Talk Shop: Christine Markatos Lowe // Christine Markatos Design
About Christine
Based in Santa Monica, CA, Christine Markatos Lowe brings over 25 years of residential experience and is nationally recognized for designing exquisite, luxury homes across the states and abroad. Known for her artistic perspective and sophisticated work in a myriad of styles, Christine’s design aesthetic is best described as an imaginative union of modern and classical influences, where elegant rooms are enlivened with a fresh mixture of pattern, color, and texture. The result is a timeless, distinctive point of view that perfectly blends decorative elegance with playful wit.
After receiving an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania Art and Architecture School, Christine worked for top-tier design firms including Peter Marino Architect, Michael S. Smith, Inc., and The Wiseman Group. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Luxe, The Wall Street Journal, The LA Times, Traditional Home and House Beautiful, amongst others.
Photo by: Manolo Langis
Describe your style in three words or less:
Feminine, vibrant, and layered.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
First would be my love for historic homes. The charm, proportions, and details of the turn-of-the-century homes that were abundant during my childhood in Westchester County deeply influenced my aesthetic. Second would be fine art. Growing up, I spent many hours at MOMA and the Met looking at all types of art with my family. The Fauvists, and Matisse in particular, have influenced my love for vivid color. Lastly, I would say fashion, the bespoke details of haute couture, unexpected combinations of fabrics, and of course the drama.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company in 2005 after working at several high-end design firms in NY, LA, and SF. My favorite part of working as a designer is visualizing the possibilities of what the project could be.
Photo by Manolo Langis
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I have been fortunate enough to have had several along the way, but it was Gene Belletto who was responsible for helping to launch my career. He was the Senior Designer I worked under at Peter Marino’s office, and he used to send me out into the city with a Polaroid camera to find furnishings and objects for his projects. I was able to meet many of the notable dealers at the time and gained invaluable experience in shopping for multiple projects. Gene was kind enough to let Peter know of my contributions, and that helped to give me recognition within the interiors department. From there my career took off.
What does your home say about you:
That I love charm and quirkiness. My husband and I have a 1920s Spanish colonial home that I renovated over ten years ago when we returned to LA to raise our family. My favorite compliment is when my children say that their friends find our home cozy. We live with lots of color, patterns, and patina. I love juxtaposing vintage finds with Indian prints and geometric linens that age beautifully. Contemporary art and photography are mixed in to keep it fresh and cool.
Where do you find inspiration:
Nature, art, and travel.
Who are your style icons:
Jackie Kennedy, Ulla Johnson, and Tony Duquette.
Photo by: Monica Wang
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Remember to enjoy yourself! Compose a great playlist, arrange beautiful flowers, and prepare simple food so you can spend your time enjoying your guests.
Do you collect anything:
Vintage jewelry, ranging from Victorian to the 1970s. It’s been a passion since I was in my 20’s. Perusing an upcoming jewelry auction is pure joy for me!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@davidnettosays, @leahoconnelldesign and @henryandcodesign.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Keeping seat heights consistent in a room. There is nothing worse than being the person in the “low” seat and straining to be part of the conversation. Any rules about colors that don’t work together should be tossed. Look at nature where you will find the most unexpected combinations working perfectly.
What are you working on right now:
We have several construction projects in process in Los Angeles, the installation of a charming, shingled house in Southampton scheduled for October, and an exciting bespoke yacht collaboration happening in Europe.
Wardrobe staples:
Printed dresses, faded jeans, oversized sunglasses, statement jewelry, and always a heel. I’m not a gal who wears trainers.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Too many to pick one! I do tend to have something from Raoul Textiles in every project and think Sally Quinn was a color genius.
Photo by: Manolo Langis
Best interior advice you ever received:
Be sure you select furnishings that have different heights for your rooms. It keeps the eye moving through the room and helps to create interesting vignettes.
Best career advice you ever received:
Stay in the game. I always tell the women in my office that if you want to take time off to start a family, be sure to keep one foot in the door.
Photo by: Manolo Langis
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Lighting is the jewelry of the room and if carefully considered, will stand the test of time. Rugs are something that gets replaced over time due to use so options like inexpensive sisals can both ground a room and be budget-friendly.
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel. I love to stay in exquisite hotels both for education and relaxation.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Pretty much anywhere I see a shop. I particularly love an offbeat antique mart with lots of stalls to look through. I enjoy browsing 1st Dibs and Chairish for the same reason.
Most prized possession and why:
A portrait my husband commissioned from Rebecca Moses as a surprise birthday gift. The album of their aesthetic collaboration is almost as precious to me as the painting itself. He really got her to understand my essence without us ever meeting. When I finally did meet her to hear the whole story, I was so touched by their efforts.
Your interiors motto:
To create interiors that balance functionality with our client's desire to live beautifully
Your life motto:
Go for it! Don’t let fear stand in the way of your dreams.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
I’d suggest pulling images from multiple resources- coffee table books, magazines, Instagram, and Pinterest. See what resonates with you and note if you keep gravitating towards the same look. That could be a starting point for you to define your style.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Steamed mussels
Drink: A vodka tonic using Tito’s mixed with lemons and limes
Film: Princess Bride
Hotel: Can Simoneta
City: Paris
Bedding: E. Braun
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Both! I love an Americano with oat milk in the morning and mint tea in the evening.
Playlist: Anything with Jerry Garcia involved
Weekend Activity: Hiking
Design Book: De Gournay: Hand Painted Interiors