Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Conrad.
Kristin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for art and design. Even at a young age, my favorite thing to do was to sit and color. I was never that artist covered in paint, I love creating highly detailed pieces and studied illustration in college. I felt illustration would give me the platform to tell stories through art. Although, I enjoyed drawing and illustration I did not love it. So, I was not entirely sure what I would do after school. I knew I was passionate about art and design and I needed to be in a creative field.
I took an internship at the Fuller Art Museum, where I wore all sorts of hats. I loved setting up for the art exhibits most of all. Taking an empty space and bringing it to life with each changing artist’s work. This sparked my interest in designing spaces.
So, fresh out of college, I began working as an in-house design consultant for a custom window treatment company in Rhode Island. I loved it!
I loved creating in this 3D medium of colors, fabrics, and furniture. I also loved working with people, helping them make their house become a home. I enrolled in RISD’s continuing ed program for Interior Design. While working and going to school, I was able to build valuable relationships with clients and vendors.
After six years, I drew up the courage to go off on my own! I had the support of a loyal clientele following and each project has brought me another.
The best thing I did was follow my passion and believe in myself (or at least listen to people telling me to). It is not always easy to work for yourself and I am constantly learning and growing in my field. I love what I do and I am so thankful for all of my wonderful clients who allow me to do so.
I still see myself as a storyteller through art, I just changed up the medium and I am so happy I did!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The design world is never smooth! I am constantly juggling projects and deadlines, but I always say I thrive in chaos. The busier I am the better! Each project is a learning experience. I look back and see how something could have run smoother or I may not like how something translated in scale. The more I do, the more I grow and know what I like and how to bring those visions to life. So, I would say the bumpy road has taught me a lot.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in residential design and deal mostly with renovations and new builds. As your designer I want to curate a space that is a reflection of your own personal style elevated by my know how for interior design. I love mixing old with new and high with low. I would have to say I am known for pushing the limits with layering pattern. I love incorporating metals and somehow manage to work pink into every project.
I am most proud I built my business on my own. It has grown because of my invaluable client relationships. I have worked with most of my clients for years. I often find myself working within circles of friends and making my way around the neighborhood. It is such a privilege to build friendships while doing something I absolutely love.
I would have to say what sets me apart is I like to make design fun and approachable. I think some people have a preconceived notion working with a designer means everything is going to cost more and reflect the designer’s personal taste. I try to make the design process less overwhelming and I am not afraid to use a HomeGoods, Target or Wayfair find!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
This is a tough one because I honestly have so many. I have a amazing Mom and three amazing sisters. We have had countless beach vacations and traditions I hold so close to my heart. One of my favorite memories is when my sisters and I would play dress up with all my Mom’s old work clothes. We had eves behind the hall closets in the house we grew up in and we would play in there for hours, dressing up and pretending to be different characters. If you ask my sisters though, they would probably tell you I was all about the set up and not the actual play, ha ha! Building epic forts from sofa cushions and massive Barbie towns was probably a sign I was meant to be a interior designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.
kristinconraddesigns.com/ - Phone: 774-203-8537
- Email: kcdesignerservices@
gmail.com - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ kristinconraddesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ kristinconraddesigns
Image Credit:
Jessica Delaney Photography
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