Texas-based designer Kim Armstrong is known for her eccentric design and her bold use of colors. A former Division 1 athlete in college, Armstrong has always had a strong drive to succeed; a drive that lead her to found Kim Armstrong Design in 2003 with only $250 dollars in her bank account. Almost 20 years later she is one of the leaders in the design industry and has worked on hundreds of projects. Learn more about Kim Armstrong, her unique style and her creative process in this week’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Kim Armstrong: I would tell them it’s like being at the top of the roller coaster when you know that you’re about to get down and have the ride of your life. It’s that split moment before the descent when your car comes almost to a rolling stop, when you feel the sun on your face, and the pure joy right before you you slip into sheer exhilaration.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a …?
KA: A Landscape Architect! I love nature, and I love gardening, and being outside is my happy place. I always say, in my next life, I’m coming back as a landscape architect!
AJ: What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
KA: Discovering a deep sense of knowing that I am on the right path, which has taken worry and anxiety to a minimum.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
KA: To select countertops that look like dirt….ugh!
AJ: What was your first job?
KA: My first official job I worked for a man who organized races. I did the data entry work – ended up running the backend of the office, and organizing the race packet pick up. I was in high school, I think he was surprised at how responsible and dedicated I was. I would stay at work until 9:30 or 10:00 at night… I remember my mom calling me telling me it was time to come home. I loved it, I loved the freedom, the task of responsibility, and knowing I could help ease some of my bosses stress. I was paid $4.25 per hour and I loved every minute of it.
AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
KA: New England cottage, mixed with a little southern coastal, Georgian symmetry, mixed with fresh vibrant colors, a little grandma, but more chic, with a dose of floral, and lots of pattern.
AJ: What are three things you can’t live without?
KA: Ok, I’m going to put family and faith out of the top three because that’s a given. After those, coffee, robe, and nature.
AJ: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
KA: My best effort, and my soul’s passion!
AJ: How would you define your work in three words?
KA: Passionate, fun, energizing!
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
KA: Don’t stress, things will unfold the way they are meant to be. Listen to that inner guidance, and learn to trust it. The sooner you do, the easier life will be.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
KA: Being a good teacher of life to my kids, being a fun aunt, someone who lived life to the fullest and was daring and adventurous, and who took risks.
AJ: How do you define beauty?
KA: Balance and harmony, when things work as a full unit and create beauty.
About The Designer | Texas-based Interior designer Kim Armstrong is renowned for her fearless use of color and pattern, eclectic style, and thoughtful approach to design. She truly tailors each space to her clients needs, often incorporating custom-designed and unique pieces that hold a story. With $250 in her bank account and a handful of flyers, she started Kim Armstrong Design in 2003, and today, she is recognized worldwide as a leading designer who has helped hundreds of clients create spaces they can’t wait to come home to at the end of the day. She loves to travel (her favorite escape is Cape Cod), spend time with her family, and knock client’s socks off with gorgeous designs.
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