From Corporate Exec to Design Star: Kari McIntosh Creates Fresh, Timeless Interiors

Welcome to the second post in our quarterly Designer Series, where we feature some of our favorite designers. This time, we are featuring a local San Francisco area designer whose work I have long admired. Kari McIntosh Design is a full-service interior design firm specializing in residential interiors. Her scope of work includes new build designs, showcase houses, and thoughtful remodels. I first spotted Kari’s work at one of The Traditional Home Magazine Designer Show houses several years ago. She has a wonderful knack for maintaining the character of a heritage home by melding the warm character and history of the home in a fresh, timeless way suited for modern living. Let’s chat about how she went from Corporate Exec to Design Star: Kari McIntosh Creates Fresh, Timeless Interiors.

photo credit John Merkl

From Corporate Exec to Design Star: Kari McIntosh Creates Fresh, Timeless Interiors

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became interested in design. 

As long as I remember I have been interested in design and the creative fields. Looking back at middle school papers I aspired to have a career in architecture. I took art and drafting classes in high school (the only gal in the drafting class at the technical arts building). The summer between Junior and Senior year I participated in a summer program through USC Architecture that was an introduction to design labs, field trips to Greene and Greene’s Gamble House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, Bradbury Building and more. 

You attended Cal Poly SLO and received a degree in business administration, yet you didn’t land in the design arena until after working in the corporate world at JP Morgan Chase. What did you take from that world into the entirely different realm of design? 

When I began the Architecture program at Cal Poly, I quickly realized that it was much more scientific and mathematical than I realized and by my second year I needed to change my major. I chose a business degree as I felt it was a good general education that was useful for a design career in the future. Once I graduated, I came to the Bay Area eager to make my way and earn a living. After a brief stint as a technical recruiter, I began a 7+year run as an Event Planner for an Investment Bank (starting as a coordinator and leaving as a Vice President, which I was very proud of). After 7 years I came to a crossroads and decided I needed to get back to my true passion. My years in banking were valuable, much of that job directly relates to my career in interior design today. From managing contracts with hotel and event venues, event budgets, strategy sessions with bank leaders, coordinating marketing collateral pieces, customer service (and everything in between), it was a great training ground for the project management aspect of design. 

Photo credit: Christopher Stark

Tell us more about KMD Antiques & Design Atelier.  

KMD Antiques and Design Atelier developed from my love of the finishing touches for a project. After the installation we bring in the layers that create homes with soul and it takes a lot of time, energy and resources to curate those final touches. I felt having a space to amass and store the types of items I would like to place in client homes, while making them shop-able to the trade and public, would be an interesting concept. It also came about as we were coming out of Covid lockdown and struggling with supply chain and product availability. Today, the Atelier is home to our Studio (upstairs back-of-the-house), with retail at the front. We are a component of a vibrant downtown Burlingame retail scene. It’s a great community atmosphere. The Atelier is a curated selection of European antique and vintage accessories. We feature new items from local artisans and carry a robust offering of Trudon products (our favorite candles). There truly is something chic and unique for everyone. Building on the community atmosphere, I hope to offer intimate classes for small groups that are focused around a local expert. Still working out the details of how that might come together – small social settings are where I find the greatest joy and connection. 

You are located in California, yet your projects span the entire country. Share how you are able to transition from designing for innovators in tech and finance, to projects in areas such as Carmel, CA and Sand Valley, WI.  

I love my clients and there is nothing more rewarding than working with the same clients on multiple projects. This is precisely how projects in other regions and states have developed. They are second homes for returning clients and it works quite well. There is a shorthand developed when working with a long-term client. You already understand their preferences and great economies of scale are achieved by continuing work together. The clients are local so it’s easy to meet, present and review samples throughout the process. Covid taught us that much of construction coordination can happen online so 90% of construction meetings are done this way with minimal in-person site visits at the major milestones of construction. 

photo credit John Merkl

How would you describe your style? 

I’m a classicist! My sensibility is rooted in Tradition; I like to play with color, pattern and scale, and I enjoy a touch of edge (usually explored through motifs and art). 

Where do you source inspiration and how has this changed with time? Where have you found inspiration in a place you weren’t expecting? 

My greatest source of inspiration comes from travel. Probably because when I travel, I am living in the moment and not bogged down by the day to day. I’m much more open to and seek out experiences that will inspire. I’ve always loved fashion. When I was younger most of my inspiration came from media – fashion and home magazines. Now I seek inspiration from nature, architecture and experiences. I feel that my most original ideas come from those sources. One source of inspiration that was surprising to me were the ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis in Italy. I was not expecting to see the decoration inside the villas to be so intact and vibrant. I found the frescos fresh and modern. The visit inspired my 2018 SF Showcase Room and a Dining Room for a client. I’m always striving to see in person what I have studied in Art History class when I am traveling. 

Editor’s Note: This SF decorator showhouse project is a favorite of mine from a few years back.

photo credit John Merkl

To date, what are some of your most memorable projects? 

My most memorable projects all have a recurring theme – storytelling and hospitality. They are projects where my clients have allowed me to take them on a journey, cultivating unique entertaining spaces within their havens for family and friends to gather. Whether they are pub-inspired pool houses, bespoke wine tasting rooms, bourbon lounges, meditation spaces or a dining room that feels like their favorite Michelin star restaurant…I love when clients say yes and get excited during the design concept stage.  When you listen to your chosen design team, magic can happen!

What projects do you have going in 2024 and beyond that you might be able to share with us? 

For 2024 I’m focused on the two second homes that we touched upon. They are large-scaled projects that keep me busy. I can share a little about the Wisconsin project as I’m learning so much about the area. It is a custom home in the Golf Resort of Sand Valley that I’m working on with Northworks Architects out of Chicago. The home is unique in that it is the backdrop for large family vacations and holidays so it has the potential as main character for core family memories, and it will also be rentable for golf vacations, so everything needs to wear well with a stylish touch. I’m calling the design concept Rustic Prairie, although the aesthetics are heavily influenced by historic resorts in Scotland, a wonderful lodge in New Zealand, and upscale resorts in Tennessee. Lots of pattern play – plaids and stripes with a touch of prep. I’m really excited for the finishes we have chosen. We have a lot of beautiful inventive tile pattern planned, live edge slab sliding doors, and are incorporating local makers and companies whenever possible. 

photo credit John Merkl

Share some tips for balancing work and personal life as a business owner.  

I’m of the opinion that it’s impossible to balance work and life as a business owner. There is no balance.  There are always multiple balls in the air. You can excel at every aspect of your career and life but never all at the same time. I remember a woman in banking said that once at a conference and I’ve found it to be true! 

Name a place you haven’t traveled to yet that you look forward to visiting, and why? 

There are so many places that are on my bucket list. I’m currently planning a trip to Scotland to dive into castles and the highlands (where some of my heritage originates from). I’m extremely keen to visit Egypt (ancient ruins), Jerusalem (ancient and religious sites), Morocco (colors, markets and food!), and Mexico City (culture, art and food!) So much design to absorb in each of these destinations. 

Share some of your practical tips when designing interiors.  

My best advice for designing interiors is to always start with your space plan. Dimensions don’t lie and sometimes clients are over-ambitious with how many items and functions can fit into a room. Also, I believe that the house tells you what it wants to be. Take cues from the era, style and area that your home is in. I love jewelry and so for me lighting and hardware is super important and often a missed opportunity. I love incorporating velvets, mohair’s, and richly patterned fabrics. When designing for a family focus on performance fabrics – they have greatly improved in hand feel and appearance. 

Photo credit: Christopher Stark

From Corporate Exec to Design Star: Kari McIntosh Creates Fresh, Timeless Interiors

Share your favorite design splurges. 

My personal favorite splurges in my own home: 

Decorative painting, original art, antiques (my favorite mother of pearl inlay Syrian chests from William Laman that make me feel like Doris Duke).

What design trends are you currently loving now, and which do you shy away from?

In general, I favor following your heart and forgetting trends, so I love the trend to make your home your own, without regard for “resale value.” More of my clients are embracing their home as a reflection of themselves without worrying about “The Joneses.” I find that refreshing. I also love the trend away from shades of gray as there are so many fantastic colors to play with. Perhaps not a popular opinion, but I am not fond of an “accent wall” (go for the whole room) or “Modern Farmhouse” style (unless it’s an actual historic farmhouse). 

Editor’s Note: I couldn’t agree more (above). I love how Kari embraced the integrity of her own home’s style, while giving it a fresh, updated look. Photographs by John Merkl.

photo credits John Merkl

Share your words to live by.  

Stay curious and just keep going! When you stop to reflect on how much you have achieved in one week, one month, one year…it’s powerful. So, just keep at it, enjoy life and loved ones, and be present. Life is short, show up! 

Kari’s clients appreciate her accurate projections, efficient time management, and realistic timelines, skills she learned in her corporate life. Kari delights in bringing these skills to the heart of her job.

You can read my post, Do you love colorful personalities, interiors and outfits here for more of Kari’s work, or you can see more of Kari’s wonderful work on her website here. Additionally, you can also follow her on Instagram here for her current roster of projects that you may not find on her website, including her coastal Carmel project, Sand Valley Wisconsin, and more. Furthermore, if you are local you can visit KMD Atelier 275 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010, or shop online here.

You also might enjoy one of our favorite features on the wonderful authors Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel of Sense of Place here. I hope you enjoyed From Corporate Exec to Design Star: Kari McIntosh Creates Fresh, Timeless Interiors. A big shout out to Kari. We enjoyed getting to know you a little better.

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