Exploring Life & Business with Kevin Corn of Kevin Corn Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Corn.

Hi Kevin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began working for Ralph Lauren right out of college. I had studied art history, but working in the Creative Services division of the company was really my education in design, decoration, and lifestyle building.

I opened my own interior design company in 1999 and haven’t stopped. I have been very fortunate to have many of the same clients that I worked with in those early days of Kevin Corn Design.

I’ve always been drawn to the design work of Rose Tarlow, Axel Vervoordt, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Taylor to name just a few of the designers whose work I have always respected.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were many challenges and struggles in the early days. The vendor side of the interior design and decoration business is very relationship-oriented. It wasn’t until I had some history with suppliers that I began to see my business run smoothly. Over the years, these business relationships have become friendships and I am able to rely on vendors and problem-solve with them.

I had to learn to take a day off every once in a while too. I had my design office in a small bedroom and so I was always working on “just one more thing.” I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to support having an office outside my home. Interestingly, once I took the leap and expanded my office, the business really grew.

Having faith and forging ahead as a business owner can be challenging!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kevin Corn Design LLC?
I have owned Kevin Corn Design for over 22 years, it has been a labor of love and something that I was naturally drawn to. Putting one foot in front of the other and relying on other design professionals taught me how to run a design business when I was lost and needed advice. I describe my style to potential new clients as “comfortable-chic” or “functional glamor.”

I strive to make the homes I work on reflections on the client and their families rather than putting any type of designer look on the project. I like to think that the client, after working with me doesn’t think about me when they walk into a room I’ve designed. I am most proud of the fact that I have had many of the same clients for over 20 years and have worked on multiple projects with some of them.

I sometimes think that chic-trends-design are all so subjective. In my business, I strive for excellent customer service and communication. The rest is easy once a client knows they are being heard and can trust me.

How do you think about happiness?
In no order: My dogs-two rescued love bundles. It is really the case of “who rescued who.” They both make me laugh they both love to cuddle as well as keep me on my toes.

Fresh Flowers and/or living plants. In my own home, I love to have flowers and plants. It makes me happy to have this burst of color and romance that flowers can bring to a home. Walking through the Marais district in Paris and finding a new small boutique or an old favorite. A Sunday walk from Place des Vouges to the Pompidou is one of my favorite things to do.

Can I say New Sneakers? Some say, I might have a problem with my shoe collection a new sneaker drop can make me very happy.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.kevincorndesign.com
• Instagram: kevincorndesign
• Facebook: Kevin Corn Design

Image Credits
Jim McHugh, Fred Licht, and Emily Dorio