Hamptons design diva Kitty Clay brings international experience to her work. Spending over a decade living in England, Kitty both worked and studied at Sotheby’s, earning a Masters from the Sotheby’s Institute in Fine & Decorative Arts. “To have the opportunity to work at Sotheby’s was wonderful,” says Kitty, “I also worked on the valuation counter and learned much about the authenticity of art and antiques.” Her other assignments across the pond included stints with Julia Korner, a fine art restoration & conservation specialist and an International art dealer, and the renowned classic English design and fabric house, Colefax & Fowler.

Following London, Kitty moved to the West Village managing Elizabeth Hague’s New York projects before deciding to go out on her own. Mixing travel between projects, Kitty became inspired with the idea that she could combine all her favorite elements of creating spaces in a way that would represent her travels and her style through the medium of an interiors shop, which she has found a home for in Southampton [below]. Learn more about Kitty in her NEW KDHamptons Design Diary below:

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons?  Why do you love it so much?

Kitty Clay: I’ve been coming to the Hamptons for about four years.  Nature… It’s all about the outdoor time in the Hamptons for me!  Whether it is watching a stunning sunset, grilling out with friends, walking on the beach, surfing, or paddle boarding or watching how the water view changes daily – this is the biggest draw for me. I have a cottage on the bay in Southampton and an apartment in the West Village. It’s fun to have my city friends in a relaxed small town environment where we can all unwind and enjoy.

KDHamptons: How did your upbringing cultivate your love of design?

Kitty Clay: I grew up in a historic home, an 1832 house built by the second governor of Kentucky’s son. Our home, Runnymede Farm, is part of the oldest continuously running thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky, and has been in our family for generations.  We breed race horses many of whom go on to major stakes and even the Kentucky Derby. My grandmother, Agnes, had a big effect on my aesthetic and love of beautiful things and antiques.  Like her, I have been inspired by the graceful rolling blue-green hills of Kentucky,  and both the strength and beauty of the horses.

KDHamptons: Please describe your perfect Hamptons summer day in detail for KDH readers?

Kitty Clay: Waking with the sun, doing some yoga and meditation.  Going out for a paddle, and coming back to a relaxing breakfast – I love breakfast! Interacting with clients at the shop and meeting new people.  Walks on the beach, surfing, grilling out with friends by the bay and watching the view and wildlife change daily over the perfect sunset and summer breeze.

KDHamptons: You are the creative director and owner of Kitty Clay in Southampton. Why was Southampton the right fit for the interior design store?

Kitty Clay: I wanted a canvas or medium in which to express my style and weave together of a lot of artists and relationships I’ve cultivated over the years.  Opening a shop was a natural fit because it allows me to use the actual shop space as the canvas. Southampton attracted me impart because it is a seasonal location, which affords me the opportunity to travel for a couple months out of the year to come up with fresh ideas and stay inspired.  I also like the relaxed environment and experience it offers people who come from the city.

KDHamptons: Why is travel so important for your eye?

Kitty Clay: I am an avid inspiration seeker, my jaunts to India, Nepal, Chile and Argentina — in addition to extensive travel in Europe, allow me to marry contrasts, ideas, and design concepts. Weaving experiences together is what makes the Kitty Clay aesthetic.

KDHamptons: What is your favorite item in the store right now?

Kitty Clay: I just got this sterling silver tray in the shop with lipstick-red glass handles that is so chic.  The deco design of the tray with the pop of color is so fun.

KDHamptons: Please describe your own Hamptons home/decor style? Which item or room in your house is your favorite and why?

Kitty Clay: I love fresh, comfortable, light and airy rooms with touches of interesting items that add texture and color.  My ideal space has big windows near the water with wide planked wood floors – I love being barefoot.  My favorite room is the coziest room in the house with the most light.

KDHamptons: Do you have a Hamptons “uniform”?  What is your typical Hamptons look?

Kitty Clay: I think it’s sort of a casual chic.  Sundresses and shorts in summer, paired with chandelier earrings. That’s the fun of summer, that you can throw something on and you don’t have to over think it.

KDHamptons: Do you have a favorite Hamptons restaurant?

Kitty Clay: That is a hard one!  The one I love in Southampton right now is the garden at Tutto Il Giorno.  That garden transports me to another place.  The food is always good.  I don’t really have a favorite dish.  The environment is just so lovely and the food is consistently good.  It always had just the right chemistry for a great time with friends.

KDHamptons: Do you like to entertain at home?  Who cooks?

Kitty Clay: I love to entertain at home.  It’s usually a group effort. I get some friends together and everyone works as a team – we have fun putting it all together.  Mostly my boyfriend cooks and I clean up (if it’s just the two of us). I grew up in a house where we were entertaining all the time, so I enjoy sharing the efforts, it’s more fun!

KDHamptons: Share a few items you’re loving at Kitty Clay right now?

Kitty Clay: Sure, here’s two:

1. Swedish Chest of Drawers – 1800s Stripe Paint $6,000

2. Swedish Table Lamp – 1940/1950 Red Metal $1,200

KDHamptons: Do you have a mantra you can share with KDH readers?

Kitty Clay: Have fun and stay inspired!