Behind the Brand: Katie Kime's Whimsical Prints and Personalized Products Inspire Everyday Living
Designer Katie Kime. [Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick]
Austin-based designer Katie Kimes is known for her vibrant, colorful prints and products that transform everyday objects and spaces into magical moments that instantly transport you to another place. From her signature City Toile prints to her wallpaper, home decor, pajamas, and monogram Oxford shirts, Kimes’ extensive collection of whimsical prints and personalized products add style, charm, and excitement to any space.
Over a decade ago, Kimes began making prints for furniture, clothing, and stationery, and ultimately opened her design studio. Her unique designs, patterns and pieces bring a sense of adventure and inspiration to everyday pieces and spaces, with each print telling its own story. All of her items are made with high-quality materials and are made to last so that they can be enjoyed for the years to come while continuing to elevate the best memories and moments.
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“Even though design was always a central part of my life, I did not think I could make it my career until my senior year of college,” Kimes says. “My friend convinced me to host a trunk show with my hand-painted furniture, one-of-a-kind dresses, and everything else created and it was a pivotal moment in my journey as an entrepreneur. After this, it clicked that I could continue this work and create a brand and business that represented adventure, travel, and self-expression. After many more of these trunk shows, I decided in 2013 to launch the Katie Kime website.”
We chatted with Kime who shared the inspiration behind the brand, its most popular products, future plans, and more.
Katie Kime’s popular Marfa Toile print depicts the vast landscape, wild cacti, starry skies, and magical land art of Marfa, Texas.
When was Katie Kime founded and what does the name mean?
I founded Katie Kime in 2013 as a one-woman show. In college I double majored in religion and visual arts; there I learned the skills involved in becoming a trained artist, but I can wholeheartedly say that design has been my passion for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was creating clay pots when I was 7 years old.
Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.
Many people have described our Toile prints as “timeless” and I believe that is what makes our brand so special. I will never forget the first time I saw a traditional French Toile when I was in my teens—I was captured by it. In college, I saw a modernized version of a Toile and this was the start of a whole new chapter in my life and career.
Eventually, I thought I could maybe add my own spin on these Toiles and I'm so happy I did. My design process usually starts with some sort of fixation or obsession I have while traveling. A few examples would be the pastel palette of the American South or Greece and its blue and marble busts. I am captured by the different Toiles, colors, and styles involved. In the time spent in its grasp, I try to churn out all that I can from its inspiration.
Among Katie Kime’s popular prints is Tennis Time, which is available in pajama sets and other lifestyle items.
Do you have a hero product? What’s your favorite?
My favorite is the Marfa Toile. I love how there is just a feeling to it. I believe that when people see it they immediately want to go there. As a creator, that is always one of my top goals.
Where are your products sold?
Our products are sold on our website. We make 75% of our products made to order in Austin, TX. We also have a list of retailers all around the country, check it out here.
Katie Kime Oxford shirts are the ultimate style staple and can be customized with monogrammed chest pockets.
What's next for the brand?
Right now I am in the process of creating more custom art/paintings, the aforementioned “big” launch of a new print collection, and the evolution of our monogrammed Oxfords. We are also in the process of launching a handful of new city-specific toiles before 2024 so stay tuned for that. Lastly, we just launched our pickleball collaboration with Tangerine Paddles which is now available on the site.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Our 10-year Anniversary Sale is this July. Every year we celebrate with a House & Home 25% off promotion and this year we will be highlighting some of our favorite prints from past to present.
For more information, visit Katie Kime’s website. Follow on Instagram: @katie_kime
[Images courtesy of Katie Kime]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk