Kelly Wearstler: A Design Icon and Creative Force

Wearstler's design journey started in her early years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where her mother's passion for antiques profoundly influenced her. Her formal education at the Massachusetts College of Art, where she studied interior and graphic design, set the stage for her distinctive aesthetic.

After relocating to Los Angeles in her mid-twenties, Wearstler pursued a career in film set design, working as a production assistant and uncredited art director on various projects. However, it was her redesign of the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills in 1999 that marked her first major success, blending mid-century modernism with playful, contemporary elements.

The ability to harmonize different materials later blossomed in her work on the Viceroy Hotels, where luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and leather were paired with rich marbles and polished metals, creating spaces that feel both grand and intimate. Wearstler's style continued to evolve, incorporating local artisanal craftsmanship and Art Deco inspiration, as seen in the chain of Proper Hotels, including the Austin Proper, Santa Monica Proper, and San Francisco Proper. This talent for infusing historical elements with a modern sensibility has become a hallmark of her design philosophy.

Design, at its core, is about crafting spaces that resonate with you. It's not just about how a room looks, but how it feels—how it lingers in your memory and stirs something deep within you. But a space should serve you, not the other way around. It should be functional, liveable, and truly a part of your daily life.

Kelly Wearstler's personal homes, particularly her Beverly Hills residence, exemplify her eclectic designer’s vision. This residence, which she shares with her family, epitomizes her passion to blend the old with the new, much like her professional projects. Initially constructed in the 1920s and remodelled in the 1930s, the house features rich architectural details from Georgian, Federal, and Neoclassical styles. Since acquiring the home from the Broccoli family, known for their creation of the James Bond franchise, Wearstler infused the space with her signature style.

Each room in this home is a canvas for the creative experimentation. Here, Kelly mixes materials like Arabescato Carrara marble, Nero Marquina, and Italian Verde stone with sculptural lighting fixtures that bring a contemporary edge. The result is a series of spaces that flow seamlessly from one to the next, each offering a different sense of discovery through carefully curated vintage finds and custom-designed pieces. Wearstler calls this home a birthplace for most of her ideas and a place where they “grow” before being introduced into commercial projects.

In addition to hospitality and residential design work, Wearstler's influence extends through collaborations with major brands and her ventures into fashion. For example, the partnership with Louis Vuitton involved curating spaces that mirrored the brand's essence, while her work with Maison Margiela on the Replica fragrance campaign brought a multi-sensory experience to interior design. Her impact on the design world is further underscored by her role as the design partner for the Proper Hotel Group, where she continues to push modern luxury's boundaries.

Wearstler's approach is also extensively documented in her five books, which provide insights into her creative process and design philosophy. Her first book, Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style, was named a best seller by the Los Angeles Times in 2006 and remains a crucial resource for understanding her design approach. In these publications, Wearstler emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are not only visually pleasant but also invite personal engagement.

From wandering through antique shops as a child to soaking in the energy of Los Angeles, every place I've been has added a new thread to what I do. My designs blend all those memories and experiences, coming together to tell their stories through spaces.

When speaking of functionality, Wearstler highlights the importance of aesthetics and practicality of her works. For instance, her collaboration with Georg Jensen on the "Frequency" collection features undulating stainless steel forms that are both visually appealing and functional. Like her other designs, this collection blurs the line between art and everyday objects, making each piece a work of art in its own right.

Today, Kelly Wearstler continues to work across various creative fields, transitioning between interior design, fashion, and other areas. In addition to her professional projects, she actively contributes to design education, frequently speaking at institutions such as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She also participates in design workshops and industry panel discussions at events like the Design Leadership Summit and WestEdge Design Fair. Through these platforms, she shares her insights and experiences, offering aspiring designers a candid look into the world of design.

Beyond her creative work, Wearstler is involved in charitable efforts. She has collaborated with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, using her expertise to create beautiful and functional living spaces for those in need. She also supports the arts through partnerships with Art of Elysium, which brings art programs to underserved communities, and Design Trust for Public Space, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming public spaces in New York City.

Her down-to-earth approach to mentorship encourages young designers to explore their own creativity and develop their unique voices within the field, while her charitable work highlights her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the design industry.