We are Upstate NY With Hudson Valley Interior Designer Kate Cummings of Freestyle Restyle

In his best-selling book, “Outliers”, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the “10,000-hour rule”, a cultural touchstone that defines what it takes to achieve mastery of a given set of complex skills and materials.

Kate Cummings’ clock started ticking early on. Raised in a family of designers, builders and real estate developers, she’s been exposed to construction plans her entire life. Add to the mix her inspired aesthetic and passion for beautiful design, and you’ve got yourself one truly extraordinary interior designer.

INSIDE+OUT was delighted to catch up with Kate, founder of Freestyle Restyle, her highly successful interior design firm in Kingston, NY.  As she explained, “Interiors work is extremely intimate, and personal connections happen when you talk honestly about living at home.”

“Design is a dance of give and take; the results can be glorious in a partnership of trust.”

– Kate Cummings

Sit in with us as we get to know what makes Kate Cummings tick, how she collaborates with others to achieve the best for her clients, and what she loves about living and working in the Hudson Valley.

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Kate Cummings: My family moved quite a bit, but New York City is where I lived the longest, with stints in Florida, Westchester and Connecticut. I am also a dual citizen of Canada. Several paths led me to Upstate, but it began in 1984 when I was nine and my family visited friends with a Dutch stone house in Accord (they’re still there). I always loved visiting and imagining the people who built the old house, cleared the woods for farmland and became devoted stewards of this fertile oasis we know and love. Their home was like time traveling, and I’ve been entranced with the Hudson Valley + Catskills ever since.

Much later, in 2010, I re-met my now husband Griffin Stenger and he also had ties to the area through cycling and friends. We were living in the city, but it wasn’t long before we started talking about wanting a spot up here – we bought our home in Accord in 2012.

What inspired your interest in interior design and how did it lead to your own business?

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurial real estate developers, builders, interior designers and homeware shop owners, so I guess it’s in my nature. Living on West 12th Street and eyeing the throngs of Parsons students was revelatory; I definitely wanted to go to art school. When I discovered color theory as part of interiors, I was hooked. During school, I began acquiring design clients, which evolved into Freestyle Restyle, my business today.

How would you define your personal style?

I am an Eclectic, Aquarian, Magpie – I like literally EVERYTHING (almost), double that if it’s graphic! Mixing styles is FUN. Above all else, I am into being casual at home. Nothing is too precious.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

In addition to good design, I strive to provide real value, service and quality. I hope the projects my team is involved in will continue to help revive the area, supporting local businesses and, in several cases, starting new ones, like Hudson Shore Estate, Kinderhook Bottle Shop, Schoolhouse No. 11, Olive Woods House, Roscoe Farmhouse, and Chleo Wine Bar (the apartment). This region has needed the infusion of youth and cash for several decades. That said, gentrification is a real issue and so is the lack of moderately priced housing. I’d love to get into that up here with local partners.

Tell us about your design process and what inspires you creatively.

Every project scope is different and my process is dictated accordingly. I work with clients on a broad range of design requests – from new build and restoration finishes, fixtures, plumbing, lighting and hardware to full kitchen + bath renos and/or full furnishings, window treatments, upholstery, decor, styling, color consulting and boutique commercial consults.

When working together, I like to ask the following questions:

Context – What is the history of the space and location? Is it relevant to the design?

Function – How do you want to spend time in your space and with whom?

Aesthetic – What stylistic inspiration do you enjoy (and what don’t you like)?

Emotion – How do you want to feel in your space?

I am creatively inspired by lots of different relationships, but most often, those where we listen and thoughtfully respond to each other. Design is a dance of give and take; the results can be glorious in a partnership of trust. Interiors work is extremely intimate, and personal connections happen when you talk honestly about living at home. I’d say those are my most successful projects.

Who is your ideal client?

Someone who trusts the process with me.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about what you do?

The constant question I get is if I can pick a paint color for a space with no corresponding photos. Friends, I adore you, but please stop. The biggest misconception is that interior design is glamorous. Yes, interiors can be divinely gorgeous and inspiring. Still, when you break it down, it’s truly about problem-solving and multi-tasking with many variables and personalities in the mix. It’s very much like being a producer behind the scenes and design is only as good as its execution.

How do you grow your business and how do your clients find you?

My work over the last 20-plus years has mainly been word of mouth and returning clients. Some recent Upstate clients have found me on Instagram, through my website and through Upstate publications. Growing my business also means growing my team; currently, Freestyle Restyle consists of four people for day-to-day and special installations. After working alone for many years, I’m very much enjoying the professional camaraderie and expanded services we can offer.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of your job?

Most rewarding is when a client finally gets to experience their home in all the ways we imagined. One particular client, now a friend, still says, “It’s like a dream.” My ultimate goal is to know that someone is happy and comfortable at home. The most challenging part of my job is the post-Covid industry stuff that still goes on. It’s a ‘Press Your Luck’ situation with furniture company delays and recent bankruptcies; our fingers are always crossed for “No Whammies.” Lining up Trades is still challenging but worth waiting for when you find the right people to do the job.

Are there any new developments or upcoming projects you’d like to share?

Besides running a full-time, full-service design business for 5 – 10 projects at a time in the Tri-State area, I’m trying my hand at vintage and furniture resale at Red Owl Collective – I love Kingston’s re-emerging, walkable Midtown Arts District. I’m also flirting with the idea of a homeware line with my friend and graphic design partner-in-crime, Carla Rozman.

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

Now more than ever, there is an incredible bevy of talented designers and craftspeople in the Hudson Valley; going to the city is not necessary for resources in the way that it used to be, and it feels good to hire locally. Plus, the mountain and valley commutes are certainly far more enjoyable.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

There are several local architects, builders, millworkers and kitchen outfitters. We shop locally at Williams Lumber & Home Center, Rosendale Flooring, Herzog’s, Best Tile, Corrado Tile, Caliber Granite, Barra & Trumbore, Hudson Valley Lighting, Catskill Mountain Glass and Winsupply all the time.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

The Thursday- Sunday schedule can be challenging for more businesses with hours at least five days a week. And more International food, though it is coming.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

My family nickname is Eddie, short for Etiquette or Edina from the British show Ab Fab; take your pick.

What would be your dream Staycation?

A week of hiking with dogs, horseback riding, kayaking, roller skating, yoga, the spa, eating + sleeping well, dancing + seeing art and music with friends.

What is your current state of mind?

Concerned about Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, U.S. Elections, Civil Rights, Climate Change and what all happens next. Grateful every day to live where we do.

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