{designer spotlight} Mary McDonald

Posted: November 8th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Designer Spotlight | Tags: , , | Comments Off

LA-based Mary McDonald is one of the top American designers today. She is know for her classic styling combined with a fresh modern twist. She has been published in major national publications such as Veranda, Town & Country, House Beautiful and Domino (*sniff*). She was named one of the Top 100 Designers by House Beautiful magazine.

Mary did go to school at Parsons, but not for interior design! She took fashion design and first had a semi-successful career as a milliner. However, a friend noticed her chic apartment and asked for some design help and the rest is history. It just goes to show that schooling is not at all necessary to become a successful designer. (I’m not sure that I am supposed to say that since I am a trained designer, but here we are.)

Aesthetically, she is known for her classical interiors which combine layers of colour, pattern and accessories to achieve an enchanting and eclectic feeling. She freely mixes classic lines with modern, ornate with the ultra-simple, Chinoiserie prints with Indian style furniture. She is known specifically for her ability to accessorize and indeed her tablescapes and displays are incredible. I find a lot of her rooms are very symmetrical and formal but there is always something a little off-kilter to make things interesting and not overly stuffy.

She classifies her website into a few different categories: Classic Glamour, Livable Elegance, Whimsical, Modern and Commercial. The signature McDonald style is still clearly visible even within such a range of projects. That is the true hallmark of a great designer!

If you are looking to give your space a dose of fabulosity – whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.