Design

Moodboard of the Month: Laura Kirar

The interiors and product designer reveals her inspirations of the moment—and the favourite places and creative works she’ll never forget.

The founder and creative director of Laura Kirar Design, Laura Kirar is well-known for her sophisticated, timeless interiors and products, which she has created in collaboration with the likes of Baker, Ann Sacks and Kallista—all under Kohler Interiors Group—as well as other brands as Arteriors Home and Carnegie Fabrics. Whether a new bathroom fixture or a plush hotel suite, Laura’s work is always deeply rooted in history and craftsmanship. She shares with us her inspirations of the moment, from favourite design pieces to preferred table for a dinner out on the town.

Image courtesy of Kohler

What was the biggest inspiration behind the Pinna texture in your Kallista collection?

The collection was inspired by the gardens and natural environments in my most recent travels. I’m spending a lot of time restoring my 18th century hacienda, and I bring my camera and sketch book with me when I’m out exploring and working on the site. I'm always observing materials, textures and patterns. I found myself taking a lot of photos and drawing the architecture, the jungle, plants and the old wood inside the ruin. These inspirations evolved into the Pinna texture on my most recent collection for Kallista.

Image courtesy of Laura Kirar Design

Name a design piece you're coveting now.

One of my own limited edition Trenzita tables - handmade from braided leather and henequen with a tortoiseshell lacquer top. The Trenzita was recently added to the permanent collection of the Longhouse Museum. Very few will be made and many are already spoken for!

Which piece of literature do you always re-read?

Il Gattopardo by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

Image courtesy of ThinkStock/efetova

Name a colour combination that you're partial to at the moment.

French gray, pale to deep bottle green, tarnished silvers, burnished gold metallics, and copper.

Image courtesy of The True Cost

Name a film that’s made the biggest impression on you recently.

A documentary called The True Cost which takes a look at the business practices, conditions and waste of the retail fashion industry. I've completely changed my shopping habits because of it.

Image courtesy of Studio Wayne McGregor

What about an exhibition or performance?

I recently visited the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City to see a textural feast of work by Anish Kapoor created over many years.

I also find myself still thinking about Tree of Codes (pictured) produced by choreographer Wayne McGregor, artist Olafur Eliasson, and producer Jamie Smith (aka Jamie xx), presented at The Armory in New York City.