Kate Marker
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? If I could live anywhere, I'd choose a place that satisfies my love for ancient architecture, proximity to water, and access to fresh produce. Greece, France, or Italy are top contenders. In Greece, the Peloponnese region's ruins and coastal beauty captivate me. France's Provence offers Roman architecture and Mediterranean allure. Meanwhile, Italy's Tuscany blends Renaissance charm with seaside delights. Each destination promises a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights—a perfect fit for my ideal living scenario.
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Natural 2. Fresh 3. Timeless
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was my canvas for self-expression and creativity, thanks to my mom's trust in my choices. At just 9 years old, I boldly selected a black wallpaper adorned with turquoise and pink fans when we moved into a new home. With a cozy window seat and a white woven storage chest, I had all I needed to fuel my imagination.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first investment piece for our home was a vintage curio cabinet from a local village antique shop. It has accompanied us to every home we've lived in, and my husband and I painted it together. This cabinet holds immense sentimental value for us, and it's a piece we'll never part with.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? If I could hire any designer other than myself, it would be Kelly Wearstler. Her bold and innovative designs inspire me to think outside the box. I particularly admire her fabric choices and often incorporate them into my own design projects.
No room is complete without no room is complete without personal touches that reflect the client’s personalities and interests, whether it's family photos, meaningful artwork, or cherished mementos.
People often perceive me as someone who handles balance well, yet I grapple with this challenge each day. Don’t we all?!
To Omit:
In a flower arrangement, I omit clutter and overcrowded flowers, prioritizing ample space for growth. I prefer straightforward arrangements with clean lines and minimal embellishments for a simple yet elegant look.
When creating an hors d'oeuvre platter, I omit items that are off in color from the rest to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing presentation.
In a bar cabinet, I omit anything that doesn't complement the aesthetic, such as bottles with unattractive labels or mismatched glassware, maintaining a cohesive and stylish appearance.
Music:
For dinner at home, I usually put on a chill relaxing station on Spotify.
When working at my desk, I prefer music with a yogi vibe.
And when going for a run, I enjoy something with heart and soul to keep me moving.
Biggest Vice? My biggest vice is my sugar habit. During times of stress, I struggle to resist turning to sugary foods or treats for comfort.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Actually, I do a lot of late-night shopping when I can’t sleep, and jeans and shoes are my go-to shopping pieces. I have way too many of both.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Absolutely! I mix of high and low, simple classic but with a little edge. Yes, my clothes definitely reflect my design sensibility. I tend to mix high-end and more affordable pieces, creating a balance between luxury and accessibility. My style is characterized by simplicity and timelessness, but I also like to incorporate elements that add a bit of edge or personality to my look. Just as in design, I appreciate clean lines and classic silhouettes, but I'm not afraid to experiment with unexpected details or textures to make a statement.
Who is your star crush? Blake Lively! My star crush is Blake Lively! It was a surreal moment when I discovered that she follows me on Instagram last year—I may have freaked out a little bit!
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? One thing I would never do on a project is compromise on quality or cut corners to meet deadlines or budget constraints. However, I don't detest it when I see others do it, as I understand that every project has its unique challenges and priorities, and sometimes compromises are necessary.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Well, I have my own design book coming out this Fall (September 24’) so that would be my first choice. Ha! But, otherwise, I would say the AD book… Its iconic design, timeless content, and elegant presence on your table make it both visually appealing and intellectually enriching—a perfect choice to cherish amidst the chaos of a fire.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I aspire for my work to be knows as warm and welcoming by creating spaces that inspire and deeply resonate with those who inhabit them. Guided by the principles of finding beauty, balance, and belonging, my designs aim to leave a lasting impact by enhancing quality of life and fostering a sense of connection and peace with the environment.
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Great Expectations, a classic tale by Charles Dickens. My love for "Great Expectations" is because of its captivating storytelling, emotional depth, and vivid imagery.
Book: "Suleika Jaouad: Life Interrupted" is a powerful memoir chronicling Jaouad's struggle with leukemia and her inspiring journey towards recovery. Jaouad's unwavering determination to keep fighting resonates deeply, offering hope and inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges.
Scent: Amber - warm and inviting scent, known for its rich and earthy tones. It exudes a sense of comfort and sophistication, making it a favorite choice for mine.
The fabric you always come back to: Linen - Its natural texture and versatility make it a staple in my design projects, adding a touch of elegance and warmth.
Dream project: As an interior designer, my dream project would be one without constraints, where creativity knows no bounds. Without a client or budget limitations, I could fully unleash my imagination and push the boundaries of design. This freedom would allow me to explore innovative concepts, experiment with unconventional materials, and create spaces that truly reflect my artistic vision. Whether it's designing a futuristic, ultra-modern residence or a whimsical, nature-inspired retreat, the opportunity to bring my wildest design fantasies to life would be an exhilarating and fulfilling experience.
Meal: My favorite meal? Perhaps a flavorful stir-fry with chicken served over steamed rice and accompanied by a colorful array of sautéed vegetables fits the bill perfectly. It's a wholesome and effortless meal that leaves me feeling nourished and satisfied, and even better if I don’t have to deal with the hassle of washing dishes afterward.
Drink: A New York Sour is my go-to cocktail. While I love whiskey, I sometimes find an old-fashioned too strong for my taste. The NY Sour offers the best of both worlds—it's a classic whiskey sour with a splash of red wine, with its balanced blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors.
Hotel: Ah, Santa Clara 1728! It's a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. With its understated luxury and minimalist design, this boutique hotel offers a serene retreat from the bustling city streets of Lisbon. My husband and I still reminisce about staying there back in 2019.
Travel Destination: Northern Italy! We are going this summer to celebrate our 20 year wedding anniversary and can’t wait.
Artist: Francine Turk is indeed a fascinating artist, known for her distinctive style and captivating compositions. From Chicago, her work often explores themes of identity, femininity, and the human experience. She is inspiring!
A cause near and dear to me: Renovating homes to create environments where children can thrive is a cause that deeply resonates with me. My passion for supporting children stems from a personal experience—I lost a friend's child, which profoundly impacted me. Witnessing the devastation of such a loss ignited a fire within me to advocate for children's health, education, and well-being. I believe that every child deserves the chance to live their best life and reach their full potential. Through my advocacy efforts, I strive to honor the memory of my friend's child by ensuring that other children have access to the support and resources they need to flourish. By renovating homes to provide safe, nurturing spaces, I aim to contribute to creating environments where children can thrive, and families can find comfort and solace.
Thing to collect obsessively: Collecting vintage items that tell a story!. Each piece tells a story of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship, culture, and aesthetics of the past. Whether it's antique ceramic bowls, rustic wooden artifacts, or ornate metalwork, each item adds character and charm to your collection. Hunting for these treasures at flea markets, antique shops, and estate sales can become an adventure in itself, as you uncover hidden gems and learn about the history behind each piece. Displaying and curating your collection allows you to create a unique and personalized space that reflects your appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Plus,these vintage items often carry sentimental value and evoke nostalgia, making them cherished heirlooms to pass down through generations.
Era in the history of design: I would say I’m inspired by the Ancient Era. This era represents significant periods in the history of design and architecture in Europe, particularly in Italy and Greece, where ancient, classical, and medieval structures continue to influence modern design and inspire admiration for their beauty and historical significance.
Museum: The Art Institute of Chicago holds a special place in my heart because I studied interior design nearby. Growing up, I was inspired by the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and others, many of which are housed in the museum.
Paint Color that always looks great: Olive green is my favorite color because of its timeless, calming effect that enhances mood and well-being. It's a versatile choice for any space, whether as the main color, a cabinet hue, or an accent shade.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: The Foster Sisters (@sarafoster & @erinfoster) bring so much joy to my friends and me with their entertaining social media presence. Their candid sharing of life stories and opinions never fails to make us laugh out loud!
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs are an essential part of our family dynamic, and we're lucky to have two furry companions—a French bulldog and a Yellow Labrador. Their distinct personalities create a lively and entertaining atmosphere in our household. We often joke that they resemble an old married couple, as they have a unique bond of love and companionship mixed with occasional playful bickering. Despite their differences, they complement each other perfectly, and our home wouldn't be the same without them.
