Belwith-Keeler Decor Solutions was originally founded during the financial crisis of 1893, when three ambitious merchant brothers came together to form the Keeler Brass Company. Now, BKDS is a household name, known for its reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and respect. Their contributions to the community are still largely felt today, through their patronage of the arts. Knikki Grantham, who is the Style Director for BKDS, is always scouting and vetting the latest trends from the fashion, furniture, and interior design industries, and translating them into decadent solutions for any interior project in a multitude of finishes and materials.
Meet Knikki Grantham of BKDS in today’s aspire Maker Monday:
The Bijou X Collection is the culmination of years of archival designs from Belwith Keeler’s rich legacy, combined with new ideas.
Andrew Joseph: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Knikki Grantham: Unexpected collaborations….like Adidas and Prada. I love the juxtaposition of both worlds colliding in a product. I think the design sector should take notes on the success of what most consider a huge risk.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
KG: Honestly, mainly two things. 1: That I made three good humans (my kiddos). 2: I was true to myself no matter what someELSE’s expectations are.
AJ: Who do you want to write your obituary?
KG: Jimmy Fallon – isn’t it obvious why? I want to be remembered in laughter, not tears.
The pieces in the Bijou X collection have been reimagined in exceptional, timeless finishes. This is not merely hardware – this is jewelry and adornment for your cabinetry.
AJ: What’s your current TV obsession?
KG: No lie, I watch every type of baking challenge show…religiously!
AJ: Style (or design) icon?
KG: I would have to say right now, I am a huge fan of Kelly Wearstler for the designs in the home sector. And Alessandro Michele for the fashion industry. And let’s not forget Lady Gaga for those red carpet moments!
Designed with the quatrefoil pattern in mind, the Trellis Collection applies a modern refinement to this classic shape, and allows for instant sophistication to be introduced to your cabinetry.
AJ: Secret talent?
KG: I can write upside down and backwards.
AJ: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
KG: I am an amateur bodybuilder.
AJ: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
KG: Circling back to collaborations, I would love to see more fashion and home décor mash-ups. We live in an aesthetic world and combining the things we love to wear with the things that make a home to us is just an extension of our personality. We should be constantly pushing the boundaries, because the possibilities are endless.
About The Maker | As a 20-year veteran of the furniture industry, as early as age seven, I can recall the smell of cut lumber, sawdust floors, and the sound of air guns as they build the furniture. Thirsty for knowledge, there is rarely a time when I am not studying my industry. Attending shows, schools, seminars, webinars and reading both classic and current articles regarding design and décor. Belwith has access to over 100 years of hardware catalogs, and I dare say that I have studied MOST of them.
I have spent most of my career watching, recording and analyzing so that I can provide my clients with a timeless design or décor. Along with myself, the Belwith Design Team works tirelessly to provide our customers with trend-right yet timeless designs, just as we have since 1893.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.