A credo that is evident in the interiors he creates for his clients throughout the United States and Europe. Matthew Patrick Smyth’s interior designs can be viewed in countless shelter magazines and in his book – Living Traditions. 

Welcome to this month’s    Focus On: Interior Designer Matthew Patrick Smyth

Why Interior design?

I wanted to be a photographer, but I did not have the money for all of the equipment, etc. So, I applied to FIT’s Interior Design program instead. It was the best quick decision I ever made!

How would you describe your style?

Appropriate, edited and organized.

Architectural Digest

Do you have any design rules?

Many…Most I break, but having them in my mind hopefully keeps me from making too many errors.

Tell us a little bit about your first design project and how it felt to have control over your own vision? Were you pleased with the outcome?

It was an apartment located at 81^st St and Park Ave…I was still working full time at David Easton’s office…Nights and weekends I worked on this apartment. It was fun…scary and the kiss of death. I gave notice at David Easton soon after it was done. It is still my favorite project, as it was my first. Sadly, the owner passed away recently and it was sold…But it still looked great 25 years later.

You are an interior designer. You also design fabric and wallpaper for Schumacher & Co. and a rug collection available through Peterson, Flynn and Martin. What field of design excites you the most?

                          Rugs                                              Wall-coverings                                           Fabric

I love designing rugs for PFM. One design can be interpreted in so many different techniques and look totally different. Designing products in general is rewarding as I am able to pool years of looking and researching together and come to a result that hopefully connects with the end user.

Do you have a favorite design book?

“The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration” by Norma Skurka (1976). It was the first design book I ever bought and is still my favorite. I discovered David Easton in that book and decided that I wanted to work for him…5 years later I did!

Is there a science behind design?

I suppose the reaction of the brain to visual elements and the process of solving problems would put it in the science category. But I prefer to think that we add an element of art to the experience.

What keeps you motivated?

Travel! I always need to be planning a trip to keep me going. Even if it’s only 2 or 3 days in LA or Paris.

Do trends influence your work?

Yes and no…Trends are so vapid in the long run, but I guess we are subconsciously influenced by them. I do my best to avoid them more times than not, as they are usually over before a project is truly finished.

Do you have a design philosophy?

Make it beautiful and comfortable…It is that simple.

Do you collect and if so, what?

I’m not sure I have a focused collection, but lately I have been drawn back to Japanese ceramics and bronze work thanks to Sutter Antiques.

Do you have a favorite item in your possession? One that has traveled with you from home to home.

I have a French 1940s/ 50s convex sunburst mirror…I bought this mirror in the early 1990s at a flea market when I had no real extra money to get through the week. My paycheck cleared $90 and it cost $30…I handed over my lunch and bus money for the week and never regretted it. Something I still use and will never sell.

I imagine the process of designing an interior isn’t as flawless as the interiors we see in shelter magazines and interior design books. What has been your greatest challenge as an interior designer?

The pull of online shopping is a blessing and a curse. In some ways it has made life easier, but the spontaneity and uniqueness sometimes gets sidelined.

What design trend past or present you wish never happened?

Sputnik lighting fixtures.

What fundamental skill or skills would you advise an emerging designer to master?

If possible, LEARN TO DRAW…It’s how I communicate and get my ideas across in seconds.

What does every room need?

An organized and well thought out furniture floor plan. It is the core of what we do.

New York Spaces

You are running out of a burning building and near the exit there’s a painting by Lucian Freud hanging to your left and a David Bomberg to your right which one would you save?

If I owned the building and the paintings, I would grab the Freud because it would do better at auction… (of course, I also appreciate his genius as an artist)… and I would need a new building!  If not, I may save the Bomberg as he is the lesser known teacher who died in poverty and deserves to be remembered…He had few breaks in his lifetime; he was an interesting person and artist who influenced so many. I tend towards an emotional response in a crisis.

What exciting projects are you currently working on?

We are at the beginning stages of a house in Switzerland that I am looking forward to working on…and many apartments and houses on the East and West coasts for nice people…which is my main criteria at this point.

Matterhorn

 Have you ever turned down a project. If so, why?

Sure…Sometimes a project is meant for another designer and it’s best to let go early! But, I would do a lampshade for someone I liked!

What are your goals for 2017?

More Paris…

Paris scenes – Matthew’s instagram photos

Matthew Patrick Smyth

 Frank Rosa

The post Matthew Patrick Smyth appeared first on Sutter Antiques.

Minimal Moderne is DECADES’ pictorial of the week. From Elle Decor’s May 2003 issue.

Inside: David Kleinberg

Text by Patrick Pacheco

Photography by William Waldron

“They’re strong-minded, but they want your best idea, and they’ll go the distance”

Manhattan apartment showcasing 20th century French design. Leather banquette by Jean-Michel Frank.

Paris in New York

above: Venetian mirror hangs above a marble mantel and a pair of bronze vases.

Library

Mohair fabric by Robert Allen

Living room

Pair of vases made for Napoleon I frame the entrance to dining room.

the decor

– says Kleinberg. “It’s about very small strokes – A beautiful lacquer finish, an inlaid -straw treatment”

Frank Rosa

The post Minimal Moderne appeared first on Sutter Antiques.

JEWELRY FOR FURNITURE is a decorative hardware collection created by Lisa Jarvis.  

In a world of smart homes and voice commands there are some tasks that demand a bit of physical exertion. Such as, pulling on doors and opening drawers aided by the use of knobs and pulls. Here Lisa has elevated the experience with her high quality and distinctive designs – JEWELRY FOR FURNITURE 

This month’s     Focus On: Designer Lisa Jarvis

What is your birth sign?

An Aquarian with, luckily, a lot of houses in Virgo. Creativity with organization.

What was the inspiration for creating JEWELRY FOR FURNITURE?

Funny how inspiration springs from the perception of lack. The whole “necessity is the mother of invention” concept… I needed hardware for my then case goods line and could find nothing I loved. So, I drew the Barre and the Lily for myself, my intrepid husband located a  foundry that could make them with a crazy two week deadline; my first show (NYC 2011.) The reaction? “OMG! Where did you get this hardware?” inspired me to expand the line. Thankfully, the reaction from the design community is still the same!

Delicious Standard Poodle -Lyra

Do you have a favorite pull?

If I had to choose, I think it would be the “Lyra/Lily“. One of the two first, Lyra is the name of my delicious Standard poodle and with the backplate making it Lily. The Lily is a reminder of the lily pads in the summer on the lake.

Do you have a design philosophy?

Be independent. Be an individual. Make what you like. Trend following doesn’t create anything new…

 Vignette

Is there a part of the design process that is your favorite and why?

There are two times within the process that are the most rewarding. First, when I am able to reach a drawing that I decide is final and then when it comes from the foundry for the first time. Creation/fruition. Of course, the daily feedback of how much the pieces are loved ain’t bad either!

What advice would you give a young entrepreneur trying to enter the world of design and manufacturing?

Start small. Build on your success. Research your manufacturer. Debt and unscrupulous manufacturers have killed many great ideas.

How would you describe your style?

Curious and searching for beauty and information.

Do you collect and if so, what?

It seems I collect bird imagery – it’s funny about collections. I like something and over time I realize I have a lot of it! Also, paintings of trees and landscapes. Nature. The most inspiring. Nests, small skeletons, insects, a real cabinet of wonders! Smile!

What is your most favorite item in your possession?

I have several, so I imagine the proverbial fire – What would you grab? Aside from my dog, computer and wallet… My first, bought on layaway at 16 because I had to have it, would be my antique dead crane calling card holder. It has hung and still hangs in every house I have lived in and still gives me a punch of desire when I see it. The second is a magic realism sort of oil painting. A circus freak show tableau. “Rosalina y la Mujera Caimana”. A woman in control of a caiman with the head of a woman, oh and the tiny wire and clay Day of the Dead skeleton! So many wonderful things!

What would you NOT be caught dead with?

Possessions covered in LOGOS!!! If I am going to be a sandwich board – Pay me!

What does every room need?

Ambient light, a book and at least one item that you consider really beautiful or that holds meaning that touches a place of stillness.

What are you currently working on?

I am planning my booth for our debut at the hard to get into Architectural Digest show. March 16 – 19 Pier 94 NYC. And the launch of my new Sophisticated Child line.

What are your goals for 2017?

GROWING! Launching “The Sophisticated Child” my new line of charming pulls and knobs for kids and tweens and the young at heart. I want to double my business for the third year running! I want to deepen and expand into more restaurant and hospitality and add another 500 happy clients.

Where can we find JEWELRY FOR FURNITURE?

Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for furniture can be seen online at Lisa-Jarvis.com. Please feel free to contact me.

Anything else you would like our readers to know?

If you are looking for a delicious possession, just the thing for the room with the book and the ambient light, go to Sutter Antiques.

The post Jewelry For Furniture appeared first on Sutter Antiques.