Talk Shop: Alexandra Kaehler // Alexandra Kaehler Design
All photos by by Aimée Mazzenga
ABOUT ALEXANDRA
We found Chicago based designer Alexandra Kaehler’s work through her beautiful room at the Lake Forest Showhouse three years ago, and we’ve been hooked ever since. With a gorgeous mix of pattern, color, and a skilled mix of modern and traditional silhouettes, her portfolio is definitely one to watch.
Born and raised in Chicago, where her eponymous design firm is now based, this mom of three balances multiple projects in the Chicago suburbs (and is married to her high school sweetheart!) Alex’s design ethos is to create homes that are meant to be lived in and enjoyed; her style is rooted in classic design and she loves to incorporate color and pattern into the spaces she designs. Her work has been featured in House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine, Wall Street Journal and more. Follow along for more on Alexandra’s design philosophy in our latest Talk Shop!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Eclectic, fun and classic
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My family. No question. They all have an incredible eye for design.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I worked in advertising out of college at what I thought was my dream job, but after two years I realized it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be. While I was there I started a blog (this was 2009) and saw that so much of what I was writing about was interior design. Something clicked for me. I enrolled in a graduate school for interior design, and the rest of history!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don’t, just some really amazing friends in the industry who are incredible sounding boards.
What does your home say about you:
That I love feminine, classic style, but we live hard and need it to be durable too!
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel and Pinterest
Who are your style icons:
My grandmother. She is 91 and dressed to the nines every single day, even when she doesn’t leave the house. I can’t say I do the same, but its such inspiration!
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Pajamas. Seriously, nothing is worse than being uncomfortable while trying to have fun!
Do you collect anything:
Yes, black and white boxes.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@thenatnote, @arielokin (of course), @christopherspitzmiller, @jyoungdesignhouse, @baileyquin and @laurenbuxbaumgordon.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Always buy a bigger rug! There is nothing worse than a tiny rug. Symmetry is a rule meant to be broken, because sometimes the most beautiful interiors mix it up (but in fairness, I do love symmetry too).
What are you working on right now:
We’re working on a really exciting launch that is going to expand the AKD brand beyond our clients’ homes!
Wardrobe staples:
Classic jewelry, shoes with bows on them, easy, comfortable jeans, floral blouses, and lots of dresses!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Buy meaningful things. There is nothing better than walking around your house and having memories, or good vibes attached to things in your home
Best career advice you ever received:
Hire people who fill your gaps.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in things you love deeply, save on items you aren’t as excited about.
Your greatest extravagance:
Jewelry. I love it way too much.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Chairish and 1st Dibs
Most prized possession and why:
A collection of notes and letters from my husband.
Your interiors motto:
Edit! I don’t like clutter.
Your life motto:
Being clear is kind.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Dissect the things you’re drawn to. I find that I like tension in design. Masculine with feminine. Classic with funky. Round with square.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: it's a tie between pizza and pasta.
Drink: Moscow Mule
Film: I don’t really watch movies, how weird am I?
Hotel: Blackberry Farm for the US, and Hotel de Russie for overseas
City: Chicago
Bedding: Sferra Giza, they’re heaven
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Chamomile or Ginger Tea
Playlist: The (Dixie) Chicks, Van Morrison, and Vampire Weekend (eclectic!)
Weekend Activity: snuggling in bed with my babies
Design Book: Robert AM Stern, Houses and Gardens