Meet Kanani Pichardo, H&M Home Design Challenge Winner

We weren't surprised when Spoak member and designer Kanani Pichardo's colorful Vizi took first place in our latest design challenge with H&M Home. The prompt was to design your dream back-to-school living space, and even if you aren't going to class this year, you have to admit her design feels like the perfect place to hit the books. Her design is equal parts playful and practical—and we were lucky to catch up with her recently and learn more about her design journey and what inspires her.

Scroll through to learn more about Kanani and what’s on her wishlist.

Describe yourself in 3 emojis.

🤹🏻‍♀️🌽🎨

Briefly tell us about your design journey.

Growing up my parents always instilled design into my brain. My dad always wanted to be an architect and my mom a fashion designer. My mom was constantly making my clothes and we would always go to antique stores, vintage furniture stores, and open houses on the weekends. I thought I wanted to be in fashion; I went to a fashion school after high school and worked in the fashion industry my entire career. When quarantine happened, I re-discovered my passion for interior design. I left my corporate job and decided to dive into interiors. It's been a year and 4 months since I started and I wouldn't change a thing! I have been doing freelance projects and I up-cycle furniture to try and keep items from a landfill, giving them a second chance!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I am inspired by pretty much all things vintage, different textures, and definitely architecture.

Tell us about a designer or artist you love. What about them and their work are you drawn to?

I have to say Kelly Wearstler; she has amazing, bold designs and seems really fearless. Always mixing prints and textures and materials. I will also forever love Frank Lloyd Wright; his architecture inspires me to this day.

What do you do on your time off to recharge creatively?

Shop for vintage, visit flea markets and thrift stores, of course. But I also love going to Austin's local pools, the lake, and rollerblading. I love going to the movies.

What's the best thing you've consumed recently?

The lasagna that my fiance makes from scratch! He makes two separate sauces, short rib meat, and handmade pasta; so delicious! Also this awesome grilled cheese with bacon and spicy strawberry jam from Easy Tiger in Austin.