Cascading glass pendants bring an unexpected sense of movement to this neutral bedroom that is designed for waking up feeling refreshed. Photo by Diana Todorova
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Kimberly Gettenberg: Design really chose me. I grew up in a world surrounded by numbers, and while I have so much respect for that way of thinking, I always knew I wanted to create something different. I was naturally drawn to beauty, emotion, and the way thoughtfully designed spaces can completely transform how people feel. What inspired me most was realizing that design isn’t just about making a room look beautiful — it’s about creating an experience. A well-designed home has the power to tell a story, shape memories, and improve the way people live every day. That combination of creativity and purpose felt like exactly where I was meant to be.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
KG: Timeless, intentional, authentic.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
KG: Patience is key. Also, being able to read the room (pun intended).
In this kitchen, the sculptural metal hood becomes the room’s visual exclamation point, giving the otherwise classic white cabinetry an unexpected sense of age, patina, and personality. Photo by Diana Todorova
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KG: I believe creativity is something that has to be cultivated. For me, that begins with travel. Stepping into different cultures, wandering unfamiliar streets, and experiencing the way people live and gather offers an endless source of inspiration. It reminds me that the most beautiful spaces are rooted in authenticity, history, and a strong sense of place.
Beyond travel, I look to fashion and the natural world as constant teachers. Fashion has an incredible ability to balance timelessness with innovation, while nature offers a quiet lesson in texture, color, and effortless composition. Spending time outdoors allows me to slow down, reset, and reconnect with the effortless beauty that so often informs my work.
I find that the more I immerse myself in the world beyond design, the more thoughtfully I can design within it. Every journey and every cultural experience adds another layer to my perspective, shaping interiors that feel collected, intentional, and deeply personal.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
KG: When things are not to scale!
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
KG: Texture is the design element I return to most often. More than color or pattern, it’s what gives a space depth, warmth, and soul. Layering natural materials like linen, wool, stone, and wood creates an environment that feels rich and inviting without relying on excess.
In this dining space, sculptural white artwork titled Tangled Up Framed by Kacy Kwon, draws you in with folded planes and subtle shadows that reward a second look. Photo by Betsy McPherson Photography
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
KG: A psychologist. I think the human brain is fascinating.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
KG: My favorite part of being a designer is hearing people’s stories. I love learning where they grew up, what traditions they hold onto, the pieces they’ve collected throughout their lives, and the moments they want their home to celebrate.
Those conversations become the foundation of every project. Rather than designing around trends, I design around an interior narrative — one that reflects who my clients are, where they’ve been, and what matters most to them. I believe the most meaningful interiors are deeply personal. They don’t just look beautiful; they tell a story, evoke emotion, and feel as though they could belong to no one else.
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
KG: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
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