Khristian A. Howell
Khristian recently joined our World-Class Designers program and has three beautiful prints currently available with us. Her work is stunning. From bold, modern florals to sophisticated, fluid stripes, Khristian’s work is like no others.
More of Khristian’s favorites and her bio statement can be found on her profile page. She’s generously created a few colorways that she thinks you’ll enjoy.
I recently had a chance to sit down with Khristian, and discuss her design influences. I think you’ll go mad over her work like I have. Enjoy!
P.S. My throw pillows in ‘Maven’ just arrived. This print is so amazingly happy and sophisticated all at the same time. I wish I were a better photographer!
Throw Pillow - Customized in 'Maven'
What designer has inspired you most and why?
I am so so so in love with Marimekko! I adore the use of color and the organic nature of the shapes. I admire the use of simple shapes to create such an intriguing story and such wonderful movement. I love the vintage pieces the most. I also have a big designer crush on Orla Kiely and Tricia Guild.
Who do your designs appeal to most?
I think their is something in my designs for everyone. There are so many vastly different pieces in my personal puzzle, and this range has always come out in my work. If I had to say… I think I appeal to the modern customer who loves color, balance, and a splash of adventure.
Where do you see yourself, as a designer, in the upcoming year?
2010 is going to be an exciting year! I plan to experiment with different media. I have been dreaming of a few mixed media projects for quite some time. I also hope to work on some interesting collaborative projects with artists from very different fields. I will debuting at a major trade event, and I plan to greatly expand the photography part of my business. Whew! That’s kinda a lot…
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I began my design career in fashion, so I will forever be in the habit of watching the runways and fashion trends. It really all begins with color for me. I will see an interesting color combo in an ad or one someone and the feeling from the color story sparks the look of a new collection. I also get quite a lot of my inspiration from travel and the traditions of other cultures. Often I will daydream about traveling to Scandinavia for example and a few day later the Oslo Odyssey collection was born.
Tell us about what caused you to decide to become a designer.
I really can’t find an answer to this question. The truth is it found me. There really was no choice in the matter. It was and is just what I am here to do – tell stories through images. I can’t imagine not being creative daily.
Well, we’ve just moved, so I will let you know in a few months… :)
In our old place we had a full view of the Puget Sound. I would sit in the window seats and watch the ferries come in and go out. It was so calming. I discovered then that I need to live near water!
I was a huge athlete, dancer and gymnast growing up and all the way through college, so I’ve kind of burnt out on that sort of thing. These days, I am really enjoying doing yoga. I really want to go on a yoga retreat this year somewhere remote, warm and beautiful and just do yoga all day long. However, the dancer in me will never die – I also love to go salsa dancing!
What are your favorite colorways of your patterns? How do you see them being used?
'Maven' on Pendant Lights
The more traditional side of 'Maven'
I love this version of Granted with the dark gray line work. I just love using dark gray in place of black – it still gives that really graphic feeling with a softer edge. I could totally see this as wallpaper in a really clean modern London hotel lobby accented with fantastic brightly colored couches and chairs. Don’t forget the huge white fuzzy rugs!
'Granted' on Wallpaper
A swatch of 'Granted'
Eloise on a Throw Pillow
Eloise on Roman Blinds (We don't make these----yet!)
Thank you, Khristian, for making such pretty things every day and for sharing your talent with us!
Khristian can be contacted direct through her website.
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