Kara Adam is a Dallas-based interior designer known for her expressive interiors and one-of-a-kind personal retreats. She has an affinity for the unexpected and a knack for simplifying spaces into captivating, warm environments. Her interiors often feature a dynamic mix of antique and contemporary elements. Kara loves layering her projects with texture and scale, and utilizes these elements throughout each of her projects. Get to know Kara Adam and her work in this week’s Designer Friday.
A layered Crested Butte living room featuring a Bison triptych, reflects the warm textures and natural palette of the view out the window. Photo by Michael Hunter.
Andrew Joseph: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Kara Adam: A zebra—because there are no two zebras that are the exact same. Each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
KA: Our firm strives to curate individualized projects for each client. We listen to your needs and create beautiful, comfortable places for you to enjoy. We love to push the envelope with clients by showing them something unexpected or a little out of their box, this creates the drama and uniqueness we are known for. Many times our base palette is more neutral or solid, then we layer in color and pattern, through pillows, wallpaper, lamps, art and specialty pieces. We also believe, to knock the newness off an interior, you should always add an antique (or several!). Most people think of antiques as furniture only, but they can be light fixtures, lamps, rugs—all of which add to the warmth to a home.
AJ: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
KA: I hope to see smaller, cozier rooms inside homes designed for small intimate groups and gatherings. Many times in new homes, all the rooms are large and grand, but I love the feel you get in those cozy spaces. Whether it is a cool bar, unique sitting room, or a cool game table room for a puzzle or Mahjong they are always a hit.
A primary closet in Dallas belonging to the lady of the house gets the designer treatment with a Christian Lacroix wallpapered ceiling.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a ….?
KA: Without a question, a CIA agent. I love reading and almost always have a book by my bed on the topic. I cannot get enough of it.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
KA: Always giving 110% for my clients and creating environments beyond their wildest dreams
AJ: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
KA: Absolutely not, my creativity stops when I step foot in my kitchen. Ha!
AJ: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
KA: Unfortunately no—I am an absolute night owl. I typically stay up to about midnight, but I have been known to stay up to 2am. I am not a morning person at all, and tell my clients if you want the most creative Kara we should not meet until 10am. I have three young kids, so I do have to rise at 7am every morning during the week to get everyone to school, but I make up for it on the weekends and sleep in.
Pops of red and animal print jazz up this Dallas living room.
AJ: Who was the nicest person you worked for? Dare you want to share the worst?
KA: I have been blessed with many amazing clients! I love clients who trust the process, and trust that we are going to give them something amazing. They always end up with the best end product.
Our hardest jobs are projects we complete one piece at a time, versus a more holistic makeover. For me to truly visualize the project, I have an entire scheme planned in my head (even if it is not on paper). Those homes I go in and always wish I could do more to really show them how great it could be.
AJ: What are three things you can’t live without?
KA: Hot tea. Lip gloss. My family.
AJ: What about your design style has shifted post-quarantine?
KA: My style has not necessarily changed, but I have learned I can pivot and change directions at a moment’s notice when a vendor cannot produce a product we are after—without thinking it is the end of the world. I guess you could say I am learning to be more flexible…
About The Designer | Kara Adam is a Dallas-based interior designer known for her expressive interiors and one-of-a-kind personal retreats. She has an affinity for the unexpected and a knack for simplifying spaces into captivating, warm environments. Her interiors often feature a mix of antique and contemporary elements, though Kara is comfortable working across a variety of styles, guided by her clients’ preferences. Kara loves layering her projects with texture and scale, and utilizes these elements throughout each of her projects.
Kara’s passion for design began at an early age growing up in Dallas, Texas. As a child she would constantly rearrange spaces in her family’s home—with and without her parents’ permission. She embarked on a design career in 1998, after graduating with a degree in Interior Design from the University of Texas at Austin. She honed her skills working with such industry tastemakers as Quinlan Quiros Schnitzer at Casa Bella and Pam Pierce of Pam Pierce Designs. In 2004, she launched Kara Adam Interiors in Dallas’ Park Cities neighborhoods.
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