Spectacular Homes of Texas
by Signature Publishing Group
reprinted with permission
Kelly Gale Amen is an enigma. He is a self-proclaimed liberal in thought and conservative in action. He’s simultaneously bold and modest, an extrovert and an introvert. If there’s one constant about Kelly Gale it’s that he’s an icon in the interior design business, not only in Texas but around the globe. Kelly Gale has earned his exceptional reputation the hard way; he’s worked for it. And for years he’s been reaping well-deserved rewards of recognition and applause.
Immediately after graduation from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in interior design, Kelly Gale evaluated several U.S. cities and moved to Houston because he believed it was the freest, most undefined and youngest city on his list, a place where he could be what he wanted to be and could set his own agenda.
Indeed, he has done just that.After more than 30 years in the business, Kelly Gale is a premier interior designer and entrepreneur with clients stretching across America to France, India and beyond. He’s also made a tremendous contribution to the city of Houston by supporting worthwhile community causes like literacy and medical research, making it a more loving, giving place to call home.
During his career, Kelly Gale has focused primarily on two aspects of design. One is creating exceptional living environments for his clients. The second is his custom furniture line of old-world cast metal he’s created in bronze, aluminum and iron. He supervises its construction at an Alabama foundry. He also designs furniture constructed of wood and fabric, which he calls “soft-sculpture upholstery.”
Kelly Gale describes his interior design style as “layered visual,” a multidimensional approach that encompasses lighting, color, texture, fabrics and collections. On the surface, his look is spontaneous, but he has exquisitely planned every detail, with each piece possessing its own power and making a valuable contribution to the synergy of the whole.
The key to Kelly Gale’s success is his ability as an artist to create the unexpected, which he hopes stimulates his clients’ emotions. Each client, according to Kelly Gale, is looking for something he or she has never experienced.Through experimentation, he hopes to provide his clients with that twist on life they’ve been searching for. Often Kelly Gale initiates residential clients with what he good humouredly calls “the flip.” With their permission, he moves everything around in new clients’ homes to different locations, renewing their ability to view possessions and treasured objects with fresh eyes.
Kelly Gale finds inspiration and relaxes from his hectic schedule at the KGA Compound, an eclectic consortium of structures in “The Cave” addition of the bohemian inner-Montrose area of Houston. He lives in two 1940s cottages on the property, and a third house, built in 1907, serves as guest quarters and a gallery where he promotes local artisans’ work. Every window of each structure overlooks the interior garden. Kelly Gale’s creativity is stimulated and renewed in this environment where he “lives in art.”
A morning person with an exceptionally high energy level, Kelly Gale has been known to keep four business appointments by 8 a.m.The rest of the day is likely jam packed with everything from more client visitations to participating in a Houston art car parade to hosting a benefit dinner party for 36 while entertaining three out-of-town house guests.To most, this would be an exceptional day. To Kelly Gale, it’s an ordinary one.
MORE ABOUT KELLY GALE…
What is Kelly Gale passionate about?
Going, doing, seeing and learning – not wasting time. And being with interesting people.
What is Kelly Gale’s favorite color?
He has no favorite color; he loves them all.
What motivates him?
Kelly Gale is fascinated with how people live and why most people believe there’s a right and wrong way to place and use objects.
What personal pieces does Kelly Gale use in his home that he values most?
First, his amazing collection of white cotton and linen sheets, especially coveted by his house guests. And second, his exquisitely designed, luxurious dog beds that also double as ottomans. Akin to thrones and affectionately dubbed “poofs” by Kelly Gale, they also are prized by his clients’ furry friends.
What has been a life-changing experience for Kelly Gale?
Kelly Gale, a cancer survivor, confronted his illness head on and invited his friends to embrace the experience with him. Consequently, he serves as an example of courage and enlightenment for everyone he meets.The experience reinforced his belief in breaking the rules, now an inherent part of his design philosophy. Not surprisingly, one of Kelly Gale’s mottos is “life is too short.” In other words, use your best silver and crystal now. What are you waiting for?
Photographs courtesy of Signature Publishing Group
