Despite asserting a non-minimalist stance, designer Katie Harbison consistently creates tranquil and peaceful projects. She reveals her strategies for achieving serenity amidst clutter.
Katie Harbison, the founder of her eponymous design studio, is renowned for creating interiors that seamlessly blend architectural integrity with contemporary elegance. Her work is praised for its tactile materiality, thoughtful restraint, and the way each room feels both curated and deeply liveable.
Harbison's design philosophy is inspired by Renaissance symmetry and old-world craftsmanship, yet guided by a Californian sensibility of light, space, and natural materials. This unique blend results in spaces that evoke a sense of calm and happiness, similar to well-designed vacation hotels.
The Californian Aesthetic
The Californian aesthetic, as influenced by Katie Harbison, is characterized by deep comfy seating, woods, soft palettes, and a focus on materiality, rather than being overly fussy or ornate. This style aligns closely with the California Casual style, which emphasizes relaxed sophistication and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Key elements of the Californian aesthetic evident in Harbison's designs include seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, a neutral color palette, the use of organic, natural materials, a mix of vintage and modern furnishings, and comfort-centered design.
Balance and Symmetry
Harbison values symmetry in her designs, but also incorporates unexpected elements for balance. She prefers a balance in her designs, avoiding overcrowding and focusing on negative space and varying heights or shapes. This balance is often achieved by juxtaposing vintage treasures with refined, modern lines, such as plush, deep seating beside smooth marble bars, ornate architraves paired with softly curved sofas.
Materiality and Marble
Harbison's designs often feature curved arches, which are mirrored in curved sofas and coffee tables to soften angular corners. Her work is characterized by a focus on materiality and a preference for mossy green veined stone. Frequently, marble is incorporated into her designs, particularly in areas like powder rooms and main living areas.
Limewash and Plaster
When designing a room, Harbison starts by considering the architecture to ensure cohesion throughout the home. This often involves honoring the bones of the building, reinstating period details where they've been lost, and ensuring the architecture flows seamlessly into the interiors. Limewash and plaster on walls with neutral bone color bases are common in her designs.
Unconventional Placement
Even in traditional settings, Harbison's designs are not afraid to be unconventional. A small mirror might be placed in a formal drawing room, on a wall where a larger piece might typically be expected. This unexpected touch adds a layer of intrigue to the space, while still maintaining the overall sense of calm and elegance.
In summary, Katie Harbison's design philosophy emphasizes cohesion, blending architectural integrity with contemporary elegance, and is heavily influenced by the California Casual aesthetic. Her work is a testament to the beauty of balance, materiality, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, creating interiors that are both sophisticated and inviting.
[1] Source: Interior Design Magazines [2] Source: Architectural Digest [3] Source: MyDomaine [4] Source: Houzz [5] Source: Decorilla
- Katie Harbison's interior design philosophy, rooted in the Californian aesthetic, prioritizes home-and-garden elements such as deep comfy seating, woods, soft palettes, and a focus on materiality, resulting in interiors that are both style-driven and liveable.
- Harbison's designs, showcased in her eponymous studio, incorporate unexpected elements for balance, like placing a small mirror in a formal drawing room, which not only adds intrigue but also maintains a sense of calm and elegance, therefore aligning with a lifestyle that values both sophistication and comfort.
