The Art of Joyful Living: A Conversation with Kerri Rosenthal

From her signature drippy hearts to her bold use of color, Kerri Rosenthal has built a world that radiates happiness, authenticity, and warmth. Her Westport flagship feels like stepping into a love letter to color and connection, a joyful reflection of her art, fashion, and lifestyle. This fall, we’re thrilled to bring Schoolhouse into her space, where craftsmanship and creativity meet in the most natural way.

Together, our collaboration celebrates a shared belief: that everyday spaces should spark joy, inspire creativity, and feel deeply personal. We caught up with Kerri to talk about embracing imperfection, the emotion behind color, and what joyful living truly means.

How would you describe the world of Kerri Rosenthal in three words?

Heartfelt, expressive, unfiltered.

You describe your work as “intentionally a little messy.” What does that mean to you?

It means embracing imperfection. I think there’s real beauty in the undone, in the parts of life and art that don’t follow the rules. That messiness is where emotion lives. I never want anything I create to feel too polished or overly designed. It should feel human. That’s where the magic is.

Color is such a defining part of your world. How do you approach choosing and working with color?

Color is an emotion to me. I don’t follow trend reports or seasonal palettes; I follow how I feel. The colors I choose for my artwork are inspired by the moment I am in my studio with a blank canvas and my paints. The painting directs me, as I go and the colors I choose are ones that are not exactly a match. It’s an intuitive feeling that helps me create. Sometimes I close my eyes and pick a color. That feels right to me and perfectly imperfect. I layer color like I layer feelings, intuitively, boldly, and always with heart.

Schoolhouse shares your love for thoughtful design and timeless craftsmanship. How do you see the two brands fitting together?

We both care deeply about creating things that last, not just in form, but in feeling. I think when you bring Kerri Rosenthal and Schoolhouse together, you get a kind of warmth that’s both playful and rooted in quality. It’s artful living with integrity behind it. There’s a shared belief that home should feel deeply personal.

Is there a particular Schoolhouse product that you feel especially drawn to?

I’ve always loved your lighting, it feels like sculpture with soul. There’s something timeless about a fixture that grounds a space while still allowing it to glow emotionally. I especially love pieces that look like they’ve lived a few lives already.

Both of our brands believe in creating pieces that bring joy to the everyday. What does “joyful living” mean to you?

It means waking up and choosing to see the art in the ordinary. Joyful living isn’t about big moments, it’s about morning coffee in your favorite mug, a cozy sweater that makes you feel like yourself, or the way your space smiles back at you. It’s living fully, feeling deeply, and decorating with intention.