Meet Kira Corbin – an interior stylist, entrepreneur, and creative based in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in New England and attending college in Buenos Aires, Kira’s experiences have continuously shaped her appreciation for the beauty of natural materials and textures. This background is what eventually drew her to prop styling – creating unique and beautiful moments that subtly weave themselves into the fabric of home.
Guided by her creative spirit and distinctive eye, Kira went on to launch her own homeware brand, Standard Affair. And we’re thrilled to now carry pieces from her debut collection at Shoppe Amber Interiors. We sat down to chat about her career, inspirations, and what’s next. Read on to follow along. x
Image courtesy of George Barberis
Image courtesy of Scott Rounds
Image courtesy of Shoppe Amber Interiors
a conversation with Kira…
1
Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.
I’ve always been creatively driven. As a kid, I would paint my bedroom walls, set the table in funky ways for holidays, and shop vintage non-stop. Curation as a form of self expression has long been central for me. That, combined with the desire to create the pretty pictures I saw in magazines that I was so inspired by, led me to a career in styling.
2
Prop and interior stylist first, now product designer and business founder – How has your background shaped the creative direction of the brand?
As a stylist, you are always a conduit for someone else’s vision. Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with many different styles for my clients, trying them all on for size, which has really helped me develop my own style. Standard Affair is a place where I can be completely true to myself, without the outside influence of client needs, fully leaning into my vision for home and living. I have spent years collecting and curating items, telling stories through objects, and admiring their beauty and functionality. I have essentially been studying and have learned so much. All of that knowledge and passion is now being poured into my brand.
3
Your pieces are crafted in Portuguese factories known for their innovation and commitment to sustainability — what drew you to work with these makers, and how does that partnership shape Standard Affair’s values?
Your pieces are crafted in Portuguese factories known for their innovation and commitment to sustainability — what drew you to work with these makers, and how does that partnership shape Standard Affair’s values?
My values, and those that I uphold at Standard Affair, have shaped the choices I’ve made regarding partnerships, for sure. I believe that craft is important and the best way to preserve it is by uplifting artisans. I want everything for Standard Affair to be made in responsible, conscientious, and ethical ways. I want to work with people who are respectful, masters of their craft, and striving for excellence. These values are the criteria that guided me as I assessed all of the potential factory partners and some clearly stood heads and shoulders above others.
4
We’re thrilled to now carry Standard Affair pieces at Shoppe Amber Interiors – namely the Pillar Ceramic Dinnerware and Serving Bowl. What makes these pieces so unique?
I am so thrilled to have them with you at Shoppe Amber Interiors! The pieces in my Pillar Dinnerware collection have delicate features, yet still hold a comforting weight. They feel good in the hand. They frame food beautifully, set a stunning table, and mix and match with other neutrals effortlessly. The glaze is soft and subtly expressive, making each piece slightly different than the next. They’re also made from a clay body composed of mostly recycled materials in a factory that is largely powered by solar panels.
5
Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
I’m not sure there is a typical day for me lately! I might be on set styling a photo shoot, in my studio with the music on designing an upcoming collection, or at a trade show representing Standard Affair. Each day is different and I really enjoy the variety. The constants I try to keep in rotation to ground me are having breakfast and dinner with my family every day that I’m not traveling, exercising several times a week, and making sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
6
How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?
How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?
Balance is tricky… does it exist?! My life seems to move through seasons, where there is a natural ebb and flow of busy or calm times. Sometimes I have to work in the evening after putting my kids to bed, and other times I can play hooky midweek to take a long lunch or an inspiration day. I try to listen to myself and my stress levels – pushing myself when I have the energy or resting when I need to.
7
What can you share about your creative process?
I design my collections with immense thought and intention, re-sketching and shaping the curves or proportions countless times until they feel perfect. I’m an over-thinker, but I want all of my pieces to become favorites. I want them to feel both chic and welcoming. I think about the ideal volume for a dish, how much liquid a mug should hold, and how the handle should sit in your hand. I think about how heavy, thick, or thin a dish should be, what a piece will feel like in your hands, how it will stack with other dishes, how food will look on it, what a spoon running over the glaze will feel like, and yes, even what it will look like in a photo. I pull a lot of inspiration from my most-used pieces. I have a very large collection built up from my years of styling and I’m always looking to my favorites for ideas.
8
What advice would you offer to other creative entrepreneurs looking to grow their business?
Take the business side seriously, believe in your ability to run your business, read the books, hire the experts, do the learning, and commit and being persistent. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s going to take sustained focus and energy, but it should (mostly) be fun.
9
What’s next for you? How do you hope to see the impact of your work take form?
I am setting out to bring more beauty into people’s homes and lives. I want to make products that give people the same feeling as putting on their favorite outfit. We just launched this year and starting with a tabletop collection made the most sense because I have always been passionate about both cooking and ceramics. But, I have so many ideas for Standard Affair and aspire to grow it into a lifestyle homeware company that offers more than just dinnerware.
Image courtesy of Scott Rounds
Image courtesy of Shoppe Amber Interiors
Image courtesy of George Barberis
rapid fire with Kira…
1
Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?
Local shops! They are cultural establishments; they capture the zeitgeist and essence of the community.
2
Color or neutrals?
Neutrals. I sometimes like color, but I like them to be very light or very dark and always desaturated.
3
One thing that’s always in your bag?
Lip balm! I like minimal ingredients, so I’m a big fan of Vermont Bee Balm. I pick up a tin every year when we visit family for the holidays. I also carry Necessaire’s The Hand Cream, it absorbs so well.
4
Favorite space in your home?
My bed. Followed closely by the kitchen.
5
Quote or mantra you live by?
This tends to change with the season, and what I’m needing or doing in my life. Lately it’s, “Done is better than perfect. Make it happen, then make it better.” And sometimes I offer myself a simple, “You are doing a good job.”
Pillar Ceramic Dinnerware
From $42
Pillar Ceramic Serving Bowl
$140
