Talk Shop: Matt Quinn // Iatesta Studio
ABOUT MATT
Owner of Iastesta Studio since 2014, CEO & Creative Director Matt Quinn has both celebrated and continued the mission of "finish first" initiated by the retired founder. Today, his leadership and creative direction expand this mission to the convergence of artistry and technique with new collections introducing a refined eye for form and juxtaposition of innovative materials and finishes. Iatesta Studio is a fully integrated studio designing furniture, lighting, and upholstery. Based outside of Annapolis, Maryland, he leverages the talents of our in-house artisans, makers, and artists through inquisitive thought and inventive action, a representation of American-made artisanal artistry. Iatesta Studio serves the interior design community with a collaborative experience and tailor-made furniture, lighting, and upholstery enhanced by our patrons' creative narratives. We were thrilled to have Matt join us to #talkshop, and hope you enjoy it!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Ecclecticly Timeless
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Living in Asia, Historic Homes in Annapolis, and Frank Babb Randolph.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
We bought and renamed the business Iatesta Studio in 2014, transforming it into a fully integrated Maryland studio designing furniture, lighting, and upholstery. As the owner, CEO, and Creative Director; turning an idea into something physical never ceases to be a thrill.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My husband, and business partner, Todd Perchinsky, was my mentor for many years. He encouraged me to have the confidence necessary to do what I do daily, which has made all the difference.
What does your home say about you:
That I’m a collector.
Where do you find inspiration:
Nature and classical architecture.
Who are your interior style icons:
Stephen Sils.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
The lighting has to be right, or everything else is amiss.
Do you collect anything:
18th & 19th-century Creamware and antique musical instruments.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
The eye always needs somewhere to go, but that doesn’t mean it has to be obvious.
What are you working on right now:
A collection of furniture and lighting exploring materiality and classic craftsmanship.
Wardrobe staples:
Black t-shirts from Theory.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything subtle or aged-looking.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Relax.
Best career advice you ever received:
Also, relax.
Types of home purchases you invest in and save on:
Invest in well-made anything, do not waste on short-term gimmicks and fads.
Your greatest extravagance:
Collecting.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Auctions are my favorite.
Most prized possession and why:
My dogs Stella and Ares always make me laugh, which is food for the soul.
Your interiors motto:
Purchase the best quality you can afford, and don’t be afraid to live in it.
Your life motto:
Tomorrow is never promised.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don’t be too influenced/overwhelmed by all of the options and hacks on social media; classic style is and will always be in style.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: French Fries
Drink: Ceremony Coffee (local Annapolis brand)
Film: Clue
Hotel: Hotel de Crillon
City: Paris (expected, but there is a reason for that!)
Bedding: Frette
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with very little cream and sugar in the raw
Playlist: Classical focused on instrumentalists, never vocals
Weekend Activity: Playing with my dogs and working on design concepts
Design Book: Anouska Hempel