Secrets of a Stylist: Behind the Scenes with Kimberly Power

Kimberly Power, the founder and creative force behind Kimberly Power Creative, is redefining the art of visual storytelling through her distinctive approach to interior styling, art direction, and book development. With an eye for detail and a refined sense of beauty, Kimberly leads her boutique agency with a painter’s precision and a storyteller’s soul.

“I’ve always been creative,” Kimberly says. “As a child, I was putting on plays, writing songs, drawing—creating was my way of expressing myself. So was changing my outfit five times a day,” she laughs.

Kimberly Power’s Studio

That passion led her to the American University of Rome, where she studied communications with a focus on film and photography. It was there that visual storytelling truly clicked. “It’s always been about showing people how I see the world—what beauty looks like through my lens.” And styling? That came naturally. “Looking back, I was always rearranging spaces, styling coffee tables and bookshelves—it’s in my DNA.”

Whether she’s sourcing florals that capture the mood of a story or building layered, inspired mood boards, Kimberly’s process is grounded in intention and artistry. Her creative direction transforms spaces and narratives alike—celebrating form, feeling, and the finer details that make a lasting impression.

Moodboard by Kimberly Power

We are delighted to welcome Kimberly to The Glam Pad today, as she shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her beautifully curated world and a sampling of her most impressive portfolio… Welcome, Kimberly!

Q:  Tell us about a “typical” day in your life?

A:  There’s really no such thing as a “typical” day in my world—and that’s part of what I love about this work. If I’m on a shoot, the prep starts well before the day itself: sourcing pieces, pulling references, packing props, and driving to the flower market during sunrise. On shoot days, I’m styling everything from tabletops to rooms, making sure every detail feels effortless.

On quieter days—especially when I’m deep into book work—you’ll find me at my computer, immersed in curating images, mapping out layouts, or designing spreads. I’m learning to carve out quiet time for myself too—that’s a work in progress!

Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Hayley Ellen Day
Interior Design by Susanna Maggard, Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Hayley Ellen Day
Interior Design by Susanna Maggard, Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Kirsten Francis

Q:  How do you go about styling for a photo shoot to ensure picture perfect results?

A:  It all starts with the client. Understanding where the photos will ultimately live—whether that’s in a book, a portfolio, a magazine, or online—is essential. That destination informs every decision we make. Each project is unique, so we begin by asking the right questions: What’s the story we’re trying to tell? What elements bring the space to life? Sometimes it’s florals, other times it’s a beautifully imperfect living room.

We aim to create scenes that feel intentional but lived-in—never overly staged. The best photos evoke a sense of real life, of paused moments. At the heart of it, my goal is to style spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but feel authentic. And I love learning which pieces are meaningful to the client so I can weave them into the narrative. Those personal touches make all the difference.

But the real key to picture perfect results is collaboration. I want to hear everyone’s ideas. I call it “kissing a lot of toads”—you try everything, even if it seems off at first, because you just might be surprised. Sometimes the thing you didn’t expect ends up being the magic.

Interior Design by Chrissy Ritter, Styling by Kimberly Power and photography by Hayley Ellen Day
Interior Design by Chrissy Ritter, Styling by Kimberly Power and photography by Hayley Ellen Day

Q:  We’d also love to know more about your “behind the scenes” work when it comes to art direction, graphic design, and books.

A:   It’s all about storytelling. Which images best tell the narrative? In what sequence? What fonts and graphic elements echo the mood and sensibility of the interiors themselves? Each book is a puzzle, and every design choice—no matter how small—helps bring the vision to life cohesively yet beautifully.

In all the work I do – whether a shoot, a book, a layout, a flatlay —they are all puzzles — taking elements that feel disparate and putting them together in a beautiful way.

Styling by Kimberly Power; Photography by Hayley Ellen Day; Wallpaper by de Gournay,
Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Hayley Ellen Day

Q:  What were some of the greatest lessons you learned while working with design legend Charlotte Moss?

A:  Too many to count! My complete education in interior design goes without saying, but a few stand out as especially formative. Her background in marketing shaped the way I think about storytelling. With Charlotte, it’s never just about the project at hand. It’s: How do we position this in a new, thoughtful way? What are the broader takeaways? What can we create to extend its reach or deepen its impact? She brings a strategic lens to everything, always pushing for innovation and clarity.

Her depth of historical reference is unmatched and serves as a powerful reminder to stay curious and keep my eyes open. To read more, research, look deeper, find creative endeavors that feed your soul—because inevitably, they’ll always feed your work.

And then there are her mantras—one of my favorites being “Lipstick and earrings.” It’s her shorthand for refinement: the final layer, the finishing touch, the care taken in even the smallest detail. That phrase stays with me. It’s a reminder to always elevate, to present with intention, and to never underestimate the power of polish.

Home: A Story by Charlotte Moss, Graphic design and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography Read McKendree
Home: A Story by Charlotte Moss, Graphic design and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography Read McKendree
Home: A Story by Charlotte Moss, Graphic design and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography Read McKendree
Flowers by Charlotte Moss: Art direction by Kimberly Power
Flowers by Charlotte Moss: Art Direction and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Charlotte Moss Entertains, Art direction and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Charlotte Moss © Charlotte Moss Entertains by Charlotte Moss, Rizzoli New York, 2018

My favorite part about working on a book is brainstorming unique ways to showcase the subject matter. For the openers in Charlotte Moss Entertains we hand selected her own plates and tablecloths that spoke to each chapter. The result is bold, graphic, and beautiful.

“Objects passed down through generations bring warmth and personality into a home,” said Kimberly. “I love learning about people through the objects they collect. In Charlotte’s dining room, she has a cabinet that houses her blue and white porcelain, Imari, and majolica—each piece with its own story. These are the personal details that make photographs sing.” Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Charlotte Moss Entertains, Art direction and styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Charlotte Moss © Charlotte Moss Entertains by Charlotte Moss, Rizzoli New York, 2018

Q:  How do you describe your design aesthetic, and where do you find inspiration?

A:   My aesthetic is layered and thoughtful, maximal—classic with a touch of whimsy. But I do yearn for paired down white rooms and minimal decor. Inspiration comes from everywhere. I collect old World of Interiors magazines, I adore Irving Penn’s photography, and I never leave a museum without grabbing postcards to pin on my mood board. Books, magazines, the flower market—they’re all endless sources of inspiration and ideas.

Q:  Can you share what technology/tools you use to create your beautiful moodboard collages?

A:  It all started from collecting scraps—fabrics, vintage photos, postcards—that inspired me. One day I sat down and arranged them into a collage and something just clicked. There’s something very tactile and personal about creating each board. I’ve done some for two very special books coming out, so stay tuned!

Moodboard by Kimberly Power
Moodboard by Kimberly Power
Moodboard by Kimberly Power

Q:  What career advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing stying and/or graphic/artistic work within the world of interior design?

A:  Say yes to everything at first. You won’t know what you love—or don’t—until you’ve tried it all. A photographer once asked me, “What kind of stylist do you want to be?” That question stuck with me. And you don’t need an immediate answer—just keep showing up and eventually, it becomes clear.

Interior Design by Lisa Sokol Interior Design, Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Stacy Goldberg
Styling by Kimberly Power for Hollis Loudon, Photography by Rikki Snyder
Interior Design by Susanna Maggard, Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Kirsten Francis

Q:  What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

A:   My family and I just bought a house upstate and I try to get up there as often as I can. That and gardening or arranging flowers is how I truly relax, but wandering through museums and visiting historic houses is high on the list. Personally, I read and write constantly—it helps fuel my curiosity and keeps the creative fire alive.

Interior Design by Camille Hellwig, Styling by Kimberly Power, Photography by Hayley Ellen Day
Kimberly Power

Thank you Kimberly for joining us today. It’s so exciting to get an inside glimpse into the magic behind the scenes!

To learn more, please visit Kimberly Power Creative and follow @kimberlypowercreative on Instagram. You can also click the links below to see more of her clients’ work!

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