Talk Shop: Kate Marker // Kate Marker Interiors + Kate Marker Home
ABOUT KATE
An artist at heart, Kate Marker began her design career studying at Harrington College of Design where she received her degree in Interior Design. In 2007 she founded Kate Marker Interiors from her upstairs home office, and in 2012 she opened her first studio in the heart of Barrington, Illinois. Now, the KMI team is located down the block from their first office and has expanded into a showroom and warehouse, Kate Marker Home, too! Kate lives in Barrington, Illinois with her husband, their two daughters, and their dogs, Maddox & Millie. We love Kate’s effortlessly cool vibe she brings to every space designed, as well as some of her answers in our latest Talk Shop—enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Fresh, timeless, approachable
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel, Pinterest, and daily surroundings - beauty is everywhere if you look for it!
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started after my first daughter was born, working from my home, and then I organically expanded over time in both our studio and now warehouse spaces and our team.
My favorite thing is the final install and seeing the client’s reaction when it’s all pulled together; we say ‘when trust happens, beautiful things happen.’
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Though not a design mentor, my father has always been a good example and influencer in my life, teaching me the hard work & dedication of being a small business owner.
What does your home say about you:
I like to have a calm space that is a retreat to facilitate family time away from the busy lifestyles we have.
Where do you find inspiration:
Through travel and our own clients, customizing our aesthetic to their look
Who are your style icons:
Kelly Wearstler and Aerin Lauder for design, and Jacey Duprie for fashion
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Layered lighting, fresh flowers, and easy food choices for guests
Do you collect anything:
Art!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@amberinteriors and @heidicaillierdesign
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
No rules in design except trust your gut and be confident in yourself!
What are you working on right now:
Three large out-of-state new construction projects and many local new builds + large renovations
Wardrobe staples:
Great pair of jeans, paired with a cozy sweater in a neutral tone
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
We now have both KMI fabric & wallpaper that I designed with my girls!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Deliver ideas with confidence and your clients will feed off of that
Best career advice you ever received:
Don’t underestimate your abilities; others will regard you in the same way you regard yourself!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in a great sofa, a vintage rug, or a piece of art!
Your greatest extravagance:
Vacations - and a good hotel room
Favorite places to shop for home:
Kate Marker Home - we have both an online store and a large showroom + warehouse close to our design studio
Most prized possession and why:
My children, though not technically possessions but treasures :)
Your interiors motto:
When trust happens, beautiful things happen
Your life motto:
Be kind
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Find something you love first - whether it be a rug, piece of art, or object - and build the room around it
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: A veggie and protein-filled rice bowl
Drink: Chardonnay or good Old Fashioned
Film: I don’t have one but do love going to the movies for the whole experience, including candy and popcorn
Hotel: Rosewood or Aman Hotels
City: Florence, Italy - went in my early 20s and fell in love with it
Bedding: Crisp white sheets - Parachute Home has some great ones
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee! Latte with almond milk and honey
Playlist: No specific playlist, just love to have music on all the time
Weekend Activity: Yoga
Design Book: Coming soon….