Kirsty McKenzie
Kirsty's interiors style is otherworldly. Magical, psychedelic, fairyland opulence. Highly ornate bedazzled, and completely saturated in vibrant colours, wild patterns and prints, with plenty of cat and animal motifs, faux foliage and be-jeweled birds. She always decorates her home as if she is working on a painting.
1. Who is your style hero?
I would have to say Zandra Rhodes –who I had the pleasure of working for, and living with. Also, Nina Hagen, Vali Myers, and Grace Jones.
2. If you had an unlimited budget to spend on your home what improvements would you make?
I would invest in some really expensive fabrics, crystals, gems, beautiful artificial flowers and birds. And of course a giant gold leopard sculpture.
3. Would you have the room you created in your own home?
Yes, totally… but I definitely would have made it even more wild!
4. What did you learn from taking part in ‘Your Â鶹ԼÅÄ In Their Hands’?
I learned that I am certainly not interested in designing for the unadventurous, straight or square person. But I am happy I could inject their lives with a little colour (*wink*).
5. What is your golden rule when it comes to interior design?
More is more. When in doubt, add more. Some say as rule, to balance bright colour with neutrals, to make them pop, but I say just douse everything in colour. When using crazy and colourful elements – I like to overload them to interweave and connect all of the different themes, prints, thus creating a harmony within the chaos. I consider myself an expert on ‘organised chaos’ and ‘power clashing’.
6. What is your DIY tool that you just can’t live without?
A sewing machine, but a hammer, drill and glue gun are also very important.
7. What is your biggest DIY achievement?
My current home, in it’s entirety. I’m really pleased with my ‘Year of the Horse’ mural curtains; they feature galloping horses under a giant sequined moon on one side, and hot pink fur sun on the other!
8. What’s your biggest DIY disaster?
Recently, about an hour before a dinner party, after I had just created a bespoke tablecloth, I decided to lower the legs of my enormous drafting table - and it nearly collapsed on me!
9. If you could design a room in any building in the world, what room would you design and why?
A half indoor/ outdoor rooftop swimming pool and surreal garden lounge! With a beach, a tropical grotto with a hot tub, crystal jeweled and mirrored cat and animal sculptures. There would be a plethora of peacocks and panthers prowling poolside. I am really into themed rooms, and creating a distinct vibe so you are transported to a magical world. I like the idea, that even if you were in a large city you could be nestled away in a private paradise.
