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Editorial Features
 An Interview with Sandra Morgan
Sandra
Morgan Interiors
Photographs by ChiChi Ubina
Where did you grow up?
Long Island, N.Y.
What influences did you have growing up that made you become a designer?
My mother asked the decorating department at Lord & Taylor to help her with
our house and it always looked cheerful and elegant."
As a young girl, I thought everyone changed their slipcovers and curtains with
the seasons. I always looked forward to the seasonal transformation and the
excitement it caused. It was fun to see winter's neutral silks be replaced by
cheerful prints in the Spring. I think I was bitten by the decorating bug when I
was about 10 years old!
Tell us a bit about
your business.
I established Sandra
Morgan Interiors, Inc. formally in 1988. After having had a retail home
furnishings shop and art gallery in Greenwich for ten years, I started doing
projects at the request of friends and gradually built up a clientele in the
Greenwich area. Since then, I have had many projects throughout Fairfield
County, Westchester, New York City, Maryland, Maine, Rhode Island and Florida
and have been fortunate enough to have my work published in various magazines. I
have also been invited to participate in Decorator Show Houses over the years,
as well as offering my own homes for house tours.
In 2007, our interior design offices expanded to include a new retail adventure
called SM HOME, which specializes in Swedish Gustavian style. Our shop offers a
selection of Swedish antiques and reproductions, decorative accessories, lamps,
and one-of-a kinds. We also have an art gallery within the shop featuring
original works by artists near and far. Much of the art is contemporary in
spirit, providing a fresh contrast to the more traditional antique furnishings.
We are mainly a design firm with a retail shop as an extra added attraction.
What would
you consider your design style?
My style ranges from
traditional to contemporary, depending on my client's preference and the spirit
of the architecture. It is safe to say I am a Modern Traditionalist. I love to
introduce an element of surprise, but have great respect for classic design that
has endured over time. I think a thoughtful mix of new and old gives a home a
special energy and character.
How long have you been designing? Where did you study?
After receiving my B.A. in Art History from Connecticut College. I worked in the
editorial department of House & Garden Magazine directly out of school. I
haven't stopped since. I continue to learn from every new project and frequently
work with architects from the ground up. This type of collaboration offers
inspiration as well as education.
How do you define ''home''?
Home is not a stage set, but an expression of who we are and how we like to
live. It is a comfortable haven and a calm retreat where friends and family
gather. It is where I relax and recharge and keep my favorite things.
What are some
questions you ask your clients before you begin a project?
How did you find our
Firm? Have you worked with a designer before? What are your expectations? What
are your style preferences, your favorite colors and textures, your favorite
restaurant, your favorite movie? Do you collect anything in particular? Are you
open to purchasing artwork? How do you spend your leisure time? Do you have
children? What are their ages? Do you have pets? Do you entertain frequently? If
so, are you more formal or casual? Do you have a budget in mind?
What can you tell about a person when you walk in the room?
I try to keep an open mind. I've been surprised many times. Usually I
can sense a level of enthusiasm and grace right from the start.
Who are some
of the designers that have influenced your work and how?
Mark Hampton for his classic design which always has an element of surprise. His
projects are the result of an intelligent eye combined with a big dash of daring
wit.
Elsie De Wolfe for her revolutionary use of mirrors and white paint.
Sister Parish for her instinctive ability to mix patterns and just about
anything with her personal style.
Albert Hadley and Billy Baldwin for their clean lines and tailored approach that
has never been boring. I consider them both modernists, although they are
legends.
Palladio, for classic symmetry. Bonnard, the painter, for his extraordinary use
of color.
What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular
colors?
I think traditional style is making a comeback, just with a fresh approach.
Trends show we are moving into a stronger color palette, bringing shades of
orange and chartreuse into our homes. I think interior design takes its cue from
fashion to a certain degree.
Personally, I love the serenity and elegance of a Swedish Gustavian color
palette which focuses on grays, blues, soft greens and white. That being said, a
red room has always been a winner, particularly a dining-room.
How does your
home design reflect in what you wear?
I wear a lot of black and white. It's easy and always looks put together and
sharp. Also, it doesn't interfere with colors
I might be working with when meeting with a client.
My own home reflects the
Swedish colors I've described with lots of antiques, blue/white porcelains and
colorful paintings for added punch.
Who is your dream client and why?
James Bond. Just for the fun of it!
Sandra Morgan Interiors & SMHome
70 Arch Street
Greenwich, Connecticut
(203) 629-8121
www.sandramorganinteriors.com |
