Talk Shop: Caitlin Kah // Caitlin Kah Interiors
Photo by Carmel Brantley
ABOUT CAITLIN
Caitlin Kah is a Palm Beach-based interior designer whose fresh and livable interiors range from traditional to contemporary. She has a no-ego approach to decoration and is grateful to work her dream job every day. Caitlin has worked with diverse clientele on an eclectic mix of residential and commercial projects across the United States and abroad. Prior to establishing her own firm, she spent a decade as lead designer at Kemble Interiors, an esteemed Elle Decor A list and AD100 firm. We love Caitlin’s work for its emphasis on color, pattern, whimsy and a tailored, well trained eye. She attended Parsons School of Design in New York City, and currently resides in North Palm Beach with her husband and daughter. Enjoy this wonderful interview with Caitlin!
Photo by Carmel Brantley
Describe your style in three words or less:
Colorful, warm, and inviting .
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Growing up in Florida
Traveling
Starting my career at Kemble Interiors
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company, Caitlin Kah Interiors, after working at Kemble Interiors for 10 years. Kemble is/was one of my happy places. I was so excited to start my own company but also sad to leave behind all of my co-workers, who really had turned into my best friends and mentors. My favorite thing about what I do is working with my wonderful clients and team members every day.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I have a lot of mentors. My family including my husband, father, and father-in-law have always been very supportive of me and my career. Also, all of the women I have worked with in the industry, namely Mimi McMakin, Keithley Miller, and Kirsten Fisk.
What does your home say about you:
Nothing is too precious; t's very layered and happy.
Where do you find inspiration:
Walking down the street in Palm Beach is inspiring! Travel is also super important and exposing yourself to as many different types of design as possible (even design that you may not like). When I was younger and traveling more, I would be sure to visit as many hotels as possible, as hotel designs are always so wonderful and inspiring
Photo by Carmel Brantley
Who are your style icons:
Mimi McMakin, Celerie Kemble, and my mother-in-law.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Wine, pizza, and fresh flowers.
Do you collect anything:
We collect shells from beaches on all of our travels and display them in glass jars all over our house.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@arielokin of course! Love @alexkaehkerdesign, @henryandandcodesign, @lilsemckenna, @nan.philip, and @brantleyphoto.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I try to always follow the rule that my coffee tables should be no further/closer than 18” from a sofa or chair so you can squeeze by but also functionally use it.
I probably break a lot of rules so there are too many to list…
Photo by Carmel Brantley
What are you working on right now:
So many fun projects! A new build in Harbour Island, which might just be my dream project, a few cottages across Nantucket, and a smattering of always lovely Palm Beach projects.
Wardrobe staples:
White dresses, Chloe flats, and sneakers if on-site all day.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
I don't think I could ever choose a favorite but I am very into Casa Branca and Les Indiennes right now!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Measure, measure, and remeasure!
Best career advice you ever received:
Don’t place orders without client deposits ;) and ‘check your ego at the door’
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in custom curtains- they make a huge difference!
Save on rugs… I am a huge Annie Selke fan and have her rugs in every single room in my house
Photos by Carmel Brantley
Your greatest extravagance:
A lot of uber eats, door dash, food delivery, etc. I am so tired after a full day of work that allowing myself to order dinner at night instead of cooking/cleaning the kitchen is actually important for my mental health! And purses ;)
Favorite places to shop for home:
Circa Who, Palm Beach Regency, Mecox, and all of the stores on Dixie in West Palm Beach!
Most prized possession:
Your interiors motto:
Go for it!
Your life motto:
Go for it!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Read coffee table books rather than scroll Instagram…. Something about sitting down with design books and turning the pages is enchanting.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Lemon pasta
Drink: Rose
Film: Love anything Nancy Meyers
Hotel: Surf Club Four Seasons Miami
City: New York
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced Latte
Playlist: John Mayer
Weekend Activity: Walking the beach with my husband and daughter followed by an ocean swim!
Design Book: Island Whimsy by Celerie Kemble