Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin “Kiki’ Hector.
Hi Kristin “Kiki’, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a born-and-raised Angeleno, so creativity and chaos have always kind of gone hand-in-hand for me. I grew up toggling between two worlds—one where I was obsessing over art and design, and the other where I was diving for volleyballs and living that team-sport life. Somewhere along the way, I realized I could merge both: the creative passion and the structured hustle.
After art school, I went on to study interior design, which really grounded all the inspiration I’d been soaking up and gave me the technical foundation to bring ideas to life. From there, I explored a few different creative paths—visual merchandising at Gap Inc. taught me how to make big brand moments feel human, and working as a set designer for film and TV gave me a deep love for storytelling through space.
Eventually, I opened a gallery here in LA, and that world really sharpened my eye for curation and mood. Interior design felt like the natural next step—a way to take all these pieces of my past and channel them into homes that feel good, work well, and tell a story that’s totally personal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I mean, does a smooth road even exist in design? If so, I haven’t found it yet! It’s been full of detours, potholes, and those moments where you’re like, “Wait, why did I say yes to this again?”
Starting out, I definitely had to learn the business side the hard way—how to price projects, how to set boundaries, how to run a team without losing your mind (or your weekends). There were plenty of late nights and moments of doubt. But through it all, I’ve learned that leaning into the uncomfortable stuff is usually where the growth happens.
Now, I trust myself a lot more. I know how to say no when something’s not the right fit, and how to show up fully for the projects and people that are.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I run an interior design studio here in Los Angeles, where we create layered, thoughtful, and personality-packed residential spaces. My approach is rooted in storytelling, but with a sense of fun—I’m not afraid to play with bold choices, mix high and low, or sneak in a little whimsy where you least expect it.
Clients come to us because they want a home that feels like them—not like a catalog. And I take that seriously (but not too seriously). My background in set design and visual merchandising gave me an eye for drama, balance, and mood, while my laid-back, playful nature helps keep the process collaborative and joyful.
I’m most proud that our projects don’t just look good—they feel good. There’s a soulfulness, a sense of ease, and a bit of personality in every space we touch. I bring my full self into each project, and that shows up in the work—whether it’s a color palette that sparks joy or a design detail that makes you smile every time you see it.
What sets us apart is that we design with heart and humor. We’re not chasing trends—we’re creating spaces that are stylish, soulful, and don’t take themselves too seriously. Because at the end of the day, your home should make you feel happy to be there
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people don’t expect to hear that I used to be a full-on volleyball jock—but it’s true! I played competitively for years, and that side of me—the team mentality, structure, and stamina—still plays a huge role in how I work today. I’m creative, yes, but I also know how to get things done, keep energy high, and keep projects moving forward.
And while my design style leans warm and refined, there’s always a little wink in the work—something playful or unexpected that makes it feel human. I love when clients say, “I never would’ve thought of that—but I love it.” That’s the magic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kikidesignstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiki_designstudio
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
for all portraits of Kiki, photo credit is Gina Pecho (https://ginapechophoto.com/)
