IDS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - KELLY COLLIER-CLARK

Meet Kelly, a Design Ambassador, Influencer, Design & Lifestyle Blogger, and IDS Member. With a firm belief that interior design is a necessity in today's world, she shares her passion and expertise with her social media following and clientele. After obtaining a professional certificate in Interior Design from Temple University, Kelly has accumulated over 20 years of experience in senior management, commercial project management, and corporate analytics & strategies. Now, you can find Kelly leading her design firm, Plot Twist Design LLC in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. 

Q: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND HOW IT HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

A: I believe interior design is a luxury service that has become essential, and I often refer to it as "simple luxury". Beyond beautiful fabrics, patterns, and furnishings; design impacts how we feel and function in spaces we dwell in daily. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2019 the shift in our culture overall was evident after many of us spent more time than ever at home. The goal immediately shifted from focusing on curating spaces that inspire aesthetically to evoking feelings that appeal to mental wellness being of equal importance more than ever before.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR "INS AND OUTS" FOR 2024?

A: INS - Texture everywhere form raised 3D tile to brutalist wall decor & furniture. Artisanal wall decor and accessories are musts whenever possible. Adding more warmth with browns and other warm colors into my neutral aesthetic and client projects. 

OUTS- Throw pillow chops and stark spaces that are beautiful but not inviting. 

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT INFLUENCE YOU, ASIDE FORM FURNITURE AND DÉCOR?

A: Travel, fashion (vintage luxury), and commercial buildings such as museums, theaters, and boutique hotels.

Q: HOW DO YOU APPROACH COLLABORATING WITH CLIENTS TO ENSURE THEIR VISION IS REFLECTED IN THE DESIGN?

A: During project onboarding clients complete a detailed questionnaire that captures some of their preferences, lifestyle must haves, etc. Obtaining approval for all large furniture during design presentation is another way we make sure clients visions are aligned with the design concept. 

Q: ARE YOU SEEING ANY STYLE REQUESTS TRENDING AMONGST YOUR CLIENTS?

A: Yes. A minimal/ clean lines style is trending with our current projects. Adding wallpaper into spaces beyond powder rooms is also trending for our client wishlists.

Q: WHAT’S BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

A: If I had to choose one highlight in my design career to date it would be having my work (the powder room project photo attached) in a published design book, “Shut the Front Door” by Chelsey Brown. A few other highlights include being selected to be a Style Spotter for Highpoint Market for the year 2022 and Design Ambassador for New York Design Center for the past three years, having a project featured in the ALORA Lighting catalog for 2023, and serving as an Influencer/ Brand Ambassador for the year. 

Q: ARE THERE ANY PERSONAL RITUALS OR HABITS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

A: Keeping things well organized and occasionally changing my work space both help with my creativity.