Kelly Wearstler: 5 Ways She Redefined Interior Design with Bold Elegance

KELLY WEARSTLER  (RENOWNED INTERIOR DESIGNER )

Kelly Wearstler is a hardworking, lovely, and famous American interior designer who has changed how people around the world think about modern luxury and style. Know how, throughout history, some people have absorbed our experience of spaces by blending art and function in remarkable ways. Today, Kelly Wearstler is a leading pretty female designer, entrepreneur, and creative force who inspires with her innovative designs and bold use of color and texture.

Kelly Wearstler, born on November 21, 1967, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a visionary interior designer whose bold, eclectic style has introduced modern luxury. In the design world, she’s celebrated for her fearless use of color, texture, and unexpected imaginations. She has received widespread recognition for her innovative use of color, sculptural furnishings, and artistic elements.

Born with an eye for detail and a passion for creative expression, Kelly began her journey into design by studying architecture and interiors. Over time, her unique vision established her as a famous figure in the world of interior design. Kelly’s work includes luxury residences, boutique hotels, retail spaces, and furniture design.

Kelly, after studying interior and graphic design at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, launched her new firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, in 1998. Her career truly started growing in the early 2000s with high-profile hospitality projects, including the iconic Viceroy Hotels in Santa Monica and Palm Springs.

Wearstler has designed and executed homes for celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz, designed chic boutique hotels (including the Proper Hospitality chain), and lent her flair to product lines for brands like Hermès and Hudson Furniture.

Kelly Wrestler’s portfolio features collaborations with high-profile clients and globally renowned brands, as well as her signature product lines that include furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Her designs have been published in leading publications and have won numerous awards.

Here are 5 powerful ways Kelly Wearstler redefined interior design with her bold and elegant approach.

1. Mixing Old and New Styles
Kelly is known for blending vintage and contemporary pieces in unexpected ways. She’ll pair an antique French chair with a modern sculptural table, creating a space that feels timeless but fresh. This mix of eras adds depth and personality.

2. Embracing Maximalism with Intention
Her style leans toward bold, layered, and vibrant spaces, but she does it with balance. Think bold wallpapers, statement lighting, and eclectic art — all curated so nothing feels overwhelming.

3. Bold Use of Color and Pattern
She’s fearless with color. Whether it’s emerald green walls or a blush pink ceiling, Wearstler shows that color is a design tool, not a risk. She also combines patterns — like stripes, marble, and abstract motifs — in artistic ways that energize a room.

4. Designing Furniture as Art
Kelly often designs custom furniture and lighting pieces that double as art. Sculptural chairs, abstract mirrors, and artistic light fixtures — her work often blurs the line between functional and fine art.

5. Turning Spaces into Experiences
Her spaces are more than just beautiful rooms — they feel like experiences. Whether it’s a luxury hotel or a private home, she designs with emotion, texture, and storytelling, making every detail feel intentional.

In this Biography, we will deeply explore the life and career of Kelly Wrestler, The Best American Woman Interior Designer, her unbeatable passion, her achievements, and what we can all surely enjoy from her encouraging creative life. Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly is known for inspiring others through her dedication to artistry and her belief in the creative power of design. Her work continues to influence and shape the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the way people experience spaces and styles.

Kelly Said

“Design is About Creating Moments That Stir Emotion.”

Amazing facts about Kelly Wearstler.

 Here are some amazing facts about Kelly Wearstler that you may not know:

1. She started as a Set Decorator 🎬: Kelly Wearstler. When she was around 25, she moved to Los Angeles to work in the film industry before becoming a design icon. Worked as a set decorator in the film industry, which helped develop her dramatic and cinematic sense of art. She served as an uncredited assistant art director on the film So I Married an Axe Murderer. In 1992, she worked as a production assistant at HouseSitter, and then later she moved to the interior design industry.

2. Designs for Celebrities ✨ : Kelly has designed homes for major celebrities, including Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz, and collaborated with big brands like Bergdorf Goodman and Google.

3. Queen of Maximalism 👑 : Kelly Wearstler is known for her bold, eclectic, and luxurious style—often referred to as “the mother of modern American maximalism.”

4. Art School Background 🎨: Kelly studied at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and also attended the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

5. Hotel Design Fame 🏨: Kelly’s designs for the Viceroy Hotels redefined boutique hotel aesthetics and brought her international acclaim.

6. Best-Selling Author 📚 : Kelly has published several design books, including Modern Glamour and Evocative Style, which are considered must-reads in the design world. Kelly Wearstler has written five design books. Her first one, Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style, became a bestseller, according to the Los Angeles Times back in 2006. Some of her other books include Domicilium Decoratus and her latest, Evocative Style, which came out in 2019.

She also has her luxury lifestyle brand, where she sells things like furniture, lighting, and home décor. Many of the items are her designs, while others are cool finds she picks up from auctions. Kelly is the lead designer for the Proper Hotel Group. She also made history by becoming the first interior designer to teach a class on MasterClass and the first outside designer to work with the popular paint brand Farrow & Ball.

7. Owns Her Brand 🛍️ : Kelly founded her multi-disciplinary design firm, Kelly Wearstler Studio, and also has a luxury lifestyle brand offering furniture, decor, and lighting.

8. Loves Vintage & Sculpture 🪑 : Kelly often incorporates rare vintage pieces and sculptural furniture in her interiors, blending old-world charm with contemporary flair. She began collecting vintage clothing at the age of 15.

9. Art Collector 🖼️ : Kelly is a passionate art collector and often uses pieces by emerging and established artists in her designs.

10. Influencer in Fashion, Too 👗 : Kelly’s bold personal style has given her attention in the fashion world—she is often featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W Magazine.

Kelly Wearstler Parents and Siblings.

Kelly Wearstler was born in 1967 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to an engineer father and an antique dealer mother. Her mother’s passion for antiques and design significantly influenced Kelly’s creative development. She has an older sister named Tammy, who is a chef residing in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

When they were young, Wearstler and her sister spent time with their mother in a thrift store, auction, and flea market, and it seems it helped her take an interest in fashion.

Kelly Wearstler Dating History & Relationships.

Kelly Wearstler has been married to Brad Korzen, CEO and founder of the Kor Group, since 2002. The couple has three sons, Oliver, Elliott, and Crosby. There are no public records indicating any previous relationships or dating history before her marriage with Korzen.

Kelly Wearstler met her future husband, real estate developer Brad Korzen, through an actress friend she knew from her waitressing days. Korzen hired Wearstler to design the interiors of his home, a Spanish bungalow in the Hollywood Hills. This professional collaboration led to a friendship, and eventually, they married in 2002. Together, they have worked on numerous projects, including the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, marking the beginning of their successful partnership in both personal and professional spheres.

Kelly Wearstler’s Heart -Touching Quotes. 💬

Trending news about Kelly Wearstler in 2025.

1. Crescendo Collection with The Rug Company: Kelly Wearstler has unveiled her 10th collection in collaboration with The Rug Company, titled “Crescendo.” This series transforms musical elements into textile designs, featuring six unique patterns inspired by sound and crafted from materials such as wool, silk, nettle, and linen. The collection has been highlighted in Architectural Digest’s February 2025 issue.

2 . Launch of ‘Wearstlerworld’ Newsletter on Substack:. Expanding her digital presence, Wearstler introduced “Wearstlerworld,” a weekly newsletter on Substack. This platform offers subscribers insights into her design philosophy, current projects, and personal inspirations, reflecting her commitment to engaging with a broader audience. ​

3. Insights on Design Trends for 2025: In a feature by Cultured Magazine, Wearstler shared her predictions for design trends in 2025, emphasizing sincerity and class consciousness as emerging themes. She highlighted the importance of authenticity and thoughtful design choices that resonate on a personal level. ​

4 . Reflections on Resilience and Rebuilding: Wearstler reflected on the rebuilding process and the sentimental value of homes following the devastating fires that affected her Malibu home. She emphasized the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming such challenges, underscoring her deep connection to Los Angeles and its future. ​

Kelly Wearstler Honors And Awards.

1.AD100 Hall of Fame: She has been recognized multiple times by Architectural Digest for her influential contributions to interior design. ​

2. Time Magazine’s The Design 100: Featured for her innovative and trendsetting designs

3. Elle Decor’s A-List Designers: Consistently acknowledged for her excellence in interior design. ​

4 . Vogue’s Best Dressed List: Honored for her distinctive personal style. ​

5 . Wallpaper Magazine’s Top 20 Designers: Included among the leading figures in design.

6 .AD France AD100 and AD Spain Top International Designer: Recognized internationally for her design prowess. ​

FAQ

Does Kelly Wearstler have a college degree?

Yes, Kelly Wearstler holds a bachelor’s degree in interior and graphic design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston in 1994. During her studies, she also took classes in architecture and art history, which contributed to her distinctive design approach. To support herself through college, Wearstler worked as a waitress. After graduating in the early 1990s, she gained practical experience through internships at design firms in Boston and New York before establishing her design firm in Los Angeles.

How did Kelly Wearstler impact the world of design? 

Kelly Wearstler’s design style is all about mixing things that are different to create something unique and beautiful. Since starting her own interior and architecture firm in 1998, she’s become known for blending bold colors, rich textures, and fun patterns. She brings together old and new styles in a way that feels fresh and exciting, showing how powerful design can be when you layer the unexpected.

How many employees does Kelly Wearstler have?  

Kelly Wearstler has 47 employees on her team, which is pretty impressive, and a good, specious design studio.

How much does it cost to hire Kelly Wearstler?  

If you want to book Kelly Wearstler to speak at your event, it usually costs between $50,000 and $100,000. She’s based in Beverly Hills, California, and is available for things like company events, personal appearances, keynote talks, and other special events. Kelly Wearstler is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics.

Why is Kelly Wearstler famous?  

Kelly Wearstler is an American designer and the founder of her own design company. She creates unique and stylish spaces for homes, hotels, businesses, and stores. She also designs a wide range of lifestyle products like furniture, lighting, and home decor, all with her bold and creative touch.

Where does Kelly Wearstler live now?  

Kelly Wearstler resides in Los Angeles, California. She divides her time between her West Hollywood design studio and her Beverly Hills residence. Previously, she owned a home in Malibu, but it was sadly lost to the Los Angeles fires. The Los Angeles fires that affected Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu home occurred during the Woolsey Fire in November 2018.

The  Woolsey Fire started on November 8, 2018. It burned nearly 100,000 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The fire destroyed over 1,600 structures, including homes in Malibu, Calabasas, and Westlake Village. Over 295,000 people were forced to evacuate. Kelly Wearstler has spoken about the emotional and physical impact of losing her Malibu property and how the experience deepened her appreciation for home and resilience.

Wearstler always missed that house and thought that, sitting just above the waves of Malibu Beach, Kelly Wearstler’s breezy seaside home reflects her deep love for nature. With light, beachy colors and eye-catching details made from wood and marble, the house gives off a relaxed, island-like vibe that feels both peaceful and stylish.

The exterior of the Beverly Hills home has a blend of Spanish Colonial and Georgian architectural styles, and lush gardens and an inviting pool area surround it. The backyard landscape includes a beautiful pool house and landscaping by Art Luna, with Paola Lenti’s coupe-shaped bistro parasol umbrellas shading the Krios Loungers by Conrad Sanchez.California. This two-story home retains many original details, including intricate moldings, marble bathrooms, and solid boiserie-paneled doors. The house features an internal courtyard visible from almost every room, giving it a treehouse-like ambiance.

Did Kelly Wearstler lose her home?    

Kelly Wearstler, remembering her house, once said that, During the Los Angeles fires, we lost our Malibu home—a place I truly loved. We had lived there for 20 years, and it held so many special family memories. Birthday parties, movie nights, family dinners—it was where so much of our life happened.

How did Kelly Wearstler make her money?  

Kelly Wearstler, born on November 21, 1967, is an American designer. She started her own design company, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design (KWID), in the mid-1990s, mainly working with hotels. Today, she designs luxury homes, stores, offices, and hotels, bringing her bold and creative style to all kinds of spaces.

Did Kelly Wearstler lose her house in a fire?    

 Yes, Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu home was lost in the Los Angeles fires the Woolsey Fire in November 2018. Thankfully, the house was well documented before the fire, so people can still admire its unique and beautiful design, even though it’s no longer standing.

What style of design is Kelly Wearstler?  

Kelly Wearstler is known for her bold, maximalist style in interior design. She uses large, eye-catching pieces to make a space feel exciting but never too messy or crowded. To her, design is like telling a story—and she describes it as “falling in love over and over again”.

How did Kelly Wearstler impact the world of design?   

Kelly Wearstler’s design style is all about mixing different things to make something special and beautiful. Since starting her design firm in 1998, she’s become known for using bold colors, cool textures, and fun patterns. She blends old and new styles in a fresh, exciting way, showing how great design comes from putting unexpected things together.

What makes Kelly Wearstler unique?   

Since starting her design firm in 1998, Kelly Wearstler has become known for her one-of-a-kind spaces and products. She mixes texture, color, shape, and size to create bold and memorable designs. Her style is all about blending opposites in a way that feels natural and exciting.

How do I contact Kelly Wearstler?     

For inquiries or clarifications, you can reach Kelly Wearstler’s client services team at concierge@kellywearstler.com.​

Additionally, here are the contact details for her company:​

Address: 760 N La Cienega Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States. ​

Toll-Free: (855) 295-3559​

Customer Service: (323) 895-7880 ​

Website: www.kellywearstler.com​

Please note that the provided email address is the primary contact for client services. The concierge team is available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time

Where is Kelly Wearstler from?

Kelly Wearstler was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a fun place with 60 miles of sandy beaches, cool attractions, and golf courses designed by famous players. It has tall hotels, beach resorts, oceanfront condos, and lots of vacation rentals where people love to stay and relax.

Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation city on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina. The city is designed by celebrities, and its fun boardwalk is filled with arcades, shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel—one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the U.S.

City Views, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers a variety of scenic views and attractions that showcase its coastal charm and vibrant cityscape. Here are some highlights:​

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade: This oceanfront boardwalk stretches along the coastline, providing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s skyline. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a lively spot for both daytime and evening strolls. ​

Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: Standing at 187 feet tall, the SkyWheel offers breathtaking aerial views of the beach and city. Each enclosed gondola provides a comfortable ride, allowing visitors to take in the sights from above. ​

Second Avenue Pier: Located at the south end of the Boardwalk, this pier extends into the ocean, offering stunning vistas of the shoreline and cityscape. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and dining, with the Pier House Restaurant providing meals accompanied by ocean views. ​

Myrtle Beach State Park: For a more natural setting, this state park offers serene beach views, maritime forests, and a fishing pier. It’s an excellent location for picnicking, hiking, and observing local wildlife. ​

Conclusion:

1. Kelly Wearstler is renowned for her distinctive maximalist design style, which blends bold colors, textures, and patterns to create dynamic spaces.
   

2. Kelly Wearstler founded her design firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design (KWID), in 1998, which quickly gained recognition in the world of interior design.
   

3. Kelly Wearstler’s work spans a variety of sectors, including residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality, with a focus on creating transformative and memorable environments.

4. Kelly has designed numerous high-profile spaces, including luxury hotels, residences, and even celebrity homes, establishing herself as a go-to designer for the elite.

5. Wearstler has earned numerous design awards, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential interior designers in the world.
6. Wearstler has created a range of lifestyle products, including furniture, home accessories, and textiles, that reflect her bold design philosophy.
7. Kelly Wearstler’s work goes beyond interior design—she has become a cultural icon, influencing the way design is perceived and practiced globally.
8. Wearstler believes that design is a form of storytelling, using elements like texture and color to tell a narrative that resonates with people on an emotional level.
9. Kelly has collaborated with various brands and artists, further expanding her impact and continuing to innovate in the design world.
10. Known for her unique personal style, Kelly’s aesthetic is a mix of high-end elegance and eclectic charm, which has become synonymous with her name in the design community.

Kelly Wearstler Said:

“Color Is The Easiest Way To Bring Joy Into A Space”