Podcast Summary: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin – Episode Featuring Alexandra Kahler

Podcast Information:

• Title: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
• Host: Ariel Okin
• Guest: Alexandra Kahler
• Episode Title: From a Lifestyle Blog to a Next Wave Designer
• Release Date: October 23, 2024

Introduction

In the October 23, 2024 episode of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, host Ariel Okin welcomes Alexandra Kahler—a renowned interior designer recognized on House Beautiful's Next Wave and Lux magazine's Gold List. Alexandra shares her inspiring journey from launching a lifestyle blog to establishing her successful interior design firm, Alexandra Kahler Design, based in Chicago.

Career Journey: From Advertising to Interior Design

Alexandra began her professional path in advertising, landing her dream job at Ogilvy shortly after graduating college. However, she swiftly realized that advertising did not align with her creative aspirations. Reflecting on her transition, Alexandra shares:

"I started in advertising, working on the Glade fragrance line. It wasn't the creative job I envisioned, so I began a lifestyle blog as a creative outlet [00:48]."

Her blog, initiated in 2009, served as a platform to collect inspiring images and express her passion for interior design. The blog’s success and supportive community encouraged her to pivot fully into design. Within days of deciding to change careers, Alexandra enrolled in Harrington College of Design and simultaneously continued to nurture her blog.

Establishing Alexandra Kahler Design

By 2011, Alexandra founded Alexandra Kahler Design. Her inaugural project involved designing two bathrooms for a condo owner, which significantly helped in legitimizing her design skills despite having no formal portfolio at the time. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities:

"If I have a client who's worried about [my abilities], then they're not my client. It's not the person for me [12:40]."

This pivotal project not only kickstarted her career but also established a foundation of confidence and trust with her clients.

Design Philosophy: Comfortable, Livable, Meaningful

When asked to describe her style, Alexandra chose words that embody her approach to design:

“Comfortable, livable, and meaningful [02:23].”

She believes that a home should be filled with things you love, fostering an environment where nothing is too fragile or delicate to enjoy fully. This philosophy extends to her firm’s work, ensuring that each space she designs is both functional and deeply personal.

Evolution of Design Style Over a Decade

Over more than ten years, Alexandra’s design style has evolved significantly. Initially inclined towards contemporary and modern aesthetics influenced by her mother, she gradually embraced traditional elements, antiques, and florals. This blend creates spaces that feel both timeless and fresh. She notes:

"I love antiques, florals, and things that once felt 'granny'—now I really embrace that [19:17]."

Her continuous learning and exposure to diverse design elements ensure that her projects remain unique and reflective of her clients’ personalities.

The Role of Social Media and Authenticity

Alexandra’s blog laid the groundwork for her authentic presence on social media. Although she has since shifted to Instagram, her commitment to genuine sharing remains steadfast. She openly discusses personal aspects, including mental health, to build trust and connection with her audience:

"Home is everything. I’m putting a lot of my life out there on social media in an authentic way [14:41]."

This transparency not only humanizes her brand but also attracts clients who value honesty and relatability.

Supportive Community and Mentorship

While Alexandra hasn’t had a single mentor, she credits her success to a robust and supportive community of fellow designers. These connections provide invaluable advice and support, fostering a collaborative environment:

"I have an unbelievable, supportive community of designers who I've connected with. I'm endlessly grateful [27:22]."

Monthly gatherings with fellow female designers, dubbed “wine and wine,” allow her to share experiences and solutions, reinforcing the importance of a strong professional network.

Personal Inspirations and Influences

Alexandra draws inspiration from a variety of sources, with a notable emphasis on nature:

"The outdoors are hugely influential in the way that I view the indoors. It's grounding [32:44]."

Her family's diverse aesthetic preferences have also profoundly shaped her design perspective. Her grandmother, a style icon at nearly 96 years old, and her parents' contrasting design tastes provided a rich tapestry of influences during her formative years.

Highlights from Rapid Fire Questions

In the rapid-fire segment, Alexandra shares personal favorites that offer deeper insight into her personality:

• Favorite Food: All forms of carbs.
• Favorite Drink: Primarily water; when indulging, rosé or margaritas.
• Favorite Film: Classics like My Fair Lady, Gigi, and The Wizard of Oz.
• Favorite Hotel: Hotel de Russie in Rome, cherished for its secret garden.
• Favorite City: Nantucket, though she clarifies her favorite travel destination isn’t strictly a city.
• Favorite Bedding: Sephirah Giza duvet, renowned for its quality.
• Favorite Weekend Activity: Being outside with her family.
• Favorite Design Book: David Adler Country Houses, appreciating its exquisite detail and historic significance.

Current and Upcoming Projects

Alexandra is currently engaged in two major projects:

1. Publishing Her Book: Slated for fall 2025 with Monocle Phaedon, her book promises a unique take on traditional design, featuring numerous new projects.
2. Home Renovation: Alexandra is renovating her own pre-war house in the Chicago suburbs. This personal project allows her to apply her extensive experience in a deeply meaningful way.

"It's a creatively challenging experience, but it's so fun. We're moving the first week of January [42:33]."

Advice for Aspiring Designers

Alexandra imparts two crucial pieces of advice for those defining their interior style:

1. Trust Your Gut and Be Confident: Belief in one’s skills fosters client confidence.

   “If you exude confidence, then your clients will pick up on that confidence and they will in turn be confident with you [29:19].”

2. Continuous Learning: Embrace every opportunity to learn and keep an open mind.

   "Learn as much as you can and don't ever feel like you've got this figured out. There's always new ways of looking at things [44:10]."

She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity over chasing trends, advocating for making design choices based on genuine love rather than fleeting popularity.

Conclusion

Alexandra Kahler’s journey from a lifestyle blogger to a celebrated interior designer is a testament to passion, resilience, and authentic connection. Her emphasis on creating comfortable, meaningful spaces, combined with her transparent approach on social media, has solidified her reputation in the design community. As she continues to expand her portfolio with her upcoming book and personal projects, Alexandra remains an inspiring figure for aspiring designers seeking to carve their own unique paths.

Where to Follow Alexandra Kahler:

• Instagram: @alexkahlerdesign
• Book Release: Fall 2025 on Monocle Phaedon

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alexandra Kahler [00:00]: "Trust your gut and just be confident. If you feel in yourself that you have this skill and talent, you probably do."

• Alexandra Kahler [02:23]: "Comfortable, livable, and meaningful."

• Alexandra Kahler [09:38]: “Someone made me realize I could make something of my blog, and that motivated me to commit fully."

• Alexandra Kahler [14:22]: "I'm a sharer, often an oversharer, and the blog was a platform to do that."

• Alexandra Kahler [19:17]: "I love antiques, florals, and things that once felt like granny—now I really embrace that."

• Alexandra Kahler [27:49]: "I have an unbelievable, supportive community of designers who I've connected with."

• Alexandra Kahler [29:19]: "Trust your gut and just be confident..."

• Alexandra Kahler [44:10]: "Learn as much as you can and don't ever feel like you've got this figured out."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Alexandra Kahler's episode on Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, offering insights into her professional journey, design philosophy, personal inspirations, and invaluable advice for budding interior designers.