Meet Kerryn Elwin, the creative behind K Design Studio and Kerryn Elwin, Interior Designer. From a passion for improving homes to a celebrated career, Kerryn has shaped spaces to enjoy with her design expertise. Beginning her studies as a stay-at-home mum, she has since turned her vision into a thriving business that caters to client-focused design solutions. Read on to discover how Kerryn's aspirations became a reality and how her creative career has developed in the interior design industry.
Could you share a bit about your journey and what led you to pursue a career in interior design?
I have always been interested in homes, whether this was through real estate, show homes, building new or renovations. I had a passion for what a house could become. I decided to do an online Design and Decorating Degree through Open Polytechnic while I was a stay-at-home mum with my three children. I started studying in 2011, finished in 2016 and started Kae Interior Designs in 2017. In 2024, we rebranded to K Design Studio, and Kerryn Elwin, Interior Designer.
We'd love to hear about your journey in the interior design industry. Could you walk us through from when you first started to where you are today?
I started off by working from home and helping friends renovate their homes, which grew through word-of-mouth, and clients began contacting me. I would load up my car and take all my samples to client's houses. My garage would be filled with boxes of roller blinds and curtains.
I outgrew my garage and decided to look for a building in town, which allowed me to open a showroom in Te Rapa, Hamilton. From there, I also started my curtain workroom, which grew faster than expected. The curtain workroom started taking up so much space that we outgrew this space as well.
Two years later, we moved to a new building, only three doors down, with twice the space and room to expand our services.
What is your favourite design style? How does it influence your work?
I like all design styles as they each have their own personality. But I really love the hygge design style - warm, organic, earthy tones and textures. I love homes that feel warm, welcoming and lived in. However, when working on a project, I still design to individual client needs and what they want for their home. I will guide them to make sure everything is cohesive, but if the client wants a blue wall, I will help them have the best blue wall there is.
As we look ahead into 2024, do you see emerging styles in interior design?
More organic and earthy tones will start to come through. People will want to come home to a calming environment. Simplicity and no clutter.
Planning a cohesive interior style can be quite a task. Could you share your top 5 tips for achieving a style that works?
Finding what style you like the best and want to live within your home.
Finding inspirational pictures is a great way to start.
Keep it simple.
Put all your selections together to make sure they all work as a whole.
Hire a professional to save stress and mistakes that can become costly.
How do you approach incorporating a client's personal style into your designs?
When working with clients, I work to what they want in their home, but I make sure the design is cohesive and works.
What is one common mistake people make when designing their spaces, and how can it be avoided?
Wanting their home to be "on trend". Design a home that you like, not what is on trend, as trends change all the time
Reflecting on your career, could you share your most memorable project and explain why it stands out to you?
The most memorable was working on a new build with a building client where I had free reign on all design selections, including curtains and staging. This house went on to win the Waikato Supreme House of the Year Under $1 million Award at the Master Builder House of the Year Award in 2022.
What would be your ideal project to work on?
My husband and I have built four homes before, and we have just purchased our first house, which will be renovated. I'm really excited to work on this and have my whole family involved. I would also love to design another show home for the building company clients that I work with.
Lastly, from our collection, which flooring product or range would you be most excited to work with in your future projects and why?
A quality oak laminate can achieve a high-end interior style that's durable and practical for a busy family. Therefore, Pergo Odense Vibrant Oak would be my choice to achieve natural oak textures without needing to upgrade to a timber floor.
Are you ready to bring comfort, and your personal style into your living space? Reach out to Kerryn Elwin for an expert touch in transforming your new home or renovation.
Visit www.kaeinteriordesigns.co.nz or call Kerryn directly at 021 170 1068. Stay connected with the latest projects and inspirations by following K Design Studio on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The Designer Spotlight Series is proudly presented by Floorboards, your specialists in quality hard surface flooring throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Hamilton & Waikato
Phone 07 959 1861
Tauranga & Bay of Plenty
Phone 021 977 548