New Era with Molly Kidd

Molly Kidd’s design ethos is a dance between nostalgia and innovation, where vintage elements meet modern sophistication. Her aesthetic blends the earthy materials of the Pacific Northwest with the tailored elegance of European craftsmanship, creating spaces that feel both timeless and inviting. With a keen eye for detail, Molly approaches each project like curating a work of art – ensuring the end result is practical, luxurious and a reflection of the people who inhabit it.

Photography by Tim Lenz

Do you come from a creative family?

I come from a family of educators, and one of my cousins is a talented florist. I remember my dad drawing on napkins when we were at restaurants, and my brother has an eye for art as well. Even though I’m the only one in my family whose job is fully immersed in design, I have a family that really encouraged creativity and art growing up.


Tell us a bit about your career journey, and how it has informed your approach as an interior designer.

After launching my first successful design firm in 2016, I quickly earned recognition! In 2024, I founded Molly Kidd Studios to fully embrace my own creative direction, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career. Starting Molly Kidd Studios has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I’m surrounded by a team I deeply respect – many of whom I’ve worked with for years – and I’m grateful for the amazing clients and projects that truly feel like the perfect fit. Plus, I have some very exciting opportunities lined up for 2025 (but I can’t quite spill the beans just yet!)

You founded your eponymous studio in 2024. How would you describe your design philosophy?

As a passionate advocate for environmentally conscious design, I prioritize vintage sourcing, sustainable materials, and craftsmanship that honors the past while shaping the future. My signature Floral Framework design process reflects the organic structure of nature – layered, intentional, and ever-evolving – allowing spaces to feel both timeless and alive. With a focus on elegance, functionality and a deep connection to nature, my work creates spaces that are both elevated and deeply personal. As I expand my brand, I am shaping a new era of design—one that champions storytelling, sustainability, and a profound sense of place.


Your home is stunning. What is the story behind it?

Nestled in the Oregon woodlands, my home is both a retreat and a design manifesto – a place where old-world European elegance meets the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Months of studying light, flow and energy led to a space that feels deeply personal, layered and effortlessly refined. This 1980s country house, reimagined from the ground up, is a story of organic vitality and pastoral charm. I couldn’t just live in this house – I had to listen to it. More than a home, it’s a transformation – one that marks the beginning of my next chapter as a design force.

“Natural elements give color and texture to every vignette.”

How did you balance the beautiful aesthetics with the need for modern functionality?

By seamlessly blending timeless design principles with practical, livable elements. My approach layers nostalgic vintage motifs, high-quality craftsmanship and globally sourced materials while ensuring that each space remains highly functional for contemporary living.

There is such a thing as the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern practicality – one that can withstand coffee spills, cozy movie nights and the everyday chaos of family life. I focus on heirlooms and patina-rich materials that bring warmth and soul, ensuring that beauty isn’t just seen but lived in. My team works closely with architects and builders to craft spaces that feel refined yet resilient, where aesthetics and utilitarian innovation coexist effortlessly.


Do you design with the intention of evoking specific emotions or moods from room to room?

Dare I say, both!? Every room is crafted to evoke a specific mood or emotion, but there is also a north star and cohesion. I believe spaces, but also whole homes, should tell a story – welcoming, layered and full of soul. In my home, I played with light, texture and color to create distinct feelings from room to room. Soft, muted tones and organic materiality foster a sense of calm, while unexpected details – like vintage Murano fixtures or a chocolate-hued Lacanche range – add depth and personality​. Every decision, every texture, every detail was chosen with connection in mind.

We’re honored that our rug has pride of place in your lounge room. What factors came into play when making a selection?

When designing this space, I made it a priority to work with my favorite brands, selecting only high-quality products that I trust wholeheartedly in both my home and my work. I love using Armadillo in all of my projects. Every piece of furniture and artful object in this living room has a story. Most are vintage treasures I hunted for years, and others like the Eden Nougat rug, are sleek and contemporary to bring a fresh balance to the space. Together, they create this soulful interplay – old meets new, nostalgia meets now. It’s a mix that feels like me.

What are some of the other unique design finds you were excited to source?

Firstly, my Lacanche Range – I wanted something that wasn’t just an appliance, but an experience. A piece that would shape the way I cook, gather and create memories in my home. The kitchen is where stories unfold, where flavors develop, where life happens. And to me, that’s the best investment of all.

Secondly, vintage lighting! Fun fact: 90% of the lighting in all my projects is sourced vintage – it’s a small detail that adds so much soul.

Every space is curated so thoughtfully. Do you have any advice for styling a vignette that feels personal and memorable?

When styling a vignette, it’s important for it to have elements with meaning and impact. Less is more. I also try to have something with “life” in every vignette – whether that’s seasonal produce, flowers or branches from outside. Natural elements help give color and texture to every vignette.


Your work is very much inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Are there any sights and surrounds that have a special place in your heart?

The sights and surroundings here speak to my heart in ways that no blueprint could. Take the vineyards in the Willamette Valley, for instance. They’re a love letter to earth and sky, their rolling hills paired with the crisp air that whispers of old-world elegance and timeless beauty. Or Cannon Beach, where the rugged coastline dances with the wind, leaving a touch of magic in the air. Hood River and its orchards? It’s a picture-perfect portrait of nature meeting nurture, where every tree feels like a work of art.

And, of course, there’s Silver Creek Falls, a hidden gem where the roar of the waterfall feels like nature’s applause, affirming that we are part of something much larger. These places are more than just scenic – they offer a quiet reminder that nature doesn’t need to try too hard to be beautiful. It’s simply there, in all its grandeur, with a touch of whimsy and a dash of tranquility. When designing, I carry those moments of awe into each space. Because if you can capture that organic vitality in your work, you can create something that feels both grounded and extraordinary.