Talk Shop: Katie Davis // Katie Davis Design
Photo by Rachel Alyse Photography
ABOUT KATIE
Katie Davis is a Houston-based interior designer focused on all aspects of residential design. She takes a practical approach to her work, emphasizing the idea that a home should be truly lived in above all else. Her portfolio is filled with stylish spaces that nod to a new-traditional aesthetic while maintaining a sense of modernity and an eye for today’s trends.
Katie’s appreciation for design started from a young age when her family undertook a major remodel of the home. She observed her mom and an interior designer work together to develop, coordinate, and implement a shared vision for her family’s home. This imaginative and collaborative process still resonates with her today. And so began her love affair with beautiful spaces, and quality furniture, fabrics, and materials.
Life, however, took Katie in a different direction. Upon graduating from the University of Texas, she went on to attend law school. During her years as a practicing attorney, design remained a favorite hobby, until she fully embraced her second life, and her first love, launching Katie Davis Design in 2018. She currently resides in Houston, with her husband and two young kids. Her own growing family serves as the foundation for her designs, creating beautiful, vibrant living spaces that are comfortable, timeless, and can transition easily to the next phase of a client’s life. We hope you enjoy our interview with Katie!
Photo by Nathan Schroder
Describe your style in three words or less:
Casual, Elegant, English
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mom was a huge aesthetic inspiration for me. She knew the importance of a well-designed space and hired a designer for my childhood home. Travel has also been a huge inspiration to my designs, specifically all over the UK and Europe. And of course, Instagram.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
(1) I was a practicing attorney until about 5 years ago when I started my firm. Design has always been an interest of mine, and became a bit of a side hustle when my husband and I bought a historic home in the Houston Heights and renovated it. I realized somewhere along the way that it was more than a side hustle and went for it.
(2) My favorite thing about what we do is providing happy, pretty spaces where families can gather and make memories.
Photo by Nathan Schroder
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
When I started my business I reached out to designers, builders, and architects in Houston and asked ALL the questions. The design community here and fellow designers—whether contemporaries or designers who have had decades-long careers—are all very supportive and open. It’s hard to pick just one person who mentored me along the way, I had so many.
What does your home say about you:
My family and I just purchased a new home and I’m slowly making it our own. At this point, I would say my home communicates comfort, casual elegance, family, and lots of color.
Where do you find inspiration:
Our vendors inspire us daily. And of course, I get inspiration from travel and Instagram.
Who are your style icons:
While I certainly have British pattern influences in my work, classic Americana style - the Kennedys, Ralph Lauren, and design icons like Lee Radziwill and Mark Sikes have helped shape how I want our spaces to feel.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A signature cocktail, comfy dining chairs that make you want to stay a while, and a pretty table setting. I love all tableware (something I got from my mom).
Do you collect anything:
I would say I have a larger-than-normal tableware collection
Photo by Nathan Schroder
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@sabbeinteriordesign, @sarahbartholomewdesign, @arielokin, and @hagemanhomesinteriors.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Rule: ALWAYS have the right size rug
Patterns: Mixing is better
Photo by Kerry Kirk
What are you working on right now:
We are moving into a new office this summer, which we are so excited about. My husband and I recently purchased a new home that we are slowly but surely making our own! In addition to that, KDD has some exciting upcoming projects: a few larger new construction and furnishing projects in Texas, a home in Boulder, CO, a renovation in Rosemary Beach, FL, and more.
Wardrobe staples:
Currently have a lineup of colorful, lightweight dresses on rotation for Houston summer.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Right now I’m loving Sarah Vanrenen collections.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Fill your home with what makes you happy.
Best career advice you ever received:
Interior design is 95% business, so you better be ok with the business side.
Photo by Nathan Schroder
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I always tell clients to invest in lighting and good solid upholstery.
I think you can save on art. Finding up-and-coming artists, or vintage pieces at Round Top or antique shops - look for pieces that make you happy, they don’t have to be expensive.
Your greatest extravagance:
My greatest extravagance is travel - I love to explore a new place.
Favorite places to shop for home:
A few of my favorites are Chairish and Serena & Lily
Photo by Nathan Schroder
Most prized possession and why:
I have a pretty bamboo chest I got from a local antique dealer that holds games in our living room. It feels like the perfect blend of my personal aesthetic - sophisticated and pretty but accessible. It is not perfect - there are cracks and wear, but it adds warmth to the room.
Your interiors motto:
Fill your home with what makes you happy.
Your life motto:
We have this saying in the office to always “Do better”, and it’s extended to my personal life as well. Always try a way to do a bit better the next time around.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
The internet allows a lot of access, but you need to touch, feel, and see pieces in person to know how you truly feel about them.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Chips and queso
Drink: Margarita
Film: Father of the Bride
Hotel: I love all of Kit Kemp’s hospitality concepts, especially The Whitby Hotel in NYC
City: Paris
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee - freshly ground beans, just milk
Playlist: Taylor Swift on repeat
Weekend Activity: You’ll find me at my kiddo’s sports games on the weekends!
Design Book: Currently loving The Well-Loved House by Ashley Whittaker