The Design Questionnaire with Kathleen Walsh Interiors

In this edition of Love Happens’ Proust-style Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek inside the creative design mind of Kathleen Walsh, founder of the eponymous Brooklyn, New York-based interiors firm. Kathleen offers tailored and serene interiors. And her designs deliver just the right balance of interesting details, luxury, and the perfectly imperfect allure of handmade creations.

kathleen walsh interiors brooklyn new york
Kathleen Walsh

Inside Kathleen Walsh Interiors

New England-raised, Kathleen Walsh began her studies in fashion at the renowned Pratt Institute. But soon she discovered she had a different passion—interiors. She loved the tactile, three-dimensional qualities of fabric and the transformational qualities of color. Interiors allowed her to combine both with her love of architecture and sculpture. With her passion ignited, Kathleen went on to earn her BFA in Interior Design followed by her MBA from Baruch College.

Kathleen learned the trade working with some of New York’s leading designers and architects. Opportunities which allowed her to experience both residential and commercial projects internationally and throughout the greater New York area. Then in 2004, she decided to establish her own firm, Katheleen Walsh Interiors. But it wasn’t all about design services. During this time, Kathleen also created, designed, and managed the production of oona bedding, a customizable line of baby and kids’ bed linens she sold to select high-end boutique stores and interior designers.

From primary to secondary residences in New York City, Westchester and Fairfield Counties, The Hamptons, New England, and beyond, Kathleen’s clients agree, the designer’s depth of talent is always evident in the finished product.

kathleen walsh interiors luxury bedroom interior design ideas

Now for a Peek Inside the Fabulous and Inspiring Mind of Kathleen Walsh with the Lh Design Questionnaire


What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I am most happy when I feel like life has a momentary “balance” between work and home lives, and I can enjoy well-deserved time off with family and friends after knowing I have completed a job well done.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My two daughters.

What profession does your alter ego have?

 I am quite a homebody at heart and to me, there is no better evening than a cozy one at home with my family and a glass of wine. My alter ego would be a freelance travel writer or photographer—someone who explores far-flung locales and eloquently captures what it’s like to experience other places, cultures, and people through written word, encouraging others to get off the sofa and do the same.

The project you will never forget.

Our Martha’s Vineyard Modern Farmhouse project. Not only is Martha’s Vineyard a sentimental place for my family and me—we visit every summer for vacation—but this was the first Kathleen Walsh Interiors project that received national media recognition and showed everything we do best.

family room neutral kathleen walsh interiors martha's vineyard
kathleen walsh kitchen country second home
kathleen walsh interiors theater room black stripes burnt orange accents
Martha’s Vineyard Modern Farmhouse design by Kathleen Walsh Interiors (Photos by Eric Roth)

Your favorite business tool or resource.

The convenience of online catalogs, photos and tools is great, but nothing beats in-person sourcing. I always have, and always will, love a physical experience when it comes to design, whether that’s a showroom or trade show. I hope they never go away.

The most timeless design.

Wicker, rattan, and caning are all timeless. They evoke warm climates and a feeling of escapism no matter what else is going on in the world. 

The biggest design faux pas.

I have many, but my top three are: cheap materials and products without design integrity, disproportion in form, color, and scale, and bad lighting. Bad lighting is at the top of my list.


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Your design motto.

Fewer but better. Design integrity and showcasing the hand of the maker are very important to me. I would choose fewer but better every time over settling with more “stuff” just to fill a void.

If you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?

The Avalanche Dining Table with the estremoz marble and stainless-steel details is such a strong piece from which to launch a fantastic room. First, a marble dining always elevates the whole dining experience. The strong form and base of this table would allow me to play with contrasting pieces, like seating with a bit more personality and allow for gorgeous, bold color and patterns to contrast and complement the centerpiece of the room.

avalanche Carrera marble white and brass round dining table koket luxury furniture

Love happens when…

When there is a genuine appreciation for difference – whether that’s in interiors, personality, culture, background, opinion—it doesn’t matter. Differences are what make our lives, relationships, and love interesting. When we grow to not only accept, but admire them, that’s love.

Explore more beautiful work by Kathleen Walsh Interiors at www.kathleenwalshinteriors.com.


Interior Inspirations Await