Growing up in New England among an Italian-American family of entrepreneurs, Nashville-based interior designer, Kate Figler, has always lived in a world of vibrancy steeped in tradition. Her grandfather was a concert pianist who opened a restaurant after retiring. He married his love for music with the dining experience and would play piano for the diners each evening— a local “piano man.” Later, the family business expanded to include an inn and a gift shop that Kate’s mother and grandmother operated.
“We ate dinner at the restaurant every night, and after dinner, my sister and I would greet guests. Each evening was a family affair of our family serving our guests. Those years were the beginning of my customer service training. Design also became a normal part of my life, as I watched my mom and grandmother select tapestries, furniture and decor for the inn and gift shop,” she says.
Kate initially pursued a career in elementary education, but when Kate and her husband started their family and purchased a home to renovate and settle their young family, she had a change of heart, realizing that designing was her dream, and Kate Figler Interiors was born. Starting with projects for personal friends, Kate built her portfolio and grew her word-of-mouth referrals. Networking and social media channels also helped her establish her name as a sought-after Nashville designer, she adds.
Kate’s rich life experiences laid the groundwork for a joy-filled career, and she credits her early years with teaching her the values of hard work and creating client experiences. Her role as a teacher paved the way to listen to, educate and guide her clients. Specializing in fresh perspectives on traditional interiors, she sees her life and career journeys much like her designs — layers of color, patterns and texture that combine to create a unique story.
Those who embrace colors and patterns, wish to fill their homes with meaningful items, and appreciate livable home designs likely will appreciate Kate’s eye for timeless and inviting designs. While a white couch might look beautiful, for those with children, pets, or an affinity for red wine, it might not be the most functional. Kate says she enjoys helping her clients find beautiful pieces that fit their real lives. She also enjoys uncovering items with memories attached to them and finding ways to showcase them. For example, rather than have a passed-down china pattern on a shelf, she might hang the plates, allowing families to connect with cherished people and memories. While some of Kate’s designs capture elements of the past, others move people toward their futures. Clients who are empty-nesters, for example, may want to reimagine their forever home. Kate works with these clients to repurpose or reclaim home spaces.
“I really love helping people, and I care about what they want. My firm takes on large residential design projects like new construction and gut renovations as well as smaller projects like single rooms. If a project speaks to me creatively, I love making art and design accessible to the client,” she says.
Kate says she feels immensely fortunate to be invited into people’s homes and hopes to bring joy to more clients’ lives this year through her signature style of fresh, refined, traditional and livable designs.
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