"Designer Blackjack - Kristen McCory . . . "
Greetings,
As promised, I want to ask 21 of my favourite designers 21 questions about their lives and businesses and highlight some of the amazingly creative people in our industry. Today, we start with my friend Kristen McCory from Connecticut. She is an amazing designer - a GREAT mom - and deeply hilarious . . . especially whilst we were both toiling madly to install the High Point Showcase House!
Let's deal out 21 questions and find out a bit more . . .
1) Tell me about the house where you grew up?
It was your typical colonial in a "Wonder Years" type neighborhood.
2) When did you realized that your future was in the interior design business?
I
would say about 13 years old. Whenever I was sent to room for
punishment or to do homework (haha) I can remember rearranging all the
furniture. I would shift the furniture an inch at a time to be sure I
created no noise or reason for my parents to come check on me. I can
also remember begging my mom to pick me up copies of Architectural
Digest and Southern Accents along with a Tiger Beat magazine when she
went to the grocery store.
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| Kristen McCory Interiors |
3) How and where did you learn about the interior design?
I
started by reading everything I could that was design related. Later I
attended Syracuse University for Interior Design and Surface Pattern
Design. I worked at Stark Wallcovering and Old World Weavers in the city
to get an understanding for the back end and other side of the
business, and later worked for some local CT designers.
4) How did you start your business?
I
actually began by doing decorative painting for designers. With my
pattern design background, an understanding and love for patterns and
wallpaper, I began to create and design through decorative painting. I
later put down the brush and began McCory Interiors.
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| Kristen McCory Interiors |
5) Tell me about your ideal client.
I love energetic families, that are willing to step their box and expand their comfort zones in their homes. Also, a client who is honest and communicates openly.
6) How do you begin designing one of your projects? What's the first step in your process?
The
interview. I get to know my clients on a deep level. It's not just
what they like or colors they are drawn to, but also, how they live.
Their schedules, their quirky routines, their habits, things they hate,
things they love, how they entertain, do they entertain... the list goes on and on.
Then there is always a floor plan/ furniture layout and traffic patterns and I always have a color story in mind.
7) What was your best client feedback . . . and maybe your worst client feedback - lol?
Best -
I hear it often, which is wonderful. I am told, I am comfortable to
be around. Easy to talk to, and that I articulate well. That I also
give my clients the time and space needed sometimes takes to come to
terms with thinking outside the box.
Worst-
This is a tough one, mainly because is it all really realistic
feedback? Always consider the source. Am I perfect. Obviously not, none
of us are. Apparently, I do not respond quick enough to text messages.
(Said the client with no boundaries, who texts me at 10pm at night or
6am on a Sunday morning. The client who places the order, but hasn't
paid. But, the "check is in the mail" and they want to know when or why
the piece has not arrived 48 hours later) Yes, this is a real thing.
Hence, the interview process. wink wink.
8) What one piece of advice would you give any new designer?
Pre-Qualify your clients and KNOW YOUR WORTH.
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| Kristen McCory - Grandmother's Pink Lipstick Project |
9) Tell me a bit about your favourite project!
Grandmother's Pink Lipstick. It was an incredibly personal project where everyone was just thrilled with the results in the end. The clients were excited about the opportunity to explore color and juxtapose the history of the house with modern life.
Grandmother's Pink Lipstick. It was an incredibly personal project where everyone was just thrilled with the results in the end. The clients were excited about the opportunity to explore color and juxtapose the history of the house with modern life.
10) Tell me about that one mistake that you will NEVER make again . . . ?
I have learned not to ignore the Red Flags. When someone shows you who they are, especially on a job, believe them.
11) What are you working on right now? What new projects are in the pipeline?
I
am currently finishing up a Pre-War Classic 7 in Carnegie Hill NYC.
And beginning a full remodel of a beautiful Cape Cod Style home that
over looks the CT River. And then there is my wall paper collection...
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| Kristen McCory, Dalton Square Wallpaper |
Lightning Round . . .
12) Favourite Wallpaper? Is it OK to plug myself? "Dalton Square" from Kristen McCory
13) Favourite Movie? Any 80's Comedy Flick, I just want to laugh.
14) Favourite Iconic Room? Good Gracious there are so many? How can you pick one?
15) Favourite Podcast or YouTube Channel? Totally TV (Disney Princess Parody, I have a 4 year old.)
16) Favourite Textile? Velvet.
17) Favourite Car? I would like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo please.
18) Favourite Movie Star (past or present)? Emma Stone.
19) Favourite Meal? Chicken Teriyaki (on the grill) with grilled pineapple.
20) Favourite International Destination? Have I mentioned my 4 year old? Sadly, I have not traveled in a long time. But, I lived in multiple countries and I love Finland.
21) Favourite Piece of Furniture? Anything from Alfonso Marino.
Keep up with Kristen -
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