Kelly Wearstler: The Greatest Designer in Modern Aesthetic

Discover the genius of Kelly Wearstler, celebrated as the greatest designer in contemporary design. Explore her innovative approach to interior design, striking aesthetics, and signature style that redefines luxury and creativity.

HOME & INTERIORSINTERIOR

By Elena A. Hart

10/14/2025

Kelly Wearstler in a modern lounge with warm leather seating.
Kelly Wearstler in a modern lounge with warm leather seating.

Kelly Wearstler: Redefining Timelessness in Interior Design

Renowned for her fearless creativity and distinct aesthetic, Kelly Wearstler has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary interior design. Her visionary approach redefines the boundaries of luxury, artistry, and modern living. From iconic hotel interiors to celebrity residences, Wearstler’s work continues to shape how we experience and interact with the spaces around us.

A Visionary Approach to Design

At the heart of Kelly Wearstler’s enduring appeal is her visionary approach. Unlike many designers who adhere strictly to trends, Wearstler creates environments that are simultaneously cutting-edge and enduring. Her work is a celebration of contrasts—mixing textures, patterns, and materials in ways that are both unexpected and harmonious. This unique alchemy allows her designs to feel fresh and relevant, no matter how many years have passed since their inception.

From luxurious hotels like the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica to private residences for A-list celebrities, Wearstler’s projects are always infused with her signature style: a bold, eclectic mix of glamour, artistry, and sophistication. Her spaces tell stories, inviting occupants to engage with their surroundings in a deeply personal and emotional way.

All Images courtesy of KellyWearstler.com

Fearless Experimentation

One of the key factors that set Kelly Wearstler apart from her peers is her fearless experimentation. Wearstler’s designs are anything but predictable. She has a knack for juxtaposing disparate elements, such as vintage furnishings with contemporary art or raw industrial finishes with sumptuous fabrics. This courage to break the rules and explore uncharted territory has made her a trendsetter in the design world.

Her work often incorporates bespoke elements, from custom-made furniture to unique art installations, ensuring that every project is one-of-a-kind. Wearstler’s collaboration with artists and artisans further elevates her designs, as she seamlessly integrates fine art into functional spaces. Her ability to blur the lines between design and art is nothing short of genius.

Kelly Wearstler design a hallway with a couch and a table.
Kelly Wearstler design a hallway with a couch and a table.
Kelly Wearstler living room with a couch and a table and large fireplace.
Kelly Wearstler living room with a couch and a table and large fireplace.
Kelly Wearstler design- bathroom with a marbled floor and a stool.
Kelly Wearstler design- bathroom with a marbled floor and a stool.
Kelly Wearstler design- dining room with a table and chairs.
Kelly Wearstler design- dining room with a table and chairs.

Timeless Elegance

While many designers chase fleeting trends, Kelly Wearstler’s work is defined by its timelessness. She creates spaces that are both of-the-moment and enduring, a feat achieved through her masterful use of colour, texture, and form. Wearstler’s designs are rooted in a deep understanding of history and culture, which she reinterprets in contemporary ways. This ability to honour the past while embracing the future ensures that her creations never go out of style.

For example, her use of luxurious materials like marble, brass, and velvet nods to classic design principles, while her bold patterns and vibrant palettes add a modern twist. The result? Interiors that feel as relevant today as they will decades from now.

Kelly Wearstler design- living room with a couch and a fireplace.
Kelly Wearstler design- living room with a couch and a fireplace.

Inspiring a New Generation

Kelly Wearstler’s influence extends far beyond her individual projects. As a mentor, author, and influencer, she has inspired a new generation of designers to think outside the box and embrace their unique visions. Her books — Modern Glamour and Evocative Style — offer a glimpse into her creative process and have become essential reading for design enthusiasts worldwide.

Moreover, her collaborations with major brands have brought her aesthetic to a broader audience, from furniture collections to home décor lines. Wearstler’s ability to democratise luxury design has further solidified her legacy as a transformative figure in the industry.

Kelly Wearstler design with marble vanity, red lounge chairs, and patterned armchairs.
Kelly Wearstler design with marble vanity, red lounge chairs, and patterned armchairs.

Kelly Wearstler’s Enduring Legacy

Kelly Wearstler continues to reign as one of the greatest interior designers of all time because she dares to be different. Her fearless creativity, commitment to craftsmanship, and ability to balance innovation with timelessness make her an enduring icon in the world of design. Whether she’s crafting a private retreat or a public masterpiece, Wearstler’s work resonates on a profound level, leaving an indelible mark on the spaces we inhabit and the way we live.

For those seeking inspiration, her legacy serves as a testament to the power of bold vision and boundless imagination.

STAY TUNED for Kelly Wearstler's new venture - The designer is unveiling a bold new curatorial platform, Side Hustle — a space liberated from commercial constraints, dedicated to nurturing original, experimental, and interdisciplinary creative work.

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