Designer Profile: Katie Kath
Live in the Details
An Interview with Designer Katie KathInspired collaboration, balancing aesthetics with functionality, and combining diverse elements...
Interior designer Katie Kath and her husband Jesse are the driving forces behind Jkath Design Build + Reinvent, based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Specializing in custom cabinetry solutions and full-home remodels, Jkath often guides its clients through the full arc of the interior design transformation process – from the first idea to the final nail. We sat down with Katie to talk about their recently completed renovation of the “Drew Avenue Home.”
Kraus: What are the design highlights for this refinished space? As the designer, which elements were you most excited about?
Katie: The custom features we incorporated that are unique to this home are what stands out to me, and what I am most excited about. We own our own cabinet shop and lean on this resource to customize storage solutions in and around the kitchen; the added mantle detail over the range, the custom built-in shelving near the fireplace as well as the fireplace mantle are a few of the key areas. Also, our client had a specific vision of a chevron track door for the master bathroom; we were able to create a replica of this in our shop, which stands out as a statement piece.
Kraus: Tell me about the design process. Can you pinpoint a source of inspiration for projects like this? Or is it something that evolves as you tease it out?
Katie: This was a collaborative effort between our team and our clients. We often say our clients have been planning their renovation much longer than we have, so it’s always good to start with a few key design components they may already have in mind. Black grid windows were one of those early decisions, as well as a white oak wide-plank floor.
From there, we pulled together the various components by bringing in samples and laying out all the finishes together, reviewing collectively, and making changes where it felt necessary. Often, there are a few key decisions that click early, such as the quartz countertop selection; it was the perfect way to bring the warmth of the walnut island and the overall brightness and exposure of the open floor plan together.
components they may already have in mind”
Kraus: How did your selection of Kraus products contribute to the design aesthetics of the space?
Katie: We love the clean lines and simple yet very elegant aesthetics since we were designing a modern farmhouse renovation. The Kraus products certainly added the modern design component that we were after. High function, quality craftsmanship, and simple yet bold style added to the decor of the home. The finishes on all of the selections are sleek, and blend perfectly with our other selections, adding a nice complement to the hand-crafted details in the space.
design component that we were after.
High function, quality craftsmanship, and simple
yet bold style added to the decor of the home”
Kraus: Were there functionality considerations that went into your selection?
Katie: Definitely. We are absolutely in love with the Turino Fireclay sink we installed in the mudroom/laundry. The single basin sink wasn’t the right fit for the kitchen as our client prioritized a double basin, but we knew the functionality of this statement piece would lend itself well to the combined mudroom and laundry space. Perfect for washing out stains, cleaning muddy paws off a dog, a quick rinse of the hands when running in the back door. We also really enjoy the single handle faucets that we installed throughout the home; again, functional for a young family on the go, while also an elegant complement to each space.
sink we installed in the mudroom/laundry..
we knew the functionality of this statement piece
would lend itself well to the combined mudroom
and laundry space”
Kraus: What do you like most about the fixtures that you selected?
Katie: The Turino Fireclay sink is a winner, an easy installation for projects to come as so many people are loving the apron sinks. A perfect combination of function and design. We also love the brass finish on the Oletto Pull Down Faucet, a matte gold to complement the other gold finishes in the space, not compromising the space or standing out too much on its own.
*Note: Some of the interview questions in this transcript have been edited for brevity and clarity
Down Faucet, a matte gold to complement
the other gold finishes in the space,
not compromising the space or standing out
too much on its own”
