KBB - October 2014 - 71

LAST WORD

Designer Kim Lewis
Shares Design Tips
K+BB recently got to chat with Kim Lewis, the former production designer
for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." A huge advocate of characterdriven design, Lewis shares with us everything from her take on the latest
kitchen and bathroom trends to her inspirations, future endeavors and story
of how she became who she is today.

How did you get to where you are today?
I started working at an ad agency after college doing graphic design,
but I soon learned I was more of a people person - I didn't want a job
where I had to face a computer all the time. I went on to work for a furniture
importer in Austin on the creative team and found my passion for furniture, textiles and globally
driven design. I eventually met a producer at a trade show, and that is when I began my work with
ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
Now my role is to develop creative concepts and fresh ideas for "Tiny House Nation." It's about
families that have taken the plunge into the tiny home movement - they are moving away from
the McMansions and want a smaller footprint. This leaves money to spend outside of the home
traveling or pursuing hobbies and interests. I love to dream up crazy ideas, and in the world of TV,
often times we can make those happen.

What is your design approach?

What inspires you?
Other people's stories - I think we are all
meant to share our stories. Designing for television shows for almost a decade, I've been to
47 of the 50 states, so I've met some extraordinary people. I also enjoy global travel, learning
different cultures and not staying in my own
little bubble. Morocco is right up there on my
list of favorite places I've visited - by five in the

Lewis designed this kitchen for singer/songwriter,
Jewel, and her rodeo husband,Ty Murray. She took a
more hip, rustic approach, with lots of warm textures
like hammered copper and reclaimed wood. The
island is a custom design she created, inspired
by materials found around the farm. She handstamped meaningful initials and dates to the family
to give it an authentic "shipping palette" feel.

Circle No. 26 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

I approach design more like an anthropologist - I want to get to know what makes a person
tick and then approach the design from that perspective. My goal is not to go into a space and
change the aesthetics; I want to change the feel of it. Design and creativity can help everyone -
even people who have medical or financial problems. I believe design is universal and should not
be limited to the upper class. Design can change lives; it has purpose and meaning. It can change
the way you live in your home.
In kitchen and bath design, you have to have a focal point. I like to limit my projects to three
textures and plan the space accordingly. I call myself an architectural designer because I think
about things like where the trashcan will sit. It's all in the details.

http://www.simonswerk-usa.com http://www.kbbonline.com/freeinfo http://www.simonswerk-usa.com

KBB - October 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - October 2014