Hi cuties, happy February! This year is already flying by, am I right? This month, I’m feeling energized and grateful as I celebrate the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, get to show off an exciting new collab with our friends at Malin + Goetz, and am coming off of an exciting interiors industry event in Mexico.
“As with every month, I love getting to take this opportunity to connect personally with KKH’s customers, clients, and friends-of-the-brand. It means a lot to shine light on my sources of joy and inspiration and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!”
Read on for my latest favorites from the home, skincare, reading, travel, and professional development realms. I also want to know: what are loving and feeling sparked by? Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!
Kathy’s Favorite #1: Malin + Goetz x Kathy Kuo Home
I’m sure the personal care brand Malin + Goetz needs no introduction, but in case you’re unfamiliar, they’re an iconic NYC-based brand inspired by the energy of city living and with the founding mission to un-complicate skincare. I love this mission because it’s similar to how I feel about how great design is for all!
Back in 2023, we had the pleasure of collaborating with Malin + Goetz on one of their product photo shoots using our popular Amina Coffee Table; it was amazing to see how their creative team styled our table using Malin + Goetz products, so when we heard they were in need of the perfect display cabinet for an upcoming product shoot, it was an instant “yes!”
“Without further ado, I am thrilled to share that our Tacorey Display Cabinet is featured in M+G’s new creative campaign for the launch of their new Otto Super Candle. How gorgeous does the styling of our cabinet, with the oh-so-chic rose quartz-toned Otto look in the social photo and video below?”
Plus, not only does the Otto Super Candle feature a subtle and alluring rose petal and spice blend scent, but it’s the brand’s largest candle ever (three wicks and 8+ hours of burn time!) and you can easily reuse the vessel as a piece of decor when you’re done burning the candle.
Click to shop!
Click to shop!
Shop The Look
Kathy’s Favorite #2: Celebrating Lunar New Year & the Year of the Snake
If you know me, or have been a Kuotes reader for a minute or two, you know I always look forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year with my children and friends…and also that it’s only time of year I embrace the color red (hehe)! This year was no exception and I have so much gratitude for being able to ring in the Year of the Snake with my loved ones!
“So what does the Year of the Snake mean? Well, those born in Snake years are said to be charming, resilient, mysterious, smart, and gifted at thinking outside the box.”
This year, 2025, is specifically the Year of the Wood Snake, which brings a grounding and earth-centric energy (okay, so it’s basically the Organic Modernism design style!); Snake years are also associated with a sense of rebirth and reinvention, and an overall shedding (get it? like shedding snakeskin) negative energy.
PS: Enter to win our Lunar New Year giveaway with Asian Founded (February 8, 2025 is the final day to enter).
Shop my favorite pink silk dress from Zimmermann
Shop Snake-Inspired Picks from Kathy Kuo Home
Kathy’s Favorite #3: C.Next Designers in Mexico
One of my favorite topics to share about in this space is about some of the professional development and networking opportunities that I am fortunate to experience in the interior design business (seriously, this industry has the most passionate, creative, and kind people!). I always enjoy speaking engagements or being invited to a panel with my peers…but when I get to do that from the gorgeous Riviera Maya in Mexico? Nothing better!
“It was so meaningful to travel to such a lovely and inspiring location to speak on a topic close to my heart—enduring style and the tenants of timeless design—it was the perfect way to start the year.”
I recently had the pleasure of speaking on a panel at the C.Next Designers Summit (hosted by Cosentino) at the Grand Velas Resort! It was such a joy to connect with the 250+ attendees (many familiar faces, and just as many new friends!) and be a featured speaker, along with Siobhan Barry, Design Director and Principal at Gensler, on a panel about longevity in design moderated by my dear friend Joanna Saltz of House Beautiful, and sponsored by industry icon Sunbrella Fabrics.
Not only was the setting super dreamy, but the lineup of programming was excellent and I left feeling full of new concepts in design and business to bring into 2025 for KKH! If you’re in the home and interiors world, I highly recommend checking this annual event out next year.
Dress is Zimmermann of course!
Kathy’s Favorite #4: Valentine’s Day Essentials from Kathy Kuo Home
Of course, it wouldn’t be the month of February without mentioning Valentine’s Day! I know that there are mixed opinions on this holiday out there, but honestly? I can’t help but love it. What can I say, I just love love!
“If you’re a smart shopper, you probably have all of your Valentine’s Day shopping done, but in case you need a little bit of seasonal inspo, I’ve pulled together a selection of my fave lovey-dovey pieces from the Kathy Kuo Home assortment right now.”
In fact, all of these adorable gifts and decor picks would honestly be perfect for any day of the year to show a special someone in your life how much you care about them. Every day is V-Day when the gift guide is this wonderful!
Shop Valentine’s Day Picks
Kathy’s Favorite #5: Blue Ocean Shift by Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Finally, last but not least, we have my KKH Book Club pick of the month! You all know I’m always reading, and business strategy books are some of my favorite. I love learning new ways to look at challenges and approach both large and small business questions. This month, I’m excited to recommend Blue Ocean Shift by Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne.
The essential value proposition of this book is to: “Discover a new way of thinking that allows you to break away from the competition and sets you on the path to profitable growth. Go beyond disruption, where business and society can thrive together.”
This book speaks to the idea that innovation and disruption are not necessarily two things that must go together. There are ways to innovate that are more rooted in creativity and a wholistic, community-centered sensibility.
