DON'T MISS A THING

Your home’s atmosphere has a direct impact on both mental and physical well-being—a truth interior designer Kristyn Harvey lives by. After a decade as an ICU nurse and years raising two boys, Kristyn took a leap of faith and launched her own design studio. Nursing taught her resilience, problem-solving, and how to lead under pressure—skills she now channels into creating uplifting spaces that reflect and support the lives of those who inhabit them.

Through Kristyn Harvey Interiors, a full-service design firm based in San Diego, she composes efficient yet refreshing home environments—spaces that minimize daily friction while maximizing time for what matters most. Known for light-filled rooms, warm natural textures, and a curated love for vintage furniture, Kristyn brings soul and timelessness to her work, often weaving in family heirlooms or children’s art in modern, meaningful ways.

Just a couple of years in, Kristyn has built a thriving business with a loyal client base and a design aesthetic all her own. We had the pleasure of connecting with her for this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire. Read on and be inspired!

Lh Design Questionnaire with Kristyn Harvey

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The perfect balance of work and play. The great motivator behind starting my own business was finding an outlet for my design and entrepreneurship capabilities without sacrificing time with my husband and two boys. I love to stay busy and feel needed, so the perfect scenario would be dropping the kids off and picking them up every day, attending all their school events, and working my butt off while they’re at school! I would also love to travel internationally at least once a year and show the kids the world! 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Building my own business from the ground up, all the while being present for my kids and husband. I consider having a non-traditional path to interior design to be my greatest strength, in my mind there were no rules or limits to my learning. I designed my business with the client experience at the forefront and have cultivated an Instagram following around being educational and approachable. I always teach my kids to add value to the universe, and that is the filter that I pass all my Instagram content through.

What profession does your alter ego have?

She would probably be akin to Martha Stewart—a homemaker, gardener, chef, and DIY-er. I enjoy doing anything creative, so in my free time, I make furniture with my husband, garden, cook a lot of Thai food, crochet, and do pottery. I wish I had a twin that could pursue all that the world has to offer! 

The Design you will never forget.

The Rancho Castle Kitchen project was one to remember because of the style and size of that kitchen. I thoroughly enjoy designing custom cabinetry, and so this project was a joy because we designed the kitchens to flow around the daily habits of this busy family. This family also entertained a lot so we made sure to include multiple sources of lighting that would suit dinner parties as well as doing homework at the kitchen island. 

Your favorite business tool or resource.

This might be surprising, but my answer has to be Instagram. Instagram allows you to reach out to people you may never meet in real life and allows you to create a vast network of friends. It is also a free resource that allows you to showcase your work and personality. My projects would be completely different if I were not able to source the furniture, lighting, art, and trades that I’ve found through Instagram.

The most timeless design.

The most timeless design occurs when you lean into the home’s natural architecture and design the interior accordingly. If the home is a modern new build, then I would say leaning into colors naturally occurring in nature and using natural materials is a foolproof way to achieve timeless design. These materials would include marble, limestone, terracotta, linen, cotton, and the use of plants. 

The biggest design faux pas.

Making pathways too narrow. I don’t care how good the design is—if the pathways are too narrow and furniture is blocking the entry or exit to a room, then it will never feel luxurious and calming. I think the flow through a room is something that is commonly overlooked and a big reason why clients hire us.

Your design motto.

Quality over quantity. This applies to my relationships, furniture, construction, and everything in life! 

Our publisher, KOKET, sells statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?

The Oh-lá-lá Chair. It is a spin on a very timeless chair. I love the subtle quirks to the curvature, and that it is in a neutral boucle fabric that would mesh well with any design. 

Love Happens when…

You stop worrying about the things you can’t control and just take the leap. 

Explore more work by the fabulous Kristyn Harvey at kristynharveyinteriors.com.

Photos by James Furman Photography except where credited otherwise | Courtesy of Kristyn Harvey Interiors

Intro & Interview by Regina Barbosa

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