Elevating rustic elegance, this dining room boasts sliding barn doors that add versatility and charm, seamlessly blending the dining and kitchen spaces. Photography by Roger Davies
AJ: Style (or design) icon and why?
Kishani Perera: I’ve always been inspired by Tony Duquette, from the beginning of my career to this very day. I had the pleasure of touring his house several years ago and was completely taken aback by the splendor, the textures, the drama and the elegance. He mixed culture, textiles, color, jewels, etc. in the most theatrical way. His home and designs were total eye candy for me!
Andrew Joseph: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
KP: Whale watching has become my latest hobby! I recently moved to the South Bay (CA), and have been taking advantage of the nature-based activities in the area. As an animal lover my whole life, it’s mesmerizing to see these massively magnificent creatures up close, and spend a day at sea. So peaceful and grounding.
Timeless gold and white elements get a bold upgrade with rich dark wood cabinetry, creating a kitchen that feels both classic and contemporary. Photography by Anthony Barcelo
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
KP: Stop comparing yourself to everyone else, and worrying about what they think. It isn’t until you’re older that you realize even the most seemingly confident people have their own set of insecurities. Embrace who you are and why you’re different, it will set you free!
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
KP: Sustainability, the health of our clients and the environment are at the forefront of all our projects and have been priorities of mine throughout my career. As designers, we have a huge responsibility. I make conscious material choices whether we are building from the ground up or remodeling. For ground-up construction, I like to incorporate reclaimed wood, natural pigments/plasters, organic insulations, etc. And when furnishing a home, I prefer to use vintage fabrics, source vintage or sustainable furniture and lighting, and use natural materials whenever possible. For our custom furniture & pillows, we are always opting for clean, non-toxic materials. For example, I prefer to use a soy fill instead of synthetic foams. Even a few sustainable elements are better than none at all!
Bold marble countertops and backsplash with dramatic dark veining perfectly complement the sleek black cabinetry, creating a kitchen that feels both luxurious and cohesive. Photography by Anthony Barcelo
AJ: How do you approach designing for a specific location or cultural influence?
KP: We are currently working on a project in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and are purposefully integrating elements of the culture into the design of the home. Our clients are from California, and were eager to incorporate authentic Mexican elements into the lighting, millwork, furnishings, architecture, etc. while still maintaining the modern feel they’ve become accustomed to in LA.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
KP: When I was a kid, I wanted a dozen homes so I could have one in every style I liked – a beach cottage, a bohemian loft, an eclectic pad, a Parisian flat, traditional colonial and so on. Being a designer, I get to live every design style dream out with my clients. I get to fully immerse myself in different aesthetics – I’ll research it, design it, shop it, live it, love it and get it out of my system!
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