Kristina Phillips’ journey into interior design wasn’t one she mapped out from the start. With a background in PR and a love for storytelling, she found herself drawn to the creative process of curating beautiful spaces. In our conversation, she shared insights into her career shift, the challenges of running a design business, and the inspiration she finds in travel and everyday life.
From PR to Interiors: A Natural Evolution
Before launching her interior design career, Kristina spent years in public relations, crafting compelling narratives for authors and brands. But when life led her to focus on raising her family, she took a step back from PR—only to return to the workforce with a fresh perspective. Interior design, which had long been a passion, soon became a career.
“I had always loved design—I had done my own home, helped friends with theirs—but I knew I needed more foundation,” Kristina recalls. That realization led her to the New York School of Interior Design, where she honed her skills and gained the confidence to turn her passion into a thriving business.
Building a Design Business with Purpose
Kristina launched her firm with a keen sense of organization and a deep respect for process. Every project follows a structured five-step system, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. That attention to structure, combined with her ability to read between the lines of a client’s vision, has helped her build a business that thrives on trust and creative excellence.
“I’ve learned to rely on my gut when choosing projects,” she explains. “You get better at reading people and understanding when something is going to be the right fit.”
While she once worked within a partnership, she now operates independently—a move that has allowed her to take full control of her creative direction. “That period of my career was a valuable lesson,” she says, reflecting on her past collaborations. “But I’ve found that I’m more successful and fulfilled running my own firm.”
The Influence of Travel and Cultural Immersion
Having grown up in a family that moved frequently, Kristina developed a keen ability to adapt and appreciate diverse cultures—an experience that still informs her design work today. Whether drawing inspiration from her childhood in Sweden or sourcing textiles in Marrakesh, her approach to design is deeply influenced by the places she’s been.
Her travels aren’t just for inspiration—they’re also for sourcing. “I found an incredible rug vendor in India and another in Marrakesh. These relationships allow me to bring unique, handmade pieces into my clients’ homes,” she says.
Kristina’s latest venture, 27, is a natural extension of her love for travel and design. The brand, named for the number that holds personal significance for her, features curated items from her global adventures—rugs, textiles, and even stylish packing cubes designed to bring beauty to the art of travel.
Crafting a Design Philosophy
At the heart of Kristina’s approach is a balance between artistry and practicality. Her Scandinavian roots influence her preference for simplicity and restraint, while her PR background has given her a keen sense of storytelling—allowing her to translate a client’s vision into a cohesive and personal design.
“I ask my clients so many questions—where they honeymooned, what hotels they love—because those details help me craft spaces that feel personal and deeply meaningful,” she explains.
That level of thoughtfulness extends to her process, her client relationships, and even the way she balances work and life. As a self-described “late bloomer” in the industry, she embraces every opportunity with fresh energy. “I still find so much joy in what I do,” she says. “And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
