When designing homes, Katie Kildal blends aesthetics with functionality. (Courtesy Katie K. Interiors)
While Katie Kildal studied at interior design school, she came up with a portfolio presentation on creating spaces for children and families. A few years later, she branded her business on the idea that homes can be both aesthetic and functional.
The backstory
Before going back to school, Kildal had been working as a teacher since she was 17 years old.
Kildal said she loved decorating her classroom and was always testing out functionality, such as deciding if she should have tables on carpet or on tile. One is easier to clean up, but the other is louder, she said.
After her family relocated to Houston from Florida, she decided to make a career change and go back to school for interior design and build her brand, Katie K. Interiors.
“I thought there were a lot of people who do all of the [interior design] things, but there are not a lot who specialize in kids and in families,” Kildal said. “I really focused on who lives there and that, yes, we all want to have a lovely home, but it also has to be durable for kids and pets and spills and life.”
The approach
As a mom of two boys, Kildal said she is always looking through the lens of motherhood and that she wouldn’t put items in a client's home that she doesn’t put in her own.
Katie K. Interiors designs spaces for play, style and real life. (Courtesy Katie K. Interiors)
Kildal recommends items that are durable and long-lasting or things that are washable, such as vinyl wallpaper. She said some clients think they have to buy “throw-away furniture” so their children don’t wreck an expensive item that quickly needs replacing, but Kildal disagrees.
“I approach it like, ‘Let's get the best high-quality sofa that is in your budget range, and we're just going to put a super durable fabric on it,’ because I don't want anybody making any investments ... that you're going to have to replace in a couple years,” she said.
The specifics
Katie K. Interiors offers clients several different plans to choose from, covering everything from consulting and designing to purchasing, installing and styling.
Kildal also offers a catch-all plan called The Zhuzh, which addresses smaller-scale needs, such as lighting, wallpaper and finishing touches.
