This week we have a very special guest all the way from California, interior designer Mark D. Sikes. Mark is a veritable renaissance man with a furniture line, fabric collection, rug collection, book, fashion line, and of course his interior design business. He shares the story of how his Los Angeles home landed on the cover of House Beautiful, his love of fashion and experience working in fashion, how he approaches a new space, and how to get that effortless California style in your home.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- Taryn’s trial involves the yearly dilemma of pollen versus outdoor furniture.
- Karen gives us tips for pruning hydrangeas.
- My London travel momento is both my trial and my triumph.
- Karen’s guest bedroom saga continues. This week, she’s talking about paint.
- Mark shares the process of designing his furniture collection and where his inspiration comes from
- How his degree in finance helps his interior design business
- We press him on how he started his MDS Stripes fashion line
- Mark loves a stripe — so much that he started a striped clothing line — so he schools us on mixing stripes together
- Why no room should ever look perfect
- His one design rule is that a space looks like it’s been created over time
- We talk about California style and how we can bring a little of it into our homes
- He shares the inspiration and plan for the Coastal Living Idea House that he’s designing in Newport, Rhode Island
- We talk about his living room in the Southern Living Idea House which was all neutral
- Of course we have to ask him his decorating pet peeves
- Mark shares the incredible story of how his house landed on the cover of House Beautiful
- His decorating advice for anyone looking to start out in the design industry
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Taryn’s Sutton Outdoor furniture
- Mark’s book Beautiful
- Mark’s collection for Henredon
- Karen’s guest bedroom: Gigi Headboard, Kent Pendant, Felicity Side Table, Oriel Table Lamp
Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.
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Ana
Hi, can someone tell me the name of the wallpaper in his portrait photo in this page? Or how to get it in Vienna, Austria?
Kelley Bostian
Hi Ana,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, this particular wallpaper you are referencing is not from Ballard Designs, so we’re not sure exactly what it is—but we do think it’s beautiful! We recommend sending an email to the featured designer Mark D. Sikes (MARK@MARKDSIKES.COM) and asking him if he remembers.
Hope that helps and happy decorating!
– Kelley
Geo55
In addition to being an amazingly talented superstar designer, Mark Sikes seems like a humble, kind person with the sensitivity of a true artist. I am even more impressed with him after hearing him speak than I was from seeing his incredible work. Can’t offer the same praise to the interviewers who did not meet him with a sense of rapport. At times they even seemed condescending in their approach to him, doing nothing to really draw him out but he did a great job expressing himself anyway. Mark D. Sikes is truly one of best American designers working today and I do appreciate that Ballard Designs has provided this forum.
Sandra
I really enjoyed this interview! Not only is Mark Sikes amazingly talented in creating timeless interiors but incredibly humble. I find that so refreshing in the design world. The haughty attitudes of many designers is a turn off for those that are looking to find some direction for their homes. I was excited when you ladies asked him what his decorating pet peeve was but also gritted my teeth hoping that he didn’t cross that line that so many do. His dislike for furniture sets and such came across clearly without crossing that line into causing those listening to feel his view is superior and that they should feel bad for making such a mistake. I think he just may be my favorite interior designer now.
Caroline McDonald
Sandra,
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this interview. Mark is a talented designer and as you could hear a humble and delightful person. We loved getting to sit down with him.
And thank you so much for listening!
Caroline
covemaven
Yes, it counts as a travel memento because when you look at it, it will remind you of your trip. When you think about how much you saved because of your resourcefulness, it will rekindle your pride! In my book, that’s a two for one.
Caroline McDonald
Great, glad you approve 🙂 I totally agree, I do think of our trip rather than how I got it home. Thank you so much for listening!
Mercedes Beene
I remember that 2012 House Beautiful cover featuring Mark Sikes. I remember it so well because I saved the cover and the article for my inspiration file. Indeed, it has served as a touchstone for my whole house decorating scheme over the years. Its been fun following Mark Sikes’ progression and evolution in decor. His work remains as fresh, elegant and accessible as ever.
Caroline McDonald
Mercedes,
I couldn’t agree more. I remember pouring over that issue over and over again because I loved his house so much. I hope you have his book because if you liked seeing his house, you would die over his book. Just more beautiful spaces than you know what to do with!
Thank you so much for listening to the podcast.
Caroline
Elizabeth
OMG so excited! I loooove him and his insta feed! I’ve been trying to find his Beautiful book but it’s out of stock everywhere I’ve looked. #blueandwhiteforever. Can’t wait to listen on my way to work. 🙂
Caroline McDonald
Elizabeth,
So glad you are a fan of Mark. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode! I ordered mine on Amazon. It did take longer to come in, but hopefully they still have it!