At Kimberley Harrison Interiors, the design process reflects the aesthetic and energy of the imagined end goal. All flow together as one. That process begins with Harrison getting to know her clients: meeting them in their space, picking up on the energy they exude, discovering what they want to say, getting a taste for their lifestyle, and finding what piques their interest. While some of this discovery comes about through conversation, physically interacting with clients in their homes is the true tell of how Harrison can accurately assess the look and feel they want and pinpoint how they will use and live in the space.
Clients typically seek out an interior designer when they have grown tired of the appearance of their home, have moved on to a new phase in their life, or because their space needs a bit of spark. Harrison’s gift is helping clients navigate outside their comfort zone into this new territory. “To do my design work well, I take time to understand who people are, what pleases them, and what brings them comfort. And fortunately, for this, I have an instinct. The bottom line: this is their home. And I want them to love it.”
Kimberley Harrison
The “kick-off” for the design process is gathering inspirational images, samples, and the like, then laying everything out for the client at the studio. Harrison and the client build ideas together, adding alternate samples and visuals as the project evolves. Once a consensus is reached on the elements, a more detailed process of envisioning the space begins. This includes consideration of how the space will be used and for whom. All of these details inform the layout and ultimately determine which components are appropriate, necessary, and desirable. Harrison and her team then coordinate all technical aspects of making these concepts a reality.
Harrison’s projects range from single-room redesigns to all-new furnishings for multiple rooms or an entire house. Harrison often teams up with contractors and architects on structures built from the ground up and on gut-and-remodel projects. Harrison noted: “The best projects are those where the team is formed at the onset. This leads to more unity on the design, and everyone’s professional input results in more precision on the end product.”
Harrison’s business has enjoyed its own refresh in the way of a recent remodel of her design studio in the East Bay. Clients that visit the studio emanate from the surrounding counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and San Francisco, an eclectic mix of communities and lifestyles that keep Harrison on her toes with challenges that have contributed greatly to her artistic growth.
In addition, Harrison has recently realized a longtime dream of launching a retail extension of her design business. The new shop, Apricity, whose sales are primarily online, also enjoys a space at the design studio, where Harrison displays all manner of home accents and décor, from vases, throw pillows, and sculptures to artisan barware and eye-catching entertainment pieces. Apricity provides customers with an introduction to Harrison’s style and allows her to develop relationships that often lead to design work.
Kimberley Harrison Interiors is ready to take on the challenge of any design project, be it creating an invigorating new look for a home or bringing a favorite living space to life.
