Kern & Company Interview with Susan Spath

Trends are fleeting, but the classics are an investment in prosperous living. That’s the philosophy that has made Susan Spath a name in the luxury interior design industry. Ageless elegance is the trademark of Spath and her design team at Kern & Company. Whether it’s an extraordinary home, an estate or a commercial project, the pillars of timeless design are what holds up the mantle of casual elegance. As one of the most recognized and renowned designers in her field, Spath offers the best in high-end fine home furnishings and interior design. The pieces she chooses for her clients are often on a grand scale, yet they simultaneously create a feeling of intimacy, comfort and warmth. An exclusive interview with one of the best interior design firms in San Diego. 

About Susan Spath

Immersed in the art of interior design for more than 25 years, Susan Spath’s design philosophy is grounded in the idea of incorporating the beauty of our natural environment inside the home. Like the archetypal adobes of New Mexico, she assimilates the organic exterior into the interior of the home to make it an authentic reflection of the land on which it was built, creating a sanctuary for the spirit and the soul.

The team at Kern & Company strives to create spaces in which people want to gather and bask in the warm, comfortable setting. The designs often highlight rich and full-bodied colors, and materials like walnut and pecan, granite, ironwork and brass are featured extensively. Combined together, they create a safe haven from the outside world.

Early Life

Spath’s passion for classic design started at an early age. "As a young girl I would spend my summers, hours on end, playing and fantasizing at a local furniture store," she recalled. "To my horror, my mother always loved Early American. My eye has always been drawn to beautiful surroundings."

Design Influences (photos below)

Susan Spath has traveled to beautiful surroundings—including Casablanca and Marrakesh—and weaves her experiences into a tapestry of eclectic design. Particularly inspired by the architecture of Europe and the Andalusian influence, Spath describes her style as "deconstructed European" updated for large-scale modern homes.

"My ideal client is someone who realizes design is not just mere furnishings but an entire lifestyle," Spath said. "I love to surprise my clients by turning their home into something they could never imagine. Exceptional style and not getting caught up in the trends is how I achieve a timeless design. I pride myself on forging my own path."

This passion infuses all that Spath does. "I don’t consider my career a job—I enjoy it immensely and look forward to coming to work every day," she explained. "I love being exuberant and fun, I can be found in full swing during consultations and design meetings at my showroom where I hold court with my staff of beautiful and talented interior designers."

Kern. & Co Showroom

Located in the heart of the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach, the Kern & Company showroom is bright and spacious with a bold collection, ranging from light fixtures and artwork to sofas, rugs and loveseats. A plethora of candles adorn coffee tables, creating a feeling of serenity and relaxation, while the eye is drawn to the soft lines and graceful curves of furniture and accessories. Inspired by Mediterranean influences, the pieces reflect an Old World style equally intimate and inviting.

Kern & Company offers complete planning and interior and exterior designs for homes, estates and commercial projects. It services areas such as San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Laguna Niguel. "Working with many A-list builders and realtors we have become a must for selling high-end luxury properties," Spath said. "Whether staging a new home for sale or revamping a lived-in property, Kern & Company has become an industry leader using our expertise in selling properties."

Constantly in action, Spath wholeheartedly welcomes new projects—including her own. "I am currently building a new home, which will be a showcase to display my evolving style," she said. "Although I do not enjoy moving, I love creating and am excited in having a new canvas to express my design passion."

Celebrating classic beauty has been a lifelong passion for Spath and it shows in her work. So it’s no surprise that her dream house to design—the White House—is also a classic.  

For more information, contact Kern and Company at 858-259-7722 or visit them at 130 South Cedros Avenue Suite 100, Solana Beach CA 92075