Photo by: Kirsten Francis
Nothing is more inspiring than watching a family grow. Seeing the hard work, love, and passion that goes into building a lifelong connection to one another is what we truly live for. Then to take the essence of a family and build a brand around this philosophy, it takes a special type of tribe to make a family brand successful. We love to support and watch other brands in our industry, a secret handshake if you may, where we know the hardships and triumphs that come with working with members of the same family tree. This brings us to Ashley Stark of the forever favorite Stark Carpet, founded in 1938 by Ashley’s grandfather, Arthur Stark.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
On a balmy summer afternoon, we were so graciously invited into the Stark family compound where Ashley greeted us with smiles and a natural ease. Not many can exude this sense of chill when you are juggling work, renovating a home, and raising her three children. With an Instagram handle that keeps her phone busy and bright, Ashley was as breezy as the Bamboo Sateen bedding collection we styled her bed with. After a few fun shots poolside and admiring the lush gardens, Ashley sat down with us to discuss life in a family brand, what inspires her widely popular Instagram, and her favorite designers to watch.
Photo by: Kirsten Francis
- Kassatex: Best part of working with family?
- Ashley Stark: The best part of working with family is getting to have creative freedom and being able to be flexible for my three kids.
- K: Hardest part about working with family?
- AS: The hardest part is my whole life becomes Stark. Many family dinners are ruled by interior conversations. But that’s also a good part!
- K: Popular hues for the floor right now?
- AS: I think white and creams are always popular.
- K: Floor covering trend you wish would fade away?
- AS: I am over the large scale patterns. More into free form organic patterns.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
- K: Common misconception about selecting a floor covering?
- AS: Most common misconception is that people choose synthetic material because they think it’s more cleanable. This is a huge mistake. The easiest thing to clean is wool. It’s a natural fiber and is also green.
- K: Floor covering: final finishing touch or first stop on the design train?
- AS: I think it depends on the room. Impactful rooms like the living room, it’s often the first stop. But bedrooms can be finishing touch.
- K: First thing you do when you wake up?
- AS: Snuggle with my three children. Then check Instagram.
- K: 3 most inspiring Instagrams to follow?
- AS: Kelly Benhun Studio, Steven Gambrel, Stylesightspotlight.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
- K: Three hues you heart for your home?
- AS: White, cream and pale blue.
- K: Most memorable hotel stay?
- AS: The Four Seasons Tented Camp in Thailand.
- K: Currently on your bedside?
- AS: A photograph by Karine Laval from Benrubi Gallery.
- K: Hardhat Area: Most exciting part of a home renovation?
- AS: The kitchen extension.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
- K: Your Spotify playlists usually include:
- AS: Bob Marley and anything 90s.
- K: Home entertaining: Love to host or let’s meet out?
- AS: Love to host but haven’t had my own space in so long!
- K: Summer beverage of choice:
- AS: Water with lemon and ginger.
- K: It’s Friday at 6 PM: Where can we usually find you in the summer?
- AS: Kitchen dance party with my kids.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
- K: Three designers who transcend home and fashion inspiration for you?
- AS: Chanel is always an inspiration for me Joseph Dirand…well any of the French greats. I am also loving Gilles et Bossier.
- K: Color wars – Saturate the home or layer on the monochromatic textures:
- AS: I am all about the monochromatic textures.
- K: After a long day, soak in a tub, or steamy shower:
- AS: Soak in the tub.
- K: Top three must have beauty products:
- AS: P50 Toner, Alastin Tinted Suntan Lotion and La Mer Soft Cream.
Photos by: Kirsten Francis
