Katie – can you believe next year it will be the 10-year anniversary of Katie Kime? What changes have you noticed in yourself over the decade?
I've gotten a lot better at being okay with something taking way longer to happen or not happening when I want it to in order for it to happen the way it should. I no longer feel like a diva to say, no that's not good enough (for us as a brand), let's try again even if something is delayed. Style-wise I still am a more is more girl but certainly even that continues to evolve too.
Is there such a thing as an Austin vibe or Texas style in interiors?
Austin continues to be such a melting pot of styles and ideas. What I love about visiting homes in this city is I never know what I'm going to find. From the MOST modern things I've ever seen to really traditional stone and wood, every friend of mine here has a very different house from the other, and from me.
How do you make your home feel extra special during the festive season?
Candles are really big for me. At Christmas there are dozens and dozens. All of my most vivid memories in life are most conjured by smell so I try to do that in our house. In general I love going over the top during the holidays and having kids allows me to go with whatever without being too hard on myself for it being perfectly designed.
Any style tips for hosting family and friends for gatherings at this time of year?
A stocked bar? Just kidding...kind of. I do think that's key for hosting, mostly in a way that allows people to access their own drinks, snacks, etc. without needing to ask the hostess. And flowers, as obvious or simple as that sounds, really do go such a long way. Little arrangements (even from Trader Joes, doesn't have to be fancy), in bathrooms, bedrooms and unexpected places make guests feel welcome and cared for.
What do you look forward to most about December, the hibernating, snuggling, celebrating….
Ah, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Our family does relish in all of it. We go all out on the decor, and in the evenings there are home-cooked meals, hot chocolate and the same Christmas movies on repeat. That time when we're all home together is what I look forward to most.
Any tips on gift giving for the Austinites in your life?
Obviously, I recommend our Austin toile but beyond that I think homemade gifts are underrated. One of my friends makes the best salsa in the world and all I want for Christmas from her is a few jars of it. Things like that can sometimes be the best and most unexpected gifts.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What style goals and resolutions do you have for the year ahead?
I definitely do goal planning each January, not necessarily resolutions. But it's a big thing in our family and my husband and I take it seriously, going back and looking at what we wrote down the year before and then processing that before planning for the new year. It's such a refreshing time for me.
Lastly, I have to ask Austin’s design guru of course: what trends should our readers look out for in 2023?
I'm happy to say I feel like there's definitely some maximalist trends on the rise. Colorful, rainbow stripes, maxi dresses, statement bows and blouses. I'm here for all of it.
List your three dream Christmas presents:
1 Anything David Webb jewelry - definitely a dream.
2 A giant Taschen art book with easel.
3 A new, brightly colored winter coat.
For more information on Katie's designs and inspirations, go to katiekime.com