With longer days and warmer weather here in northern New Jersey, my calendar is filled with exciting interior design projects and opportunities to get together with the ones I love. I have always treasured learning about the stories of others — I know that’s the reason why I value personalizing the design process and continuously collaborating with my clients. My job as an interior designer requires listening to my clients’ stories and dreams and then communicating them visually into a space that reflects their individual journey. It comes down to listening, understanding and connecting.
With all of these connections going on in my world, I thought I’d share a bit about myself with you. Take a moment to “meet the designer” and let’s connect!
Meet the Designer
Favorite…
Q: room in the house?
A: the kitchen, it’s a room where family and friends come together and you create in a different way. FOOD!
Q: material, finish, and/or texture?
A: all types of tile and stone. I love that you can use the same item in different ways and it will have a totally different look
Q: building?
A: The Guggenheim Museum, I have always enjoyed Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and how varied it can be.
Photo courtesy of ArchDaily
Q: piece of art?
A: Robert Indiana’s “Love”
Photo courtesy of RobertIndiana.com
Q: vacation destination?
A: Bora Bora. I love being near turquoise blue water
Q: social media outlet?
A: Instagram
Q: hobby:
A: bike riding
Design…
Q: Design rule you love to break?
A: symmetry. I love creating symmetry with unlike elements
Master Bedroom designed by Michael Mariotti Interior Design
Q: Which color do you use most?
A: blue in various shades and combinations
Q: How would you best describe your interior design style?
A: eclectic. I love clean simple lines and bringing together unexpected elements
Q: What is your favorite part of the design process?
A: I love meeting a client and knowing we’ll work well together, and installation day!
Q: When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?
A: in high school when my father got me my first job in the upholstery industry. One door opened another and took me down my amazing journey.
Q: What inspires you?
A: great personalities and an exciting combination of colors.
Q: What is your dream project?
A: working with one of my fabulous client’s here in NY and designing for them in their other residences around the world. Truly building that personal relationship and carrying that client’s story throughout all aspects of their life.
This or That…
Q: Sofa or sectional?
A: sofa
Q: Traditional or Contemporary?
A: contemporary
Q: Bold color or neutral?
A: definitely bold color
Dining Room designed by Michael Mariotti Interior Design
Q: Minimalism or maximalism
A: minimalism
Q: City or country?
A: city
Q: Paint or wallpaper?
A: both! they can achieve such different outcomes
Q: Pattern or texture?
A: pattern
The fun stuff…
Q: If you were reborn as a piece of furniture or accessory, what would it be?
A: an amazing light fixture
Q: On what movie set would you like to live?
A: The Great Gatsby
Photo courtesy of Little Miss Architect
Q: Best entertaining tip?
A: always have someone help you so that you can enjoy your company
Q: Go-to cocktail to serve at a party?
A: my signature cocktail, of course, a shot of Stoli orange, mandarin orange seltzer and a splash of Orangina
Michael’s Picks:
Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair
Photo courtesy of Theodore Alexander
Photo courtesy of Century Furniture
Photo courtesy of Christopher Guy
