Home Fashion Forecast - Spring 2008 - (Page 12)

top tastemakers california casual Los Angeles designer Kathleen Clements has an aesthetic that has been described as “quietly revolutionary,” a unique combination of Old World European elegance and California casual. In some instances, Kathleen Clements Clements’ interiors are so pared down and neutral, they verge on minimalism and rely almost entirely on simple, yet powerful, forms and beguiling finishes. Not surprisingly, it takes a special client to appreciate Clements’ vision. Fortunately, Clements is at the point in her career where she can pick and choose a few lucky clients. “I want the client who understands and appreciates beautiful things and doesn’t make bad decisions along the way,” she explained. “I really appreciate that I am at that point now.” Clements’ first nationally recognized design project made its debut in 1995 with the opening of her shop, Sister Agnes, on New Orleans’ Magazine Street. Clements transformed a 1920s shotgun cottage into a progression of intimate vignettes filled with antiques and furnishings from France, England, Belgium and the United States. The shop attracted design legends from points near and far, including Bunny Williams, Ann Holden, Kitty Hawks and Nicky Haslem, and it was there that Clements began to hone her aesthetic. “When I was in New Orleans, the look was more formal and geared toward antiques,” she said. “I still love that aesthetic, and I am still creating European forms, but with a comfortable, casual air. I love this combination.” Although the residential interior design business has slowed slightly in recent months, Clements’ primary focus right now is on designing a signature line of home furnishings sold through Brady Gray, a Scottsdale, AZ, retail showroom in which she is a partner. The line is quintessential Clements, blending Old World elegance with features that make furniture both comfortable and practical. She is finding an open market for her high-end line among California-based designers, many of whom she said are finally looking beyond the MidCentury trend. “What I appreciate more than anything is that [design] isn’t being forced into one narrow perspective like it was for a really long time,” she said. “In Los Angeles, the market has opened up like you can’t even imagine. In the last two years, the most amazing antique deal- West Coast designer Kathleen Clements merges Old World elegance with American practicality. The result is a special brand of comfortable, casual California chic. ers and art galleries have opened up on every corner. The design center has absolutely blossomed. Los Angeles has literally become one of the greatest places anywhere for interior design sources. That is my favorite trend of all.” Kathleen Clements designed these wing chairs for the Greystone Showhouse in Los Angeles. The Tudor mansion was built in 1928 by oil tycoon Edward Doheny at a cost of $4 million. The generously sized chairs, which are part of Clements’ furniture line, are upholstered in a simple, monogrammed linen. Clements said the mouse-gray wall color is one of her favorite shades. 12 HOME fashion forecast

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Home Fashion Forecast - Spring 2008

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