“I judge my satisfaction from the look on the face of my client the first time they walk into their new home.” – An exclusive interview with Interior Designer Mark Cutler

Today we are here with Los Angeles celebrity interior designer Mark Cutler our next interviewee in our series “Interviews with Interior Designers.”

We asked Mark some fun questions about his work and his blog about interior design, Mark Cutler Design and he gave some great answers. So without further ado, the interview:

TJ: What is the best part of being an interior designer?

Mark: You get to design the backdrop against which people live their lives. That’s a very intimate place to be.

What a poetic answer!

TJ: How did you get interested in interior design / design in general?

Mark: I always had an interest in design, mostly architecture. So I studied architecture in college and worked at that for a few years, then at some point became much more interested in the Interiors elements of design. So I finally gave in to that and opened my own office about 7 years ago.

TJ: How did you get started as an interior designer?

Mark: When I worked as an architect I used to watch the Interior designers very closely to see how they worked. I guess that’s where I learned it, I never really worked for anyone as a designer, I just figured it out as I went along.

TJ: How would you describe your style?

Mark: My style is somewhat eclectic. It certainly has elements of tradition in it, but with a little bit of a twist. You will see antiques mixed with modern elements. I think good design is timeless, so it is a bit hard to pin it down.

TJ: What has been your favorite design job so far?

Mark: My favorite one is always the one that I am currently working on.

TJ: What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Mark: I judge my satisfaction from the look on the face of my client the first time they walk into their new home. It’s a very special moment to witness.

TJ: What motivated you to start blogging about design?

Mark: LOL I have a lot to say. I think too that it is interesting for people to hear the personal side of design too. Also to learn about the process, I think with magazines etc it sometimes looks effortless, its not so I like to write about how the design happens, my favorite finds etc etc

TJ: What has been the best part so far of writing a design-related blog?

Mark: I was not expecting their to be such a community, I am always thrilled to see how willing people are to share their discoveries and thoughts and talents, it’s a breeding ground for great talent.

TJ: Do you read design magazines/blogs? which ones?

Mark: Well I read all the major magazines, digest, elle décor, met home, veranda. I also read a ton of blogs domino has a great one, peak of chic and desire to inspire are some of my favs also dezeen

TJ: When you were a child did you want to become a designer?

Mark: lol yes I have to say I wanted to design from early on. I always thought I would be an architect though.

TJ: If you could meet any designer (past or present), who would you like to meet?

Mark: Hmmmm well I would love to meet Albert Hadley, and I think Van Day Truex would be another that I would love to meet

TJ: You’ve designed for many famous people. If you could design something for anyone (past or present), who would you like to design something for?

Mark: Well that’s a tough one, I think I would love to design for someone like Catherine Hepburn, she had such great style that I think it would be a tremendous challenge.

TJ: What is, in your opinion, the biggest design mistake today?

Mark: Too much stuff

TJ: What do you think will be the next hot trend in interior design?

Mark: Yikes… Not sure go ask Crate and Barrel. LOL

Thank you Mark for the interview! Well, dear reader, I hope you have enjoyed today’s designer. I know I did.

Have Superior Optimum day!

-TJ

p.s. Here are some amazing pictures of Mark’s work; a real mix of traditional elements with modern. For more see his interior design gallery.

(featured in the Los Angeles version of Luxe Magazine)