They've Got Style: Kevin Shakey
Brand executive and designer Kevin Sharkey focuses on the details to create lasting beauty
After a long day at work or out and about in New York City, Kevin Sharkey’s simple pleasure is often a Chopin martini, straight up, with a twist, in a Lobmeyr glass. “The glass makes it taste even better,” he says. “There’s always a special glass.”
As a 23-year-long employee of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, it’s no surprise that every small detail of an experience or moment is critical to Sharkey — whether it’s the pristine white tulips that he loves to give as gifts or the casual outfits he chooses when he takes Jude and Truman Stewart, Martha’s grandchildren to whom he plays the role of honorary uncle, to ballet or soccer. While details are important, the memories are what matter most to him. “My favorite thing about throwing a party is cleaning up afterward,” he says, “and reflecting on all the memories of a good time.”
"I embrace any and all opportunities to have people over,” Sharkey says of his entertaining routine. His collections of silver, china and glass that he uses for these occasions are housed in his California Closets cabinet.
“For me, being in a place that's really beautiful is a place where I can kind of contemplate things. I can acknowledge where I am and process all the beauty that's around me. I feel like being in that state of mind where I'm at my most honest with myself.”
Q&A with Kevin Sharkey
Can you tell me about book displays? Are they an intentional part of your decor?
I’ve been collecting books for a long time. And when I like something, I have a lot of it. I remember books based on the color of their spines, so that’s why I arrange my books by color. All my books are design-oriented. I might have a book about fashion photography next to a book about architecture next to jewelry design next to tabletop design, and it all kind of works together anyway.
Are there elements of your home’s interior design that extend to your personal style?
Well, similar to my home, my style, I think, is appropriate. It’s well made. And it’s considered. I wear a suit most days to work. And I’ve been wearing Thom Browne suits for more than 20 years. Once I find something I like, I stick to it. And it’s just my nature to be somewhat discreet and conservative. So I think that personality characteristic definitely colors my choices across the board.
CC Design Consultants
Carolyn Musher
