Paris, Je t'aime: Kendall Wilkinson

Keep reading to learn how San Francisco designer Kendall Wilkinson keeps her designs tailored and crisp with a Parisian flare…and bold with a splash of color.

How would you describe your design style?

I like to think that I evolve, but still maintain the integrity of my style. If you were to lay out all my work side by side, you might see that I tend to be quite tailored and crisp, and clean- but love the use of bold color. I am classic in my overall approach, but never stuffy. Antiques will also always be one of my truest loves, so you’d be hard pressed to see a project that didn’t feature my vintage treasures among the newer ones- I love the juxtaposition of a slick Lucite piece paired with a French antique.

Photography below by David Duncan Livingston.

What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?

Inspiration abounds in the most unexpected places sometimes. Whether it’s rummaging through an old childhood jewelry box, or taking my boys for a hike, I am always surprised at the ideas that come at me!

But when I am purposefully seeking to be inspired, I’ll often turn to my love of fashion, French fashion in particular to see how hemlines may translate into drapery hems!

My travels to Paris also still impact my aesthetic as well, it is a place I am forever inspired by.

Photography below by Aaron Leitz.

Is there a classic-a staple-that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature?

I find that the use of a classic white orchid and one of my signature lambs wool and angora throws seems to be the perfect finishing touch to almost all of my projects. My throws come in a variety of rich, gorgeous shades, and I like to be adventurous with my orchid containers. They both become accents that give a nice punch of color, and really work in any style of interior, blind to whether it’s classic or contemporary.

Photography below by Eric Rorer.

How do you keep up with new design trends?

Design innovations and trends are forever growing and it can be daunting to keep up with the latest. In addition to devouring my monthly editions of my favorite design magazines, I also find that just being out and about is the best way to stay apprised of the latest. Market week, antiques fairs, galleries and even visits to new lounges and restaurants are all great avenues. I also have a talented team of young, hip design associates, who do an excellent job of bringing all their latest findings to the table.

Photography below by David Duncan Livingston.

What do you feel are lasting, timeless palettes that still feel fresh and up-to-the-minute?

I find that blues have a way of being classic, but still new and fresh. It’s the nuances in the way you use blue that make it so versatile. For example, a grey-based blue can change with natural light and therefore complement almost any room. I also used a midnight blue in one of my first projects, and am still seeing it used in current fashion and design. Blue is also quite gender neutral and therefore universally appealing.

Photography below by Eric Rorer.

I have definitely noticed a trend towards the resurrection of traditional concepts, but in a more modern way. I think that after the 80′s people were beginning to tire of a totally modern look, which can be a bit one-dimensional. So we are now seeing a huge trend in not only mixing styles in a room, but mixing them on one piece. For example, a classic Rococo table base is finished with a smooth black resin top, or a classic Bergere is upholstered in a persimmon colored faux ostrich pleather! It is fun to see how people are reinventing classic architecture and design to suit a new generation.

Photography below by David Duncan Livingston.

How did you become interested in interior design? Who were your mentors in the early days?

I think that interior design and I were fated! I come from a long line of artistically gifted and driven women. My great grandmother was a poet and a real pioneer for women’s rights in the 1920′s. My grandmother was an artist and an antiques dealer, and of course my mother, Alice Wiley is an incredibly talented designer. I drew a lot of inspiration from them all, and used their experiences to help cultivate my trade, and my passion for design.

But overall, I think my love of interior aesthetics also came from being surrounded by beautiful things as much as possible, be it nature, travel, poetry, a fresh floral arrangement, I have always strived to saturate my life in beautiful things.

Photography below by David Duncan Livingston.

Which comes first: lifestyle or product/design? Is it lifestyle that has generated the design changes, or is design the driving force that affects how we live?

Perhaps I am a traditionalist, but I would say lifestyle dictates most design. I always aim to design to enhance lifestyle, not dictate it. Technology comes and goes, jobs come and go, and trends are fleeting, but the core of our lives in our homes is to find comfort, respite and beauty. We therefore tailor each product we design to slip seamlessly into each client’s lifestyle.

Photography below by David Duncan Livingston.

Do you see part of your role as designer being that of educator, expanding your clients’ awareness of green products?

I absolutely think that we as designers have a social obligation to at least tell clients what their options are when it comes to making more eco-conscious choices in design. I find that since its an exciting dialogue to be a part of, our clients really turn to us for advice on the subject. We therefore also seek to educate clients about quality and the differences between what you see on the Internet and in retail, verses the quality and customization you get when you hire a designer. Our local workrooms use top of the line organic materials, which really add the overall value of a piece, and we stay apprised on the best and newest innovations. I also have a Certified Green Building Professional on staff, as well as a dedicated “green” resource library.