1. What are the five words that best describe your style? 

Timeless, sophisticated, refined, layered. and colorful.

2. Describe your journey to a career in interior design. 

My journey to interior design was anything but traditional. While I've had a passion for interiors for as long as I can remember, my career actually began in the corporate world. I spent 15 years in demanding client service and management roles, where every day revolved around people, problem-solving, attention to detail, and delivering an exceptional experience.

Interestingly, many of the skills that helped me succeed in that environment are the same ones I rely on today. At the heart of both careers is understanding people, listening carefully, anticipating needs, and helping clients achieve a vision that matters deeply to them.

Even during my corporate years, design was never far from my mind. I was constantly helping friends with their homes, rearranging spaces, sourcing furnishings, and finding any excuse to immerse myself in the world of interiors. What started as a creative outlet and a lifelong passion gradually became something I couldn't ignore.

Nearly twenty years ago, I took the leap and turned that passion into a business. It gave me the opportunity to combine my entrepreneurial spirit, creative instincts, and service-first mindset into a career that feels incredibly rewarding.

3. What (or who) has been the biggest influence on your aesthetic? 

While I've admired many talented designers over the years, I would say travel has been my greatest influence. Every time I visit England, I'm inspired by the effortless elegance of British interiors, the layering of color and pattern, the mix of old and new, and the sense that each room has evolved naturally over time. Italy inspires me in a different way, through its appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and beauty in every day living. Those experiences shaped how I see design. They taught me that the most memorable homes aren't necessarily the most perfect, they're the most personal. That idea continues to influence my work today. I love creating spaces with depth, character, and a sense of discovery that is authentic to the people who call them home.

4. What's a project you're currently working on that's especially exciting and/or inspiring for you? 

I'm currently working on a home for a family who recently traded the East Coast for the Midwest, returning to their hometown that holds deep family roots and significance for them. It's the kind of project designers dream about because this special project has a strong narrative at its core.

Our client has an exceptional eye and a genuine love for antiques and design, which has made the collaboration incredibly rewarding. We've been sourcing some of the most beautiful fabrics, antique rugs, custom wallcoverings, and lighting from around the world while thoughtfully incorporating her collection of heirlooms and cherished pieces.

What excites me most is the balance we're creating between sophistication and personality. Every room tells their individual story, and every decision reflects who this family is and how they want to live. It's a home filled with warmth, history, and character, and I can't wait to see it come together.

5. What's the first question you ask your clients when starting a new project? 

"How do you want to live in your home?”

My approach is centered on people, not decoration, and their answer tells me so much more than just discussing style preferences or favorite colors. It gives me insight into how my clients gather, entertain, spend time with family, work, relax, and create memories. Every design decision stems from understanding how they want their home to function and feel. I've found that the most successful projects aren't about creating a beautiful room. They're about creating a home that truly supports the lifestyles of the people who live there. Are they raising young children? Do they collect art? Do they want their home to feel cozy and relaxed or more formal and polished? The answers help us create a home that feels authentic and personal rather than simply beautiful.

Designer Q&A: Katy Anderson