Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Kristen Nix, the mastermind behind spaces that effortlessly blend the essence of contemporary allure with timeless elegance, has become a sensation in the design world. Her hallmark style of crisp lines, bespoke details, and an unwavering commitment to the art of balance, scale, and simplicity has made her a TGP favorite.
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with her bachelor’s degree, Nix embarked on a thrilling adventure to New York City where she began working in fashion at none other than Vogue. She later returned to Texas as an Art Director for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, curating the pages of their renowned publication, The Book. Finally, before starting her eponymous firm in 2011, Nix found inspiration under the tutelage of the illustrious decorator J. Randall Powers, a creative force who still exerts a significant influence on her aesthetic vision.
Lauded as the Design Star on the Rise in 2013, Nix’s talents extend beyond the realm of design, as she effortlessly juggles the joys of being a mother to three adorable boys. It’s her understanding that rooms must embrace functionality, durability, and irresistible beauty. While every client is a unique universe of dreams, Nix’s unwavering goal remains constant: to create an elevated space that harmoniously intertwines with the clients’ desires and needs.
Let’s take a look at her sublime portfolio and get the inside scoop on her career, inspiration, and more.
Welcome Kristen!
Q: Tell us a bit about your career path. Did you take a traditional path to becoming an interior designer?
A: In around about way, I did. I grew up with parents in the industry – my parents owed a commercial interiors business doing Herman Miller and Knoll workstations, so every day after school I was at their office in the Houston Dec Center.
I was used to joining my mom in showrooms sourcing fabrics and materials during summers. I got a degree in Communications, but went back in my 20’s for an Associate degree in Interior Design and started my business shortly after.
Q: What are some style/design elements that you think are distinct or signature to
your decorating style?
A: A tailored and textured interior that focuses on colors from nature and mixes old and new elements
Q: Where do you source inspiration and/or mentorship?
A: Travel and J. Randall Powers on speed dial. I worked for him before I opened my business and he always has great advice.
Q: Do you have any favorite go-to paints, wallpapers, linens, artists, etc.?
A: I’m crazy about Mark Alexander wallpapers lately. I love a heavy texture which they do great.
Q: What are five everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: My iPhone, our pool – it makes summers more fun, my convertible weekend car which makes me happy, ridiculous $14 smoothies, and a finished wall; wallpaper, plaster, shiplap…I love a finished wall
Q: What are you currently working on that we can look forward to in the coming
months?
A: An install on an island in the Bahamas…it’s a challenge as the closest hardware store is a 45 min boat ride. It’s a tricky one but there isn’t a better office when we’re there.
Q: What do you consider the most exciting part of your work, and how do you stay
energized on a project?
A: My clients keep me energized. In most cases they become friends – it’s fun to bring people’s visions to life…and the girls in the office, I learn a lot from them.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Being with my three sons and husband, playing tennis and wake surfing on Lake Austin.
Q: What advice do you have for women thinking of launching their own business?
A: There are hard days and you can’t give up or let them get the best of you…I’m getting better at letting things roll off my shoulder a bit more
Q: Any travel plans for summer break?
A:hof South of France for two weeks with my family. I can’t wait!
For additional information, please visit Kristen Nix Interiors and follow @kristennixinteriors on Instagram for a closer look at her beautiful work! And for an inside tour of one of Kristen’s beautifully designed homes (owned by artist Erin Donahue Tice), please visit The Glam Pad’s YouTube Channel!
x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge
That is a really lovely light blue and white checkerboard floor in the entry. I assume it is painted? I would love to do something similar in a 230 year old farmhouse we inherited & are gradually “refreshing” during our infrequent visits, but my husband would probably throw a fit about painting the original wood floors. It’s too bad because I love the way the checkerboard brightened up the entire entry.
Such lovely interiors! So light, airy and fresh. I’m not sure I could live with snakes on my walls!