Talk Shop: Kristine Renee // Design Alchemy
Kristine (right) with her mom and partner, Deborah Costa
ABOUT KRISTINE
Before Design Alchemy was founded in 2012, Kristine Renee and her mom, Deborah Costa, were just that. Kristine, who grew up with a designer mom and a general contractor dad, followed in her parent’s footsteps by studying art and architecture. She received a Master’s degree in interior design from Savannah College of Art and Design. Once she graduated, Kristine joined her mom in the field and together they started Design Alchemy.
Based in Sacramento, CA, Design Alchemy embraces a range of design styles, from traditional and eclectic to modern and contemporary, infusing a balance of craft, color, pattern, and history. Kristine and Deborah feel their different perspectives and experiences complement each other so they can offer a diverse and unique range of designs to their clients, spanning from primary residences and city penthouses to beachfront oases and country retreats, embracing the characteristics of each location while maintaining a sense of continuity in their design approach.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Layered!
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Extensive travel from a young age, including living abroad. Also growing up in the industry—my dad is a retired general contractor, and my mom is my business partner!
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My mom and I formed our company in 2012. I was designing furniture in Southeast Asia and decided to open a retail store in my hometown. The rest is history! My favorite part of the job is the creative side; sourcing fabrics, wallpapers, and furniture that sing. I also really value the relationships that we form with our clients.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My mom has mentored me along the way. She is always up for an adventure and never says no to a crazy idea. She has let me learn, fall, and grow.
What does your home say about you:
Absolute comfort! And that I'm crazy for patterns. Every room in the house is covered in wallpaper.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel is a big source of inspiration. I love watching how people interact in the space and applying this to my own practice. I also look at vintage design archives. Our design library is filled with an assortment of art and design books (both new and old) that I turn to daily.
Who are your style icons:
Kit Kemp and Martin Brudnizki (hello pattern!)
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A well-stocked bar, plenty of snacks, and fresh flowers always!
Do you collect anything:
Yes, my pottery collection and addiction to picking up small bowls on my travels are becoming a bit of a problem. Hey! You can never have too many serving bowls, right?!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@fredericmagazine, @lamaisonpierrefrey, and @rosetarlowmelrosehouse.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Scale. Which is one of the hardest to achieve, but is key.
I also abide by symmetry, but at the same, I often break this golden rule. Mixing proportions, textures, and materials is key to creating an interesting interior.
What are you working on right now:
A fabulous ranch in Sebastopol, with roaming water buffalo and long-haired cows, and a lovely historic summer home in Sausalito built in 1905 by the Dole family that our team is completely reconstructing.
Wardrobe staples:
Denim and patterned dresses. I have always been most comfortable in a flowy, floral dress.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Never stop creating, even when you don't feel creative.
Best career advice you ever received:
To value your time!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Upholstery, rugs and textiles. Invest in draperies, wallpapers, and staple pieces you use daily.
Accent furniture, rugs, and accessories can be lower-budget items.
Your greatest extravagance:
Fancy boutique hotels.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Local vintage shops! Etsy, 1st Dibs, and Chairish are great online resources too.
Most prized possession and why:
This is a hard one! I really do love the first piece of original art I purchased. She hangs in my entryway, and I absolutely adore her!
Your interiors motto:
Wallpaper is always a good idea.
Your life motto:
Live for today.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Try to stay off social media, and look to design books, archives, and travel for inspiration.
Start collecting imagery of spaces and "moods" that you are drawn to. Inspiration is everywhere.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pasta, always pasta.
Drink: Wine, red or white. I'm game.
Film: Grand Budapest Hotel
Hotel: Splendido Mare in Portofino, what a dream!
City: Paris
Bedding: Pom Pom at Home bamboo sheets, literally the best ever.
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, black. But I do drink 3 or so cups of tea a day.
Playlist: Jazz, on repeat.
Weekend Activity: Long walks, trips to the CA North Coast or Tahoe.
Design Book: I love looking for vintage art books, we have a great spot in town.