Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Reynolds.
Hi Kathleen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a kid, I always loved to rearrange my room. My mother was very forgiving of this even when I decided to do it 30 minutes before potential buyers came by to preview our house. Every few months just for fun, I would drag my iron bed across the room inch by inch. When we’d go to the beach I wouldn’t build sand castles but instead would draw huge floor plans in the sand. My sister would have a house next door to mine which I would draw and furnish for her.
While in college, I decided to look into interior design and began interning for a designer in town. I learned so much and loved every second of it even if it meant dragging samples all over town. After graduating from Clemson, I worked for several designers and a furniture store in town before opening my own business in 2008.
Eight months after I opened up, my husband and I moved to France for two years. This was such a unique opportunity. I explored antique stores, took in the amazing architecture while on walks with my pups and traveled all over Europe. I believe this experience helped me to understand the importance of using antiques, vintage and well-loved pieces in a house to help give it character and a unique look that reflectt the people that live there.
After moving back, we had four kids so I had to perfect the art of multi-tasking and being highly organized. This is something I bring to all my projects now to help provide a smooth process for my clients as well create a beautiful space.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In the beginning, I had a hard time managing all the ends and outs of a project. After being in the industry for over 20 years now, I have a process that I follow to help projects run smoothly.
It is always hard to balance family and work. As a working mom, I have had to juggle kids, school, activities, etc. Some days are better than others. At the end of the day I always remind myself that tomorrow is a clean slate.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a full-service residential interior designer. I specialize in helping clients whose homes and maybe lives are going through a transition. That may be empty-nesters, someone renovating or building a home or changing a nursery to a big kid room. I am known for using color and a blend of antique, and vintage pieces with new furnishings. I like to incorporate elements that are unexpected or don’t typically “go together.”
I am proud to help clients use pieces in their homes that may be sentimental or inherited. I also find these types of pieces at auctions or antique stores. I think by buying items that are already in circulation, I am helping give the piece a new life and not contributing to the culture of disposable furnishings. The pieces that I provide for clients are long-lasting and good quality.
My process for designing a space is very detail oriented, and I believe this helps my clients feel confident in the investment they are making. I try to make the experience of working together smooth and stress-free for my clients.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I feel very lucky to not only love what I do every day, but to be able to own my own business. The best part of my job is to dream up spaces for my clients. I enjoy working on the backend of my business as well and constantly work on making the experience for my client better and better. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, but it is extremely gratifying to step back and look at what is created.
Contact Info:
- Website: kathleenreynoldsinteriors.com
- Instagram: kathleenreynoldsinteriors
- Facebook: Kathleen Reynolds Interiors
Image Credits
Emily Bolt Photography
