With an emphasis on modern architecture and custom detailing, San Francisco-based designer Catherine Kwong creates moments of unexpected beauty. Catherine started her design career in New York, where she designed luxe, gorgeous interiors for Studio Sofield and the likes of Ralph Lauren’s flagship stores.
![Interior Designer Catherine Kwong poses with outdoor wood furniture on Chairish.](https://d1h3pk8iipmcfn.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/27105755/headshot_CatherineKwong_photo-Bess-Friday.jpg)
After many amazing years of learning and creating in the city that never sleeps, she moved home to her beloved San Francisco, and Catherine Kwong Design was open for business in 2011. Read on below to get to know Catherine, and shop her Chairish favorites here.
![Contemporary Living Room with Blue Velvet Couches and Silver Chandelier.](https://d1h3pk8iipmcfn.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/27111803/CatherineKwong_PacificHeights4385_photo-BessFriday.jpg)
Favorite way to add drama to a room?
Playing with scale and balance. It’s so important to get the proportions of a room dialed in with the furnishings, but then I like to add drama with an oversized piece of art, or a tall floor lamp paired with a petite side table.
![Dark Blue Velvet Sofa with Contemporary Abstract Artwork and lucite and gold coffee table](https://d1h3pk8iipmcfn.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/27110208/CatherineKwong_DowntownSF04_photo-BessFriday.jpg)
Favorite way to work a bit of vintage into a room?
I love incorporating vintage hardware into our custom pieces. Beautiful old pulls, doorknobs, and hinges can lend a sense of depth and elegance to furniture and cabinetry.
![Contemporary Grey Armchair with Organic Wood Side Table against Black and White Floral Wallpaper.](https://d1h3pk8iipmcfn.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/27110151/CatherineKwong_2017Showcase64668_photo-DouglasFriedman.jpg)
LIFESTYLE:
Favorite beauty/grooming product?
Vintner’s Daughter
Favorite travel destination?
Italy
Favorite hotel to check in to?
The Crosby Hotel in New York
Favorite app?
Instagram
Favorite morning beverage?
All of the coffee
Favorite thank you/hostess gift?
Flowers and something sweet
Favorite thing to collect?
Photographs
![Blue Couch With Blue Pillows Nest to Gold and Blue Side Table on Chairish.](https://d1h3pk8iipmcfn.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/27110130/CatherineKwong_PacificHeights6663_photo-BessFriday.jpg)
YOUR CITY: SAN FRANCISCO
Favorite restaurant?
Saru Sushi
Favorite hotel to recommend to visiting friends?
Cavallo Point
Favorite local culture hub?
Minnesota Street Project
Favorite local attraction?
The Presidio
Favorite local flea market/vintage hunting ground/
The Perish Trust
SHOP CATHERINE KWONG’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>
Featured photo by Bess Friday. All photos courtesy of Catherine Kwong