How does a homeowner’s personality find its way into a room? Katrina Humes Moffett traces it through close observation, reading the cues her clients leave about how they actually want to live. Today’s spotlight follows her eclectic, texture-driven design work and her experiences as one of Decorilla’s designers.
Meet Interior Designer: Katrina Humes Moffett
Katrina came to interior design through her hands. Sketching floor plans on family road trips, reaching for fabrics in department stores. The technical training arrived later, but the material instinct was already there. Her own kitchen renovation captures her approach well: quiet cabinetry paired with bold countertops that climb the full wall, every decision made after months of living in the space first.
As one of Decorilla’s interior designers, she leans into what she calls the non-verbal side of the client relationship. Style-mixing runs through her projects; Katrina’s favorite rooms are those where periods overlap enough that the result resists easy categorization. Lighting is a consistent anchor, layered and treated as one of the more expressive elements in a scheme.
Love Katrina’s approach to design and sense of style? Turn your dream space into reality and start a project with her today!
Did interior design always interest you?
Always. I remember going on road trips and vacations with my parents as a child and drawing and sketching floor plans to fill the time. Also, I loved going to new cities and experiencing the different architecture. When I was 10 years old, I even told my mom I would design her home for “cost.” I was always obsessed with fabrics and textures; I couldn’t walk through a department store without running my hand across the racks of clothing! I took a hand-drafting class in high school and fell in love with the technical aspect of design. However, it was in college that I realized I could combine my love of fashion and fabrics with my love of drawing and creating to become an interior designer.
How would you define your design style?
I would categorize my personal design style as eclectic, but I love to experiment and work on all different types of projects. I think the most interest in a space comes from mixing different styles from old to new, modern to traditional. It adds depth and interest to a space and can often keep it from feeling contrived or over-designed. I also think it creates a timeless feel; when you start to mix styles, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when a space was created!
Who or what influences your work?
Hands down, my clients!!! I think my forte is listening to not only the verbal but also the non-verbal clues my clients give me, whether it be photos or different little clues into their lives. In return, I deliver them a personalized space that reflects them and their lifestyle while also pushing them a little outside their comfort zone.
What’s a must-have item you make sure your interior designs include?
Lighting, and make it layered. You need several types of lighting, not only for different functions but also to create the proper mood. People really underestimate how lighting affects them, plus you can have so much fun with great light fixtures. They are a great way to show your personality! Truly, the jewelry of your room.
What is a recent design trend that you’re loving at the moment?
It’s got to be the resurgence of using color and pattern in spaces! We are seeing so many interesting color combinations in fabrics and paints, and many are classic combinations making a comeback. I think, in the same vein, we are seeing people explore more personalized designs. Interiors are becoming much less homogenous.
If you had to pick a favorite room in your home, which would it be and why?
My kitchen is probably my favorite space. I was able to redesign it completely when I moved into my home, but only after I lived here for a bit, so the remodel was very thoughtful. We were able to see what worked for us and what needed improvement. We took the space down to studs and reconfigured it, moving the fridge to a more accessible wall, adding a coffee bar and an island, as well as moving the sink and creating a focal point with the hood. And because this is what I do, I went quiet with the cabinets but decided to go all in with bold countertops that I took all the way up the wall. It has so much personality and really speaks to my personal style, and it functions perfectly for my family!! We spend so much time there, so I really wanted to love it!
What is your favorite design magazine or blog, and why?
Well, I have two, and they are vastly different. The British edition of Homes & Gardens and Livingetc. One is very traditional but with a bit of an edge, and the other is super modern. They are both out of the UK and showcase a lot of interesting use of color and patterns that we, as American have shied away from over the last couple of years. I think reading both gives me great insight into what is going on around the world, as well as trends that have not quite hit the States yet!
What is the best thing about being an interior designer?
The best thing about being a designer is getting to know my clients and helping them interpret their dreams and lifestyle into a reality, taking what they want or think they want and bringing it into a space they can walk into and just “LIVE” in. It’s so satisfying to hear a client tell you at the end of a project that it looks even better than what they imagined!
What was your first big project, and what was your favorite part?
My first really big project was a new construction, and it was amazing. I learned so much. I loved just being in space with the different trades, engineers, and project managers, and soaking up all the experience and knowledge they had. Every time something new went into it, the joy it brought both the homeowners and me was exhilarating. Because we had planned, dreamt, and designed every inch of the space. Walking through the finished product at completion, seeing the home come together, and the clients thrilled with what we had created, was truly the best part!
How do you manage challenges that come up during a design project?
I think when a challenge arrives, it’s just a chance to recalibrate. There will always be something, from a discontinued piece to bad electrics, and it’s all about how you handle it. Most of the time, if you step back, take a deep breath, and start evaluating your options, you can come up with something that is just as good and sometimes even better. The key is to reach out to your trades, the people in your business; they are assets to you, and you can be the same to them when they get in a pinch.
Why do you like online interior design?
I think the fact that it makes design accessible to everyone. You don’t have to work with someone in their backyard. You can be anywhere, and, as one of Decorilla’s designers, I can assist you digitally from construction through furniture selection. It’s been really amazing to work with clients all over the country!
Ready for your ideal Decorilla designer match?
Start a project with Katrina if you love her work! Or, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation to find your perfect match among Decorilla designers today!
Comments