Meet Kristen Kilkenny, Kilkenny Collections
We sat down with industry innovator Kristen Kilkenny, founder of Kilkenny Collections to talk about industry trends, her new showroom and her vision for the future. Kilkenny Collections is a beautiful trade-only textile boutique showroom in the Philadelphia market.
What are some of the top trends that you're seeing for 2022?
I'm seeing tons of color and texture which is very exciting. It’s as if the eighties are being recycled, re-colored, and updated to feel modern. I'm always looking for color, so I love that my showroom is filled with it. I hope that the excitement translates to the marketplace.
Let’s talk more about prints and color. What specifically do you love?
Just color! I love citrine and all greens. Anything that is really lively. I feel like the phase of clean gray still exists, but after surviving the last couple of years, people just want to be happy. It’s fun to see the excitement and movement show up in textiles.
You mentioned recycling in conjunction with the eighties. Were you referring to recycling trends, recycled fabrics or environmentally friendly fabrics?
All of the above. I see it in trends coming back and being repurposed. All the things I grew up with in the eighties. Things that remind me of my childhood, especially in brand collections. Like rescaled florals. It is fresh and familiar.
And I am also seeing aspects of recycling in different types of fabrics. In my own showroom, Osborne & Little started an ocean collection that's made from recycled plastic bottles. Other fabric brands are using ‘perfect’ cottons, which is recycled cotton. Designers, showrooms, and manufacturers are laying the groundwork for environmentally friendly fabrics and sourcing for the future.
What is your best tip for a designer when they're stuck?
When a designer is overwhelmed in the showroom (and I see it all the time), I advise them to step away for a bit and take a breath. Then, break down the project into smaller pieces and don’t worry about the entire palette or project at once.
Designers are so busy at the moment, especially doing whole home projects. Just give yourself a little room to breathe.
You just built a new business. What’s your best piece of advice for designers building their own business?
Be very clear with yourself and make sure you're taking the time to fill your own cup first. I just opened in the fall, and I am a single mom – so it’s a lot. I have a vision of what I want the showroom to grow into. Being able to figure out the right balance is what helps me keep it together. I spend lots of time meditating. Right now I am in the grind. Be patient with yourself and those around you.
If a homeowner wants to change up a room easily, what’s the easiest way?
Pillows. They can change everything.
What if you were going to splurge on one item as part of a room design, what would you advise someone to invest in?
Window treatments. It’s a great place to add a wow factor and then you can play off of them with pops of color around the room.
What’s next for the showroom?
I'd like to find a lighting line that I can work with. I think it would show beautifully in the showroom and would be the next point of expansion.
My vision for this showroom is to bring back a sense of community to the Philadelphia market by creating a place where designers and reps can come and grow together. I want everyone to feel happy and supported in an environment where they are meeting each other, talking, and getting inspired.
Every home project is an investment in a beautiful space that reflects you and your family. Be sure to protect your investment with Fiber-Seal so that your home looks newer longer. Call us to re-treat if you are due for renewal, or to spot clean when you are under service.
Thanks Kristen for sharing your thoughts with us.
