L.A. based Interior Designer Vanessa De Vargas pointed me to the gorgeous wallpaper over at Kreme Life and it was love at first sight. I was impressed to learn that this gorgeous low VOC, eco-solvent wallpaper is designed and manufactured right here in the U.S.A. (California). Based in Los Angeles, Designer/Partner Cadee Wilder agreed to visit all of us here on decor8 today to talk about her work and inspiration.

decor8: Hello Cadee! Looking at your designs I see a lot of southern California influence. Is that were you were raised?

Cadee: I was raised in Orange County, CA until I was 14 then we moved Oklahoma –culture shock! Now I’m back in Los Angeles.

decor8: How did your childhood influence the designer that you are today?

Cadee: My parents are free spirits from the sixties, and they always encouraged art, music, and self expression. My Sunday afternoons were usually spent drawing and listening to music with my family, it was something that we did together and as individuals> My best days are spent trying to recreate these Sunday afternoons.

decor8: When did you launch Kreme Life and how did you decide on the name?

Cadee: We launched officially only a few months ago in November of 2008. I chose the name by thinking of things I like, and among my favorites are shades of white and cream. The odd spelling came out because aesthetically I liked the way it looked. [I'm kind of a typography nerd]

decor8: What is your professional background?

Cadee: I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications [graphic design], from the University of Oklahoma, I was the creative director for a fashion line for 4 years, before going freelance and starting Kreme.

decor8: Why wallpaper?

Cadee: I lived above a wallpaper store in Santa Monica for about 5 years, I’d stroll by and think, “this one is almost right, but….” there was always just a little something missing. So I thought “I should make my own line of wallpaper!”

decor8: Describe your average client…

Cadee: My average client usually has these things in common: loves their space, loves art/design, and loves to express their own unique style in their home.

decor8: Has word of mouth helped your business and if so, what has worked?

Cadee: Word of mouth has been great, people seem to pass things along [as in this case with Vanessa], and we were recently featured in Sunset Feb 09 magazine’s “The West At Its Best” which also helped.

decor8: How did you go from idea to execution?

Cadee: It was a ton of research, and scouting and testing materials, it took about 6 months from “idea” to our final printed product.

decor8: What makes Kreme Life stand out?

Cadee: Our papers are incredibly unique, the designs are modern with an undeniable retro nod, not to mention we are now offering custom colors for just $40 extra. You can get all the fabulous designs and you can get them to match any decor. We print and ship in just a matter of days not weeks! In an instant gratification world, Kreme satisfies the I want it fabulous, I want it amazing, and I want it fast!!

decor8: How are the patterns designed?

Cadee: Some are designed by hand, and some are designed on the computer. It really just depends on what mood I’m in on any given day. Some days I really feel like drawing and painting by hand and other days I like to crank up my iTunes and work on my Mac!

decor8: What inspires you as a designer?

Cadee: Mostly my childhood in Orange County, and my parents hippie aesthetic. I love to conjure up pictures in my head of the things that made my childhood happy, and the usually involve the beach and sunshine and lots of loud music!

decor8: Thank you so much, Cadee! It was great to learn about the lady behind these gorgeous designs.

Cadee: You’re very, very welcome!! I love decor8!

Kreme Life papers can be purchased online here. Good news: If you do not want to commit to a roll of wallpaper, you can also purchase it framed or unframed to use as a focal point over your bed or sofa, for instance. I love that she offers this as an option.

(images from kreme life)

Tags: interviews