my studio, and I was delighted to embark on this journey with a brand like Serax.

The collection comprises over 150 tableware pieces, and speaks to two different themes: spanning the graphic pattern inherent in the Zuma collection, to the understated tones and sculptural contours of the Dune collection. My collaborations are often the product of a mutual design philosophy or shared vision.

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It is so important to align on common design principles when collaborating as designers and find inspiration in each other’s respective specialities. I love working with designers who have entirely different skill sets or work in a different field of design, hence why my collaboration with Serax was such a perfect pas de deux.

My online gallery has become another fantastic outlet for fostering these artistic relationships; I’ve partnered with so many talented artists, including Amelia Briggs, Ebitenyefa Baralaye, Dirk van der Kooij and YehRim Lee, among many others. I’ve loved building these creative alliances to build exclusive collections, bringing focus to new talent and sharing them with the public. 

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What and who inspires you?

Inspiration is boundless. Drawing inspiration from the realms of travel, fashion, art, AI, nature and architecture, my creative wellspring consistently expands and evolves.

I believe that blending various influences is fundamental to the design process, and brings forth a unique personal style and an authentic voice in every creation.

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