The Chairish Podcast: Mary McDonald On Her Evolving Style
Episode Release Date: September 27, 2023
Host: Michael Boudreau
Guest: Mary McDonald, Renowned Interior Designer
1. Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Chairish Podcast, host Michael Boudreau welcomes Mary McDonald, a celebrated interior designer known for her vibrant and theatrical spaces. Mary shares her journey from the fashion world to interior design, explores her unique aesthetic, discusses her collaboration with top brands like Schumacher, and delves into how her recent move to the East Coast has influenced her work.
2. Early Life and Background
Mary McDonald hails from Los Angeles but describes her upbringing as "unhollywood," growing up in Brentwood in a family of lawyers and bankers, rather than the glitz and glamour typically associated with LA. She reflects on her childhood, noting:
Mary McDonald [02:16]: “It was kind of like a suburb in Connecticut, which doesn't probably ring true for many people now.”
Her early exposure to art and design was subtle, influenced by her aunt who was a decorator. Despite her mother’s initial reservations about pursuing design directly, Mary pursued her passion through college, studying art history at Boston University before transferring to Parsons in New York to study fashion—a path she did not complete.
3. Transition from Fashion to Interior Design
Mary's foray into design began unexpectedly in the 1980s when she started creating hats as a milliner. This hobby quickly turned into a booming business, with her unique creations being featured in prestigious magazines like Vogue and Bazaar when she was just 23 years old:
Mary McDonald [06:08]: “I have a profile in Bazaar when I was 23. So you can only imagine. I was just like, you were living the dream.”
Despite her success in millinery, Mary felt unfulfilled and sought new challenges. This led her to interior design, sparked by a friend's request to decorate a penthouse apartment in the historic El Royale building. Her natural flair for decorating resonated well, eventually leading to an article in House and Garden:
Mary McDonald [09:37]: “Could you just make a grotto room in wallpaper that really felt kind of like a grotto room.”
This exposure affirmed her ability to excel in interior design, prompting her to pursue it more seriously.
4. Developing Her Aesthetic
Mary McDonald is renowned for blending Hollywood Regency exuberance with understated Parisian chic. Her spaces are characterized by bold colors, graphic elements, and a theatrical flair that make them both visually stunning and livable. She explains:
Mary McDonald [14:27]: “I can only work through my filter, but I'm really more catering to what they want.”
Mary emphasizes the importance of client collaboration, ensuring that her distinctive style enhances the client's vision rather than overshadowing it. She strives to incorporate dramatic and emotional elements without compromising functionality.
5. The Role of Color in Design
A significant aspect of Mary's design philosophy is her use of color to evoke emotions and create impactful environments. She shares insights into how color influences perception and mood:
Mary McDonald [21:30]: “Colors actually really do physiologically affect you and your brain and how you see feel.”
Mary recounts a project where she transformed a client's living room with a bold charcoal gray paired with lemon yellow accents, initially met with hesitation but ultimately resulting in a successful space. She appreciates clients who are open to using color boldly, likening their willingness to embrace color as akin to “teased face makeup” that accentuates their personality.
6. Designing Collections with Schumacher
Mary's collaboration with Schumacher has been a pivotal part of her career. Early on, she pioneered the use of appliques—decorative medallions and trims—for upholstery and fabrics, making high-end detailing accessible:
Mary McDonald [25:13]: “I wanted to make a colorway that I'm going to use for myself. I have to love it so much.”
Her latest collection continues this tradition, drawing inspiration from European grottoes with shell motifs and intricate patterns. Mary explains the creative process behind her grotto-inspired designs, which aim to capture the magic and drama of traditional grotto rooms through innovative wallpaper panels:
Mary McDonald [29:19]: “I wanted to do something that was if you could make a grotto room in wallpaper that really felt kind of like a grotto room.”
7. Balancing East Coast and LA Life
Recently, Mary has been spending more time on the East Coast, specifically in the Hudson Valley, where she finds inspiration in historical homes and expansive landscapes. This transition allows her to work on diverse projects while maintaining her Los Angeles base:
Mary McDonald [34:12]: “I have been back and forth for 10 years. But, you know, why?”
Living in a 35-acre property, Mary enjoys the challenge of integrating her design sensibilities with the natural surroundings, creating spaces that balance wild, untamed landscapes with structured, elegant interiors.
8. Future Endeavors and Inspirations
Looking ahead, Mary is excited about exploring new creative avenues beyond interior design. She expresses interest in jewelry design, particularly dramatic statement necklaces, and continues to nurture her passion for decorative painting:
Mary McDonald [40:22]: “I could see myself getting into that, just kind of as a decorative painter.”
Mary also dreams of creating her own grotto room, blending her love for European elegance with her theatrical design style, even if it remains a personal project.
9. Conclusion
Mary McDonald's journey from a milliner to a celebrated interior designer underscores her adaptability and relentless creativity. Her ability to infuse bold colors, graphic patterns, and theatrical elements into functional living spaces sets her apart in the industry. As she continues to balance her life between the vibrant scenes of Los Angeles and the serene landscapes of the Hudson Valley, Mary remains committed to pushing the boundaries of design, inspiring both peers and clients alike.
Mary McDonald [42:17]: “You have to be willing to do things without making a business out of it, to just explore it.”
Her forward-thinking approach and willingness to explore new creative territories ensure that Mary McDonald remains a dynamic and influential figure in the world of interior design.
For more insights and inspiration from top interior design professionals, subscribe to The Chairish Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.