Kari Whitman Interiors

Kari Whitman, Alaina Engblom, Chloe Wang, Kimberly Le

Entryway & Powder Bath

Founded in 1994 by Kari Whitman, Kari Whitman Interiors (KWI) is a distinguished design-build firm specializing in luxury residential and commercial interior design. For the showhouse, the entry and powder room were designed by Kari Whitman with assistance from her team: Alaina Engblom, Chloe Wang, and Kimberly Le.

KWI is a trusted design expert and visionary for A-list celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas, Don Johnson, Virginia Madsen, Emilio Estevez, and Don Henley. Clients like these are drawn to Kari’s signature style, “eclectic self-expressionism,” expressed through salvaged artifacts, distinctive artwork, custom pieces, green design, and pet-friendly elements.

With headquarters in Los Angeles and Boulder, KWI’s international projects span prestigious locations including Hollywood, California; New York; Denver; Aspen; Jackson Hole; Miami; Dallas; and Saudi Arabia.

Hear from the Designer

How would you describe your design style and point of view?

The Kari Whitman Interiors signature style is “eclectic self-expressionism,” meaning no two projects are ever the same. We take into account the specific design needs and personal style of each client, aiming to make every space a true reflection of them.

Part of our signature style also comes from incorporating “green” elements into our spaces. This might mean sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from architectural salvage stores or giving an existing piece of furniture new life through paint or reupholstery.

What drew you to this space, and what excited you most about designing it?

We were drawn to the concept of the showhouse—bringing together designers from different backgrounds and having each create a unique space within the home. We’re excited to see what the other designers bring to their rooms, and to share our own style as well.

We were especially thrilled to design the home’s entry. It’s the first space visitors encounter, making it a unique opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the house.

Describe the vision for your room in three words—and why those words matter.

The vision for the spaces we designed is pattern, blue, and eclectic.

We incorporated texture and pattern through the rug in the entry, as well as through the impressionistic painting we selected. In the powder room, the wallpaper introduces a bold pattern that adds visual interest and depth.

Blue became the foundation for our color palette. It appears throughout both the entry and powder room and works beautifully within the home’s overall moody palette.

The eclectic elements reflect our signature style while still fitting within the project’s broader transitional aesthetic. Rather than choosing something more traditional, we selected a playful entry bench with an unusual shape to serve as a focal point. The mirror in the powder room also leans eclectic, with a modern form that adds personality to the space.