Meet the Designer: Keith Lichtman Helps You Love How You Live (Part 2)

New York-based interior designer Keith Lichtman of KL Interiors sat down with us to share his love for interior design. Today, he tells us more about his methods of design and shares what he's been busy with these days.

GDG: What has really helped progress your work?

KL: My methods of creating spaces have evolved over the years. My initial on-the-job training with two top design firms gave me the background as to how the technical process works and how to implement everything. Running my own business as the head designer and working directly with so many different kinds of clients and spaces has been the most invaluable in terms of creativity and design.

GDG: What are a few things you've been busy with lately?

KL: One thing I can say for certain in my business: There is never a dull or boring moment for me! My projects range in scale and style specific to each client. Any given day is a mix of designing, shopping, meetings, ordering, drawing, phone calls and more!

This summer I am working on projects for families with children as well as for couples and singles. The excitement for me is in that mix — from decorating a pre-war three-bedroom apartment to renovating an outdated, postwar kitchen and bath — and so many things in between!

GDG: Can you tell us something about yourself that many people don't know?

KL: I have 'mad love' for wall coverings, textured ones in particular. The range on the market is vast and far more chic and sophisticated than many people envision. It's no longer your grandmother's wrapping paper pasted on the wall!

Keith is one of GoDesignGo's newest guest bloggers, so stay tuned for his upcoming Tips From the Trade series.

Meet the Designer: Keith Lichtman Helps You Love How You Live (Part 1 of 2)

New York-based interior designer Keith Lichtman's philosophy is to 'love how you live.' Keith explains this and more when we had the chance to talk to him recently. Keith opened KL Interiors in 2002, and has been working his magic into his clients' homes and apartments ever since.

GDG: How did you get started in the interior design world?

KL: In the early days, well before selecting interior design as my career, I found myself subscribing to and collecting countless design magazines and loving everything about the design and decoration world. Having decided to make a career change from a figure skating choreographer, I enrolled in school at the New York School of Interior Design. I would also visit open houses because I was so fascinated by the way other people lived. To this day, I still visit open houses, immediately announcing I am viewing them solely as a voyeur!

I then landed a job as a junior designer at Sills Huniford, one of the top firms in the US, after just one semester at school! Our clients were Tina Turner and Vera Wang, among other notable celebrities. I was on the fast track! I then moved on as a senior designer and project manager at Thomas Jayne Studio before establishing my own business nine years ago.

GDG: What made you love the industry you’re in?

KL: I have always been a big believer in 'home' and 'home life.' Everyone needs that safe retreat, particularly in a big, crazy city. Creating a beautiful home with just the right character and vibe gives a kind of emotional support to the homeowner.

GDG: Have there been any particular people who have helped along the way?
KL: There isn't necessarily one individual who has been the most help in my career. Instead, I'd have to say that my accumulation of experiences with my clients keeps elevating my levels of creativity and inspires me!


Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear more about Keith's work. He'll share what he's been super busy with lately as well as a few fun facts about himself.