Talk Shop: Katie Rosenfeld // Katie Rosenfeld and Company
Photo by Sarah Winchester
ABOUT KATIE
Known for her no-holds-barred approach to color and pattern, Katie Rosenfeld’s design style can be summed up as happy, family friendly and approachable. Equal parts both vintage and modern, classic and contemporary, Katie’s picks range from fresh traditional to 20th century vintage with bits of quirk and irony added for good measure. And let’s not forget Katie’s almost always present nod to chinoiserie – and her dry sense of humor on Instagram.
Common threads that run through Katie’s projects include gorgeously layered patterns and carefully curated items mixed effortlessly to create a bespoke and special space. According to Katie, your home should be comfortable, safe and continually interesting to look at – yet flexible enough to meet the demands of family life and the changes that come with a life well-lived. (We agree!)
Katie credits her signature style to growing up in Florida, her stylish (and, as she says, “slightly crazy”) mother, and her experiences living and working all over the country. Most of all, Katie’s style has developed over time as a wife and mother of two daughters – not to mention a poodle – who help her see the practicalities she incorporates in her designs for others.
We sat down with the chic designer for a Q&A session – read below for all of Katie’s answers!
Describe your style in three words or less:
I have range!
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mom, growing up in Florida and living all over the country renovating my own homes multiple times.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started as an art consultant (my background is in art), and I used my first renovated home as a “studio/salon”. I would have art events in my home, and clients would buy pieces and say, “can you help me remodel my kitchen?”, and I would say, “well, I don’t know, can I?” The requests kept coming, and eventually I moved into the interior design space organically and naturally and honestly, without intention. I am totally unschooled and self taught.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Not really, maybe my mother who just has the best taste, but she drives me crazy!
What does your home say about you:
It tells the story of your depth or lack thereof, your personality, it speaks to what you want to say to the world and to your friends and family about who you and your family are. Are you warm, open, friendly, comfortable, confident, do you have a sense of humor, are you serious, formal, casual---it says it all!
Where do you find inspiration:
Fashion, Pop Culture, History, Current Affairs.
Who are your style icons:
I don’t idolize people; I see so many stylish people I don’t even know. They’re on the streets.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Comfort, good and plentiful food and drink, laughter, favorite people.
Do you collect anything:
Oh gosh, yes...
Art/not necessarily investment level:), Majolica, Brown Transferware, Vintage Furniture and Lighting, Jeans, Paper Towels
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I don’t follow anyone; scrolling gives me too much anxiety!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Stay true to the grain of the hair is my motto, and I don’t really know what the rules are so I can’t break them:)
What are you working on right now:
So many different things; New England historic renovations, new builds and everything in between up and down the New England Coast, historic homes in New Jersey, New York and Florida and a large and exciting project in California. I pinch myself every day!
Wardrobe staples:
All shapes of denim and jumpsuits, tops from flowy to tailored to puffy sleeved—all of them! Flats, Sneakers, Clogs, and Yellow Gold.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Stop!
Best career advice you ever received:
Do it!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest: All Vintage, Art, Collections, Case Pieces, Lighting, Good Bones
Save: Upholstery, Audio Visual (Lol), Technology, Bedding, Closet Companies
Your greatest extravagance:
Free Time (and I am serious!)
Favorite places to shop for home:
Junk Shops/ Vintage, Boston Design Center Market Stalls.
Most prized possession and why:
My family and my personal relationships for obvious reasons...xo
Your interiors motto:
Be Yourself, Be Honest, Be Transparent.
Your life motto:
Be True to Yourself and Never Apologize for it.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Just look in the mirror and like what you see, and then translate that into all aspects of your life,
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pizza
Drink: Iced Tea
Film: Ken Burns: The Vietnam War
Hotel: I hate hotels; I love my own bed
City: BOSTON
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Love them both coffee light with cream and almond milk and tea with milk
Playlist: I despise playlists, I prefer whole records
Weekend Activity: Ordering in, watching documentaries, not getting dressed, catching up on news, connecting with family
Design Book: Billy Baldwin Decorates