Kathleen’s southern roots are in her back pocket anytime she interior designs. She believes in the power of mixing vintage with contemporary styles and like any BSB she is committed to making homes feel like love and comfort. She is best-known for mixing styles and colors to create a unique interior design experiences that still feel like a southern home.
Name:
Kathleen Mapson
Title:
Interior Designer | Owner
Organization:
Kathleen Mapson & Company
Hometown:
Cofield, North Carolina
Current City:
Marietta, Georgia
Website:
What do you love about southern decor?
I love that southern decor is a beautiful mix of styles. Formal to modern, you can find it all – original architectural details juxtaposed with clean-lined furnishings and decor. The common thread, a nice mix of old and new which creates a classic, warm, and welcoming feeling.
What is your favorite room to decorate and why?
Family rooms. Next to the kitchen, I believe family rooms are the heartbeat of any home. It’s where family and friends come together to connect, share stories, play games, relax, and just enjoy each other. Designing a room in anyone’s home is special, but designing a family room where you know so many will be affected by its function and aesthetic is even more special.
What home decor item is a must have to you?
I love throw pillows and lamps. But throw pillows win every time. They add warmth, personality, and style to any space. If you ever feel the need to change the scheme or mood of your space, they are also one of the easiest and most inexpensive items to change.
If you could only shop in one store for your home which would it be and why?
HomeGoods! It is one of my staple stores. They have amazing deals and carry just about every home decorating item you can think of – lamps, area rugs, throw pillows, furniture. It can definitely be a one-stop shop for key accessories. #HomeGoodsHappy
Do you have a favorite fabric pattern or color? Why?
While I do not have a favorite fabric pattern, I can say I love just about any variation of blue and orange. You can find them sprinkled throughout my home as well. They really resonate with me because you can create various types of spaces around them – calm and serene, timeless and classic, regal and formal, or vibrant and exciting.
What is your favorite southern dish? Why?
My love for North Carolina runs deep. And growing up there, our meals sometimes consisted of something fried. So without a doubt, I would have to say, my moms fried cornbread. It still makes my heart smile when I visit home, and my visit would not be complete if she didn’t cook them.
What are some of your favorite southern decor brands and why?
I love Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Ballard Designs. Both brands offer quality furnishings that are rooted in classic design, but certainly have modern appeal. I love that their furnishings can be incorporated into any aesthetic therefore creating a look that will last for years. And MGBW was founded in North Carolina which is the icing on the cake.
How can we connect with you?
You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+ as @kathleenmapson, and Facebook as @kathleenmapsonandcompany. We can also connect on my blog at kathleenmapson.com/blog where I share design tips and behind the scenes looks at my design projects.
What is your favorite room in your home?
Our kids’ playroom. It’s a fun room filled with books, games, a huge chalkboard wall, and it boasts lots of color through the textiles and art. Our children have created so much art over the years, and we decided to showcase some of it in that space. Their art literally covers an entire wall. I love their creativity, use of patterns, and color. It’s a space we all love to hangout in.
What is your favorite DIY project for a client?
I would have to say a pair of X-Benches I recovered and refinished. I painted the legs to look like a walnut finish and upholstered the cushions in a bold, geometric print. I still can’t believe how different they look. They went from what I called ‘Granny Classic’ to ‘Modern Graphic’. It’s a great example of how a little paint and fabric can make a huge impact.
Describe your decor style in one sentence?
Interiors with a mix of modern, classic style for sustainable living.
Comments
i learned so much about your and your style. so proud of you!