Melanie Coddington: Tranquil Glamour

Here is the latest interview from All the Best blogger, Ronda Carman.

I can instantly relate to any designer who is inspired by the words of Coco Chanel. San Francisco-based interior designer Melanie Coddington is no exception. Not only do her rooms radiate understated elegance and style, but her design philosophy has immediate appeal. “I’m always inspired by Chanel’s quote, ‘It’s not the houses I love, it’s the life I live in them,’” says Coddington. “Whether it’s a formal residence or rural estate, my goal is to design sophisticated spaces that my clients can fully embrace.”

Embracing both modern and traditional aesthetics, Coddington creates timeless spacesin the bay area and Los Angeles. Recent projects range from urban residences to vacation retreats in Pacific Heights, Napa Valley and Pasadena, as well as her own circa-1880s home in San Francisco’s hip Potrero Hill neighborhood.

Melanie’s hallmarks are serene palettes, strong silhouettes and playful dashes of pattern. She has established a reputation for interiors that exude both elegance and charm, with understated colorways. A sky blue or soft green room might provide the perfect tranquil backdrop for luxurious fabrics, custom furnishings and striking bold silhouettes. “I always feel a room should have places for your eyes to rest and plenty of breathing space. Personally, I would absolutely lose my mind in spaces that are too cluttered,” says Coddington.

A northern California native, Coddington earned a BA in psychology and MA in sociology before embarking on a successful corporate career. However, when she found herself spending much of her free time poring over shelter publications and attending showhouses, Coddington decided a career in design might be more her style. She took the leap in 2001, studying interior design at Berkeley and working at a top San Francisco firm before launching her own eponymous company in 2004.

Coddington quickly emerged as a talent to watch. In 2005, two months after establishing her firm, she was selected to design a space at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. In 2006 and 2008 she was again invited to participate in the city’s premiere design event. Coddington’s work has been profiled in California Home & Design, San Francisco Magazine, 7×7 and the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as featured at Elle Decor’s Dining by Design.

Melanie Coddington is a member of ASID and the Institute for Classical Architecture.

Name a few manufacturer brands on Decorati that you use in your design?
Jean De Merry makes beautiful leather chairs with unusual silhouettes, and the quality and craftsmanship of their lighting is amazing.  Custom Furniture Design brings to life the furniture I can see in my mind but can’t find in the real world.  They are an absolute treat to work with. I love the clean lines and gorgeous natural materials found in Ironies pieces.

What is the only other occupation you would consider?
An ornithologist.  I am a total bird watching geek.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Tobias Wong. I’d love to see what he would do with one of my custom furniture pieces.

Past or present what designers have influenced you most?
Francis Elkins’ work is the epitome of timeless design. William Haines because who doesn’t love Hollywood glamour? I love Jean Royere, especially his lighting.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is clean and edited but not brutally so.  I like to create rooms that are refined yet comfortable with delicate touches here and there.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Time.

What is your most prized possession?
A pottery vase my mom made for me.  It has a beautiful raku glaze and a simple shape.

Who are your style icons?
Gwen Stefani and Grace Kelly.

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
Laughter. A good sense of humor is essential in the design business and a prerequisite for working at Coddington Design.  My Shih Tzu, Parker, comes to work with me and keeps us laughing. We also recently instituted “champagne Thursdays” at the office.

How do you see the Internet changing interior design?
Information is coming non-stop, everything is more immediate and there are more choices available from around the world.  It’s amazingly convenient to shop from home.  Maybe too convenient, sometimes people end up buying items that are the wrong size, color, or are just wrong.

Please tell me more about the project/photos Decorati will use with your profile.
These are clients who often travel internationally.  They wanted a restful retreat to come home to.  They loved a particular hotel in Ireland that inspired the English style.  It is a traditional home but I was able to mix in a few modern details like the spaced chrome nail head on the wing chairs and the satin nickel drapery hardware.

The client asked for an area to display her extensive thimble collection.  I suggested that she select her favorite four thimbles, then had them framed like fine art above her desk.