Designer Katie Harbison’s Brooklyn apartment exudes a serene stillness that puts everyone who enters at ease
DINING AREA
‘The dining table was the main source of inspiration,’ says Katie. ‘It was the first thing we bought and originally intended to be our desk, but I thought it was such a dramatic piece it needed to be on display rather than hidden in the office.’
S ince starting her design practice two years ago, Katie Harbison has chalked up an impressive array of projects, which traverse the globe from the US to the UK, via Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Before that she worked internationally for industry titans and built up an impressive reputation. ‘It was time to do my own thing,’ explains Katie, who trained in Dublin, London and Florence, before launching Katie Harbison Design.
She and her partner, James Christian, now the company’s commercial director, dreamt up the idea around a kitchen table in London, before decamping to New York in 2022. ‘Living in the US made sense work-wise, but we also liked the idea of a new adventure,’ says Katie. ‘We have kept a presence in London, and long-term the dream is to have bases in both cities.’
For now, the couple have opted for the welcoming, laid-back neighbourhood of Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, which is still close to the action of Manhattan. Taking on a newly renovated rental apartment meant Katie didn’t have the hassle of dealing with structural work while she was focusing on building up the business.
With her wealth of experience in creating soulful spaces that reflect her signature aesthetic of blending classical materials, contemporary pieces and antique finds, all set against a neutral palette, it wasn’t surprising that Katie had a very clear idea of what she wanted to do in her own home. ‘I pretty much had everything ordered ready for us moving in,’ she says.
The pared-back space is the antithesis of bland; rather it is packed with personality, with layers of textures teamed with vintage pieces. The bedroom, for example, is intentionally without colour and exudes a serene stillness. ‘We live such busy lives, it’s designed to be a place where we can go to relax,’ explains Katie. In contrast, areas that don’t get much natural light, such as the cloakroom and entry hall, are embraced with a moody palette. There is also a dedicated office space for the couple, who work from home. ‘We have had to be creative with managing our storage as I have so many samples and I love having them on display,’ says Katie, ‘but it’s a small office, so has to be very organised!
