Designer Friday: Kendall Wilkinson

From rocker to interior decorator, San Francisco’s Kendall Wilkinson has not exactly followed the most traditional career path. The daughter of an interior designer, Wilkinson was raised with an appreciation for color, texture, and scale from her mother, who drew inspiration from the fashion world into her designs. After working in film, and subsequently in a rock band, Wilkinson’s passion for aesthetics and architecture was awakened during a trip to Paris. Returning to the Bay Area, Wilkinson set out to follow in her mother’s footsteps, and enrolled in design school. Now, she has served a highly-regarded position on the Board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and released a textile collection in collaboration with Fabricut, driving her into the international design spotlight. As a result, the California native’s work has been lauded in some of the industry’s most recognizable publications and showhouses. Meet Kendall in our chat below, and find out who she cites as her style icons, secret talent, and future design predictions. Staying behind the desk may be difficult in this garden-facing home office from Wilkinson Designs. Kendall knows how to keep a kitchen clean- this lofted cooking and dining setup is coordinated and Californian.


Andrew Joseph – What modern design trend makes you cringe?
Kendall Wilkinson – A modern design trend that makes me cringe is the overwhelming theme of only using mid-century furniture.

Andrew – What’s your favorite time of day?
Kendall – My favorite time of the day is 6 am, my meditation, silent time in the house with my dog at my side.

Andrew – Dream country to work in? Or a dream project to take on.
Kendall – I would love to work in France, specifically Paris.

Andrew – Vintage or new?
Kendall – Both, always have to have a combination.

Andrew – Style (or design) icon?
Kendall – Currently, Iris Van Herpen and On Aura Tout Vu.

Andrew – Secret talent?
Kendall – Singing.

Andrew – How would you define your work in three words?
Kendall – Focused, Layered, Retrospective.

Andrew – Favorite piece of clothing you own?
Kendall – My favorite piece of clothing would have to be a pair of Louis Vuitton black boots that I got shopping while in St. Tropez.

Andrew – What might the design world look like in 10 years?
Kendall – The technology advancements will change the approach of design in ways we don’t even know, but the core design principles will always stay true.

Andrew – Favorite place to view art?
Kendall – I love to view art Jeu de Paume, photography in Paris. Rein de Sofia in Madrid, Spain.

Andrew – What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
Kendall – Always green drinks and sparkling water.

Andrew – Before leaving the house, you always…
Kendall – Say goodbye to my dog, Biscuit. Wilkinson works with angles, abstractions, and arm lamps to bring this apartment’s open floor plan together.


About Kendall Wilkinson | A California native with a timeless sensibility, Kendall Wilkinson has emerged as one of the nation’s most celebrated interior designers. Establishing her eponymous San Francisco firm in 1992, Kendall specializes in custom curated interiors with an emphasis on beauty and comfort. Her oeuvre ranges from Pacific Heights estates to coastal Mexican vacation getaways. Geographically her projects span the nation and beyond. Rooted in classical design, Kendall continues to evolve her style. “As designers, we are informed by artistic, cultural, and technological shifts,” explains Kendall of her fluidity. “Ultimately, it’s about bringing the vision of the client to life.”


About Andrew Joseph | Andrew Joseph’s passion for design and rich journalistic history led to the launch of his boutique PR firm in 2012. Prior to enjoying the successes of Andrew Joseph PR, Andrew honed his editorial skills at Vanity Fair and Allure. This experience, as well as the strong network of contacts developed over the years in public relations, brings a valuable edge to his new role as contributing editor. Let the musing begin.

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