Motivated by the success of his recurring Palm Springs showhouse, the Christopher Kennedy Compound, the eponymous designer was lured to Turlock, California by a homeowner looking to create an exciting interiors experience in a classic American town. “I don’t think style is just reserved for the big cities and coasts,” says Christopher Kennedy, who collaborated with 15 other designers on a 3,200-square- foot midcentury residence that—following its October 2019 show dates—would become a family’s home. “The designers did the best of themselves, and they also made it perfect for the homeowner. Our showhouses tend to be very livable, while still being very inspiring.”
In our recently released aspire design and home Showhouse Issue, we sat down with Kathleen Jennison to learn more about her creative process in designing the pool house for this project.
Interview with Kathleen Jennison
aspire design and home: How much time did you have to complete this room, start to finish?
Kathleen Jennison: We spent an enormous amount of time on this project (390 hours to be exact). The homeowner relied on us for a lot of advice during the construction phase – with daily emails, calls, and texts. She kept changing things, which caused a lot of delays and re-work. Plus, she wanted us to help her get sponsors, which was quite uncomfortable.
aspire: What was your biggest challenge? Did you have a Eureka moment during the process?
Kathleen: My biggest challenge was fitting all the amenities into a small space. She wanted a fully functioning kitchen, indoor/outdoor bathroom, and laundry room in a 13 by 25 foot space. We were able to get all those items plus some nice storage and wall bed.
aspire: What did you and your team accomplish that you thought would not happen in time?
Kathleen: The last day was a mad scramble; we still did not have electricity to our area and no lighting fixtures set. We were placing furniture in the dark and hoping the electricians would make to our space. The final chandelier was hung 30 minutes before the tour began.
Seeking Inspiration and Finding Cohesiveness
aspire: What was your inspiration for this room?
Kathleen: This space is the pool house and guest house. The homeowner wanted a glamorous room, but it would still be used by her tween sons and their friends. I opted for bright yellow and blues as our color palette to keep it fun, but feel spa like at the same time. To glam it up we added glossy white cabinets and gold fixtures.
aspire: Did you step out of your comfort zone for this project, and if so, why?
Kathleen: It was nice to design a space without limitations. We got to know the homeowner and the home quite well, so we knew what she would like, but to have free rein was exhilarating.
aspire: Even though there were so many designers involved, there is an inherent cohesiveness to the home. Did you all converse/collaborate? Or was this a completely individual process?
Kathleen: None of the designers collaborated with me, and I had no idea what they were doing. It was so exciting to me at the first open house to see how cohesive all the rooms were. We were given parameters from Christopher Kennedy as far as the color palette and style. I think we all knew inherently what the home needed.
aspire: Is your preference for a showhouse a small space or a large space? Does one or the other provide a better opportunity to stretch your creativity?
Kathleen: I do not especially have a preference.
“This or That?” with Kathleen Jennison
aspire: Paint or wallpaper?
Kathleen: Wallpaper.
aspire: Hardwood or rug?
Kathleen: Hardwood.
aspire: Beach or mountains?
Kathleen: Beach.
aspire: Saturated color or black and white?
Kathleen: Saturated color.
aspire: Brunch or dinner?
Kathleen: Dinner.
aspire: Midcentury or 18th Century?
Kathleen: Midcentury.
aspire: Draperies, shades, or nothing?
Kathleen: Drapery.
aspire: 2001: A Space Odyssey or The English Patient?
Kathleen: The English Patient.
aspire: Week at the spa or Week of Broadway shows?
Kathleen: Broadway shows.
Want More?
Click Here to view more interviews with our Christopher Kennedy Show House designers.
Photography by Dave Adams.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.