A long-time resident of Dallas and a native of Tacoma Park, Maryland, Kristin Mullen has always had a passion for interior design, first nurtured by her mother’s love for reinterpreting design trends in their family home. Her design journey deepened when she lived in London, where the city’s classical architecture and timeless interiors left a lasting impression and turned her interest into a lifelong pursuit. Kristin studied at Northwestern University and New York University, earning a degree in speech and language pathology with a minor in theater. Her transition into the design world began when she collaborated with a prominent architectural firm on the interior of her own home. This quickly led to her first client project and the founding of Kristin Mullen Designs. Her aesthetic is rooted in classical principles, a love of history, and enriched by global travel, including time spent living in the U.S., England, Europe and Asia. She blends timeless elegance with a willingness to embrace modernity and a touch of whimsy, bringing her unique perspective to both residential interiors and her studio in Dallas. See Kristin’s design aesthetic in today’s Designer Friday.
A refined mix of coastal calm and Old World charm, this living room balances linen-clad sofas, a sculptural driftwood table, and antique crown details beneath a soaring plaster fireplace and arched steel windows.
Andrew Joseph: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
Kristin Mullen: Intentional imperfection. I believe the most successful rooms are those that welcome you into the space. A room where objects and furnishings are a bit timeworn, obviously hand-crafted or organic is intrinsically imperfect. It’s subtly encouraging you to come and enjoy and not worry about creating any muss or fuss.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KM: I get to tap into my creative energy every time I scheme out our rooms in my booth in Blue Hills for the antiques show in Round Top twice a year. I get to create an immersive design for the thousands who come to the show — down to the music we play, the candles we light, the flowers I arrange and every single piece we sell. And I feel the same way about creating and evolving our e-commerce shop, The Edit.
Sunlight cuts across this iron-railed staircase, landing on a weathered wood table layered with terracotta, books, and garden relics beneath a timeworn chandelier.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
KM: Belgium is a fountain of inspiration for me — the architecture is utterly charming, the gardens are exquisite, and the interiors are a beautiful balance of antiquity and modernity that really resonates with me. And the chocolate is divine.
AJ: How do you approach designing for a specific mood or atmosphere?
KM: I think of every home as having multiple spaces where we’ll design to evoke a different emotion or vibe, be that soulful, joyful or purposeful. We find we can spark an emotional connection based upon a palette that energizes or calms a client or art and objects that are meaningful to them, or by thoughtfully arranging furnishings so that everything they might require in that space is close to hand.
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
KM: This may not have first been said by him, but I read a quote by Miles Redd, “Buy the best and you’ll only cry once.” It’s so true and applies whether you’re buying dish soap or a Directoire chair.
Framed by a rugged wooden beam, this breakfast nook opens to a wall of windows, where a tailored banquette and weathered chairs gather around a simple table set for relaxing mornings.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
KM: A Mambo Taxi! It’s a frozen concoction invented by a restaurant here in Dallas. It’s a mix of margarita and sangria and it packs a stealthy punch, which is why, after two, they recommend you call an Uber to get home.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
KM: Oh, hands down, I would adore taking on a project in Provence. I’m fortunate to be there frequently on buying trips. The architecture is so fantastic and full of character, and I already know where to find all the treasures to complement those gorgeous bones.
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