ROOTED IN ESSENTIALS: A KTHOM Q&A WITH KRISTEN THOMAS
KTHOM is a luxury lifestyle brand rooted in the belief that true luxury is deeply personally and thoughtfully curated. The creatives behind KTHOM have been leaning into the theme of Essentials, the timeless elements that shape our spaces and the way we live. In this Q&A, we interviewed our KTHOM + Studio Thomas founder, Kristen Thomas, to talk about the inspiration behind KTHOM. She shares what grounds her and guides the brand as it continues to grow.
WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE KTHOM?
Intentional, gathering, and wellbeing.
KTHOM IS DESCRIBED AS “THE ART OF MEANINGFUL LIVING.” WHAT DOES MEANINGFUL LIVING MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?
To me, meaningful living is rooted in our three pillars (The Hand, The Eye, and The Heart) – it's about joy. But not surface-level joy, it’s about depth. People are really just seeking joy and a sense of purpose. And it doesn’t have to do with material things – it's about living your life with intention. Knowing what you want to do in life, and who you want to spend your time with. We choose our days, our work, our environment, and our atmosphere – and all of this becomes meaningful when it’s intentional. Living a meaningful life won’t just happen by accident; you have to actively go after it.
KTHOM COLLECTIONS ARE INSPIRED BY DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD. CAN YOU SHARE A PLACE THAT’S RECENTLY INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW IT’S SHOWING UP IN YOUR WORK?
I recently went to Europe, and have also been loving places like California and Denver – I just love a relaxed, gathering-focused feel, and that’s what all these places have in common. Santa Barbara, for example, everyone there could not be more kind, and it’s so relaxing and beautiful. We felt that same energy when we were in London and Paris – everyone was just so warm. It’s overwhelming how kind they are - they love to gather, visit, and talk. It’s not about rushing; it was about being present. That mindset stuck with me. There wasn’t a sense of stress; it was just about enjoying life. That’s the same feeling I want our collection to evoke in our clients.
WHAT ROLE DOES CRAFTSMANSHIP PLAY IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS, AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO THE BRAND?
Craftsmanship and materialism are huge. For us at KTHOM, it’s about finding something that is unique and different, and being able to keep it for a long period of time. We aren’t chasing trends, we aren’t interested in what’s the latest and greatest. We want to give people something that will have a deeper meaning and last. It’s the mix of function and form. Yes, it’s functional, but it’s also beautifully designed.
HOW HAVE THE PEOPLE YOU’VE WORKED WITH THROUGH KTHOM INFLUENCED YOUR OWN SENSE OF STYLE OR THE WAY YOU LIVE?
KTHOM has really been shaped by all our clients – how they live, what they value, and the intention they bring into their homes. It is always about “less things, but better.” They invest in things that have meaning, things they’ve collected over time. That mindset has influenced us deeply. Many of our clients could have anything, but they choose with care, and that’s what inspires the way I personally live and design, too.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE KTHOM AS AN EXTENSION OF STUDIO THOMAS? WAS THERE A MOMENT THAT INITIALLY SPARKED THE IDEA?
When I started Studio Thomas, I didn’t have any intention of starting a brand, but as time went on, as we connected with clients and really got to know them, I realized just how much I loved people. KTHOM became a natural extension of that connection, of seeing people with depth and meaning. Because at the end of the day, it’s about forming a life that feels intentional. So to develop products that support meaningful living – things that encourage wellbeing, intention, and gathering – then we are helping our clients, the people we love and care about, cultivate real happiness. Because, as I mentioned before, people are really just seeking a sense of purpose, of meaning, and of connection.
YOUR ESSENTIALS LINE IS DESIGNED TO LAST BEYOND SEASONS. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A PIECE TRULY “ESSENTIAL”?
I see something that is essential as something that can be used in any space, anywhere, and in any type of home. It has to have longevity. Essentials are pieces that you return to again and again because they’re just really, really good. That’s exactly what we hoped to create with this line: foundational pieces that could elevate a space without going out of style.
The creatives at KTHOM have a desire to create a lifestyle that is deeply rooted in our desire to connect with others. Whether this is through “essentials” or incorporating gathering places, Kristen reminds us that great design goes beyond what we see; it’s also about how we feel, connect, and ultimately how we live. As we continue to grow, we are elated to offer you intentional pieces that will help you shape your meaningful life.
Launching 8.6.25