Patterns of Life

American designer Ken Fulk creates memorable interiors with a playful mix of influences, ranging from cinematic history to runway shows

- Cheryl Lai-Lim

For San Francisco-based interior designer Ken Fulk, the process of designing interiors is akin to producing a movie. “Every project, no matter how small, begins with a cinematic concept,” he explains. “I like to conjure up a mental reel of inspirational references coming from not only films of every era and genre, but also literature, runway shows, music, TV and advertising. All these images and experiences come together to inform the look and feel of our designs.”

Often pictured with a bow tie, the inimitable American designer is known for crafting sophisticated interiors in a lively mix of textures and colours, coupled with a dose of whimsy. Fulk is adept at injecting a magical quality into spaces across the globe, ranging from luxurious homes to stylish hotels, restaurants and bars—each project has a cinematic intensity and a rich narrative, whereby rooms unfold from one scene to the next while forming a continuous visual flow.