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Kitty BartholomewAmerican decorator and television star
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Kitty Bartholomew: An Acclaimed Decorator and Television Star
- The DIY Queen of Television
- Inspiring Visions and Unforgettable Specials
- Lecturing and Endorsements
- Personal Life and Legacy
Kitty Bartholomew: An Acclaimed Decorator and Television Star
From Humble Beginnings to Design EminenceKitty Bartholomew rose to prominence as an American interior decorator and television personality. Her iconic phrase, "It's not what you don't have—it's what you do with what you have," became the cornerstone of her decorating philosophy. This spirit is captured in her book, "Kitty Bartholomew's Decorating Style: A Hands-On Approach to Creating Affordable, Beautiful, and Comfortable Rooms."
The DIY Queen of Television
For decades, Bartholomew's creative interiors have inspired countless American decorators. One of her signature trademarks is her cozy hand-knitted sweaters, which she wore on television. She shared her knitting secrets in her second book, "Designer Knitting with Kitty Bartholomew."
Kitty's television journey began long before reality shows were commonplace. She starred in the groundbreaking ABC-TV series "The Home Show." During her six-year tenure as the show's resident interior design expert, she conducted thousands of unconventional experiments, including building a house from scratch in just five months. Bartholomew's willingness to engage directly with contractors and suppliers set her apart from other hosts.
For nearly eight years, Kitty hosted her own HGTV show, "Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home." She also participated in several spin-offs, such as "Great Gardens of Hawaii" and "Great Gardens of Costa Rica."
Inspiring Visions and Unforgettable Specials
Bartholomew graced viewers with memorable specials such as the White House Christmas tour and a Christmas showcase at the Vice President's residence. Her "Treehouses" series transported viewers back to her Michigan childhood, featuring extraordinary treehouses across America, designed and built by master craftsmen. These structures ranged from whimsical playhouses to full-fledged living and workspaces.
Kitty also produced specials for PBS on critical issues like earthquake safety, and was a popular guest on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She was even featured in a "Best of Oprah" DVD collection.
Lecturing and Endorsements
Beyond the small screen, Bartholomew is a sought-after speaker. She tours the country with her popular lectures and frequently gives presentations on luxury cruise lines, including the "QE2" and "Coral Princess." Her topics range from her design expertise to the transformative power of color.
Kitty has also graced countless advertising campaigns, representing leading companies in furniture, home décor, and consumer goods. She serves on the Advisory Board of California Design College.
Personal Life and Legacy
A mother of three, Kitty Bartholomew resides in Santa Monica, California. Her legacy as a visionary decorator, television star, and inspiring speaker continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
