Profile: Katie Stassi
by allthebest • 28 Apr ’08 • profile • 18 Comments
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting fellow Houstonian Katie Stassi. We meet at Starbucks for coffee and soon one hour turned into two. Talented, amazing, beautiful, driven and kindhearted are only but a few words to describe this wonderful woman. I truly felt as though I had known her forever. Katie began her design business less than three years ago and this year was named one of domino’s top 10 designers for 2008. Yeah Houston!
Katie says that she knew from an early age that she had a gift, “I could visualize and see things that most other people could not. My bedroom, which should have been filled with dolls and teen beat posters, turned into what my family called my apartment.”
Katie is a minimalist with a discerning eye for the finer things in life but used sparingly in a traditional yet modern way that is light hearted, sophisticated, youthful and fun. “In my opinion, a house is more than just a home. It is a sanctuary. A place you can call your own. An extension of your personality. An escape that takes you away from life’s unexpected twists and turns. A friend that you care for, share memories with and relish all of the days in your life.”
She is currently working on projects in Houston, TX, Aspen, CO and New Orleans, La.
How would you describe your personal style?
The best of both worlds! Antiques and modern furnishings! Highs and low’s! I am always caught in the middle! My feet are always positioned in different doors! I love fine antiques that are old, crusty and dilapidated. Why repair or restore? Displaying it’s age and history is where true beauty is revealed!
I also love classic, modern furnishings and bright, colorful art. It adds life and
character to a home. I feel as though my job is that of an explorer. Hunting and discovering the treasures of many talented and brilliant minds! I consider my days “field trips”! There is always something new to be learned and someone new and interesting to meet.
What is the one thing in life you can not live without?
God.
What books are currently on your bedside table?
There are too many to name, but a few are:Bible; City Chic by Nina Willdorf; The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell; A Quick Word with Beth Moore by Beth Moore
What inspires your designs and creativity?
The simple things in life! Sunshine, water, flowers, words, symbols, books, magazines, headlines, churches, music and, of course, God!
Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Oprah! She makes a difference in the world and she defies the odds. She exudes confidence and power but in a positive and constructive way. I would love to spend the day with her in a casual relaxing way. Just as a friend would…talking about life, curled up in a chair, drinking coffee, taking a walk with the sun shining down upon us and being surrounded by nature.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Down time! Relaxing outside by a pool or open water with a stack of books and magazines next to me, sun shining, breeze blowing and music playing!
What is your most prized possession?
My family!
Who are your style icons?
Gwynth Paltrow – naturally classic and beautiful, yet in a modern way
Katie Holmes, classic and innocent
Cameron Diez – bright and fun!
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
The world living as ONE, LOVING not hating, having FAITH and HOPE for a better life, BELIEVING and being intimate with the HIGHER POWER who created this beautiful world, being THANKFUL, being UNITED as we should be, as it was DESIGNED to be……UNITED STATES!
Profile by Ronda Carman
Great profile Ronda. I love her style. You can tell she is a beautiful person, both inside and out.
Ronda,
I really enjoyed your profile of Kati Stassi. I linked to her listing of the house on the market from Paloma’s website. Even better to see the whole house than what I saw in Domino. She seems like an eminently likeable person.
Thanks
Hi Ronda, love this interview. I completely relate to the mixture of minimalism, traditional and modern.
I adore her style!
What a great profile. You can tell that Katie has a kind and lovely spirit.
Oh, that bedroom…it is exquisitely beautiful. Did she have the headboard custom made? I love the lines and the blue welt.
Thanks Anne and Andria. Katie really is a great person and talented woman!
Hi Things That Inspire, I will ask Katie.
What a great interview with a beautiful and talented designer! Amazing that she started only 3 years ago. Thank you for sharing about Katie with all of us – she’s as lovely inside as she is onthe outside.
Is she just too beautiful? And what a lovely soul! That surprised me – I didn’t expect her to be so spiritual. Makes me like her even more! She’s quite a talent and I adore that new bedroom you showed – those curtains, gorgeous.
Congrats Katie on domino!
Joni
I really enjoyed reading this interview. Great job, Ronda! I am so impressed that she has accomplished so much in 3 short years. I love her style. Did you ever find out why she is selling her fabulous house?
How nice to see that her faith guides her. She’s already successful in life no matter how her business goes!!!
Another perfect profile! You have a great knack for getting to the core of everyone you interview. She’s a beautiful soul and look what she has done in THREE years!
Gorgeous interview! I absolutely LOVE that pool house!
XX
Anna
Wonderful profile! I really like her work, and I loved that she picked Gwyneth as a style inspiration.
I thank all of you for speaking such kind words! Your beautiful and touching comments inspire me even more. The world is full of beautiful, talented people. It amazes me! I hope to meet all of you one day! Katie
What a lovely woman! I totally inspired, even though I am late to the interview. I will start paying attention to her work, thank you!
xoxo
Melissa
Beth Moore and Oprah hold such opposite views. I guess it’s the eclectic thing. : ) Thank you for the interview.
KS
Great questions, fun to see her heart in her words.