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25 Okt |
Interview with Kenneth Brown Designer, Interviews
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“Design magic happens when you learn to coordinate and combine elements that reflect your personal taste with a few bold, breathtaking chances.”
LA-based interior designer Kenneth Brown has been named to the top 100 designers by House Beautiful and Western Interiors. His unique creations reflect his belief that comfort holds the key to successful design. His visions are shaped by his passion for structure and use of rich color. Kenneth, his 2 children and two dachshunds live on the ninth floor—right below Charlize Theron. And from his bedroom window, he can see the Hollywood sign.
How would you describe your own style?
Tailored warm modern.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be an interior designer?
I would visit open houses with my mom and try to remember the floor plans when I got home by sketching them. Ever since I was little I’ve been fascinated with spaces and manipulating them.
Looking back at your first project what decorating knowledge do you wish you had back then designing the interiors?
To stick to your gut instinct – having more confidence makes a huge difference when creating a unique design.
Is there a designer that has influenced you?
Not one specific.
Some designers believe that the first piece for any room is the rug or a painting that sets up the colors palette. What is your first source of inspiration?
The furniture plan is what inspires me first.
What is your idea what a beautiful home should feel like?
Nice light in every one (natural and artificial), good furniture arrangement and comfortable furniture.
What is the biggest mistake people make when they decide to decorate their homes without the guidance of a professional designer?
Scale – it always looks better in a large showroom and never the same in your home!
How do you achieve a good scale? Scale is a really interesting and difficult topic.
Divide the room into 3 levels. You should have something interesting happening in top 3rd, middle 3rd and bottom 3rd. People often focus on the bottom 3rd (where furniture is placed) and the room feels empty because there is 2/3 of emptiness.
How do you define elegance?
Mixing the old with the new.
What would be your dream project?
I’d love to do a casino on the Gulf coast.
What do you love to do when you are not designing?
Spending time with my 2 young children.
Your favorite books?
The Tao of Pooh (German title: Tao Te Puh)
What does success mean to you?
Having free time whenever I want it.
My signature Design Elements question – what are the most important design elements?
Window treatments – they tie all 3 levels of a room together and frame the view. I love the way they can soften a room – I love my tailored and in solid wool fabrics.
photos: Kenneth Brown Design
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Amazing how the room in the second images completely opens up- I love to see this sort of architectural detail.
Great interview. Those mustard colored chairs are fantastic.
I enjoyed this and it’s such a good point to not forget the top 1/3 of a room–a bit challenging in my living room with a 17 ft sloped celing, haha–but something I need to work on!
xo Mary Jo
Yet another great interview Maria! Yes sticking to our gut instinct and remembering proper scale, such a great advice. Big hugs to you!
Brilliant interview. I agreed with so much he said and think the ’3 tiered’ approach is great. A nice way of breaking down a room and making it work as a whole.
Love the art in no 1 and also the distressed brick structure under the black shelf in no three.
Also adore how he mixes in yellow with neutrals and natural wood. It’s always so chic.
Big hug to you my friend.
xx Charlotta
Great interview, Maria! I’ll keep in mind the 3-level rule.
Ada
Hi, Maria!
Fantastic interview as always.
Oh, he lis so chic and knows so well how to add the right color in a neutral room.
Love the second and third images.
Have a fantastic week!
I love Kenneth Brown’s work, and I really enjoyed his TV show reDesign. He’s so good at pushing his clients just enough to get them out of their comfort zone, but not so hard as to be bossy about it. Love his design aesthetic too
Great tip about the three thirds of a room. I’m in the process of redesigning my family room, and I can totally see how the “thirds rule” applies. Right now, the top third is empty and the space doesn’t quite feel right.
Thanks for the great interview!
I am a huge Kenneth Brown fan. I used to watch his tv show…love him! Score! xx
Absolutely enjoyed the interview..love his style..’tailored, warm, modern’!warm hugs, Maria..xx meenal
Loved his show when it was on, and his style.