Talk Shop: Kimberly Bevan // Bevan Interiors
photo by: Christian Harder
About Kimberly
Based in New York City and the Catskill Mountains, Kimberly Bevan is known for her design expertise in restoring historic homes, bringing a unique and personal touch to each project. Born in a rural town in England, she infuses English countryside charm and organic sensibility into her designs. Kimberly has an affinity for playful patterns, tasteful use of color, and her ability to inject personality while keeping the integrity of historic homes. The firm has successfully completed residential and boutique hospitality projects across the country. In the Summer of 2021, Kimberly launched Briar in Andes, NY, a brick-and-mortar and e-commerce shop featuring her favorite artisans, handcrafted goods, and Bevan Interiors’ original furniture designs.
photo by: Christian Harder
Describe your style in three words or less:
Character-filled, organic, timeless.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
I am originally from a small rural town in England which is deeply ingrained in my personal aesthetic. The chintz sofas, wallpapered bedrooms, and floral prints of my childhood home continue to influence me today. The pink and white striped Laura Ashley wallpaper in my bedroom was formative for my color and pattern preferences, complete with a floral border and matching curtains! My father is in the furniture business and imports beautiful traditional European pieces which I grew up admiring and love incorporating in my projects. I travel a lot to Europe for design shows and each time I return inspired with a broadened sense of style and vernacular.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I worked for a large firm specializing in resort design for seven years before starting my own firm. It was during the pandemic that I was seeking refuge from New York City and I came across a beautiful Victorian building in Andes, NY in the Western Catskills. Built in the late 1800s, the ground floor was originally an apothecary and general store and still had the original apothecary drawers and shelving. Upstairs was a spacious apartment with great bones. I decided it was the change I was seeking. I moved in during the winter of 2020 and launched my design studio and shop, Briar, in the Spring of 2021. My firm grew organically from there!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My father, Richard, in a similar field (furniture design) he has been an incredible mentor and sounding board for me throughout my career. I admire his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to providing his clients with quality products and services. He is incredibly solution oriented which I like to think has worn off on me.
photo by: Van Sarki
photo by: Van Sarki
What does your home say about you:
Above all, cozy! My home is my sanctuary. The atmosphere is welcoming, and I love it when my home is full of family, friends, and pets. I source items for my home that I want to have forever, and I think of a lot of my furniture as future heirlooms. That said, nothing is too precious to be used or enjoyed, a little wear and tear adds character and I usually choose items that get better with age and patina over time. Elements of the English countryside and my travels are also evident throughout my home. I love living amongst items that are associated with a story or good memory.
Where do you find inspiration:
I love to be outdoors which serves as endless inspiration. Whether it is in the surrounding natural landscape or the architecture of the cities and towns I visit. I studied a bit of Historical Preservation in graduate school and I can’t resist a historic house tour which is always a great source for new ideas. And of course, I devour all of the monthly design magazines!
Who are your style icons:
Martha Stewart, India Hicks, and Bunny Williams.
photo by: Christian Harder
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A relaxed environment, great lighting (don't forget candles), good music, and a home-cooked meal!
Do you collect anything:
Turquoise pottery, ceramic mushrooms, and hand-painted plates.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@the_shopkeepers, @amandacbrooks, and @devolkitchens.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
The “accessories and pillows look best in odd numbers” belief is usually true, but I am a believer that any “rules” are meant to be challenged in design.
What are you working on right now:
A home on the Hudson River, a tropical vacation home, and a ski house in Colorado are among my favorite current projects.
Wardrobe staples:
Block-printed sundresses.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Sanderson’s whole collection.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Don’t source anything for a client that you wouldn’t be happy putting in your own home.
Best career advice you ever received:
Never stop learning. Whether it’s the latest technology or visiting new showrooms, stay inspired.
photo by: Christian Harder
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in window treatments and future heirloom items such as a classic writing desk or iconic chair. Save by refinishing and reupholstering existing items or vintage finds whenever possible.
Your greatest extravagance:
Ability to travel to beautiful locations for projects.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Clic Gallery, ABC Home, DWR, and of course Briar and Richard Bevan Furniture.
photo by: Van Sarki
Most prized possession and why:
A Plein Air oil painting of a barn that my husband and I found in Vermont. I love the unexpected colors the artist chose to capture light and shadow, and it is a special scene. The barn is right next to the church where we got married.
Your interiors motto:
Incorporate a mix of new and vintage, creating a collected look that is unique to each individual client.
Your life motto:
Surround yourself with people who love you and things that inspire you.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don’t pay too much attention to trends, make selections that bring you joy and feel authentic to your personal story. Incorporate elements from travels that invoke happy memories and inspire you.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: A medium rare JG Melon's bacon cheese burger with cottage fries
Drink: Sparkling Lemonade
Film: Out of Africa
Hotel: Monteverdi Tuscany
City: London
Bedding: Hill House Home
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Herbal tea all day long Playlist: Fleetwood Mac
Weekend Activity: Long walks and home cooked meals with family and friends
Design Book: William Morris by Himself and any book by Bunny Williams