The Art of Kale Tree

Kale Tree is an extension of Sarah Barnard Design, functioning as a creative studio for custom materials and furnishings. Over the years, we have developed many drawings and designs. Here are some of Sarah’s favorite products and behind-the-scenes imagery from Kale Tree’s design process.

https://www.kaletree.com/shop/p/matilija-poppy-textile-midnight

A contemporary interpretation of more traditional floral prints, the Matilija Poppy pattern features large-scale depictions of the favorite California flower reminiscent of a fried egg. The crepe-like fine folds of their petals offer a delicate contrast to their fluffy yellow centers. The pattern is featured as both a textile and wallpaper in a series of colorways inspired by nature.

The elegantly drooping, lantern-shaped blossoms of Mallow in Sarah's garden inspired this pattern, featured as both a textile and a wallpaper. The pollinator-friendly plants are a favorite for their delicate and delightful silhouette. The three colorways are inspired by the shifts in color throughout the day, in dusty dawn, evening mauve, and midnight.

Inspired by the California Brown Pelican, an iconic bird among many Southern California beachgoers, the drawing is featured on throw pillows to create a soothing, coastal atmosphere.

Limited edition letterpress printed cards designed by Kale Tree are often inspired by plants in Sarah's garden or memorable plant sightings from the year. Often, the cards become leaping off points for other Kale Tree designs.

This pattern is inspired by moths fluttering at dusk. The neutral creams and toasted gray scallops on the tussock moth's wings help it fade into the trees of its environment. This print seeks to add quiet beauty and interest while integrating effortlessly into its home environment.

Featuring the wings of a crow, this rug design offers an abstracted view of two birds nestled into one another.

As a reflection of the unique wildlife beloved in the southern California region, our studio opted to use the cylindropuntia fulgida, or jumping cholla, at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as an inspiration for the print on our Cholla Tote. The design for the tote was carefully hand drawn with emphasis on the plant's ruffled floral edges and spiky barbs, a contrast emphasized with the black and white design.

This Mangrove rug is inspired by the plants that contribute to the health of our coastlines, sustaining local ecosystems by providing food, shelter, and water filtration. The plants provide a link between land and sea, inspiring the two colorways.

The design of these tiles draws from the chrysanthemum flower's unique shape and abundant petals.

A unique alternative to more traditional butterfly prints, this pattern features monarch chrysalis, with the wings peaking through the translucent casting in the late stages, just as the butterfly prepares to emerge.

Kale Tree focuses on designing goods that celebrate nature though design and creation, with an emphasis on product life cycle. To learn more about Kale Tree, visit us here.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).