A journey from hospitality to interior design
After spending a decade in hospitality development with icons like Kelly Wearstler and Philippe Starck, Kevin Klein realized something profound. He was offering design insights to the very people who inspired him. This epiphany led him to establish Kevin Klein Design in 2020.
His first project as an independent designer was a full-scale home design for a childhood friend. This formative experience continues to shape Klein’s holistic approach, focusing on long-term functionality over mere aesthetics. With an architecture degree from the University of Southern California, Klein seeks to create spaces that inspire, making each project unique—be it in hospitality, residential, or multifamily sectors.
Looking for more design inspiration? Discover a Toronto Penthouse transformation that combines 1980s architecture with global influences and rich textures.
For Klein, witnessing the transformation from before-and-after photos is especially rewarding. It signifies the tangible impact of his designs—a key moment of gratification for him and his team.
Klein’s inspirations: A blend of tradition and innovation
1. Reviving Craftsmanship with Gladding, McBean
During the restoration of the NoMad Hotel in Los Angeles, Klein collaborated with Gladding, McBean, a rare gem in the world of architectural terra cotta. Their expertise in replicating deteriorated or missing historic elements using both technology and traditional handcraft profoundly influenced Klein’s perspective on restoration. Touring their 150-year-old facility opened his eyes to the elegance and complexity of preserving architectural history.
2. Timeless elegance at Park Hotel Vitznau
Klein admires hotels inseparable from their natural settings, like Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland. Built on Lake Lucerne, the hotel combines old-world Swiss architecture with modern amenities. Klein appreciates how history and modern luxury coexist, with the natural surroundings creating an unforgettable backdrop.
Explore how other architects integrate nature with modern luxury in Joyce Wang’s transformation of Hong Kong’s Landmark Hotel, a blend of colonial charm and modern elegance.
3. Cinematic landscapes at Lake Maracaibo
Lake Maracaibo’s stunning visuals left a lasting impression on Klein during a 2012 visit. The constant lightning, dense rainforests, and expansive waters felt almost cinematic. This experience enriched his subconscious library of inspirations, influencing his designs’ colors and textures.
4. The allure of the Ferrari 575M Maranello
For Klein, the Ferrari 575M Maranello represents an intersection of tradition and modernity. Its vintage allure and functional elegance inspire him, embodying a balance between romance and performance that fuels his design philosophy.
5. The structured beauty of Korean Dancheong
The intricate yet structured system of Korean Dancheong fascinates Klein. This traditional decorative painting embodies discipline without seriousness and decoration without arbitrariness. It perfectly aligns with Klein’s love for designs that embrace duality.
Signature projects that define Kevin Klein’s vision
1. SYRN Brand Studio: Balancing intimacy and brand identity
Designing SYRN Brand Studio allowed Klein to blend workplace functionality with residential warmth, using vintage pieces and sculptural elements. The space subtly communicates the brand’s identity through an intimate, collected ambiance.
2. Walkers’ Bar and Market: A seamless day-to-night transition
In Dallas, Walkers’ Bar and Market effortlessly shifts from a daytime market to an evening wine bar. Klein’s design incorporates vintage lighting, Italian woods, and playful elements, creating a space that evolves, feeling both personal and connected.
3. Embracing history at The Hollywood Roosevelt
For The Hollywood Roosevelt, Klein aimed to honor its storied past without replicating it. By sourcing objects worldwide and embracing the building’s imperfections, he allowed the hotel’s rich character to shine, exemplified by leaving a hidden mural untouched.
4. Experiential design in West Hollywood Home
This project revolved around creating a space for relaxation and socialization, featuring an oversized sunken area that blends architecture and furniture. It stands as a reminder that residential design can encourage fun and spontaneity without becoming overly formal.
5. Chit Chat Coffee & Matcha: Everyday elegance
Chit Chat combines mid-century details with modern comfort, transforming the neighborhood coffee shop into a thoughtfully designed space. Klein strikes a balance between elegance and informality, enhancing the daily coffee ritual with a touch of sophistication.
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
Where did Kevin Klein start his career in design?
Kevin Klein started his career in hospitality development, working with icons like Kelly Wearstler and Philippe Starck before founding Kevin Klein Design in 2020.
What is a source of inspiration for Kevin Klein’s designs?
Kevin Klein draws inspiration from the traditional decorative painting system of Korean Dancheong, which embodies discipline and decoration without arbitrariness.
How did Kevin Klein approach the design at The Hollywood Roosevelt?
For The Hollywood Roosevelt, Klein aimed to honor its storied past by sourcing objects worldwide and allowing the hotel’s rich character to shine, such as leaving a hidden mural untouched.
What does Kevin Klein appreciate about Park Hotel Vitznau?
Klein appreciates how the Park Hotel Vitznau combines old-world Swiss architecture with modern amenities, seamlessly integrating history and modern luxury with its natural surroundings.