Posted November 5 in Meet the Team

Meet the team: Kat Moore, Interior Design Manager

Interior Design Manager, Kat Moore, is all about excellent customer service, a contemporary Australian aesthetic, and avoiding clashing timbers at all costs!

And when it comes to superior interior design, it pays to heed her advice – there’s little that Kat hasn’t dabbled in.

After completing her degree in Interior Architecture in Europe, she set her sights on travelling to Australia, eventually landing in Melbourne. In the design capital of the country, she’s built an impressive resume – from the world of display homes and styling spaces for Australia’s biggest events to freelancing in residential and commercial interior design, university lecturing and furniture design.

‘I loved both art and math in school, so I always knew I wanted a career in architecture or design,’ explains Kat.

‘I feel very lucky to have experienced so many different elements of design, worked with and learned from some amazingly talented people, and built solid supplier relationships over the course of my career.

‘After some time spent freelancing and lecturing in design at one of Melbourne’s universities, I was excited to bring my creative experience to Boutique Homes in January 2020, when I took on the Interior Design Manager role.’

Below, Kat shares a little more about her career to date, her role at Boutique Homes, the trends she’s loving (and the few she’s not), and her top tips for new home builders creating their dream interiors.

Why Boutique Homes?

I had actually worked with Boutique Homes over 10 years ago in a styling role, so I was already familiar with the brand and had always kept an eye on what they were up to. I love that Boutique Homes is such a trusted builder, with an emphasis on authenticity and quality – strong values that align with my own. One of my greatest passions is mentoring, so when I was asked to come on board and help build their interior design capacity and team, I was excited by the vision of the brand and eager to bring it to life.

What does an ‘average’ day look like for you?

No two days are the same, especially given the rollercoaster of the pandemic. We always have multiple projects on the go. If I’m not occupied with my own team or customers, I’m looking into new products and projects with suppliers, and improving services to enhance our customer’s experience.

Can you give us a sneak peek at any new launches coming in 2022?

I can’t say much, but we have some very exciting new products set to launch early next year. There is always something new in the pipeline… watch this space!

I will say that our customers are so informed and well-researched these days, it pushes us to continually evolve our product and service offering to meet their needs. I love the challenge and the level of quality and creativity it demands of the team.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love being involved in creating new concepts and innovation, but I also love the fun, laughter and excitement that comes with helping our customers create their dream home. Being part of their build journey is so rewarding.

How does European design differ from Australian design?

The biggest shock was the colour schemes. In Australia, we tend to stick to consistent monochromatic palettes. In Europe, every room is a different (often very bright) colour, and every family member usually has their favourite! It took some getting used to when I first arrived here, that’s for sure.

An out-of-box experience you have had as a designer?

I was privileged to win a lighting competition in 2019, where we were asked to design a light from scratch. I created a simple pendant, with a disk attached that could be positioned at different angles depending on how it was being used – over a reception desk as a cluster, as a lamp to read a book in bed or for studying. I wanted a light that could be used anywhere and where people could personalise it to make it their own!

Who inspires you?

Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid. She’s one of the world’s few well-known female designers and, from the 1980s, flourished in a male-dominated industry. I loved her new-age approach to design, and her thinking and technical skills were phenomenal, pushing the boundaries of shape and form. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2016, but she’s left a fantastic legacy for all women designers after her. I was lucky enough to stand in one of her buildings – the Guangzhou Opera House in China.

More generally, I think Scandinavian designers have nailed it and are a constant source of inspiration. Spain has also started to produce some innovative designers – I love the work of Patricia Urquoila and Masquespacio.

Any current design trends you are loving?

Fluted glass – I’m loving cabinetry with fluted glass elements and feature lighting.
Getting a little bit ‘extra’ with island benches – lots of curves, batons and other design elements, beyond waterfall ends. We are really pushing the design boundary and it’s a great place to do so. Island benches can easily be made a feature without disrupting the rest of the kitchen.
Contemporary Australian style – I’m currently renovating my own home and love bringing this cosy interior design style to life. Lots of light whites, beige and terracotta, clean and simple lines, timbers and soft textures make for a beautiful, homely feel.
Nostalgia – Adding a hint of history and the old world, through features such as ornate cornices, is a beautiful point of difference that adds an element of storytelling to a home. Art, décor and furniture are also great places to buy into the trend of upcycling/recycling and the era of pre-love.

The design mistake that everyone should avoid?

Clashing timbers! For example, a chocolate timber floor with a natural oak dining table, or a mismatch in tone between floorboards and cabinetry. Try to avoid timbers that don’t work together tonally – contrasting works best. Most people can’t spot the mistake, so it pays to lean on the trained eye of your Interior Designer. Alternatively, play it safe and never have two different timbers in the same room.

Your top piece of advice for new home builders?

Just enjoy the process – do your research, but don’t overthink it or put pressure on yourself to get it perfect (that’s what the Interior Design team is for!) Understand what you like and dislike, your family’s needs and your wants, but don’t get caught up in trends or feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing. This is your home and you need to love it.

How did the pandemic change Interior Design?

Due to the lockdowns, we had to transition to virtual colour appointments. I was actually quite excited about this movement! While this was a challenge at first to shift the team’s thinking and processes, it has actually made for an even better experience for our customers!

Our customers start by providing a concept brief to their designated Boutique Homes Interior Designer about the styles they like, what they want to achieve, and how their family uses their space. The Interior Designer then curates this vision with flat lays, presenting their suggested schemes and finishes back to the customer virtually. Customers also receive most, if not all, of their samples before their appointment, so they have plenty of time to review their choices and examine them up close. The main colour appointment allows for the customer and Interior Designer to work together to finalise the colour palette that will bring their home to life!

The Boutique Homes Interior Design team is super-passionate and qualified and makes the whole process stress-free and enjoyable. They really care about the customer and their new home – it’s beautiful to watch. The best bit? You can do it all from the comfort of your couch!

Find more design inspiration to help you better prepare for your colour appointment on the Boutique Life blog.

Have you found ‘The One’?

Share your home journey and connect with the Boutique Instagram community by using #ourboutiquehome

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