Kate Kramer: Interior Designer

Montecito native Kate Kramer has an eye for design – whether it is for a home or an afternoon snack: 

“It’s funny, my career has taken me all over, but one of my most interesting jobs was working at a design firm as a package designer. One of our clients was Frito-Lay, so I literally had a team of people poring over hundreds of chips… trying to find the perfect one – the one that will capture the essence of… the Tostito.”

All chips aside, Kramer has moved back to her hometown. With an eye for detail and a sense of style that mesmerizes, she has quickly become a well-known name in the industry. However, what sets her apart is not just her talent, but her deep-rooted connection to the very soil she walks on.

Kate’s lineage in Montecito can be traced back through generations, like the ancient oak trees that have witnessed the passage of time. Her great-grandfather purchased the original Hot Springs Hotel, a historical gem that stood proudly in the 1920s. He maintained it through two fires and also owned the Gould Estate (which is now Ennisbrook). Despite enduring the test of fire twice, the hotel’s legacy lives on through Kate’s memories. “I took my son up to the Hot Springs recently, and we touched the wall that still stands on the property. It was pretty surreal,” she reminisced.

Growing up amidst such rich heritage, Kate’s creativity found its early roots. She moved to Santa Ynez with her family and attended Dunn School. Later, she pursued her passion for art at UCSB, specializing in studio art with a focus on painting and art history. After that, she honed her skills further at the Contemporary Art Museum of San Diego in La Jolla.

Her journey continued at the prestigious Otis College of Art & Design, where she earned a degree in digital media. Armed with her extensive knowledge and unwavering determination, Kate embarked on her career as an Art Director and freelance designer for brands such as Patagonia, UGG, Vuori, and Frito-Lay. What makes her story even more heartwarming is her sidekick in this creative endeavor: her 4th-grade son, Hunter. “He will help me with creative ideas, and he always assists in putting away samples when I get them!” Kate chuckled, sharing the joys of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

A year ago, Kate decided to take her passion to the next level by starting her own interior design business: “It’s about creativity, passion, and a keen eye for hidden treasures. I want to find things that add layers of texture or color. I love finding items that fit a client’s style or perhaps push the envelope,” she says with a glint of excitement in her eyes.

She also has a unique perspective on all the pandemic transplants that came to the 93108 the past couple years: “One of the unintended positive consequences that came about from Covid was a wave of new families and individuals that bring with them a fresh perspective and broad world view; people that have diverse backgrounds, an appreciation for elevated design and their finger on the pulse. These are the types of clients I feel grateful to work with.”

Kate’s design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about telling a story through every piece she selects, every color she chooses, and every texture she incorporates. Montecito’s rich history and natural beauty inspire her creations, breathing life into spaces that resonate with warmth and sophistication.

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Kate Kramer stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance: “I want to create a space that feels authentic – to create something timeless that represents my client.” With each project, she leaves an indelible mark, transforming houses into homes and dreams into reality. And her hope is to continue to grow her business and continue to weave magic for her clients, one space at a time: “I have some exciting projects on the horizon in Los Angeles and Orange County.”

Between work and raising her son, there is not a lot of extra time, but Kramer does enjoy exploring museums and local galleries when she can. “If I can pop down to L.A. for a fresh perspective, I love it! There are so many new restaurants or I check out some of my favorite showrooms.”

Kramer offers consultations both in-person and on Zoom, where she helps with styling and staging, paint, wall and window treatments, floor plans and layouts, as well as fixtures, finishes, and trims. You can follow her on Instagram: @katehunter_design