Incorporating a modern sensibility with a classic approach to comfort, San Francisco designer Martha Angus has become renowned for her bold, timeless, yet supremely of-the-moment interiors. A lifelong art collector herself, she has become a favorite with art connoisseurs and celebrity clients for her imaginative approach to rooms built around fine art.
Photographer: Chris Flach
What do you consider to be the most significant design innovation of the last 10 years?
I think the proliferation of the Internet and how clients are able to access information worldwide has changed the landscape of the design industry. Unlike the past, people can now view your website and get a feel for what your work is like. Blogging has brought a new, positive and dynamic way of communicating and gives clients even more information about you. We just launched a blog called Post & Grant. It has been a great way to stay in touch and keep people informed on a regular basis. It gives a more in depth perspective and a chance to share our expertise and knowledge with a larger audience. This opportunity to connect builds our community and is a strong benefit. However, I do think referrals are still a crucial way to meet new clients, and being hands on and putting in face time is ultimately most important in building and maintaining client relationships.
What makes a particular design last…what ensures longevity? Examples?
Simple, non-fad and appropriate designs can last a lifetime. Take the Billy Baldwin Slipper Chair donning homes since the 1950’s. It is one of the most coveted pieces because of its simple, restrained lines and plush seat. This universally versatile piece, with smaller proportions than an average chair, can be used in every room. It’s an understated essential piece that has withstood the test of time.
How have you observed a particular category evolving over the past 20 years?
Our clients now shy away from the continental antiques of a previous time and gravitate towards mid-century pieces. With contemporary design we see the great designers of the fifties and sixties continue to flourish as well as today’s modernists’ who continue to push the envelope with cleaner and innovative designs. Besides furnishings used today I’ve seen the color palette change from warm to cool based colors.
How important do believe Websites, blogs, and social media are and will be in growing your business?
We just got onto the blog bandwagon on April 13th and have already noticed the positive responses. It’s really incredible to think of where all of this blogging and social media is going to lead us in the future. It’s a great marketing tool. Many of our Silicon Valley clients have told me it’s the best way to get myself out there and connect with people!
How do you describe your design style?
My style is to create modern, comfortable interiors by working with colorful and neutral palettes alongside a serious dose of fine art. One of my favorite pieces is my Warhol, “Flowers,” silkscreen hanging in my Napa Valley home. I love to pair classic pieces with a splash of bold color – a geranium red bathroom (my son Malcolm chose it in our Napa house), or a lemon yellow laundry room. It’s a great way to incorporate color into a home.
Why do you think a well-chosen paint color is critical to the success of a room design? What are the top three factors you take into consideration when choosing a paint color?
Paint can make or break the feel of a space. And luckily it’s something that can be changed. Choosing a great paint color is always a critical point when designing a room, depending on style, function and size of the room. Benjamin Moore has my favorite white which is Decorator White (bright and clean) for light airy spaces. I’m also a fan of Farrow and Ball’s neutral colors like Mouse’s Back and Charleston Gray–very sophisticated neutrals that work great in large spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. For nurseries or kids rooms’ I love Middleton Pink for girls, and Blue Ground or Stone Blue for boys for a sweet and soft look.
Do you see a trend in clients requesting projects with quicker deadlines? How are you changing your design strategy to accommodate their requests?
Absolutely, speed is often more important than money to our clients. We do everything necessary to accommodate their needs. Often times, clients are too busy to think about design and that’s where we come in; to try to think for them, if you will, to ease the pressure of their hurried lives and make the design process seamless. In some cases, a current client may need something on a whim. It could be the right accoutrements for throwing a dinner party such as linens, china, centerpiece, new fabulous chair, etc. I am very lucky to have a great team implementing drawings and image boards that suit the needs of clients.
Who are your 3 favorite fashion designers and why?
Jill Sander, Marni and Mary Katrantzou. These three have an effortless style and ease about their design. I love Jill Sander’s utterly simplistic style and use of electric color (long neon skirts with a plain white tee seen everywhere). Marni’s classic pieces are quirky, fun and amazing. Her signature geometric jewelry really stands out against basics. Mary Katrantzou is a young designer with an architectural background that comes through in her clothing. She epitomizes the latest fresh design with an artistic uniqueness that I love!
What role does artwork play in your designs? Do you prefer to select the artwork before the furniture or find pieces later that fit within the design scheme?
I can’t emphasize enough how extremely important art is in the schematic of design. It doesn’t have to be in a particular order; first or later. It doesn’t have to match; it’s really about personal taste. I try to expand my client’s viewpoints with my art and painting background from Carnegie Mellon, but ultimately they have to love it as well. For example I paired Chuck Close etchings with Gustavian period antiques from Therien & Co. The contrast creates balance and harmony. I also adore using Lichtenstein’s works for a spunky element on a dark neutral wall.
What is the ultimate goal of all your projects?
This is a simple question and the reason I’m an Interior Designer. I love to create beautiful, highly functional spaces for my clients. I believe in happy clients, happy me and referrals to other friends!!!
12 Comments
Fabulous interview and great images. I adore her style and love of art!
A shining star in the design world! Thank you for featuring Martha!
Karena
Art by Karena
So wonderful to see you feature the brilliant Martha Angus! She is a shining example of how design can show great respect for each piece of art, without the home looking like a museum. Kudos!
These images are tired and old. Anyone who follows design will recognize all the showcase rooms that Martha has decorated. Let’s move on…
Nice article by a Martha Angus admirer. Read Martha’s blog at postandgrant.com. She clearly edits out those she doesn’t want to pay homage to. Martha can be praised for her talent, but the praise is one direction. Recognize your peers…
I loved the fresh direction the designer has taken to present a new way to her clients to invision art, and decorating.
Keep it Coming!
beautiful images… but there seems to be a little dirt slinging going on here.
Excellent choice. I had in my files a page torn from a magazine showing one shot of the bedroom with the Brillo pad box. Great to see the rest of the room!
This work is so refreshing!!!! No need to sling mud. Mud slingers should move on.
I always appreciate interior designers who are comfortable using ART and COLOR! I find Martha’s work inspiring always, fresh, classical. Looking forward to reading her new blog.
Great design, excellent working! I love this style!
Great point about the move to social media! We love seeing more and more designers and architects embracing this growing medium!
Brilliant. Simply dramatic, modern and fresh!!! Love your designs!!!