Evocative Style by Kelly Wearstler
What is evocative style? Kelly Wearstler is one person who understands this term better than anyone.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
Kelly Wearstler describes her design process as an intuitive extension of storytelling, beginning with “a piece of art, an incredible rug or a special vintage piece.” Photo - courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
An impromptu art installation and ‘happy accident’ in the kitchen of a dinner party hosted by Kelly Wearstler. Photo - courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
“There is soulful, rich storytelling and added layers of depth with historic pieces,” says Kelly Wearstler. Photo - courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
What is evocative style? The best hint to this is the title of Kelly Wearstler’s first book in ten years, KELLY WEARSTLER: EVOCATIVE STYLE, published by Rizzoli New York. The picture-heavy book mirrors her maximalist style, which has been at the crux of interior design for the 2010s, pioneering the Los Angeles ‘anti-taste’ which celebrates the loud and brash.
Kelly centres her style around expressive narratives and signature designs that pull colours, textures and patterns from all different eras and genres. Mid-century modern wooden furniture may combine with art deco brass finishes in a highly ornate mash-up of forms. And Kelly’s reel reflects her sought-after style, including high-profile Proper Hotels, BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman, and beautiful interiors for celebs, Ben Stiller, Gwen Stefani, and Cameron Diaz.
“One of my favourite aspects of design is its mercurial nature and publishing this journey as it unfolds is so exciting for me.”
“One of my favourite aspects of design is its mercurial nature and publishing this journey as it unfolds is so exciting for me,” shares Kelly Wearstler. Photo - courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
Any admirer of Kelly’s style will see the marriage of old and new throughout, the juxtaposition of raw and natural materials coming together in her eclectic signature. For the designer, her muse begins with her clients; she reflects, “with each environment truly distinctive and a reflection of my continual evolution and refinement of my design aesthetic.”
Kelly describes her process as an intuitive extension of storytelling, beginning with “a piece of art, an incredible rug or a special vintage piece.” But she also looks around the objects, extending the physicality of the architecture, light, and natural environment.
“I want to tell a story that is adventurous and full of soul on every scale. I first look at history, location, and architecture, and I try to honour them but push the boundaries at the same time.”
“The tension of opposites, the juxtaposition of seemingly dichotomous things interests me very much,” says Kelly Wearstler. Photo - courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
KELLY WEARSTLER: EVOCATIVE STYLE, published by Rizzoli New York.
Unsurprisingly, Kelly’s mother was an antique dealer, and this is evident throughout Kelly’s love of vintage, one-off pieces. She shares one of her favourite finds, a table lamp by artist Jacques Duval-Brasseur. “It’s a limited-edition design from the 1970s that I fell in love with when I first saw it in vintage magazines and books.” Four years ago, Kelly spotted it at the Paris Clignancourt flea market, peeking out from one of the stands— which now takes centre stage on her dining table.