Talk Shop: Kendall Wilkinson // Kendall wilkinson Design

ABOUT KENDALL

Kendall Wilkinson is known for designing elegant, layered spaces that feel as good as they look — interiors rooted in connection, beauty, and a deep sense of comfort. A California native, Kendall launched her San Francisco–based firm in 1992, and over the past three decades, she’s become one of the West Coast’s most trusted voices in timeless, personal design.

Her aesthetic foundation is classic, but always evolving — influenced early on by her mother, designer and style-setter Alice Wiley, and shaped over time by art, travel, fashion, and her own deep curiosity. Whether designing a fabric collection, dreaming up a new residence, or adding the finishing touches to a well-lived-in space, Kendall approaches every project with creativity, care, and an eye for the unexpected. Most recently, Kendall published “Beauty All Around”, a celebration of the rooms, people, and moments that inspire her. Read on as she shares her design philosophy, the elements every space needs, and what continues to spark her imagination.

Describe your style in three words or less:

Comfort, mindfulness, artistry.

What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:

Art, fashion, and travel have been the three greatest influences on my aesthetic. Art has shaped my appreciation for color, form, and emotion; fashion inspires my sense of layering, texture, and personal expression; and travel constantly opens my eyes to new cultures, palettes, and perspectives that inform and evolve my design sensibility.

How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:

I founded Kendall Wilkinson Design in 1992, inspired by my early experience working with my mother, interior designer Alice Wiley. After studying at the Academy of Art, I transitioned into a full-time design career—and haven’t looked back since.

Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your

trajectory:

The strong women in my family have been my greatest mentors. My great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother each instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity, and independence. Watching my mother build her design business as a single working mom showed me what resilience and passion can achieve—and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in design.

What does your home say about you:

My home reflects my love of history, especially French and American vintage pieces, as well as my passion for custom design and a colorful, elegant aesthetic. It reveals my romantic view of the past and appreciation for vintage photography, creating a space that balances quiet contemplation with vibrant expression.

Where do you find inspiration:

I named my first book Beauty All Around because I truly believe that beauty exists everywhere, and inspiration can be found in the everyday. Travel continues to be a powerful source of creativity for me, especially time spent in France and across Europe, where museums, exhibitions, and rich cultural moments consistently reignite my creative spirit.

Who are your style icons:

My mother, first and foremost. Her innate sense of style has always inspired me. I also admire timeless icons like Elsie de Wolfe, whose fearless approach to design continues to influence the way I think about interiors and elegance.

What are your key ingredients for entertaining:

For me, entertaining is all about creating a sense of ease and belonging. It begins with fabulous food, beautifully presented on a mix of small and large plates, paired with thoughtfully curated wines and cocktails to suit every guest. I want people to feel instantly at home—welcomed, relaxed, and cared for in a way that feels both effortless and memorable.

Do you collect anything:

Oh my gosh—yes! My husband would say I collect far too much. From photography and art to antiques, books, and vintage French Opaline glass, my collections are ever-growing. Each piece tells a story and brings a sense of history and character into my home.

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:

I love fashion, and as the Creative Director of Schiaparelli, @danielroseberry provides endless inspiration!

@guidotaroniphotographer is a contributor to Cabana magazine and many books that I am fond of.

@reschio is an Umbrian Italian Estate that designs houses, furniture, lighting, and hotels.

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:

A design rule I always follow is “comfort is the ultimate luxury.” As for a design rule made to be broken, I don’t have rules. I use intuition, knowledge, and try to keep an open “beginner’s mind”.

What are you working on right now:

Right now, I’m fully immersed in bringing my book to life—Beauty All Around, which launched in early May, and it’s a true labor of love. Beyond the book tour, we’re working on several exciting residential projects and actively promoting my latest textile and trim collection with Fabricut, which has been a wonderful creative collaboration.

Wardrobe staples:

Comfortable jeans and white and black underpinnings.

Favorite fabric/wallpaper:

Is it too self-serving to say I truly love my latest collection for Fabricut? Shameless self-promotion aside, I’ve long admired the artistry of Gracie and The Vale London for wallpaper. When it comes to textiles, Sandra Jordan’s alpaca is simply divine, and Pierre Frey never fails to inspire with its boldness and beauty.

Best interior advice you ever received:

A Texan client with a thick Southern drawl once told me—after a particularly frustrating attempt to get a contractor to deliver a flawless finish— “Well, not every job’s a Mona Lisa.”

Best career advice you ever received:

Follow your passion, but back it up with commitment. Go to school, finish what you start, and build a strong foundation—you never know which skills or experiences will shape your future path.

Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:

I always invest in vintage lighting, especially European glass—think Murano sconces, mid-century pendants, or hand-blown table lamps. These pieces bring a level of artistry, texture, and soul that elevates a room instantly. They’re timeless and often become the quiet showstoppers of a space. As for saving, I’m cautious. You really do get what you pay for, especially in foundational elements. Cutting corners can lead to compromises in quality and longevity, so while I might economize on simple accessories or utilitarian items, I never sacrifice craftsmanship where it counts.

Your greatest extravagance:

Art, fashion, and travel—without a doubt. It’s hard not to be swept up in all the things that bring beauty to life when beauty itself is your profession. Each indulgence feels like an extension of the creative journey.

Favorite places to shop for home:

Found by Maja on Sacramento Street in San Francisco is a gem, thoughtfully curated with soulful vintage finds and one-of-a-kind pieces. In New York, Maison Gerard is a longtime favorite for its exquisite mix of antiques, art, and rare design that always feels storied and elevated.

Most prized possession and why:

An antique Venetian mirror in my bedroom—it’s pure glamour. The hand-cut glass, aged patina, and delicate detailing bring a sense of history, romance, and just the right amount of sparkle. It’s a daily reminder that beauty and craftsmanship never go out of style.

Your interiors motto:

“I will make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life.”

(Originally attributed to Elsie de Wolfe, it’s timeless and powerful.)

Your life motto:

“Order equals calm.” When my surroundings are in balance, everything else flows more easily—clarity, creativity, and peace of mind.

Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:

Be curious. Listen closely to what speaks to you through texture, color, and form. Touch everything. Feel how materials respond. The more you explore, the more confident your eye becomes. And remember: you’ll never know everything, so stay open. That’s where the magic begins.

Take Ten: My Favorite…

Food: Cheese

Drink: Chablis

Film: The Red Violin

Hotel: The Bel Air Hotel

City: Paris

Bedding: Walker Valentine

Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Black coffee

Playlist: Maggie Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims

Weekend Activity: Gathering with friends around my kitchen counter—good conversation, great wine, and the kind of laughter that lingers.

Design Book: At the moment, my favorite design book is my own—Beauty All Around, published by Pointed Leaf Press. It’s not just a book, but a deeply personal journey. Part retrospective, part showcase of never-before-seen projects, it’s also a heartfelt tribute to my family, my past, and the road less traveled. While it doesn’t capture all of my 33 years in design, it honors the spirit of the work, the inspiration behind it, and what continues to drive me forward.