Design is risky business; at least, that’s how Kelly Collier-Clark, principal at House of Clark Interiors in Philadelphia, views it. In fact, it’s some of her bold choices for interiors that put her on the map. “‘Growth’ and ‘great’ typically don’t happen in comfort zones,” Clark says. “[It’s] one of my biggest lessons-learned that continues to reign true.” That philosophy paid off from the start, when she traded safe for striking in her first bathroom renovation. Her choice of daring wallpaper for that powder room quickly became an Instagram favorite, a clear signal of her instinct for standout design. Three years later, the space was included in the design book Shut the Front Door by Chelsey Brown.
Most recently, at this year’s Kips Bay Show House, she took a different kind of chance—mounting a deeply fluted Tundra slab to customize a vanity. The uncertainty of how the mitering would turn out and the support needed to mount such heavy stone had Collier-Clark on edge, but with the fabrication and install coming through, the risk was worth it—and made a perfect complement to the striking Arabescato Corchia marble tile for the walls.
“My goal is to create spaces that welcome you in and evoke feelings of sensory comforts and inspiration,” Collier-Clark says. Her bespoke approach is a mix of minimal, modern-contemporary, globally inspired aesthetics—and the 90’s era. “Details defining my signature style have been clean lines, neutral foundations mixed with exotic wall coverings, and natural materials,” she explains.
One of her favorite projects paired a cognac leather sofa with hidden reclining features and a striking black fluted marble feature wall in the den. “The sofa was sleek and modern, delivering top tier form and function,” she says of the design she still swoons about. “The fluted marble tiles were large, 24-inch-by-48-inch, matte, and the perfect eye candy without being a distraction in the room.”
Ultimately, though, Collier-Clark’s creative work peaks when she naturally aligns with clients. “They tend to grant the most creative freedom, which will typically yield the best project execution,” she explains. Her dream client would be Tracee Ellis Ross. “Much like me, Tracee’s style is of a hybrid vibe,” she adds. “One day you may see her in casual street wear and another day in elegant full-length fur.”
After over two decades in the corporate world and earning an interior design certification from Temple University, Collier-Clark took a “huge leap of faith” to fully immerse herself in the design industry. In fact, she is in the midst of writing her first book geared to be a resource to new designers. Having been a mentor (and a mentee) and hosted her own podcast—Plot Twist Design Business Podcast—she has the pedigree and insight to deliver salable advice.
Get to Know Kelly
House Beautiful: Do you have a signature design element or feature that shows up in many of your projects?
Kelly: The use of regal wallcoverings and marble stone whenever possible for added visual interests, unexpected details, or focal points and heavily textured textiles.
HB: What’s one thing you do that makes a house irresistible?
Kelly: Walking into a house that smells good! Vanilla candles had me in a chokehold for years. Lately, my absolute favorite scented candles and diffusers are the Arhaus’ signature scent of Sandalwood Leaf and Tobacco. I’m also loving just about any candle or room spray involving patchouli. These scents have been discovered in boutique hotels and remind me of my favorite travel experiences and now the familiar smell of home.
HB: What is a houseplant you recommend?
Kelly: The snake plant is for busy professionals and entrepreneurs, because it’s one of the easiest plants to maintain. I’m seeing more Monsteras on Instagram than any other plant lately.
HB: Who is a design industry leader or who inspires you?
Kelly: Joy Moyler, Michel Smith Boyd, Justina Blakeney, Ali Budd, and Kelly Wearstler are among the top who all inspire me in different ways.
HB: Who is a fellow designer you love?
Kelly: Tiffany White, principal of MidCity Design Group, based in Houston, Texas.
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