A Conversation with Award-Winning Interior Designer Mark Boone

Photo: David Marlowe

Interior design is not for the faint of heart. It takes skill, expertise, experience and most of all, impeccable taste. We recently sat down with designer extraordinaire Mark Boone who has all of the above in abundance. Read on to hear what he has to say about style, the design process and mountain home “must-haves.”

What is your best advice for giving a home a timeless yet modern aesthetic?

Finding the right balance is kind of like cooking—you start with the basics and use only best-in-class ingredients. Keep it simple and clean—simplicity can be both timeless and modern at the same time. Buy well-made pieces fabricated with quality materials. Don’t follow the latest “trends”, but if something especially appeals to you; add it sparingly as an accessory, so that you can always get rid of it later.

Photo: Mary E. Nichols

Are there any particular design elements you’re gravitating toward this season?

Our company’s predilections are toward organically-inspired, natural, luxurious materials. I find peace in colors found in nature. I search for texture and colors found in the terrain surrounding the specific project. It gives the project a sense of place, which I find essential to feeling grounded. Mountain homes are especially exciting because there’s so much to inspire you just outside the door. Materials that are local give a sense of belonging and permanence to the project.

Photo: Mary E. Nichols

What’s your favorite part of the design process?

There’s a certain moment when all of the input from our clients, the architects, and the designers begin to gel in a wonderful, cohesive way. Suddenly, it just “clicks” and the project comes into focus. That’s when everyone is on the same train, moving forward together on an exciting journey. Of course, every journey may include some unexpected, challenging, yet (usually) rewarding detours. It’s important not to lose sight of the final destination—trying to implement every design idea in the world is just going to get you lost.

Photo: Mary E. Nichols

Are there common themes that unite your work, regardless of location?

I’ve done mountain homes, beach houses, desert retreats, sprawling estates, and most recently a penthouse on the 112th floor in New York. No matter the style, there is a common thread in that each project uniquely suits the family that will live there. I give a tremendous amount of thought to how they will live in the home. I put myself in their shoes, so to speak, and think precisely about how they enter and exit, how and where they’ll relax, where and how they’ll entertain, sleep, eat, bathe, etc. I try to anticipate every need before the clients even realize it themselves.

Photo: Mary E. Nichols

Finally, what would you say are five essential “must-haves” in a mountain home?

1. Friends and loved ones- otherwise, what’s the point really?
2. Great food and drinks- (see #1)
3. Music- I listen to music from the moment I wake up until I turn out the lights; it’s my life’s “soundtrack.” That said, nature often creates her own music which is abundant in a mountain environment.
4. A mud room- The mountain experience is all about getting out and enjoying the outdoors but that doesn’t mean you want to track it all indoors, so a dedicated place to remove your boots, outerwear, toss your bag, and drop the groceries is pretty essential.
5. Design features that connect you to nature- Whether that means siting the project to take advantage of the best vistas. loads of windows and doors to provide natural light and ample outdoor space for decks and patios.

Mark Boone is the President of Mark Boone Inc. Interiors and Mimi London, which continues to lead the industry with its unique approach of creating organically inspired, powerful, luxurious furnishings. View their profile or contact them at 310.855.2567.

Content for this article provided by Mimi London.