When it comes to design and inspiration, I always look at different interior designers. Since they are used to decorating big spaces, their eye isn’t limited to trend. They think about the person living in the space, this person’s taste and daily activities. There’s a personal touch, both from the designer and the client that the designer is working with. And since we all spend so much time inside safe spaces, the influence of an interior designer touches all aspects of our lives.
This is why I think I have a special liking to interior designers whose work I’m impressed by. I dream of working with them someday, and why not? Shouldn’t we dream big? In the meantime, while I haven’t met them yet, I do what I can to absorb their creativity.
On my recent trip to Los Angeles, I made it a point to visit the showroom of Martyn Lawrence Bullard. He’s one of my favorite interior designers, hands down. I found out about him via the show “Million Dollar Decorators” (a show I highly recommend you binge-watch when you can and especially when you’re stuck, creativity-wise). I’m inspired by how he creates sanctuaries for his celebrity clients like Tommy Hilfiger, Cher, Ellen Pompeo and Eva Mendes. He understands that these very public figures need a place not just where they can be themselves, but also where they can escape. He creates homes that directly speak to them.
But beyond that, I love his eye. He’s clearly a man with vision when it comes to the way he approaches his work. I guess that’s why he’s one of the 100 best interior designers in the world, according to “Architectural Digest”. He’s part of the A-List of “Elle”, and also is part of the top 25 designers list of “The Hollywood Reporter”.
Martyn also has work with big names in the interior design industry like Schumacher, 1stDibs and The Rug Company. From his atelier, Martyn also grew his brand to create a book entitled “Martyn Lawrence Bullard: Design and Decoration”, and his own fabric line, MLB Textiles.
I just simply love his work. I love his taste in texture and print. I can see both Moroccan and Asian influences. That’s hard to do, mixing unconventional things together but making them coherent. And as much as playing it safe is good too, I can see how Martyn takes risks to showcase his signature style.
I’m sharing with you some photos I took when I visited his newly-opened atelier in Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. It was a treat to look at the pieces and I wish I could have taken some home. But maybe that is for my next trip, right?
What I was able to walk away with are a few ideas I can apply in my own home, new insights into home decor and interiors, and even a bit of a refresher for my own worldview. And that’s another mark of a good interior designer – he or she should be able to make you look at life from a different perspective.
When an interior designer does this, the way Martyn can do it, that’s when the professional transitions into being an artist. Martyn can convey so much more through his work and it does make you want to change a bit of your life for the better. Who knew one could do so much with just a change of fabric or a pop of color? Look at people like Martyn when you forget how small things at home can make a big difference.
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