{"id":6476,"date":"2024-01-21T18:59:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-21T18:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6476"},"modified":"2023-12-31T17:13:46","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T17:13:46","slug":"get-the-kit-kemp-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/inspiration-and-theory\/get-the-kit-kemp-look","title":{"rendered":"Get the Kit Kemp look"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hotelier and interior designer, Kit Kemp, is celebrated for her joyfully whimsical style. Her love of colourful fabrics, pattern, artwork and eclectic accessories create quirky rooms that celebrate her quintessential British style.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Kit\u2019s boutique hotels in London and New York, rooms are transformed into cool, modern spaces that are as beautiful as they are comfortable. Underneath the kaleidoscope of pattern and colour there are rules and tricks that govern her signature style. Here are some tips to create your very own Kit Kemp inspired space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish\u00a0zones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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All Kit\u2019s designs start with her\u00a0dividing the space up into functional zones based on\u00a0their\u00a0purpose.\u00a0This means her\u00a0spaces feel balanced, calm and stable. Start with choosing your central point, often a sofa or bed, and make this the largest item of furniture around which other small items are placed. This creates a sense of\u00a0balance when you enter a room. Kit uses side tables and occasional chairs to define the boundaries of an area.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play with pattern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The multi coloured assortment of patterns that characterise Kit Kemp’s schemes favour an eclectic mix of geometrics, florals and abstract prints working together in perfect harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get the look,\u00a0simply layer different patterns of varying scales to add movement and texture.\u00a0The trick is to choose similar\u00a0colour groups\u00a0to\u00a0ground the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0easiest way to play with patterns is\u00a0by using\u00a0a mix of different patterned\u00a0cushions.\u00a0You can then have some fun by varying the cushions you use in differing sizes and patterns. This adds\u00a0depth and texture to\u00a0your\u00a0sofa\u00a0or bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layer up different textures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The\u00a0best interiors\u00a0combine\u00a0different textures\u00a0to ensure a room looks warm and welcoming. Without texture, interiors can sometimes look flat and cold.\u00a0Kit chooses\u00a0fabrics rich with natural imperfections and texture within the weave.\u00a0To get the look, choose fabrics like\u00a0linen and wool,\u00a0with\u00a0weaves and prints,\u00a0to add\u00a0depth to a space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrate curtains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Curtains are the perfect place to use a large-scale print that you love. Bold prints are best used on tall curtains so you can\u00a0see\u00a0the repeat\u00a0pattern.\u00a0Kit loves geometric designs in her hotel rooms.\u00a0If you can\u2019t choose between\u00a0two\u00a0favourite fabrics, use one on either side\u00a0of your curtains. I love this look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kit also\u00a0uses\u00a0pelmets to\u00a0cover the top of the curtains.\u00a0Rather than looking old-fashioned, in the right space, fabric pelmets can finish off a pair of curtains perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kit hangs curtains right to the ceiling. This trick makes the ceilings look higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statement headboards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In Kit Kemp\u2019s hotels her iconic statement headboards have become synonymous with her look. Statement headboards are a bold design look. A larger-than-life headboard will draw your eye to the centre of a bedroom and allow you to choose a colour and fabric that stands out against you wall covering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use strategically placed mirrors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Decorating with mirrors is a great way to increase natural light and\u00a0create\u00a0a sense of space.\u00a0Mirrors have become much more than just a looking glass.\u00a0A well placed mirror can be used to duplicate your favourite design features. Placing mirrors within the niches of a room also makes darker nooks lighter as they reflect natural daylight as well as lamp lighting.\u00a0Installing mirrors at the back of a bookshelf can add an illusion of depth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use low level lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kit keeps\u00a0lighting low, directional and practical.\u00a0In her hotels she tends to avoid using\u00a0spotlights, especially in rooms such as living rooms, libraries and bedroom\u00a0which are meant to be warm and inviting. Use\u00a0table lamps, standing lights and picture wall lights.\u00a0Table lamps provide a practical source of light whilst doubling as pieces of sculpture. Their unique shapes and various materials add textures and colour to the room.\u00a0Placing table lamps behind furniture or a plant in the corner of the room,\u00a0can\u00a0make the room feel larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrate polished metals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A\u00a0material\u00a0Kit\u00a0loves\u00a0to use in\u00a0her\u00a0schemes is polished metal.\u00a0Metal\u2019s reflective quality\u00a0infuses\u00a0spaces with contemporary\u00a0sophistication. From chrome to brass and copper, their glossy surfaces draw the eye, creating a focal point in a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether she uses metal bobbin lamps, a shiny brass cocktail cabinet or polished nickel studs on an upholstered chair, Kit knows the power of polished metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget rugs\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A rug can transform any space by adding colour, texture and style\u00a0and can change how a room looks and feels.\u00a0Rugs can help make the most out of a room through creating different zones\u00a0and\u00a0runners are a great way to help lead the eye from one space into another – they also help to fill the\u00a0space\u00a0that often makes hallways feel unfinished.\u00a0Kit loves\u00a0antique rugs\u00a0for their power to make your\u00a0space feel timeless and layered.\u00a0If you choose a style of rug with hand knotted elements or fringing details\u00a0it will also add warmth to your room.\u00a0Layering a rug on top of carpet adds an extra level of comfort and cosiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earn your stripes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stripes are one of\u00a0Kit\u2019s\u00a0favourite patterns. Striped walls bring dimension and stability to a scheme. Stripes can be thick or thin depending on the impact you want to create.\u00a0A variation of depth in stripes create different effects within schemes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funky sconces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wall lights serve an important role in terms of both function and form in Kit\u2019s hotels and you will often see her using funky sconces in her designs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sconces were\u00a0one of the earliest forms of interior lighting, originally used to hold candles. Different shaped\u00a0scones can create wall shadows, bringing additional layers of texture to a space.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wallpaper your walls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kit Kemp\u2019s hotel rooms are often wallpapered rather than painted to achieve a smart finish. Wallpapering walls is a perfect opportunity to add further colour and texture to a space. Kit also loves to use hand-painted murals in some of her rooms. Opting for\u00a0more\u00a0neutral fabrics\u00a0in the furnishings\u00a0allows\u00a0the\u00a0mural to take centre stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fabric on walls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kit also often\u00a0opts\u00a0for\u00a0paper backed\u00a0fabric on the walls, especially in bedrooms,\u00a0to create a luxurious effect.\u00a0This creates a soft canvas for the room. If you\u2019ve chosen a colder colour for your walls, like blue, using a textured fabric will bring warmth back into the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use embroidery and applique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kit\u2019s signature style uses\u00a0fabrics which have embroidery or applique\u00a0detail.\u00a0It is another way to create\u00a0contrast through texture.\u00a0The trick is to pick a fabric with a neutral background, so the intricate thread work of the hand embroidery is showcased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tip is to use embroidered fabrics on decorative chairs where they will be protected from wear and tear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vibrant artwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The finishing touches and eccentric accessories are what makes Kit Kemp interiors so enchanting. Kit is a keen collector of art and vibrant artwork is a dominant feature\u00a0in her interiors. Whilst being a beautiful addition to the walls,\u00a0the artwork\u00a0often shares its colour palette with the rest of the room and helps to link the overall scheme together.\u00a0Artwork also gives a room character and warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use trimmings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Look closely at the rooms in Kit Kemp\u2019s hotels and you will notice that upholstery and cushions are adorned with trimmings to give neat edges and a tailored finish. Trimmings are also a wonderful excuse to add extra splashes of colour. You will often see Kit choosing contrasting tones that appear in other pieces in the room which brings the scheme together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kit has written several books on design and has a fabulous blog on her website. I also do recommend a visit to one of her wonderful Firmdale hotels for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

www.kitkemp.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

www.firmdalehotels.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hotelier and interior designer, Kit Kemp, is celebrated for her joyfully whimsical style. Her love of colourful fabrics, pattern, artwork and eclectic accessories create quirky rooms that celebrate her quintessential British style.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration-and-theory"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6476"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6506,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6476\/revisions\/6506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}