Kara Childress
photo by julie soefer
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Jackson Hole, Wyoming…I am a mountain girl at heart!
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Timeless 2. Understated 3. Relaxed (Kid & Dog Friendly)
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I loved yellow smiley faces….my mother allowed me to do my own design at 13…I had the classic yellow smiley sheets and comforter, and the walls were a black and yellow plaid, with a white shag rug…all clear, pure colors – exactly the opposite of my style. I think I got the trendiness out of my system at a young age.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I purchased a gorgeous 17th-century Flemish Tapestry when I was 21 years old. It was stunning and covered the entire wall of my dining/living room in Dallas, Texas. I was published by Southern Accent Magazine—and it started my career!
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? I really loved Kalef Alaton. He was so creative, timeless, and exuded understated elegance.
No room is complete without a delicious antique architectural element. Reclaimed beams, chandeliers, mantels, or flooring really give a room character and provenance.
People think of me as positive and can “git ‘er dun”!
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement Red Roses (it is too cliché)
An hors d’oeuvre platter Cubed Cheese
A bar cabinet Travel Shot Glasses
A song for:
Dinner at home “Picture” Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow
Working at your desk “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Going for a run “Air Force Ones” by 50 cent
Biggest Vice? Peanut Butter & Dill Pickle Sandwich w/Jalapeno Chips
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Toddler clothes for my precious granddaughter
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Definitely, it's very understated & timeless…plus, it's easy to pack and travel; I still have pieces from college in my closet. “I never tire of good design.” – Donna Karan
Who is your star crush? #1 my husband of 40 years, #2 Cary Grant
What is the thing you would never do on a project but don’t detest when you see others do it? Use of Bold Colors
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? John Saladino VILLA…how he juxtaposed old & new plus classic & modern, it is truly masterful!
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Creating a legacy property for families to share treasured times for years to come.
photo by julie soefer
A Few Favorites
Movie: GIANT with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson
Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (I love to read this to my grandchildren)
Scent: Saks Fifth Ave for her by Bond No.9 – I have worn it forever – signature Gardenia Scent
The fabric you always come back to: Modern Toile by Schumacher, such a classic design, but it makes you blush!
Dream project: Boutique hotel on the Italian Riviera
Meal: Chicken fried steak with fried okra and homemade biscuits & gravy that my grandmother, Coco, made for me
Drink: Grey Goose & Soda in a wine glass with sliced jalapenos and lime
Hotel: Hotel Caruso, in Ravello Italy
Travel Destination: I never tire of Rome
Artist: Anna Weyant
A cause near and dear to me: Parkinson’s; both my mother and father are/were afflicted with this disease…
The thing to collect obsessively: Tortoise Shells
Era in the history of design: In terms of furniture, I love 19th-century Italian and Spanish Revival. This furniture was inspired by historical designs with elements of Moorish and Gothic traditions. The authenticity and craftsmanship are unparalleled, and these pieces become dramatic in both modern and traditional interiors.
Museum: The Menil Collection – such a treasure in Houston
Paint Color that always looks great: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @BanyanMotors – My son’s company that reimagines G-Wagons.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? DOGS!!! I have had 10+ litters of labrador retrievers (white), and currently have 3 pups.
