Kelly Dunn’s obsession with authentic expression is unparalleled and is the driving force behind her award-winning firm, FATHOM Design Company. Kelly is sought out by her colleagues as an expert on out-of-the-box solutions and blending colors and textures in imaginative ways that breathe new life into the world of interior design.

Kelly Dunn recently sat down and spoke to Haute Design to share some of her driving design principles.

Haute Design: What is the earliest memory you can recall where you knew you wanted to become a designer?

Kelly Dunn: I was a young teen when I would constantly rearrange the furniture in my bedroom. Sometimes the layout didn't even make sense, but I desperately needed my space to feel fresh and exciting. I would also rearrange my family's living room when my mom was out for the day, always promising to put everything back if she didn't like it, but I had to play with it and try new things.

HD: If you could name three design principles you live by, what would they be?

KD: 'AUTHENTICITY ALWAYS.' If your space does not reflect who you are to the core, something will feel off and you will always be frustrated.

'HAVE A CONVERSATION PIECE.' It continually breathes new life into your home.

'PLAY.' Introduce new colors and textures. Experience them, be curious. You may discover a whole new side of yourself that is waiting to be expressed.

HD: You have stated that you are bored by trends. How crucial is the client's input to the ideas and design you put forth in any given project?

KD: Client input is critical. It's their space, so it must resonate with them. If they are leaning heavily on trends, I try to dig a little deeper to discover what it is they're attracted to. Then I show them variations of what they're looking for that acknowledges a certain trend but is ultimately expressive of their true identity. This balance always produces spectacular results.

Photo Credit: FATHOM Design Company

HD: Is there a particular color or material you gravitate toward (consciously or subconsciously) throughout your work?

KD: There isn't a specific color but I personally gravitate toward dark and moody aesthetics. It certainly pops up in most of my work but ultimately, I focus on what is the best design representation for my clients' personal style.

HD: Has there been one particular factor to your work which you have implemented as a result of the COVID pandemic?

KD: The biggest hurdle the design community is still facing is that shipping is at least three times longer, production is either nonexistent or takes up to eight times as long and it has been difficult finding quality installers and finishers. Our clientele has been stir-crazy for so long and it's hard for them to wait on their finished spaces.

HD: Where do you see FATHOM Design Company in five years?

KD: Taking on more restaurant and hotel projects and expanding beyond NYC.

To learn more about FATHOM Design Company and book Kelly Dunn for an upcoming project, CLICK HERE.

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Here, she describes her recent project Eclectic Retreat. 

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

This bedroom is about blending the old with the new and honoring your roots while embracing a bright and bold future.

The owners of this space are multi-faceted, well-traveled and down to earth, so we turned this bedroom into an authentic expression of their character and passions because at FATHOM design company we know that when you are surrounded by what feeds your soul you are more deeply replenished.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

Every wall is dressed in a charcoal-colored grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaut. These dark, textured walls ground the room while exuding an overall calming and sophisticated vibe. It is the bed that takes center stage, though. Handmade in California, the sunburst caning draws you in, reminding you of simpler times even though it is juxtaposed with a sleek dresser and a retro, shag rug that’s modernized with a metallic sheen. This juxtaposition creates an equilibrium that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

The stunning cobalt blue vase was hand blown by the incredibly talented team at Tightrope in Brooklyn, NY. It casts an electrifying, creativity-inspiring hue as it filters the sun’s light.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

Modern lighting from Lume Room on Howard Elliot’s blue mirrored nightstand is paired with a custom-made, traditionally styled ceiling fixture by ABC Lighting in New Jersey adding a deeper level of intrigue to the space. Natural elements, animal prints, modern art, and a 12 string guitar all contribute to the diverse character of the room and reflect the inhabitants' many interests.

Overall, this space is the ideal eclectic retreat. Traditional pieces, modern touches, and contemporary art blended to reflect a life well-lived.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

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Minimalism in interior design is about clarity and a sense of zen, but all too often we get hung up on minimal texture and minimal color. The best spaces are the ones that take risks and in this living room, we dared to let a few knockout pieces stand for themselves. We grounded the space with natural elements while infusing a rich color palette with soft, luxurious texture.

This one-of-a-kind sofa was found in a warehouse buried under bolts of fabric and lovingly named, Giuseppe. Covered in a Ralph Lauren crushed velvet, its chesterfield style paired with mid-century modern legs is the epitome of luxe and sophistication. It softens the cold stone of the magnum fireplace yet stands strong on its own. No throw pillows necessary.

Photo Credit: John Friedrich

The unique tree sculpture next to the sofa was actually a fallen tree at one point that was stripped and charred and now repurposed as natural art, adding intrigue, texture, and warmth. The way it stands formidable and opposite the fireplace is an irony that deepens the character of the space.

We wanted textural window treatments, but for this application, we chose to think outside the box. Whenever you do something unexpected in interior design you breathe life into the space, giving it a pulse as this creates a sense of safety and desire. We cut thousands of strips of carpet binding and knotted them onto a galvanized pipe that acted as our curtain rod. The result is a stellar covering that filters the light and blends with the walls so naturally, you get the feeling you’re under a weeping willow tree. Pair that with the silk rug and oversized art and you are left with a calming, luxurious space evoking a personality all its own.

Photo Credit: John Friedrich

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