Kelly Nutt is one of our favorite interior designers. We love her clean aesthetic for traditional design and clearly so do many others. We loved getting to spend some time with her in one of her recent projects in Corona Del Mar. She has the magic touch and is giving us the inside scoop on how to get her look we all so admire.
How would you describe your aesthetic as an interior designer?
Crisp, fresh design with a collected feel. I love mixing woods and metals and creating a warm, welcoming feeling to a home.
What are your top tips or rules when designing a home?
It is always important to learn how a client lives in their home.
What are your favorite retailers for furniture and trimmings? Give us examples of what you love ; pillows, towels, rugs etc.
I love Formations for beautiful furniture and accessories, they are located in LA. Nickey Kehoe for art, Astier de Villatte and some great rugs. I love to support our local shops here in the OC also – like Molly Wood Garden Design, and Juxtaposition Home is a favorite for pillows, bedding and one of a kind pieces. Heritage Mercantile has some of the best hostess gifts in town. House of Morrison is a new store that has great lighting and accessories. Jenni Kayne in the Lido Marina Village has some of the best pottery and table top.
What are easy ways to update your home for each season?
Moving your accessories around is always a easy update. New pillows for the season are a fun way to update any space.
If you have budget, which room would you spend the most on and why?
I would give the largest budget to the great room and kitchen where most families gather!
Which pieces are worth investing?
Dining table and great upholstery.
Which materials do you gravitate toward?
Linens and anything with great texture
Who are your favorite architects?
Bob White, Eric Olson, Cynthia Childs and Brandon Architects.
Is there a designer who has influenced you?
M. Elle design
What do you think makes a house a home?
Having collected pieces and mixing old with new.
Where is a great place to shop for artwork?
Sue Greenwood and Scape.
Do you like photographs or artwork best- or a mix?
A mix is always good.
Tell us your favorite plants, trees and flowers to use to bring dimension height and color into a space?
I love branches with greenery.
Favorite tabletop books for display?
From the Land, Poetry Of Place, and Liaigre are a few favorites.
Best candles for looks and smell?
Cire Trudon in Kadar.
What is the best part of your job?
When the client sees their house after the installation.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an interior designer?
When items become backordered and have to rely on vendors that are not in my control.
Tell us about your children 🙂
I have a son Grant that is 20 years old. He is a sweetheart and loves to golf and is the best older brother. My daughter Caroline is 18 and loves design and I would love for her to join me one day in my business.
What’s the best and hardest part about being a working mother?
It is hard to create balance sometimes being a working mom.
How do you balance having a successful business along with being a very present and involved mother?
I like to plan my week every Sunday. This helps me stay organized so I am able to be present and involved.