📖 Overview
Kelly Wearstler is an influential American interior designer who established her design firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design (KWID), in the mid-1990s. Her work spans luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with her designs for the Viceroy hotel chain in the early 2000s marking a significant impact on the industry.
Beyond interior design, Wearstler has expanded her creative reach into product design, furniture collections, and fashion accessories. Her client roster includes notable figures such as Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz, while her television presence includes serving as a judge on Bravo's Top Design series from 2007 to 2008.
A graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, Wearstler has authored five design books, including her bestselling "Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style." Her work regularly appears in major design publications and has earned recognition for its distinctive blend of contemporary and classical elements.
Her design firm, headquartered in Los Angeles, continues to shape prestigious projects worldwide, from luxury hotels to high-end residential spaces. Wearstler's influence extends through her product lines, which include lighting, furniture, home accessories, and jewelry.
👀 Reviews
Readers view Kelly Wearstler as a luxury interior designer who creates bold, maximalist spaces and coffee table books showcasing her work.
Readers appreciate:
- The high-quality photography in her books
- Her fearless mixing of patterns, textures, and eras
- Clear explanations of her design principles
- The behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process
Common criticisms:
- Books feel more like portfolios than practical guides
- Designs are too expensive/unrealistic for average homeowners
- Some find her style overwhelming or gaudy
- Limited actionable advice for readers on a budget
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: Average 4.5/5 across all books
Goodreads: 3.8/5 average
- "Modern Glamour" - 3.9/5
- "Rhapsody" - 4.1/5
- "Evocative Style" - 4.3/5
From reviews: "Beautiful inspiration but not much substance" appears frequently. Multiple readers note her books work better as visual references than how-to guides.
📚 Books by Kelly Wearstler
Domicilium Decoratus (2006)
A photographic documentation of Wearstler's Beverly Hills residence, showcasing her signature mix of vintage finds and contemporary designs.
Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style (2004) An exploration of Wearstler's design philosophy through various residential and commercial projects, demonstrating her approach to mixing patterns, colors, and textures.
Rhapsody (2012) A visual compilation of Wearstler's projects and creative process, featuring architectural elements, graphic designs, and interior spaces.
Hue (2009) A detailed examination of color theory and application in interior design, illustrated through Wearstler's completed projects.
Chronology (2011) A comprehensive overview of Wearstler's design evolution and significant projects spanning her career through 2011.
Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style (2004) An exploration of Wearstler's design philosophy through various residential and commercial projects, demonstrating her approach to mixing patterns, colors, and textures.
Rhapsody (2012) A visual compilation of Wearstler's projects and creative process, featuring architectural elements, graphic designs, and interior spaces.
Hue (2009) A detailed examination of color theory and application in interior design, illustrated through Wearstler's completed projects.
Chronology (2011) A comprehensive overview of Wearstler's design evolution and significant projects spanning her career through 2011.
👥 Similar authors
Jonathan Adler creates books and products focused on modern home design with an emphasis on ceramics and decorative objects. His design philosophy combines craftsmanship with playful modernism, similar to Wearstler's blend of contemporary and classical elements.
India Mahdavi publishes design books showcasing her work in hospitality and residential spaces, with projects spanning global locations. Her use of color and geometric forms mirrors Wearstler's bold approach to interior spaces.
Vicente Wolf writes about design through the lens of his international travel experiences and focuses on mixing modern with antiquities. His books detail the principles of composition and balance in interior spaces with an emphasis on light and space.
Mary McDonald produces books that document her work in high-end residential and commercial projects across Los Angeles. Her background in fashion and interior design parallels Wearstler's career path and cross-disciplinary approach.
David Hicks created influential books on interior and garden design that showcase his bold use of color and geometric patterns. His work combining contemporary with traditional elements established principles that influenced designers like Wearstler.
India Mahdavi publishes design books showcasing her work in hospitality and residential spaces, with projects spanning global locations. Her use of color and geometric forms mirrors Wearstler's bold approach to interior spaces.
Vicente Wolf writes about design through the lens of his international travel experiences and focuses on mixing modern with antiquities. His books detail the principles of composition and balance in interior spaces with an emphasis on light and space.
Mary McDonald produces books that document her work in high-end residential and commercial projects across Los Angeles. Her background in fashion and interior design parallels Wearstler's career path and cross-disciplinary approach.
David Hicks created influential books on interior and garden design that showcase his bold use of color and geometric patterns. His work combining contemporary with traditional elements established principles that influenced designers like Wearstler.