STYLING • PITFALLS
Intentionality in everything.
An acquired taste.
One of the hallmarks of MMD’s design work is the collected or acquired feeling many of the spaces exude. “Eclectic” is not quite the ideal descriptor as it does not convey the intent, art and purpose behind each specification, but there certainly is an element of deliberate “randomness” to every space. The idea is that every element appears as though it has a story, a past. The elements of a room come together by way of complementing each other in their differences. The color palettes are complex, at times unconventional.
When risks are taken, a lovely tension achieved through the confluence of forms, textures, color. We work so that the specifications speak to the homeowner’s heart and soul, remind them of their travels or inspire them to travel, tap into their aspirations, all while working symbiotically together to create depth, layers, and hopefully, a really successful design with integrity, tenacity, and tension.
In order to achieve this sort of magic and to avoid creating formulaic or one-note spaces, there are certain pitfalls one must avoid.
Objects are arguably the best way to bring heightened style to your shelves. We love shopping vintage! While color and texture are important, we suggest paying close attention to scale. This is all about trial and error. Place the object and then step back and look at the whole composition. You’ll want to create “moments”, but make sure you are considering how the entire shelf of the bookcase looks when you take a step back. If you’ve been mindful of color throughout your selection process, you’ll be in a great spot when you get to this point.
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First and foremost, steer clear of too many specifications from the same store or manufacturer. There is no more certain way to create a “phoned-in” interior than purchasing everything from one store. Nothing pains us more than seeing a train of Restoration Hardware box trucks parked outside of a brownstone. A few pieces, fine, but especially when dealing with manufacturers with such a pronounced “style,” there is no surer way to have your home look like it was purchased out of a catalog and filled with replicas of originals (which is not good!). Try instead to limit yourself to one or two pieces from big catalog stores and to supplement with flea market finds, antique fair trade finds, and random pieces or accessories that you come across in your travels.
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Secondly, do not underestimate the power of accessories. Or to put a finer point on it, do not underestimate the power of accessories that are unusual, have age to them, have inherent interest and/or beauty in form, color or meaning. Avoid at all costs accessories that do not read as “authentic” - think an overly large wall clock, meant to look old, but clearly not (worse still if it is not operational!). Without accessories, your space will feel like a hotel room; with accessories that read as “faux” or are bland and without interest, your space will have an inauthentic, apathetic vibe. Instead, go with accessories that reveal sentimental attachment or have true history. This will automatically “ground” your home and build a sense of permanence into your spaces. This does not have to be a super-expensive pursuit. The internet is your friend here! Sites like 1stdibs or Incollect are the best of fodder to the avid treasure-hunter. Just keep in mind color, scale and form and have fun hunting! Don’t worry if something is a touch banged up - this can be a good thing!
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Thirdly, maintain a variety of upholstery and case goods. No bedroom suites allowed! Think of combining upholstery that is decked to the floor with pieces on legs or bun feet. Try a pair of chunky ottomans as a coffee table (put a tray on one to set your drink down) and compliment with an antique sofa on legs. Use a variety of upholstery materials: leathers with bouclés, linens, and cut velvets. Bold and colorful patterns combined with stripes and textured plains.
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Fourthly, do not be afraid to mix metals! The magic happens when it looks like you haven’t tried that hard and the disparate elements get together and sing. Bronze with brass in a room is beautiful. Once daring, it is no longer so to mix brass and nickel. Be bold! Your spaces will thank you.
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Lastly, but perhaps I should have put first, do not underestimate the impact that correct, intimate lighting has on a space. We’ve all been in living rooms lit only from above with can lights at the incorrect temperature. Airport anyone? Lighting at eye level (when seated) is imperative when creating spaces to “live” in. We rarely use overhead lighting as a main source of lighting a room, preferring low light at conversation level to create an intimacy in a space. A tip from a lighting nerd - never go above 3000 kelvin with your lamps, chandeliers or sconces as a lighting temperature in your residential spaces. Anything above and you will forgo the warm glow that should envelop a home. Cold light will make your spaces appear dank and unfriendly, or bestow a purpose on them that is more in line with office work than with enjoying a mellow afternoon with family or friends.