Spaces that Live: Kim Fonder

With a background in photography and a deep-rooted connection to nature, Kim Fonder’s journey into interior design was a natural evolution. She began as a gallery owner and artist, and her neutral, organic aesthetic quickly gained recognition, as clients began entrusting her not only with their walls but with their entire homes. “My art is a part of my existence, and my design is a part of how I live,” she says, a philosophy that shines through in every space she creates.

Her design style, which she describes as “Pacific Natural,” is a seamless blend of effortless elegance and natural textures. Fonder’s art has been showcased in some of the country’s most prestigious locations, including installations at Restoration Hardware. Her projects span from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to Costa Rica, reflecting her ability to merge art and design on a global scale.

Fonder’s Tulsa-based Exhibit Art Gallery, which she opened in 2008, continues to be a space where art and interior design intertwine. With a style inspired by landscapes, Fonder finds beauty in simplicity, whether in the expansive skies of Nebraska, the sunsets in Oklahoma or the rugged natural beauty of her hometown in Oregon. She attributes her artistic eye to growing up surrounded by nature, spending hours photographing the changing light on the horizon. Her affinity for the outdoors shaped her preference for natural textures and organic elements, and her deep love for Oklahoma landscapes has influenced both her art and her interiors. “It feels rich, there’s a lot of depth to it,” she explains. Today, Fonder continues to shape both residential and commercial spaces, bringing her thoughtful and intuitive approach to every project.