Get the Look: Kit Kemp’s Curated, Artistic Style
Happy Easter!! As always, I’m joining my pals Annie and Mary Ann for our Sunday Faves. In a recent post, I mentioned my love for Santa Barbara Magazine—especially the Home and Garden Issue, which featured a wonderful article on Raoul Textiles (a longtime favorite of mine). The piece spotlighted founder Sally McQuillan, who, along with her husband Tim, started Raoul Textiles in a Quonset hut by the beach back in 1981. Since then, their family-owned design firm has become a major force in the industry, celebrated for its bold use of color and unexpected, artful designs. Before I lived nearby, I’d always make a point to stop in during visits to Santa Barbara to see what was new. That article sent me down a delightful rabbit hole that led to the incredibly talented Kit Kemp. So let’s chat about how to Get the Look: Kit Kemp’s Curated, Artistic Style.
Kit Kemp Interiors
Kit Kemp is renowned for her delightfully curated spaces bursting with vibrant fabrics, quirky finds, and eye-catching art. I absolutely adore her fearless use of pattern and color. Would I be bold enough to try it in my own home at this stage? Probably not—especially since I’m not planning any big decorating overhauls. But do I appreciate, admire, and completely love her style? Heck yes! I’m especially drawn to the way she effortlessly blends gorgeous textiles with timeless antiques.
The juxtaposition of the quirky gallery wall art and the antique cupboard is the pièce de ré·sis·tance.
Her beautiful living room in her London home is filled with color and just the right amount of pattern.
Firmdale Hotels
Kit Kemp and her husband Tim started their journey together back in 1985 when they opened the Dorset Square Hotel in London—the very first of what would become Firmdale Hotels. At the time, Tim was running student housing and brought Kit on board to help. With Kit’s eye for design and Tim’s business know-how, the two made a perfect team, creatingt, stylish, personality-packed hotels that feel more like curated personal homes than places to stay. They currently operate eleven luxury hotels in New York and London. Have you stayed in any of the lovely hotels from the Firmdale group?
Firmdale Covent Garden Hotel
Firmdale Soho Hotel
Outfits of the Week Kit Kemp Style
I imagine Kit floating through her home in something as artful and expressive as her interiors—perhaps a flowing maxi dress in a bold print, or a bright red guipere lace matched set, paired with quirky embroidered mules from Artemis Design or something similar. Effortlessly elegant, with just the right mix of whimsy.
This beautiful dress from Boden could be dressed up for a wedding or dressed down for a casual lunch. I own the rattan earrings in several colors. Love the ethnic inspired look of the Jack Rogers sandals. The Jenny Kayne hat is pricey but good. You could add a raffia belt and sandals for a different look.
This pretty Tuckernuck dress would look great with the same mix of high and low accessories.
Shop Outfits of the Week
More Pretty Summer Dresses
Terez Tyni Art-her colorful world
I was introduced to local artist Terez Tyni at an event that I attended with my friend Wren at our local artists studios, Studios on the Park. I think Kit Kemp would approve of Terez’s art. You can visit Terez and her work locally at Studios on the Park, or on her website here.
Recipe of the Week-Kit Kemp Approved?
Okay, this might be a bit of a stretch, but I like to imagine Kit’s meals are just as vibrant and colorful as her interiors. This watermelon radish salad from A Life Well Consumed looks absolutely delicious. I would drizzle my citrus viniagrette over it for a tad more flavor, but I can’t wait to make it!
Sales of Note
J Crew Spring Event 40% off Sitewide-this is a good one
Bloomingdales Bury More Save More-ends today
Thank you so much for reading- Get the Look: Kit Kemp’s Curated, Artistic Style. What do you think of Kit Kemps colorful pattern-filled style?
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their favorites
I stayed at the Covent Garden Hotel and the Knightsbridge Hotel about 18 months ago. They were lovely! Small, with excellent service – I would definitely recommend them. The Covent Garden Hotel is on a fun, bustling street, and has a restaurant. The Knightsbridge is on a quiet, dead end street near Harrods.
What a joy filled post…love Raoul Textiles and that salad has my mouth watering!
Hope you’re having a nice Easter.
Hi Cindy,
I love Kit Kemp’s Curated Artistic Style. I think it’s unique and fabulous.
Happy and a blessed Easter.
Thank you Wren for introducing me to Cindy in my studio at studios on the park!
I think that the 2 paintings you posted definitely make me feel like spring & Easter ! Please come visit again!
Thanks for sharing my art!
Teréz
I’m wearing Boden today, for Easter plus that fab denim trench from Rolla that you recommended!
Happy Easter 🐇 to you and your family🐰🙏💙 your salad looks delicious, you really are a true inspiration Cindy I just love your blog it is the highlight of my day 💜🐰💜
I love Kit Kemp’s colorful style. I always stay at Number Sixteen in London. It has the most beautiful little garden where you can take tea or breakfast in good weather. It is located near the Kensington tube station and is a short walk away from gorgeous boutique shopping and many dining options. The smallest rooms are petite indeed but all are delightful, cheery and well appointed. The outfits do indeed express her aesthetic.
As Wren, I love Terez.
she is an amazing artist, biscotti baker and human. Her energy is vibrant and fun! Her art graces the cover of the former Petit Soleil’s recipe collection, La Vie Petit. Thanks for sharing Terez!
That salad looks yummy and fresh.
Happy Easter.
Thank you for mentioning Terez! It was fun to see her again now that we’ve all hit the point in our lives where we are silver. I agree that your salad looks vibrant enough to go along with today’s theme. Happy Easter, Cindy ~