LUX Autumn 2018

66 K. Smith Interiors is a full-service boutique interior design firm based out of Anaheim, California. In July, K. Smith Interiors was named as California’s Leading Boutique Design Firm in LUXlife ’s ongoing 2018 Leading Designers Awards – a programme dedicated to acknowledging the very best designers working, in all sub-sectors, around the world. On the back of the win, we spoke to the Owner and Principal Designer, Kristi Smith, to find out how she has developed her unique sense of style. Established in 2015, K. Smith Interiors has made a swift impression on the West Coast’s design industry, utilising Kristi’s clean, contemporary style with her eye for inspired palette choices. Working alongside fellow designer, Andrea Marie Freeman, who specialises in residential and commercial interiors, Kristi has built a firm that fulfils her clients’ visions with a practiced ease, delighting with her signature style, adaptability and luxury standard of work. Above all, K. Smith Interiors was born from the realisation that good interior design is held in perfect equilibrium between form and function. Far from being ‘just’ an interior design firm, K. Smith Interiors are capable of full design and build services, from kitchen and bathroom remodelling to ‘staging to sell’. Equally, the firm utilises computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D rendering design software to aid with seamless client collaboration. Kristi takes a moment to explain what makes K. Smith Interiors stand out from what is, by all regards, a highly competitive sector, “We believe that the quality that makes for the best designers - beyond talent, vision, and experience - is the genuine desire to do what is best for the client and the project. In doing so, we believe we are creating clients for life. Good design is about form and function combined perfectly to meet the needs and lifestyle of our client. It is not about magazines, mega mansions, or the amount of money spent, it is about the home and the people that live in it.” Kristi continues, “We approach each project with an open mind and sincere interest in what the client needs to make their home perfect for them. We believe by following a consistent step by step process in assessing the 1808LU06 project, designing the project, and expediting the project we can provide beautiful design for the client, strong guidance and support to the team, and ultimately a positive outcome for all.” Kristi has made her name in exceeding client expectations, honing her talents over two decades of tested experience, “I believe my experience of more than 20 years with home builders in Southern California has allowed me to build a better interior design firm, with a keen understanding of what it takes to build and finish a gorgeous, custom home. This has given me the ability to communicate well with home owners, general contractors, and trades through out each project.” Like many of her peers, Kristi is concerned with the growing trend of ‘armchair designers’, seeing it as one of the main challenges facing the industry, “I think our industry is going to continue to be challenged by the DIY/HGTV mentality that has people believing ‘interior design is so quick and easy’, or ‘anyone can do it’. As such, we will continue to struggle with the ‘I can order it online’ dilemma. It is imperative that designers understand and communicate what we offer that is of the greatest value is “service”, not product. I am excited to meet more and more designers that understand this, and I am happy to meet other designers that are happy and willing to share knowledge and information, to learn together instead of “competing”.There is plenty of work for everyone, and the clients that chose to work with you should be the right fit for you and your firm, and you should be the right fit for them.” When it comes to the future of the firm, Kristi sees K. Smith Interiors moving to streamline their clientele, “I am currently working on a vision board for the next evolution of my business. I am working on defining our ‘ideal’ client and narrowing down the scope of offerings to those projects that are the most fulfilling. In the meantime, I am busy raising two teenage boys with my husband of 22 years and I am always working on family/work balance. “As for what is next with my business…maybe a cool, slightly industrial design studio with an attached yoga/zen room and a martini bar next door. Who knows, but it is fun to dream!” Contact: Kristi Smith Company: K. Smith Interiors, 1295 N. Kraemer Blvd, Anaheim, California, 92806, USA Telephone: 001 714 720 3414 Web Address: www.ksmithinteriors.com Achieving True Luxury in Design