From an early age, Kate Ballou learned to appreciate art and design. Noting that her mother is a ceramic artist and her father started painting later in life, “I became acutely aware not only of my surroundings, but also of the impact the environment had on my mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” she remembers.

Eventually, this revelation inspired her to study fine arts at the Rhode Island School of Design and then interior design at Parsons. After training at Baird Architects in New York and Jacobsen Architecture in Washington, DC, Ballou founded her own residential practice, Hendrick Interiors, in 2014. In 2023, one of her projects won a grand award for whole-house contemporary interiors in the Design Excellence Awards competition sponsored by Home & Design.

Ballou focuses on selecting furnishings, materials and art, and designing custom pieces that infuse functionality and beauty in a home while reflecting her clients’ lifestyle. She favors pieces with inherent integrity, often reflected in their provenance or use of natural materials. “I believe in the power of design and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time,” she avers. “Whether it’s a classic mid-century chair, a vintage lamp, a handmade rug or a piece of art, our goal is to find items that tell a story, add character to a space and align with our commitment to sustainability.”