A Los Angeles native through and through, Kristin 'Kiki' Hector coins her studio's interior design aesthetic as California-Eclectic.
We're in awe of Kiki Design Studio's latest purple-praising project, where the team tackled an entire basement remodel. Let's catch up with Kiki to discuss caring client management, splurge-worthy design decisions, plus how anyone can be convinced to embrace maximalist colors 🎨
Meet the team 👋
"Hi, I’m Kiki. Kiki Design Studio (KDS) is small but mighty. When you work with KDS, you are working with me directly. I oversee all design, conceptual planning, space planning, and more. We also have Haley, our project manager, who helps oversee the projects from start to finish and manages all the decisions and details involved in projects both small and large. We are a '1-2 punch' duo, supported by a great team of general contractors that we entrust to bring our visions to life."
Caring for clients 🤝
"We commit to being readily available and highly communicative with our clients. We go to bat for our clients, maintain a positive attitude, and provide a shoulder to lean on during high-stress times. We cherish the trust inherent in our client relationships and value creative collaboration. We take the time to get to know our clients, which not only makes the workflow smoother but also allows us to deliver something they inherently desire, even if they don’t have the exact vocabulary for it. The beauty of working with KDS is that I pay attention to the unspoken nuances of our conversations and use that as a foundation for our designs and workflows."
Bringing LA indoors 🏙
“As a Los Angeles native and an LA-based interior designer, the city's diverse architectural styles profoundly influence both who I am and how I approach design. LA is often perceived as vast and homogenous, but each neighborhood boasts its own unique identity and aesthetic. From Spanish revival to mid-century modern, craftsman homes to contemporary designs, the sheer variety of styles provides endless inspiration and shapes my California-eclectic aesthetic.
This diversity translates into my work because the only assumption I make when starting a project is that the client is drawn to my portfolio. The rest is a journey of discovery – unearthing the little gems and special touches that make my clients’ spaces uniquely theirs. Depending on the style of the home, I try to allow the surroundings to inform my aesthetic choices and direction so that each project reflects the essence of its environment.”
To splurge or save? 💰
“I encourage clients to splurge on items that will see a lot of use and wear, such as sofas, light fixtures, and other durable pieces that need to last a long time. These items are more permanent and not easily changed, so it’s worth investing in quality. One thing I love and believe truly makes a home is art. With my years of experience as a gallery owner, I have a deep appreciation for the impact of art in a space.
We pride ourselves on sourcing pieces from independent artists. While art doesn’t have to break the bank, it can add immense value to your space. It can be an emotional investment for our clients, but it’s one that I love navigating them through.”
Embracing patterns & color 🎨
“I always look for ways to bring in color without overwhelming the space, unless the client wants to go bold, which I’m also up for. Having gone to art school and interior design school, color theory is crucial to me. I can convince clients to embrace color when those colors feel harmonious throughout the entire design. This trust between client and designer is essential. I love pattern clashing and often hear clients say, 'I would not have put those together, but now I get it.' Harmony is key.”
Inspiring designers 👩🎨
"Cortney Bishop, Beata Heuman and Widell + Boschetti. I love all three because they represent different aesthetics that I admire and strive to achieve for my clients. Each leans fully into their unique styles."
