6 THINGS WITH KRISTIN HILDEBRAND

6 Things with Kristin Hildebrand Founder of KH Interiors

Kristin Hildebrand, founder of KH Interiors and Stanford University graduate, has transitioned from a decade-long career as a professional volleyball player for Team USA to a renowned interior designer. Her global travels and an initial home renovation sparked her passion for design, leading her to establish KH Interiors in 2019. Now at the helm of her own design studio in Orange County, Kristin infuses her interiors with an earthy, layered uniqueness, creating thoughtful spaces that reflect her athletic spirit and diverse stylistic influences. Her journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial drive and the transformative power of following one's passion.

1. What started it all for you?

Long story short, after getting my degree at Stanford, I became a professional (indoor volleyball) athlete for the next 10 years (through my twenties), competing for Team USA and living in several countries abroad. While competing and living in Turkey, Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Russia, I always seemed to find myself wandering the streets taking all of the architecture in, but what really sparked my interest in interior design was when me and my husband decided to renovate our first home. I loved it, and concurrently my USA teammates started to hire me to do their homes, which I really enjoyed. When I retired from my professional volleyball career to start a family, I finally decided to dive into interior design full time. I started KH Interiors in 2019, and it's grown from me working alone at my kitchen table (trying to get people to take a chance on me!) to now, having my own design studio in Orange County and having designed and built beautiful custom homes all over the country. It's been a wile ride, and I'm so grateful for all of it.

2. What drives your creative spark?

Nature, and incorporating organic materials into our projects in unique ways. Traveling, especially internationally, and soaking up all of the incredible architecture of both buildings and dwellings alike. Antiquing, finding objects with old souls, and incorporating them into our projects to infuse character and charm. Exploring new cities, wandering around without an itinerary into coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and bars.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

My collection of antique and vintage artwork. I've been collecting pieces from flea markets and antique shops all over the country for years.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

No one else has the ability to create (design) a space quite like you will. We each have our own unique perspective, so lean into it and never look back.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

I'm a scotch on the rocks gal! I also love a good IPA.

6. What are your 6 favorite accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@yondinteriors
@lightandwell
@laurennelsondesign
@heidicaillierdesign
@apriltomlininteriors
@studiomcgee

"What drives my creative spark is nature, and incorporating organic materials into our projects in unique ways. Traveling, especially internationally, and soaking up all of the incredible architecture of both buildings and dwellings alike. Antiquing, finding objects with old souls, and incorporating them into our projects to infuse character and charm." -Kristin Hildebrand

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUGO LANDA GARCIA