Story - Kristin Ellen Hockman

A Natural Home
Kristin Ellen Hockman

Sometimes, we’re called to make a change in the way we live our lives. The birth of a child, a health journey, or simply a slow-growing ache for beauty, ease, rest—moments that stir within us a desire to pare back and soften the edges. To bring the outside in. A natural home is about more than materials or aesthetics, important though they may be. Rather, it’s about creating grounded, warm and restorative spaces that have a positive effect on how we feel, and bring us closer to nature.

Kristin Ellen Hockman is a Charleston-based interior designer known for her signature blend of timeless elegance and approachable charm. Founder of her eponymous design studio, she creates layered, story-rich interiors that honor the past while embracing everyday modern life.

Kristin lives just outside Charleston, SC in a 173-year-old Greek Revival home with her husband, daughter, golden retriever - Georgie, and a handful of other animals among her enchanting gardens. Explore how Kristen embraces life in the country, that gets her outdoors and living closer to nature.

Where in nature do you find inspiration?

I find so much inspiration in my own garden. The way the colors change, the various textures, the way the light reflects, the patina. I especially love taking note of what my daughter is drawn to when we are in the garden. It is so inspiring to me to see what catches her eye.

How do you find fulfillment in everyday moments or rituals?

I find so much joy and fulfillment when I put my phone away and truly soak in the moment. Whether it is enjoying meaningful imaginative play time with my daughter, going on an evening family walk or simply taking a moment for myself, being truly present in the moment without distractions is so fulfilling and important to me.

Tell us the story of your home - from its sense of place or how you have transformed it to become an expression of you?

Our home was built in 1852 and when we purchased it, it was definitely in need of some TLC. Turning this house into a home that is an extension of myself and my family is of utmost importance to me. I want it to be a home bursting with life, color, and joy - where guests feel like they can relax and kick their feet up. It is full of all our favorite items from collected artwork to Swedish antiques to ceramics from around the world. I stand strongly that your home should be a reflection of your personality rather than what is on trend.

How do you choose which items become part of your home? Are provenance and materials important to you?
When it comes to choosing items for my home, what is important is that I choose something that brings me and my family joy and fits our lifestyle. With that said, materials definitely come into play. For example, I may choose a chair made from a kid friendly material because having a chair that isn’t too precious is definitely more important to me than having something that is off limits. And there is so much joy in that — knowing that my daughter can feel free to be a kid and not feel like she’s living in a museum.

For us, home is somewhere between a place and a feeling. Describe your home in 3 words?

Inviting, comfortable, interesting

As summer begins to wane, what are you nurturing—creatively, personally, or otherwise—that you hope will take root in the season ahead?

I am nurturing the art of slowing down and getting organized! Taking stock of what is truly important in life and focusing on that. Less noise, more intention.

Living naturally means….

To me, living naturally means living a life that feels very aligned with who I am at your core.