Talk Shop: Kelsey Brown // Pepper Home
Photo by Gieves Anderson
ABOUT KELSEY
Kelsey Brown is the Co-Founder and COO and Pepper Home—a fun and pretty pattern-forward brand offering custom pillows, curtains, table linens, wallpaper, and more – all sustainably made and attainably priced, with custom pieces starting at just $58 (!)
Kelsey worked in retail technology at Deloitte prior to earning her MBA at Columbia. During her MBA, she held several internship positions at Estée Lauder, Hatch Collection, Rent The Runway, and Louis Vuitton. She holds a BSE from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied both engineering and fine art.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Vibrant, classic, maximalist.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mother - She is an architect, antique admirer, and a fellow color enthusiast
Traveling - I love visiting other countries and getting inspiration from their cultures and interiors
Art - I’ve painted all my life with an affinity for florals and bold impressionism
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My co-founder, Erin Banta, and I met at Columbia Business School and quickly became friends. We were both living in West Village rentals at the time and frustrated by the lack of options for those that love interior design but don’t have an unlimited decorating budget. We found that most accessible options tend to be super modern or Scandanavian design and we were looking for pattern-forward textiles and the fashion-forward accents that can be “peppered in” to transform a space. We launched Pepper a year after we graduated school.
I am so fortunate to work alongside one of my closest friends. That doesn’t always work well, but we learned in business school that our complementary skill sets provide a great balance. Also, as the COO, I work on Pepper’s operations and am heavily involved in the design process. Being able to use both my analytical and creative skill sets is a dream!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My parents are my lifelong mentors. My mother became an architect when there were very few women in the industry and eventually started her own practice. Similar to her, I am also left and right brained so she encouraged me to pursue both engineering and fine arts in college. On the other hand, my father is my biggest cheerleader. From a very early age, he told me to find what I love, work my butt off, and shoot for the stars.
What does your home say about you:
I live in a 1850s brownstone adorned with ornate crown molding. Every corner is filled with jewel-toned fabric, 1970s antique furniture, and eclectic accents. I think my home shows my appreciation for traditional architecture and that I’m not afraid to share my bold sense of style (and personality).
Where do you find inspiration:
Magazines, museums, traveling, the vibrant and fashionable New York City
Who are your style icons:
Kit Kemp, Dorthy Draper, Iris Apfel, Miles Redd.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good wine, delicious meal, fun playlist, wonderful friends...and of course, a beautiful tabletop filled with Pepper linens
Do you collect anything:
Although cooking is not my forte, I love creating a beautiful table and have started quite a collection of colorful dinnerware (which doubles as a Pepper prop closet). I also love coffee table books, especially ones that I pick up from travels and museums.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@chairishco, @tiltonfenwick, @archdigest, @the_calico_club, @elledecor, and @penny_morrison_ltd.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
All design rules are meant to be broken.
What are you working on right now:
Next week, we are launching our Dogwood collaboration of the chicest dog beds! We are currently designing our next pattern collection and testing new curtain customization options—I can’t wait for you to see them! In my home, I am in the process of redoing our kitchen and bathrooms—a large but exciting project!
Wardrobe staples:
Loafers, colorful-flowy dresses fashion sneakers, a good pair of jeans, oversized blouses and sweaters
Best interior advice you ever received:
If you love color but don’t know where to start, find a rug with a beautiful color palette. Use it as inspiration and a launchpad to find other pieces in the room.
Best career advice you ever received:
Take risks and find something you’re passionate about!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I think it’s smart to invest in luxurious rugs and well-made, timeless furniture. These items can last a lifetime and you can always give furniture a new life by reupholstering it. I love going to Flea Markets and antique stores to find vases, bowls, and small accents. Some of my favorite finds were $20 and great quality!
Your greatest extravagance:
Postmates and Van Leewan ice cream
Favorite places to shop for home:
Chairish, 1stDibs, antiquing in Hudson Valley.
Most prized possession and why:
My husband and I bought a large painting on our honeymoon in South Africa that is currently hanging in our dining room. It reminds me of the vibrant city of Cape Town and the amazing adventure we had together.
Your interiors motto:
Timeless style, layer textures and patterns, embrace color.
Your life motto:
Surround yourself with people and places that make you happy.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Find what you love and ignore what’s trendy. Be confident and don’t be afraid to go bold.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pizza (I’m a Brooklyn girl! Specifically, Roberta’s in Bushwick)
Drink: Red Wine, I’ve never met a Tempranillo I haven’t liked
Film: Almost Famous or Fargo
Hotel: Twin Farms in Vermont (it’s a very special place with incredible interiors)
City: NYC (to live) and Jaipur, India (to visit)
Bedding: Biscuit Home (classic with a major color twist)
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Americano black
Playlist: Fleetwood Mac on repeat
Weekend Activity: Meeting friends for dinner and trying new restaurants (I miss it so much!)
Design Book: Accidentally Wes Anderson (for color inspiration) and Rebecca Atwood—Living With Pattern (for pattern mixing)
