“I allow myself that creative freedom and embrace a clean slate way of thinking, which allows me to find inspiration all around me. Inspiration is truly everywhere; we just need the clarity and capacity to see it.”
Kirby Foster Hurd’s story is inspiring and daring - a true testament to the power of following your heart and intuition. A business major with a thriving corporate career, Kirby followed her passion to become a full-time interior designer...and the rest is history. She founded a boutique interior design firm, Kirby Home Designs, in Oklahoma City, where she uses her knack for design and keen eye for detail to create beautiful spaces that feel like home for her clients.
Following My Destiny
When reflecting on my life, it is clear that this is what I was always meant to do - my destiny. I had a full-time corporate career and built/sold homes on the side as a creative outlet. I had a knack for it and quickly realized I loved it. In 2018 I built my last custom home and the builder on that project asked me to work with their client. A couple of years later, I became too busy to manage both my 9-5 and this side passion, so I took a leap and founded Kirby Home Designs. My business was born out of my passion and desire to help others create their dream homes, and I’m happy to be doing it today. It was scary, but if I didn’t do it, I would’ve always questioned and regretted the ‘what if’.
Making a House a Home
I was born in Louisiana but moved cities every 4-5 years because of my dad’s job. Amidst chaos and change, home was the one constant. My mom was a skilled decorator and was able to create a warm and inviting space that truly felt like home, no matter where we lived. Today, I have the privilege of giving others that same feeling, and there’s nothing better.
Forest Creek by Kirby Home Designs | Dekton Albarium Countertops | Photography by Sarah Strunk
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Communication is everything, especially in this business. Open and honest communication with the client is vital for our process, which I’ll dive into. After the contract is signed, we have an initial meeting where I learn about their lifestyle, wants, and dislikes. I need to know my client and their dynamics as best as I can in order to give them amazing results. Then, I’m interested in understanding the space at hand. Is it a remodel where we’re limited to the confines of the home or is it a new construction where we can put our stamp on it? With that information, I start creating the best layout for the space.
After we have the spatial layout defined, we start making selections. We’ll invite the client into the conversation to learn more about their taste. With resources like Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram clients can get easily overwhelmed, so we ask them to narrow down their inspo pictures to 5-10. We get down to the nitty gritty of what it is they like about each photo - is the the colors? The overall feel? The decor?
Dekton Somnia Coasters by Kirby Home Designs | Photography by Carly Ferguson
To Receive Excellence, You Must Demand Excellence
Once the design concept is secured, we go into design management. It is key to be on-site with the contractor, because creating a design and effectively communicating it are two very different things. Being present from start to finish is the recipe for success. To receive excellence, you must demand excellence. When you see a beautiful space, nothing was done accidentally - everything is thought out. It is the result of a designer and contractor demanding excellence and working together towards a common goal. A fundamental principle of my business is creating spaces the client loves. I don’t pigeonhole myself into one style and am always creating what I believe the client will like.
My Clients Make Me Stay
Going from corporate to the entrepreneurial world is quite a change, and it comes with its own set of challenges and amazing opportunities. I always say, “design is what brought me to this business, but my clients are what makes me stay”. The connections and relationships I’m forming with my clients are everything. They trust me with a sacred part of their life, and for that I’m so grateful and honored.
The Making of a Masterpiece
In this business, you don’t just show clients the final masterpiece, they’re involved every step of the way. This leaves a lot of opportunity for doubt and second guessing to seep in. Think of it as a restaurant: when out dining, we don’t go into the kitchen and look over the chef’s shoulder. We let them do their thing and see the final meal brought out for us to enjoy. This business is just the opposite, you’re creating something very personal for a client which also involves a significant investment, so there are a lot of emotions and expectations to be managed along the way.
A Functional Bathroom with Dekton Albarium
When specifying materials, I’m always considering my clients and their needs, which we learn through our discovery call. For example, with the Forest Creek bathroom remodel we created towers that allowed for hidden storage, but when you reduce the surface footprint it’s important that what remains is smart and sustainable. The countertop extends underneath the storage to keep unattractive things tucked away. As those items get shoved in, we needed a surface that wouldn’t etch or stain. I knew Dekton was the perfect surface for this space.
Cosentino Creates Connections
What is so special about Cosentino is the connections and experiences they create. When I take my clients to a Cosentino Center, I’m confident they’re going to walk out with more than they expected. They thought they were just coming to see slabs but didn’t realize they would meet the incredible people behind it and learn so much about the product. The representatives are so knowledgeable and go above and beyond to help you understand the product and see it as a viable option for your home. Nothing on the market compares.
Making Way for Creative Ideas
My clients and their lifestyle are my main inspiration. I envision them in the space and truly living in it. Beyond that and speaking more abstractly, I find that getting out of my own head is absolutely key for my creativity. I allow myself that creative freedom and embrace a clean slate way of thinking, which allows me to find inspiration all around me. Inspiration is truly everywhere; we just need the clarity and capacity to see it. Traveling is an amazing way to clear my mind and make room for new ideas, which is why I try to have a trip in the books about every three months.
Forest Creek by Kirby Home Designs | Dekton Albarium Countertops | Photography by Sarah Strunk
Leveling Up at C.Next Designers
I attended my first C.Next Designers in 2023 and connected with so many of my peers, it was an amazing experience. At the time, I was the only employee at my company and the people I met at C.Next encouraged me to bring someone else on board and helped give me that push I needed to grow the business. After coming home, I opened a full-time opportunity at Kirby Home Designs and onboarded an incredible interior designer which has helped elevate the business exponentially.
Design by Kirby Home Designs | Photography by Kacey Gilpin
An Exciting Year in Store
Over this past year, I’ve challenged her to learn the ropes. One thing I’m very focused on is bringing 3D rendering in-house, so we’re working with different softwares and now do 3D modeling for almost every project, which has helped tremendously. People are visual, so being able to show them what their home will look like helps with the trust factor. Another thing on my 2024 plans is growth both in terms of adding new members and expanding our project footprint. I believe in growing intentionally and bringing on board people with different skills to create a well-rounded business.
“What is so special about Cosentino is the connections and experiences they’re creating. When I bring my clients to a Cosentino Center, I’m confident they’re going to walk out with more than they expected.”
Kirby Foster Hurd
Interior Designer
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