How would you describe the Kathy Kuo design philosophy in one sentence?
We believe in designing homes that feel soulful and storied, where materials are layered and objects are collected over time to create a look that’s deeply personal.
Is there a signature style or point of view that consistently shows up across the Kathy Kuo universe?
Our signature style is what we call Updated Traditional. It’s an aesthetic that pairs modern silhouettes with traditional details, where every space feels both classically inspired and effortlessly livable.
What do you look for in products and designs before bringing them into the Kathy Kuo collection?
In my early career, I was an industrial designer, and my obsession with the nuances of product design has stayed with me through the years! Every piece we carry is considered for not only its silhouette but also its material composition and construction. We want every product to feel effortlessly stylish for decades to come while also standing up to the natural wear and tear of everyday life.
What inspired the collaboration between Kathy Kuo Home and Vanity & Co?
Bathroom vanities are an assortment we’re actively expanding at Kathy Kuo Home, and it’s a total dream to collaborate with Vanity & Co! I have such admiration for Katie’s impeccable work as an interior designer, and I love how she’s brought a charming, heirloom quality to what’s sometimes thought of as a purely functional category. These are vanities that feel like beloved pieces of furniture, and I love the sense of intentionality and character they bring to a bathroom’s design.
When designing a bathroom, which element deserves the most attention and why?
The vanity! And not just because of our collaboration. In so many ways, the vanity is the heart of a bathroom. It’s home to plumbing elements and requires ample storage space. Getting it just right is the first step in designing a gorgeous, well-loved bathroom.
How do you approach choosing the right vanity for a space?
Scale is a main factor, and I always start by considering the proportions of the room and how the vanity will balance with the architecture. From there, it's about marrying function with beauty: adequate storage, quality materials like solid wood and natural stone, and design details that elevate everyday rituals. The best kind of vanity should fit both your practical needs AND be a piece that’s visually appealing. Bathrooms are functional spaces by nature, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!
What details can transform a bathroom from a purely functional space into one that feels fully designed?
It’s the thoughtful layers that make all the difference: the sculptural mirror that acts as art, the vintage-inspired rug that softens the tile, and the petite table lamp that creates a warm atmosphere. When you treat the bathroom with the same design intention as any other room in the home, it becomes a truly personal retreat.
What influenced the look and feel of the custom Kathy Kuo x Vanity & Co. vanity?
Our vanity was inspired by antique furnishings, the kinds of heirloom-quality pieces brimming with character and charm. The design marries both traditional and modern elements, a key to so many of my favorite pieces. We started with a clean-lined silhouette and added turned wood legs for a quintessentially traditional touch. The luxe hardware is from English brand Armac Martin’s Aberdovey collection, with an unlacquered polished brass finish that feels like a forever classic. The drawer pulls are designed to be subtly reminiscent of seashells, bringing just a hint of coastal influence to the vanity.
In what ways did this collaboration allow you to push bathroom design in a more intentional direction?
As a designer, I’m always considering the stylistic and functional elements of every product, and there are certain hero items I return to again and again because they combine both so perfectly. This vanity is exactly that kind of piece, and I can’t wait to see it live at the heart of our customers’ thoughtfully designed bathrooms.
What do you hope customers take away from the Kathy Kuo x Vanity & Co. collaboration when designing their own bathrooms?
I hope this collaboration inspires people to design bathrooms that feel like a true extension of the rest of their homes, spaces that are warm, inviting, and deeply personal.
