Talk Shop: Kristen Nix // Kristen Nix Interiors
ABOUT KRISTEN
Kristen Nix is known for creating spaces that feel at once contemporary and timeless. As a designer, Nix playfully engages texture and color, unabashedly mingles antiques with modern styles, and deftly mixes pieces from various price points. Clean lines and tailored details are hallmarks of Nix’s look, which is guided by principles of balance, scale and simplicity.
After earning a bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Nix continued to hone her skills at Vogue in New York where she worked in the fashion department, and later at Neiman Marcus in Dallas where she was an Art Director for the store’s famous publication The Book. Before starting out on her own, Nix worked for renowned decorator J. Randall Powers, who remains a major influence on her work.
Nix is recognized as a Design Star on the Rise in 2013 and a 2021 Luxe Red Awards winner. As the mother of three boys, Nix understands that rooms need to be as functional as they are fun to look at. She approaches each project with personal attention, inspired pragmatism and professionalism. Though every client is unique, Nix’s goal is always the same—to create a beautiful, livable space that meets the client’s needs. Enjoy this #TalkShop with Kristen!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Neutral, tailored and collected
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Working at Neiman Marcus, my stylish mom and the way a beautiful space makes me feel.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I thought I would stay home once I had my son. I was bored. A single friend asked me to help him with his renovation and I was able to bring my baby along to appointments. I love having a creative outlet through my work.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
J. Randall Powers can do no wrong. He has been a constant source of advice, inspiration and laughter.
What does your home say about you:
That I need a calm, clean and neutral retreat.
Where do you find inspiration:
Instagram, coffee table books and traveling
Who are your style icons:
Lauren Santo Domingo, Kelly Wearstler and Aerin Lauder
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A great playlist and a fool proof menu.
Do you collect anything:
I’m always collecting interesting objects and accessories from antique fairs, travels and random shops.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@AshleyStark, @baileyquin, and @verandamag.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I like large rugs, natural light and comfortable upholstery. I never think about rules as something that would restrict my design as there is a time and place for everything, yet I design with my clients needs in mind.
What are you working on right now:
A few favorites include two projects at Bakers Bay in the Bahamas, a ski house at the Yellowstone Club, a new build on a special piece of property in one of the coolest coves on Lake Austin and a house on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Wardrobe staples:
A great pair of flats, a diamond solitaire necklace and denim cut offs.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything with heavy texture and little pattern - I really love Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings and their customer service can’t be beat.
Best interior advice you ever received:
The importance of scale.
Best career advice you ever received:
Don’t cut corners on running your business right and being an interior designer is a service industry.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in great lighting and wallcoverings/ finishes…. save on high traffic rugs and upholstery that will get lots of use
Your greatest extravagance:
Artwork
Favorite places to shop for home:
Los Angeles- Garde, Blackman Cruz, Rose Tarlow, Kneedler Fauchere, Formations
Most prized possession and why:
My boys...because they make my heart so happy and they are irreplaceable.
Your interiors motto:
Buy once, cry once...do it right the first time.
Your life motto:
Life is short, have fun
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Do research and learn what you like and why..This is a process, ask yourself if you still like something 6 months later? Does it fit with the way you live? I also think it’s helpful to think and imagine the way you want to live.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Truffle Pasta from Nello
Drink: Lately it’s been an Aperol Spritz
Film: Stand By Me
Hotel: Royal Mansour in Marrakech
City: Paris
Bedding: Pillows from Pandora de Balthazar
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with oat milk
Playlist: Right now, Spoon, Kacey Musgraves...and Khruangbin at the office
Weekend Activity: Wake surfing, live music and attending my boys sporting events
Design Book: AD at 100