This week's Q + A is with McKenna Bonds, Unscripted rockstar since August 2023 and newly promoted, Interior Designer for our Model Merchandising Studio. She has an amazing sense of style and innate talent for all things design, and are so proud to have her talents on our team. We couldn't wait to sit down with her to chat more about her perspective on design, life, and of course, being a good human.
All Things Unscripted
Q: Tell us about your role in the company. What does a day in the life look like?
A: I am an Interior Designer here at Unscripted. Each day tends to be different, but depending on the stage of design I’m in, it could be the initial preliminary concepts of design, traveling for finishes and presentations, deciding on art and decor, final touches, or installs. I get the luxury of seeing the process of what I design from start to finish which is very rewarding.
Q: What does it mean to be a good human to you?
A: Well quantifying kindness is hard. We all need human connection and unfortunately no one is immune to pain. In sharing mistakes, imperfections, and fears, we offer the notion to understand each other better to realize we are more alike than different. As cliché as it might sound, I think learning is what drives a good human.
"This too shall pass."
Q: How have you evolved as a designer since starting at Unscripted?
A: Over the last year I have seen my confidence in myself grow. I’m learning who I am as a designer and I’m proud of the work I create. Coming into Unscripted, I questioned myself and my ability, but the knowledge I’ve gained from my peers and just learning from mistakes early on, have helped me to become a more confident, well-rounded designer. It only excites me for where I will be 10 years from now.
Q: How and where does your design process? Is there anything special to your personal creative process?
A: I start with a conceptual mood board. I love everything conceptual. I will pull lots of imagery to find inspiration from. Texture and nature are typically my favorite things to work off.
Q: What is your favorite type of room to design and why?
A: I will say I love a good kitchen design, but my favorite is the Great Room! This is the place that I would say people spend the most time so it can be intricate to design. Love the opportunity to get a bit over the top.
Q: Tell us about any projects you are excited for and describe the design direction.
A: I have a super fun three-house project in Las Vegas that I can’t wait to see installed early next year! Each house is designed completely different from the other, but the styles all work together so well. I stepped outside of my comfort zone so I’m excited to see how they all come together!
I have another project in Dallas that I would move into if I could! Haha! I love biophilic design and this scheme scratches an itch for me. It’s curated to be sophisticated and soft which is my dream for a house. The scheme is neutral with a perfect olive green and lots of texture. Can’t wait to see this one install!
Getting Personal
Q: How would you describe your personal design style? Tell us about how you grew into this specific style and the way it makes you feel.
A:Some people would call it quiet luxury, but I would say more understated elegance. Playing with softness of textiles while playing with textures. I love a refined muted color palette while exploring textures and scale. For example, I love a dramatic powder bath with an obscure mirror, specialty lighting and veiny countertop.
Q: How does Interior Design influence your personal life? Are there any unique design elements in your personal home you'd like to share?
A: I was fortunate enough to have a mother who is in the industry and has always encouraged my creativity. Interior design is all I’ve known for most of my life. I always knew that I wanted to do something that I love as a job, so it won’t feel like a job. Honestly, I think I’m in design mode without even thinking about it! Every trip anywhere, big, or small, is an opportunity to find inspiration for design. It has emphasized that my brain is design wired and I can’t turn it off. I’m sure my family is tired of me bringing home something new each time!
I love statement furniture! My favorite room in my house is the Living Room. I have Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table and LC4 Chaise Lounge and together they work so well. My goal is to have a home that feels like a gallery.
Q: If you could buy one piece of furniture, artwork, or material to put into your home (with an unlimited budget) what would it be?
A: I have probably too many answers for this question so I will try my best to limit myself. I have two answers in case the first doesn’t count. The first would be a bronze fireplace surround! This probably sounds crazy, but just the contrast it would bring into a room would be such a cool focal point!
Now, I think my first answer doesn’t count as furniture, but Sergej Jensen painting would be a dream to own in my home. I love large, sophisticated art pieces that you can layer with furniture and lots of décor.
Q: What artists, makers, interior designers, or indoor enthusiasts inspire you and why?
A: Fortunately, being from LA, I have been surrounded by some amazing people in this industry. Clements Design has been one of my favorites over the years! I love how sophisticated and curated their designs feel yet so minimal. If you don’t have the “Eight Homes” book you need it!
I also am a huge fan of NeKeia McSwain and love seeing her work and involvement in the industry! She promotes diversity in the interior design industry, and I love to see other successful individuals that look like me.
Q: Outside of work, what are some of your favorite passions or hobbies?
A: Some of my current hobbies are cooking, practicing new languages, exercising, and being with family and friends. I love being present and doing things that bring me a sense of peace and offer the opportunity to keep learning!
Q: What inspires you and keeps you curious? Where do you find inspiration for projects?
A: Honestly, everything. Then again, being human it’s natural to feel it’s difficult at times. One of my favorite inspirational quotes is from Steve Jobs, “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” I use this as a stepping-stone to remember that inspiration is what I allow my mind to manifest. I have learned that I must let go of the pressure of “being inspired” and just let it flow naturally. Inspiration is contagious and can be found in anything. Travel is currently one of my favorite ways to find inspiration.
Q: Tell us about a favorite trip you've been on or place you've been?
A: My favorite trip was going to Paris. I went around my birthday which is only a couple of days after Christmas. It was decorated for the holidays with lights, and it only exemplified the beauty of all the architecture. This trip was extremely special to me, but as fulfilling as it was to see the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de l’Etoile roundabout might be a forever fear of mine now.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Anywhere in Europe, but preferably Italy or France. The architecture alone makes my heart skip a beat!
Q: If you could design a celebrity home, who would it be and why? Tell us about the personality traits, interests, etc. that would make this person a dream to design for.
A: Hands down it would be Jhene Aiko. She creates some of the most serene and healing music! She exudes femininity and softness, which I think I tend to lean towards in my designs. The incorporation of song bowls in her music brings individuals to a relaxed state which is conducive to healing. As humans, we spend about 70% of our lives inside. I think incorporating this into a space could be beneficial to a person’s health. Having almost a gallery exhibition of song bowls that could still be played would be such a fun moment.
Thanks so much, McKenna for spending some time with us! Want more? Follow our blog to keep up with good humans, good design and get to know our Unscripted Rockstars!