We recently connected with Kristen White-Scully and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

From a very young age, I have had a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly drawing and painting. Growing up in southern California, I was consistently engaged in various dance classes, including Jazz, Ballet, and Gymnastics, and I also enjoyed playing the piano as a hobby. My father who is a skilled pianist and computer science enthusiast, instilled a love of music within our household, which furthered my passion for creative expression.

I have found that the word Adagio or Adage, which is commonly used in both music and dance, captures the essence of my philosophy as an interior designer. This term denotes a slow tempo and is often associated with a sense of calm and relaxation. For me, designing a space means creating a personalized environment that promotes a sense of unity between the client and the surroundings. This ultimately culminates in a soft, relaxing, and inviting atmosphere that is uniquely tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a seasoned interior designer with over 15 years of industry experience, I specialize in Residential Design. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2009 and have since developed a design style that is best described as Modern & Colorful, with hints of Bohemian and Biophilic influences. Growing up in Orange County and San Diego, I was surrounded by a constant flow of new homes and restaurants being constructed by the sea, which fueled my passion for design and architecture.

Throughout my career, I have been acutely aware of the impact that a space’s interior can have on an individual’s mood. As an innovative interpreter, I have honed the ability to translate complex client needs into imaginative and cohesive designs that blend both form and function. My design inspirations are derived from a fusion of classical architecture, fluid ornamental juxtapositions, and modern elements. I am unafraid to experiment with textures, materials, and colors to create a visionary and tailored design for each individual space.

I understand that the design process can often feel overwhelming and intimidating to clients, which is why I prioritize collaboration and consultation. By fostering an environment of comfort and ease for all parties involved, I am able to eliminate stress and facilitate a design process that is both enjoyable and successful.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, which can pose significant challenges for women working in the field. In one of my earlier projects, I was working as a freelancer on a custom kitchen and an ADU with a contractor who unfortunately treated me more like an employee rather than a collaborator. This contractor had unrealistic expectations and lacked effective communication skills, which made the project very challenging.

Despite my best efforts, at the end of my portion of the job, the contractor refused to pay me the full amount, acted unprofessionally in front of clients, causing me to feel embarrassed and disrespected. This experience could have deterred me from pursuing to build my own business, but instead, I chose to use it as fuel to drive my success. Through this challenging circumstance, I learned a great deal about myself and the industry, which has ultimately helped me to become a more resilient and successful designer.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For myself, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is often the ability to bring to life a unique and original vision that represents one’s own voice and perspective that someone else may relate to. I feel the process of creating can be deeply fulfilling, allowing one to express themselves in ways that may be difficult to put into words. Additionally, the ability to inspire and connect with others through art is incredibly rewarding, as it can sometimes feels as though it can make a meaningful, even if small impact on a little bit of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adagiowithinspaces.com/
• Instagram: @adagiowithinspaces
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-a-white-scully-0ba71417/

Image Credits
Kristen White Scully, not applicable