Kit Kemp’s latest holiday collection is exactly the kind of colorful, playful, and well-crafted design you’d expect from the woman who’s spent decades turning boutique hotels into must-visit escapes. As the founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Design Studio, she’s known for transforming properties from London to New York into spaces that feel vibrant, personal, and full of character.
Travel, local culture, and a love for craftsmanship have always been at the heart of her work, and this year’s festive edit has that same sensibility, reflecting everything that makes a Kemp hotel above par. Ahead, get to know Kemp, the inspiration behind her collection, and her take on the importance of travel.
What sparked this year’s festive edit, and how does it capture your signature approach to design?
“I’m inspired every year by the joy and magic of the holidays, bringing people together with fun, color and character. This collection is playful, cheerful and full of thoughtful details, from our new Zig Zag Bag for Life and aprons to the vibrant woven baskets we use for our goodie bundles. It’s all about creating pieces that feel warm, welcoming and full of personality. At the heart of our design philosophy is a love for the handmade, the imperfect stitch and the brush of human touch.”
Color is such a hallmark of your work! Are there particular shades or combinations you find yourself returning to during the holidays?
“Rather than the usual red, green, and gold, I love mixing unexpected colors and patterns to create a joyful, celebratory spirit. At my festive table, it’s all about having fun, layering bold linens and playful napkins with wild foliage and decorative touches. We love our Wedgwood Mythical Creatures tableware. I am sure everything tastes better on fine china and crystal glassware. Our Checkmate embroidered Placemats and Napkins bring a burst of bright, cheerful color that’s perfect for the season.”
Have any of the pieces in this year’s collection been inspired by your travels or a particular destination?
“Absolutely, travel is always at the heart of my inspiration and this year is no exception. One piece that I particularly love is our High Tide Sand Dollar Table Lamp, which was inspired by the delicate sand dollar shells I discovered on the shores of Barbados. There’s something so calming and organic about their shape and texture and I wanted to capture that sense of coastal serenity in a design that feels timeless and versatile. Never forget a beautiful lampshade too, it creates a sculptural presence in the room.”
If you could dream up the ultimate holiday escape at one of your properties, what would that experience look like from check-in to Christmas morning?
“My dream holiday escape would begin the moment you step through the doors of one of our hotels, greeted with a glass of mulled wine and a dazzling Christmas tree adorned with our playful Spode ceramic decorations. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a festive dinner accompanied by just the right amount of champagne to toast the season. On Christmas morning, a beautifully wrapped, bespoke gift like a Doodles candle mug or, for children, a patchwork toy will be waiting in each room, offering a lasting memory of the stay. The day would unfold with a long, leisurely Christmas dinner around crackling fires, filled with warmth, laughter and a sense of festive magic. We love playing games and pulling crackers, bringing out the wonder of childhood in everyone present.”
What’s one holiday tradition you never skip, no matter where in the world you might be?
“Hanging the Christmas Stockings. Our collaged stockings are a joyful way to add festive flair, perfect as gifts or charming décor, whether hung by the fireplace or climbing jauntily up the stairs. This year, I’m loving our two new handmade appliqué designs featuring a Gallant Knight ready to conquer Christmas, and our Cocktail Shaker Mythical Creature stocking, to stir up some holiday mischief!”
Is there a Christmas market or festive destination that has left a lasting mark on your and/or your designs?
“I love visiting the Christmas market at The Natural History Museum in London wrapped up in a warm scarf and admiring the skaters. I’m always drawn to local markets, souks, and hidden boutiques in search of treasures that tell a story. The idea for our Vera Basket came while wandering through a vibrant local market on a recent trip, inspired by the colors, textures, and craftsmanship I found there.”
In your eyes, what makes the perfect holiday gift, especially for someone who loves travel, art, or design?
“When gifting to someone who loves both travel and design, I like to gift a hand-embroidered lavender bag. It’s a thoughtful little luxury that doubles up to keep a suitcase smelling lovely and as a relaxing, fragrant, sleep aid under the pillow. There’s also our Mini Mannequin, created using traditional British craftsmanship dating back 100 years, in custom designs to sit on a dressing table to hold brooches, necklaces and little treasures, which is very special and unique. Beautifully crafted and a fun memory of travels.”
When it comes to gifting, is there one go-to present you find yourself giving year after year
“Jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and patchwork animals for all the family to enjoy, because isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Thoughtful gifts that bring joy, spark conversation and invite a little well-earned downtime.”
