A refined mix of coastal calm and Old World charm, this living room balances linen-clad sofas, a sculptural driftwood table, and antique crown details beneath a soaring plaster fireplace and arched steel windows.
Andrew Joseph: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
Kristin Mullen: Intentional imperfection. I believe the most successful rooms are those that welcome you into the space. A room where objects and furnishings are a bit timeworn, obviously hand-crafted or organic is intrinsically imperfect. It’s subtly encouraging you to come and enjoy and not worry about creating any muss or fuss.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KM: I get to tap into my creative energy every time I scheme out our rooms in my booth in Blue Hills for the antiques show in Round Top twice a year. I get to create an immersive design for the thousands who come to the show — down to the music we play, the candles we light, the flowers I arrange and every single piece we sell. And I feel the same way about creating and evolving our e-commerce shop, The Edit.
Sunlight cuts across this iron-railed staircase, landing on a weathered wood table layered with terracotta, books, and garden relics beneath a timeworn chandelier.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
KM: Belgium is a fountain of inspiration for me — the architecture is utterly charming, the gardens are exquisite, and the interiors are a beautiful balance of antiquity and modernity that really resonates with me. And the chocolate is divine.
AJ: How do you approach designing for a specific mood or atmosphere?
KM: I think of every home as having multiple spaces where we’ll design to evoke a different emotion or vibe, be that soulful, joyful or purposeful. We find we can spark an emotional connection based upon a palette that energizes or calms a client or art and objects that are meaningful to them, or by thoughtfully arranging furnishings so that everything they might require in that space is close to hand.
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
KM: This may not have first been said by him, but I read a quote by Miles Redd, “Buy the best and you’ll only cry once.” It’s so true and applies whether you’re buying dish soap or a Directoire chair.
Framed by a rugged wooden beam, this breakfast nook opens to a wall of windows, where a tailored banquette and weathered chairs gather around a simple table set for relaxing mornings.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
KM: A Mambo Taxi! It’s a frozen concoction invented by a restaurant here in Dallas. It’s a mix of margarita and sangria and it packs a stealthy punch, which is why, after two, they recommend you call an Uber to get home.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
KM: Oh, hands down, I would adore taking on a project in Provence. I’m fortunate to be there frequently on buying trips. The architecture is so fantastic and full of character, and I already know where to find all the treasures to complement those gorgeous bones.
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