V
114 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4
Vance Killen
ance Killen frequently takes on projects in coastal communities from Big Sur to Laguna Beach to
Hawaii. For her, the settings themselves are art.
"For a designer, being close to the water, you're looking at the rocks, the textures and the colors…all the
inspiration is really right there around you," she says. "I love keeping it as seamless as possible, from interiors
to architecture to the landscape."
When working on Central Coast residences and properties like La Jolla's Grande Colonial Hotel, Killen
blurs the line between indoors and out with driftwood, teak, rattan and other natural materials. Her world
travels also influence her work, and the Carmel native works closely with local craftspeople on many projects.
Those ties are important to Killen, who grew up helping customers in her parents' Carmel retail stores.
"Loving people and working with the public and serving them in that way, that's just part of my back-
ground," she says.
V
Photos:
Kelli
Uldall
