Carson Kressley Talks Design and Lighting
Emmy-Award winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer and New York Times best-selling author are some of the credits of the multi-talented and unforgettable Carson Kressley.
Photo: @MattMonathPhoto
How do you describe your design aesthetic?
Carson: Eclectic. Whether it's clothing or one of my homes I love to layer. By layering, you create a very personal story.
How does your home reflect your personality?
Carson: Well, it reflects all the things I love. I believe that if you love something, it will work in your space. So, I would say all my spaces are more "collected" than "designed."
Where/What is your happy place in your home?
Carson: My bathtub. I'm a water sign, and it is a must that I soak every night before bedtime. It's a spa moment that both recharges and centers me after a hectic day.
Design project your most proud of?
Carson: I'm very proud of my farmhouse in Pennsylvania. It's much larger than my NYC apartment. I've made many mistakes, but in the end, it turned out very handsome. My places are infused with my style.
How does lighting play into designing the space?
Carson: In showbiz, lighting is everything. The same applies to the home. It can make or break a space, also affects how you look and feel in the room. I like to have lots of lighting options, and of course, everything (even outdoor lighting) on dimmers!
What do you see as the most significant home, lighting, and design trends? Any tips on how to incorporate these trends into your home without spending a fortune?
Carson: Surprisingly I'm not a trend kind of guy. Whether lighting for the home to great accessories on an outfit, I do tend to go with classics.
A classic style for timeless appeal
How do you use light to make a space beautiful?
Carson: Lighting creates a mood. It can also add sparkle and make paint colors and textiles look beautiful, bright, or sexy.
What do you find to be the right balance of style and function?
Carson: The function should always lead, but you shouldn't have to sacrifice style. Great lighting, like any great design, achieves both!
What is your favorite Crystorama piece or collection?
Carson: I have a traditional but updated open lantern from Libby Langdon for Crystorama. It's transitional and looks up to date, but it's so classic it works everywhere and adds tailored sophistication to any space. I've used it in formal dining rooms, my own breakfast room at the farm and even in a bathroom. It would also look great in a kitchen, bedroom, or even a barn. Great pieces are like that - they work almost anywhere.
