In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Kathryn Hunt takes a material-driven approach to design. The West Hartford, Connecticut–based designer seeks out tactile pieces with natural patina to create characterful spaces that evolve over years. “Palettes that feel timeless yet personal are always my goal,” she tells Business of Home.
True to form, she grounded her current flat lay in rich organic finishes before incorporating an array of sprightly motifs to energize the scheme. “There’s a softness in the patterns and textures that’s tempered by the darker metals and weathered wood,” says Hunt. “The elements all work together in a way that feels collected rather than overly styled.”
A gradient blend of earth tones, ranging from light creams to tawny browns and deep greens, ultimately draws the mood board together. “The unifying theme is contrast within cohesion,” she explains. “Everything here speaks to one another through color, while traditional patterns sit next to graphic ones, and refined finishes are balanced by organic materials.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from an architectural cabinet pull to a fanciful fringe trim.
1. EMERALD PULL IN ASH GRAY BY TOP KNOBS
“I like using darker hardware to balance softer, more playful elements. It adds contrast and structure, and keeps the overall scheme from feeling overly sweet.”
2. KALINDI WALLPAPER IN GREEN SIENNA BY PENNY MORRISON
“I’ve always loved Penny Morrison’s ability to make patterns feel both spirited and timeless. Kalindi has that refined English cottage sensibility—whimsical but grounded—and the Green Sienna palette brings a warmth that anchors the room.”
3. SUNBURST FABRIC IN NOIR BY BETSY TEXTILES
“This is a small-scale pattern with a lot of personality. The bold color and graphic repeat bring energy to the room without overwhelming the other layers.”
4. IVY GREEN METAL FINISH SAMPLE BY THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO.
“Urban Electric is always a go-to for me. Their powder-coated finishes are exceptional, and this olive green introduces color in a way that feels tailored and thoughtful.”
5. STARFLOWER WALLPAPER IN CLAY BY KATHRYN HUNT TEXTILES
“I designed Starflower out of a need for a soft, livable print that adds texture and interest without competing with the rest of the room. The delicate botanical repeat and warm clay tone make it an easy choice for layering.”
6. GROVE SOLID OAK FLOORING SAMPLE BY ALLWOOD
“I’m always drawn to woods with character. This finish feels warm and honest, with enough variation to keep the room feeling organic and lived-in.”
7. ROSE & HYDRANGEA FABRIC IN SKY AND TEAL BY COWTAN & TOUT
“Cowtan & Tout is a constant resource for our studio. This fabric is a great connector—it balances playful elements with a traditional softness and ties the palette together beautifully.”
8. STELLAR SQUARE EDGE 2x4 TILE AND RIVIERA TRIM IN BALBOA BY SONOMA TILEMAKERS
“I love how this tile feels classic at first glance, but the glaze and trim add just enough personality. It’s timeless without being predictable.”
9. FARNAZ NEHIR FABRIC IN SAGE/AMBER BY NINA CAMPBELL
“Nina Campbell’s color combinations are always so inspiring. The sage and amber tones paired with a striped weave feel joyful, layered and polished.”
10. CHESHIRE RUG IN TAUPE BY KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO
“This rug is neutral in tone, but the pattern gives it an unexpected edge. I love using pieces like this as a foundation—they add interest without competing.”
11. BRONZE FINISH SAMPLE FOR THE GOODMAN LARGE HANGING LAMP BY THOMAS O’BRIEN AT VISUAL COMFORT
“Repeating metal finishes throughout a space creates cohesion. These details may be small, but they make a big difference.”
12. AUBERGINE FAUX BELGIAN LINEN SAMPLE FOR THE JARIN CONSOLE BY MADE GOODS
“The versatile finish on this classic piece anchors a room and gives it extra depth and dimension.”
13. DIBBER PAINT BY FARROW & BALL
“Dibber is a deeply grounding green that still feels classic. It has enough richness to hold its own alongside layered patterns.”
14. ITALIAN ICE GREEN PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“This is one of my favorite light greens. It brightens a space and really highlights the softer blue-green notes throughout the scheme.”
15. MILAN COUNTER STOOL RATTAN SAMPLE BY PALECEK AT STUDIO 882
“Texture is essential for me. The woven wicker on this counter stool brings in an organic softness that balances the more tailored materials.”
16. TURTLE GREEN PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“Turtle Green is such a warm, enveloping color. It feels cozy and grounding, and works beautifully to anchor a layered palette.”
17. BRUCO TRIM IN LATTE BY CLARENCE HOUSE
“I love using trim as a finishing layer. This one is neutral yet playful, and it subtly connects back to the darker hardware. Details like this reinforce the handmade, collected quality I always aim for because they add depth and tactility to the overall story.”
