Kate Marker, the visionary behind her debut book, The Love of Home, is not just an interior designer—she is an artist who transforms spaces into sanctuaries. Her designs radiate an understated elegance, seamlessly blending beauty, balance, and belonging in every detail. With a career that spans two decades and roles that range from product designer to vacation rental owner, Marker has consistently redefined what it means to create a home. Her work invites us to reconnect with nature and ourselves, bringing a soulful approach to interior spaces that reflect the intimate stories of the people who inhabit them.
In, The Love of Home: Interiors for Beauty, Balance, and Belonging, Marker offers an intimate exploration of the design elements that transform a house into a personal haven. The book is not just a showcase of stunning interiors but a guide to cultivating a deeper connection to our spaces. Whether she’s capturing natural light or incorporating organic materials, Marker’s designs are a testament to the power of thoughtful, intentional living. Through her words and work, she encourages us all to slow down, reflect, and ultimately, to trust the process of creating a home that feels uniquely ours.
In this exclusive interview with The House Magazine, Marker takes us through her design philosophy, her evolution as a creative, and what she hopes readers will take away from her new book – now available at all major book stores.
Your book, The Love of Home, emphasizes the themes of beauty, balance, and belonging. How do you define these concepts within the context of interior design, and why are they so integral to your philosophy?
In “The Love of Home,” beauty, balance, and belonging are essential to creating meaningful spaces. Beauty involves selecting materials and decor that bring joy and comfort. Balance ensures harmony and functionality through proportional design and thoughtful arrangements. Belonging personalizes spaces with touches that reflect the unique stories and lifestyles of the inhabitants. These themes are integral to my philosophy because they create environments that are not only visually pleasing but also deeply personal and functional, truly making a house a home.
Can you share a specific project from the book that best exemplifies the balance between aesthetics and functionality? What were the unique challenges and rewards of that project?
While “The Love of Home” isn’t laid out project by project, every featured design emphasizes incorporating light and bringing the outdoors in. Each project centers around enhancing natural light and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The main challenge in many of these projects is to capture the beauty of the natural surroundings while providing all the comforts of modern living.
Incorporating large windows maximizes natural light and breathtaking views, blending the indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly. These projects embody the essence of beauty, balance, and belonging by ensuring that every design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply functional and connected to nature.
In your book, you discuss creating tailor-made spaces for thriving in the home. Could you elaborate on the process you use to understand and incorporate a family’s unique needs into your designs?
Creating tailor-made spaces starts with a deep understanding of each family’s unique needs and lifestyle. The process includes:
- Consultation: We begin with an in-depth consultation to learn about the family’s routines, preferences, and aspirations. Personalization: We incorporate personal touches like family heirlooms and custom pieces that reflect their history and personality.
- Functional Design: We create practical and flexible layouts that cater to their specific needs.
- Incorporating Light and Nature: Emphasizing natural light and a connection to the outdoors creates an inviting atmosphere.
- Feedback and Refinement: Maintaining open communication throughout the process ensures the final design reflects their vision.
The book’s release comes at a time when people are spending more time at home than ever before. How do you think this shift has influenced interior design trends and the way people view their living spaces?
Spending more time at home has significantly influenced interior design trends. People now prioritize multi-functional spaces that serve various purposes, such as home offices and gyms, and there’s a greater focus on creating warm, inviting atmospheres for comfort and coziness. There’s also an increased incorporation of natural elements, plants, and outdoor living spaces, reflecting a stronger connection to nature. Homes have become more personalized, reflecting individual tastes and lifestyles, and wellness design features that promote health, like air purifiers and ergonomic furniture, have become popular. Overall, people are more conscious of designing homes that support their lifestyle and well-being.
You mention that well-designed interiors should serve as sanctuaries. How do you achieve this sanctuary-like feel in spaces that might be limited in size or resources?
Creating a sanctuary-like feel in small or resource-limited spaces involves thoughtful design choices that maximize comfort and tranquility. Start by decluttering to create a sense of openness and calm. Utilize a neutral color palette to make the space feel larger and more serene. Incorporate multi-functional furniture to optimize the available space, and add personal touches like soft textiles, plants, and meaningful decor items. Prioritize natural light and include mirrors to enhance brightness and create an illusion of more space. Even with limited resources, these strategies can transform any space into a peaceful retreat.
Your designs are known for being deeply connected to the natural world. Can you talk about how you incorporate elements of nature into your projects and the impact this has on the overall atmosphere of a home?
Incorporating elements of nature into my designs involves using natural materials, maximizing natural light, and integrating indoor plants. I use wood, stone, and other organic materials to create a warm and inviting feel. Large windows and open layouts ensure that spaces are filled with natural light, fostering a bright and airy environment. Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic but also improve air quality and create a sense of tranquility. These elements work together to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere, making the home feel more connected to the natural world and enhancing the overall well-being of its inhabitants.
How do you balance the need for timeless design with the desire to incorporate current trends? Can you give an example of a project where you successfully merged these aspects?
Balancing timeless design with current trends involves focusing on classic elements while selectively incorporating contemporary touches. For instance, in a recent project, we used a neutral color palette and high-quality materials like wood and stone to create a timeless foundation. We then added trendier accents, such as bold-patterned textiles and modern light fixtures, which can be easily updated as trends change. This approach ensures that the design remains elegant and enduring while still feeling fresh and up-to-date. The result is a space that feels both timeless and current, adapting seamlessly to future trends.
With a career spanning over two decades, how has your design philosophy evolved over the years? Are there any key moments or projects that significantly influenced this evolution?
Growing my own family has profoundly shaped my understanding of what makes a home truly
special. This personal journey has influenced my designs, ensuring they cater to the practical
needs and emotional well-being of my clients. A key moment was a project where we
transformed a historic home, preserving its original character while adapting it to modern needs.
This underscored the importance of respecting a space’s history while making it functional for
modern living.
As a product designer, vacation rental owner, and social media maven, you wear many hats. How do these different roles inform and enhance your work as an interior designer?
Wearing many hats as a product designer, vacation rental owner, and social media enthusiast truly enriches my work as an interior designer. Designing products keeps me on top of the latest trends and innovations, allowing me to bring fresh and functional elements into my interior projects. It’s exciting to experiment with new materials and forms. Owning a vacation rental gives me practical insights into creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. I understand firsthand the importance of durability and comfort, which is crucial for spaces meant for frequent use. This experience helps me design homes that are not only stylish but also practical and comfortable.
Being active on social media connects me with a diverse audience and keeps me inspired by global trends and feedback. Sharing my design journey and engaging with followers fosters a sense of community and keeps me updated with what resonates with people. These roles together help me create thoughtful, innovative, and client-centered designs that truly feel like home.
Your book is described as a tribute to the connection we aspire to have in our homes. What personal experiences or inspirations prompted you to write this book now?
Writing “The Love of Home” was inspired by a deep desire to celebrate the connections we create in our living spaces. Over the years, both my personal experiences and professional journey have shaped this vision. Growing my own family has profoundly influenced my understanding of what makes a home truly special. The joy and comfort found in a well-designed space that caters to our daily lives have been invaluable.
Additionally, the past few years have emphasized the importance of our homes as sanctuaries.
Spending more time at home has made many of us reevaluate and appreciate the role our living
spaces play in our well-being. This period of reflection and adaptation inspired me to share
insights and designs that foster beauty, balance, and belonging in our homes.
Ultimately, I wanted to create a book that not only showcases beautiful interiors but also
encourages readers to cultivate a deeper connection with their own spaces, making their homes
a true reflection of their lives and loves.
For homeowners looking to infuse their spaces with a sense of beauty, balance, and belonging, what are some practical tips or starting points you would recommend?
To infuse your home with beauty, balance, and belonging, start by decluttering to create a clean, open environment. Use a neutral color palette as a timeless foundation, adding pops of color through accessories. Incorporate natural elements like plants, wood, and plenty of natural light to foster tranquility. Add personal touches with family photos and cherished items to create a sense of belonging. Ensure each area is functional and suits your lifestyle with multi-purpose furniture and thoughtful layouts. Layer textures for depth and interest, and use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These steps will help you create a home that feels beautiful, balanced, and uniquely yours.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to create a harmonious home environment, and how can they avoid these pitfalls?
Common mistakes when creating a harmonious home environment include overcrowding spaces, ignoring natural light, and neglecting personal touches. To avoid overcrowding, prioritize functionality and declutter regularly, ensuring each item has a purpose. Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains and strategically placing mirrors to reflect light. Lastly, avoid generic decor by incorporating personal items that reflect your story and style. By focusing on functionality, natural light, and personal touches, you can create a more balanced and inviting home.
You offer readers insights into your design philosophies and considerations for creating beloved homes. Can you share a particularly insightful piece of advice from the book that you believe will resonate deeply with readers?
One particularly insightful piece of advice from “The Love of Home” is: “When trust happens, beautiful things happen.” Trusting the design process, your instincts, and the relationship with your designer allows for the creation of spaces that are truly reflective of who you are. When you trust the journey, you can make bold choices, embrace personal touches, and create a home that is both beautiful and meaningful. This approach encourages readers to open up to the possibilities and discover the true potential of their living spaces.
Looking ahead, what are some emerging trends or shifts in the interior design world that you are excited about or see potential in?
Emerging trends in interior design that excite me include sustainable and eco-friendly design, focusing on reclaimed materials and energy-efficient solutions. Wellness design is also gaining traction, emphasizing natural light, indoor plants, and calming colors to promote well-being. Smart home technology is transforming interactions with our living spaces, offering greater convenience and customization. These trends enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of homes, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable way of living.
What do you hope readers will take away from The Love of Home, and how do you envision the book impacting their approach to interior design?
I hope readers of “The Love of Home” take away the importance of creating spaces that reflect their personal stories and bring joy and comfort. The book encourages readers to design with intention, focusing on beauty, balance, and belonging. I envision the book inspiring them to embrace their unique style, incorporate meaningful elements, and prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. Ultimately, I hope it empowers readers to create homes that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and nurturing.
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography courtesy of Kate Maker | @katemakerinteriors
