INTERVIEW

a conversation with Kelly wearstler

Meet Kelly Wearstler, founder behind Kelly Wearstler Design Studio and famous for her creative work in various design fields. Her impressive portfolio includes distinctive awards and recognition from esteemed publications. Recently, Kelly Wearstler partnered with Serax to design two tableware collections. Her debut collection, Zuma and Dune, reflect her signature style. Zuma showcases rich patterns and unexpected color pairings, combining futuristic designs with ancient motifs in porcelain dinnerware and stemware. Dune, in contrast, features matte and high-gloss ceramics with a textured look, extending to glassware and flatware.
These collections show Wearstler's innovative approach, blending interior design with tableware. In our exclusive Serax Q&A, we get to know the creative mind behind these fascinating designs. 

Can you share the defining elements of your personal style?

My personal aesthetic embraces the art of mixology, blending old soul with new spirit elements through an amalgam of vintage aesthetics and contemporary gestures.

You travel a lot, which cultural influences did you draw from your travels while creating your first tableware collections?

My passion for travel holds considerable influence in my work. Exploring different cultures and diverse landscapes is a profound source of inspiration.
When crafting my new tableware collection for Serax, I was inspired by the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient civilizations, envisioning ways to reinterpret timeless elements for our modern era. Zuma, for instance, is a nod to the marriage of cutting-edge technology and history, while Dune finds its essence in organic forms and materials found in the natural world.

Is there a particular object you've brought home from your travels that has found a special place in your home?

There are several pieces in each of my homes that are special souvenirs. There is a large cornucopia that greets guests in my Malibu house that my husband, Brad, and I found in Miami many years ago. More recently we commissioned a special terrazzo table from Felix Muhrhofer made up of stones from a family holiday in Greece.

How did the idea for collaborating with Serax originate?

I’ve used Serax in many of my projects and have always been enamored by the unparalleled craftsmanship and inherent sensibility embedded in their designs. Tabletop has always been at the top of my list for something to create and it was imperative to find the right partner. Our team reached out to Serax to see if they would be interested in a collaboration and fortunately, they were.

Your designs are known for their bold and eclectic style. Can you share some advice on how to incorporate this in our homes?

Finding synchronicity across dissonance is central to my designs - melding diverse materials to achieve a harmonious contrast and create something unexpected. To achieve that, it’s important for me to approach every project with a sense of boundless exploration. Through a process of fearless experimentation, you will discover your authentic voice. A technique I often employ when starting a new project is to create a material tray, a tactile canvas where materials that align with my design sensibilities and the essence of the space converge. From there, I begin building out the rest of the interior, layering elements that intertwine to craft a cohesive narrative.

Design trends evolve over time. What timeless design principles do you believe will always remain relevant?

I think authenticity is a design principle that will always remain relevant – that is what style is all about. No matter what is on trend, being true to what sparks joy for you will always prevail. In the same vein, opening your mind and leaning into what you love will result in the most honest, timeless creativity.

SHOP THE LOOK

B4023202-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023202-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Dinner plate Alabaster Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$53.00
$53.00
Dinner plate Alabaster Dune updated
B4023213-704 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023213-704 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Coffee cup Slate Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$22.00
$22.00
Coffee cup Slate Dune updated
B4023207-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023207-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Bowl L Alabaster Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$175.00
$175.00
Bowl L Alabaster Dune updated
B0223106-900 Serax Kelly Wearstler B0223106-900 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Tray 01 S black Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$149.00
$149.00
Tray 01 S black Dune updated
B4023102-800 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023102-800 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Dinner plate Pacific Zuma

by Kelly Wearstler

$50.00
$50.00
Dinner plate Pacific Zuma updated
B4023110-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023110-001 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Bowl L Salt Zuma

by Kelly Wearstler

$162.00
$162.00
Bowl L Salt Zuma updated
B2323007-712 Serax Kelly Wearstler B2323007-712 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Bowl M light brown Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$445.00
$445.00
Bowl M light brown Dune updated
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Breakfast bowl Sienna Zuma

by Kelly Wearstler

$34.00
$34.00
Breakfast bowl Sienna Zuma updated
B4023200-704 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023200-704 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Breakfast plate Slate Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$29.00
$29.00
Breakfast plate Slate Dune updated
B0723012GB-806 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Cutlery set in giftbox 5 pcs stainless steel Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$143.00
$143.00
Cutlery set in giftbox 5 pcs stainless steel Dune updated
B4023101-104 Serax Kelly Wearstler B4023101-104 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Starter plate Sienna Zuma

by Kelly Wearstler

$37.00
$37.00
Starter plate Sienna Zuma updated
B0823026-050 Serax Kelly Wearstler B0823026-050 Serax Kelly Wearstler

Red wine glass Dune

by Kelly Wearstler

$33.00
$33.00
Red wine glass Dune updated