Talk Shop: Mark D. Sikes
Photo by Amy Neunsinger
ABOUT MARK
Mark D. Sikes needs no introduction: the critically acclaimed designer and bestselling author ranks as one of our all time favorite interior designers, ever. His first book, Beautiful: All American Decorating and Timeless Style, has become one of the best selling interior design books of all time – with a foreword from Nancy Meyers, no less. Swoon. Mark’s first book is one of the reasons that inspired Ariel to become a designer, and still remains her favorite design book to this day. We can’t wait for his second book, More Beautiful: All American Decoration coming out TODAY (!), September 1 – click here to order!
Mark’s vision has brought him projects throughout the United States, where he is known for creating beautiful and timeless interiors that embody all-American sensibilities and a fresh take on classical aesthetics. His work has been featured in AD, Veranda, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, the Wall Street Journal, C Magazine, Milieu and Domino, and he is a member of Elle Decor's prestigious A-List. His rooms for the Kips Bay Show House in New York, Greystone in Beverly Hills, the Southern Living Show House in Birmingham and the Coastal Living Show House in Newport have been much celebrated and have become iconic for an entire generation of design lovers. We love his work most for its sheer beauty: it’s unfussy yet incredibly detail oriented, all while remaining complex and still very much livable.
Mark also has an array of gorgeous product lines – he has partnered with the best manufacturers in furniture and fabric, including Chaddock, Soane, Hudson Valley Lighting, Troy Lighting, Schumacher, Annie Selke, Merida and Blue Pheasant. His pieces are ones we frequently use ourselves at #AOI, and one look at his Annie Selke rugs or blue and white spongeware china will tell you why!
We couldn’t be more excited to sit down with Mark to chat about all things design, so let’s dive right in!
Describe your style in three words or less:
All-American, timeless, and beautiful.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Living in the South, living in the Midwest, and living in California.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
The company kind of started itself when my home was published in House Beautiful and people started to inquire. My favorite thing about what I do is creating homes for people.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Bunny Williams has been a great friend to me and I admire how she has amazing taste but is also extremely approachable.
What does your home say about you:
That it’s important to surround yourself with things you love.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere!
Who are your style icons:
Hubert de Givenchy, Bunny Mellon, Oscar de la Renta, Jackie Kennedy, Bill Blass and Mark Hampton.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Comfort food and keep it casual.
Do you collect anything:
Yes, I collect everything.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@marco_mansi, @carlosmota, @decorator_dealer, @leahoconnelldesign, @ateliermvm…I could go on and on!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I like symmetry and I don’t think anything should match.
What are you working on right now:
Kips Bay Dallas, the launch of my new book, More Beautiful, new collections with Hudson Valley, Troy, and Schumacher, and new projects in Little Rock, Chicago, Kansas City, Palm Beach, Sun Valley, Ross….
Wardrobe staples:
Navy cotton t-shirts, navy cotton sweaters, and navy cotton chinos- all from Save Khaki. I also love Sabah slippers.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Every room should have at least 3 antiques.
Best career advice you ever received:
Do what you love.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in antiques, wallcoverings, and art. Save on sisal rugs, matchstick blinds, and white subway tile.
Your greatest extravagance:
Weekly manicures and pedicures—even during Covid.
Favorite places to shop for home:
John Nelson Antiques.
Most prized possession and why:
HRH Lily, our French Bulldog - she’s the love of our lives.
Your interiors motto:
Make it Beautiful
Your life motto:
Make it Beautiful
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Pick a look and stay consistent.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Hamburger and fries
Drink: Iced Tea
Film: Out of Africa
Hotel: Casa Tua in Miami
City: London
Bedding: D. Porthault
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced Tea- black
Playlist: Whitney Houston
Weekend Activity: Yoga
Design Book: The Givenchy Style. But my new favorite is Cy Twombly’s Interiors.
