About
Kit Kemp is passionate about creating exciting and unique interiors. Over the years Kit Kemp MBE has been forging an internationally acclaimed reputation at the helm of the Kit Kemp Design Studio and as a successful textiles, fragrance, and homewares designer, author and highly-respected champion of British art, craft, and sculpture.
The Kit Kemp Design Studio is celebrated for its individual and original approach to hotel and residential design, with colourful and detailed storytelling which celebrates craft and captures the imagination.
“I think interiors should pique your curiosity. Every space and every room should have their own little story.”
Kit Kemp
Shop
Shop Kit Kemp launched in 2017 and brings together the World of Kit Kemp with her collections of furniture, fabrics, fragrances and home accessories.
Talks & Podcasts
Listen to Kit’s latest talks and podcasts, from books and blue plaques to musings on design.
Books
In 2012, Kit published her first book, A Living Space which follows an inspiring personal voyage through the many spaces she has designed. This was followed by Every Room Tells A Story and Design Thread. Kit’s fourth book, Design Secrets, was published in May 2021.
Firmdale Hotels
Kit Kemp is the Founder and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels, which she established with her husband Tim in 1985. Acknowledged as pioneers in the hotel industry, the group features eleven luxury hotels and eight restaurants across London and New York.
The hotels’ interiors celebrate Kit’s love of colour, craftsmanship and storytelling. Each space is designed to capture the imagination and combines interesting works of art with curious antiques, bold colours and beautiful fabrics.
Discover more about the spaces and stories found in each of the hotels over on the blog.
Collaborations
Kit has collaborated with leading global design brands such as Wedgwood, Wilton Carpets, Andrew Martin, Anthropologie, Christopher Farr, Chelsea Textiles, Fine Cell Work, Porta Romana, Annie Selke, Spode and most recently renowned British fabric and wallpaper house GP & J Baker, creating collections including tableware, rugs, fragrances, giftware, furniture, fabrics, trimmings, wallpaper and lighting.
Awards
Kit has won many awards including House & Garden’s Hotel Designer of the Year, The Crown Estate’s Urban Business Award and CN Traveller’s Best Hotel in the World for Design. Kit also features in House & Garden’s list of the Top 100 Designers and Architects.
Charitable Work
Explore this joyful and light-filled residential project in the Hudson Valley, brimming with crafted designs and thoughtful bespoke details.
Fine Cell Work
Fine Cell Work is a charity and social enterprise, founded by Lady Anne Tree in 1997. It aims to rebuild the lives of prisoners with the transformative power of needlework, enabling prisoners to develop new skills, earn money and acquire the self-belief to stop offending. The work is of a superb quality as prisoners are taught by skilled volunteers, including members of the Embroiderers and Quilters Guild.
Kit is a Trustee of Fine Cell Work and has worked with the charity in many ways over the years, from commissioning works of art, to designing playful collections based on her love for storytelling, colour and craft.
Heritage of London Trust
Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) was set up in 1980 to preserve London’s historic buildings and monuments. Working across all London boroughs, they identify heritage sites and buildings that need support and work with specialist conservators to bring them back to life.
Kit is a Trustee of HOLT and has funded several restoration projects over the years, including the majestic sun dial in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials in 2024.