Stockton area luxury designer Kathleen Jennison, founder and principal of KTJ Design Co., had an exciting end to 2025 with two prestigious design awards.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s California Capital Chapter awarded Jennison 2nd Place, Small Bathrooms, for a project called “Enchanted Escape,” as a first-time design awards entry.
“When our client first described their dream guest bathroom, they didn’t ask for marble countertops or trendy tile, –they asked for magic. Their vision? A whimsical forest-themed retreat with a ‘wow’ factor, one that felt elevated and artistic rather than adolescent or over-the-top. Alongside this creative brief came practical goals: a more functional layout, better flow, and a dedicated space for a makeup vanity,” said KTJ Design about the project.
KTJ Design Co’s Enchanted Escape had an existing floor plan that was cramped and simply uninspired, with awkward plumbing locations, a useless linen closet, and zero room for a vanity. By reimagining the space and by removing the linen closet, their team was able to make room to relocate the sink to the opposite wall, which all opened the room dramatically. This change was aesthetic but also functional to allow for a makeup vanity that would accommodate more room for bathroom essentials, without expanding the footprint. We cleverly annexed space from a neighboring coat closet, turning lost square footage into daily delight.
Jennison described that designing with restraint and sophistication helped to ground the playful theme of the Enchanted Escape by installing classic materials with rich textures. From a marble mosaic tile floor that became the anchor for the earthy color palette of deep green, terracotta, black, and gold that her team used throughout the design. A tiled mural over the tub delivers an unforgettable focal point, while terracotta wallpaper adds subtle pattern and warmth for this chic bathroom. Adding brass finishes elevate the space to and play up the sophisticated elements when paired with carefully selected light fixtures for a bold-boutique-hotel luxury feel. Further proving that whimsy and refinement can coexist—when imagination meets intention.
“It’s a rewarding feeling, these awards delivery, and is especially meaningful because they recognize both creativity and how a space functions in real life. I’m proud of the work, and I’m grateful to the clients and partners who helped bring each detail to life,” said Jennison.
KTJ Design Co’s second recognition was by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Sacramento Chapter, which awarded the firm the Judges’ Choice Award for “Mix, Mingle & Martini Project”- a lounge and dining room designed as a beautiful, entertaining-forward space.
“I am so grateful to have received so many awards over the past 15 years, and I have been a long-time member and past board member of NARI, so being awarded The Judges’ Choice Award is an extra special honor to me,” said Jennison.
Jennison was also recently honored to have one of her interior design projects featured in Designers Today’s October 2025 issue, “Designing for the Solo Set.” This project and article highlight a growing niche and segment in residential design, and was a featured discussion during Las Vegas Market in January on Armen Living’s showroom.
“As many young professionals are focused on their careers, before diving into family life and giving insights into a special kind of career-driven and single client that Kathleen has had success working with over the past several years.” Jennison shares, “The Solo Set, as I call them, they’re decisive, confident but curious, and almost always overwhelmed at the start. They’re single — some recently divorced, some widowed, others never married — but all of them are starting fresh. And they’ve become my favorite kind of project.”
