FEATURE FRIDAY: Kati McPherson of KAM Interiors on Interior Design, Bad Trends, and Inspiration

Kati McPherson

KAM Interiors, Owner

www.kaminteriorsinc.com

Scottsdale native Kati McPherson graduating from Arizona State University in 2004 with a degree in interior design. She says her experiences studying abroad for two summers helped shape her design acumen, and working under a well-respected and highly sought after designer greatly influenced her design capabilities.

In 2016, McPherson launched her own business, KAM Interiors.

Here, she talks about her favorite project, the one trend she hopes never comes back, and what inspires her.

The moment you knew you wanted to go into interior design …

After I watched my first episode of Designing Women. How amazing is Jean Smart then and NOW?!

How would you describe your design style?

It is my job to give my clients exactly what they want, even if they do not know what that is … so my design style is YOURS. But I always focus on making timeless and classic interiors in hopes of eliminating the trendy timestamp. I have designed in styles ranging from art deco to modern and everything in between.

A design by Kati McPherson of KAM Interiors. Courtesy Kati McPherson

Tell us about KAM Interiors …

We are a high-end residential interior design firm and focus mainly on new builds and remodels. My assistant, Jamie, and I pride ourselves on providing our clients with personalized service, great communication, organization, and creating a unique interior that the perfect mix of function and style.

Favorite project you’ve done?

With designing desert homes for over two decades, my favorite project was on the beach in Encinitas, Calif. Drawing inspiration from the ocean, I was able to create a vacation home for my clients that embraced a relaxed and airy atmosphere of coastal living, blending natural elements and a color palette inspired by the water and sky.

Trend you hope never comes back?

Carpet.

If money were no object, the one thing you’d buy or the one thing you’d focus on in a design the most would be:

If money were no object, I would set my main focus on incorporating local artists, in any variety of specialties, in every home.

Design advice for someone on a limited budget?

If you are designing on a budget, focus your money on the most important items in the room and lean towards a neutral palette. Then you can get creative with less expensive items to add color, pattern, and texture. Those items can be swapped out more frequently for a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

Favorite part of your own home?

My favorite part of my home is the family room—comfortable, casual, and inviting. I have a young family with a 6-year-old and 3-year-old identical twins, so we spend a lot of time there listening to music, playing games, snuggling by the fireplace in the cool months, and watching movies on Friday nights.

Three things that inspire you …

1. The architecture of the home
2. The people who will be inhabiting the space
3. Nature and our surroundings

Favorite places around Scottsdale?

If I am shopping, I am wandering around Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland. If I am out to lunch, you can find me eating a Stetson Chopped salad at Beginner’s Luck. If I am feeling spendy, I am dining and libating at Course. If I want to feel like a tourist, I go to the Western Spirit museum.

One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?

I’m obsessed with hot yoga (shout-out to Patty at True Hot Yoga).

A design by Kati McPherson of KAM Interiors. Courtesy Kati McPherson