By, France & Son
Born in London, designer Katherine Carter has now made Venice Beach in Los Angeles her base. Believing that exceptional design is timeless, unique, charming, luxurious, functional, and comfortable she works hard to make sure each project speaks the client’s language and embodies these principles of good design. Having dual citizenship and being well-traveled Katherine brings a worldly outlook and broad spectrum knowledge of different design cultures to all of her residential and commercial projects. Katherine recently sat down to answer some questions for us.
Katherine Carter
Were you always interested in design?
Yes, I always had a flair and eye for transforming spaces since I was young. I was constantly rearranging my own room as a little girl and asking my parents if I could switch out wallpaper and color palettes. Mainly with pinks and purples back then. Ha!
What inspires you the most?
Travel, culture, art and fashion inspire my designs the most. These go hand in hand with design and when I’m able to explore the world is when I’m at my most creative and passionate about the work I do.
How much has travel influenced your design aesthetic?
As mentioned above. It has a lot.
Katherine Carter
What decade do you think had (or has) the best interior design style?
Honestly, I can’t answer this by choosing a particular decade of interior design style. I appreciate Tudor and Georgian just as much as Modern and Minimalism.
Who’s your favorite historical designer?
Since I started my career by making furniture for clients I would have to say Charles and Ray Eames; they were husband and wife American designers who made significant historical contributions to the development of modern architecture and furniture. Among their most well-known designs is the Eames lounge chair. They also worked in the fields of industrial and graphic design, fine art and film.
What’s your favorite recent design trend?
Wallpaper! There are so many amazing wallpapers out there now. They can really transform a room and are so versatile when designing a home.
Katherine Carter
What’s your least favorite recent design trend?
Shabby Chic! I used to be a fan but really don’t like the look any more.
What city do you find most inspiring for design?
Another tough one to answer. I would have to say my home town London. This city is filled with rich history; there’s also something about the dreary rain that brings the creativity out of a person.
What’s been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
I would have to say my client in Hancock Park. I actually designed her home twice. Honestly if the client gives you a clean canvas to work with and says go for it that’s the best. This client was willing to take risks and push the boundaries which I love!
Katherine Carter
What is your dream project?
Designing boutique hotels around the world.
What’s your favorite room of the home?
The bedroom! Mainly because in my mind this should be treated as a retreat from the “real world”; a place where you can go and truly relax in comfort.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your work?
Simply put “I love it” and “Thank you.” Hearing these words is a reward in itself.
Katherine Carter
What do you think is the most versatile color palette?
Black and white.
What’s the best starting point when designing a room?
The bones of the home and room itself. I always say start with the color of the walls and floors then move onto choosing larger furniture items and rugs. The rest follows after these items are chosen.
What do you think the future of design looks like? I
feel the same way about design as I do fashion. With social media at the forefront and so many amazing creatives out there we are only moving into a world where more talented people are being noticed, which in turn inspires and motivates others to follow suite. Excited to see what the future design in all facets will hold!
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Katherine! We look forward to seeing more of your work.