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.
