Inside the Dream Home of Designer Kitty Hawks

News Summary

Explore the charming home of interior designer Kitty Hawks and her husband Larry Lederman in Westchester, where every detail reflects their personal journeys and love for design. From exquisite gardens to cultural inspirations, learn how they crafted a unique space filled with style and comfort, embodying their vibrant lifestyle and aesthetic sensibilities.

Life in Westchester: Kitty Hawks and Her Dream Home

In the picturesque town of Westchester, a charming home has been the canvas for the creative expression of interior designer Kitty Hawks and her husband, Larry Lederman. For an impressive 24 years, this couple has put their hearts into crafting a space that truly reflects their passions and lifestyle. Each corner of their beloved abode is infused with a cozy vibe, showcasing a carefully curated collection of lovely items that speak to their rich history and personal journeys.

The Home and Its Surroundings

Set against a backdrop of beautifully designed gardens, the property takes you on a serene journey down to a shimmering lake, making it feel like a mini paradise. These gardens are not just for show—they are a labor of love for Kitty, who enjoys planning new features with each changing season. From striking rose gardens to tranquil stone barriers and a lively trout pond, the couple’s landscaping choices reflect a deep appreciation for nature and creative design.

Kitty’s Background and Influences

Raised by the renowned socialite Slim Keith and filmmaker Howard Hawks, Kitty’s upbringing indeed had its privileges. Early memories in Manhasset and visits to the home of Babe Paley gave her unique insights into elegance and comfort—principles that her mother instilled in her throughout her early years. Kitty’s love for aesthetics didn’t stop there; she pursued higher education in design, later teaching traditional residential interior design at Parsons for seven years.

Despite the weight of her famous surname, Kitty is determined to carve her own identity in the design world. Her candid personality and serious approach to design reflect her father’s engineering background, making her work a blend of structural integrity and artistic flair. She often finds herself contemplating the essence of glamour, inspired by cinematic icons like Katherine Hepburn and George Clooney, who embody a timeless elegance and authority of projection.

The Personal Touch: Homes and Hobbies

Over the years, Kitty has navigated life in small apartments and large homes alike, always with a flair for hosting gatherings. It’s not uncommon for her to serve chili in a space she has thoughtfully decorated, showcasing her love for entertaining and making her guests feel at home. This charming disposition extends beyond her home and into her nurturing of pets, a shared love with her mother, adding a warm, friendly ambiance.

East Meets West: Cultural Inspirations

Kitty’s admiration for Japanese culture significantly influences her design sensibilities. You can find elements of this culture incorporated into her floral arrangements and furniture choices throughout her home. However, she expresses her frustrations over contemporary design trends that seem to overlook cultural identities in favor of generic aesthetics, persuading her to promote a more culturally aware approach in her own work.

Creating Unique Spaces

At events like the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, Kitty has shown her expertise by crafting peaceful rooms that mix styles in a harmonious manner, emphasizing the importance of balance and restraint in design. Each project serves as a testament to her belief that the heart of design lies in continuous learning, fostering a love for traditional design principles among her students.

A Life Well-Lived

Winter months are not merely a time of chill for Kitty; they are full of planning for future garden features and turning inward to enjoy the comforting warmth of home. Reflecting on the years spent shaping their space, Kitty and Larry have built a haven that embodies both style and comfort, capturing the essence of who they are. And in the heart of Westchester, their dream home stands as a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.