Molly Luetkemeyer’s love story with Los Angeles began while working in film…and since starting M. Design Interiors in 2001, the bright, imaginative and casually glamorous spirit of Hollywood has informed her chic, highly personalized homes for the film industry’s A-list, earning her a place on House Beautiful’s list of Top 100 Designers in America four years running. She appeared on
TLC’s hit series Clean Sweep and is currently in the process of launching her own line of fabrics. You can follow Molly’s design musings on mollyloot.com.
How did you become interested in interior design? Who were your mentors in the early days?
I grew up in a home where interior design was always considered. My mother was very encouraging and always allowed me to sit in when she met with her designers and even make suggestions (which she rarely took…). When I was older and in design school at UCLA, I was fortunate to land two internships – one with Kelly Wearstler and one with Antonia Hutt. Both women are incredibly talented and generous and I learned an enormous amount from each of them.
Are there any design trends from the past ten (or so) years that came and went, not a moment too soon for you? Any trends developing now that you would like to see dismissed as quickly as possible?
The dumbed down “Regency look” was a real tragedy. When Kelly Wearstler first got people excited about this style with the Viceroy Hotel and a number of other projects, she was inventive and sophisticated. Sadly, as the trend hit the mass markets, it quickly started looking hackneyed, clumsy and cheap. As far as current trends, the two styles I see popping up everywhere are Memphis and Deco, but I like them both for different reasons. Deco design and furniture has such gorgeous lines and beautiful craftsmanship and adds a level of panache and elegance to any space. Memphis design has an insoucient spirit and lively color palette, both of which are right in my wheelhouse. It is more difficult to understand, though, and I think it has the possibility of being butchered as it flows into the mass market.
Which comes first: lifestyle or product/design? Is it lifestyle that has generated the design changes, or is design the driving force that affects how we live?
Good question. I would say that for the most part, interior design follows demand that is created by changes in lifestyle. For example, when we became more casual as a culture, furniture followed suit and grew larger and more comfortable. That said, when you look at the tech world, it is clear that the products are changing how we live. I didn’t think I needed an iPad until I got one and now I can’t imagine living without it.
What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?
Museums and galleries are my go to spots when I am feeling drained of inspiration. Art always jump starts me creatively. The color palette for a room can come from a painting or a piece of clothing or a video installation. Also, nature consistently engages and surprises me. I have two dogs and take them hiking on a regular basis and the colors and textures and shapes I encounter along the trail gets my mind racing.
Do you see a trend in clients requesting projects with quicker deadlines? How are you changing your design strategy to accommodate their requests?
My clients always want projects done quickly. In our accelerated culture, it seems like no one has the time (or patience) for long lead times. I remind them that craftsmanship and quality take time and that if they rush things too much, they will end up with items they don’t really love that are poorly made. That said, we do use a lot of vintage furnishings which are well constructed and immediately available.
Do you see differences as far as aesthetic/design preferences by regions of the country or geography, e.g. pastels big in South, bold colors in North, or wood furniture big in Europe, more plastics in US..?
Definitely! I would argue that most of the differences come from the quality of light and the building materials and styles that are prevalent in the area. For instance, here in Southern California, we have lots and lots of clear sunlight and many of the homes have a focus on indoor/outdoor living. Therefore, stronger, more saturated colors tend to appeal. In New England, strong sunlight is less consistent and there is a long gray winter. Palettes tend to be more subdued and sophisticated as a result.
What will be different about the interior design industry in five years?
I think interiors designers are more and more going to become interior curators. Consumers will gain almost unlimited access to furnishings and resources and our job will become less about acquiring items and more about making them work together. We will be hired for our eye and our ability to give a room grace and balance and harmony as well as our ability to execute unique design ideas and visions.
How do you go about assessing a client’s/project’s needs?
I give all of my clients homework at the outset of a project. I ask for five adjectives that describe how they want the space/s to feel at the end of the process. I make them get very specific about the functions each room must serve. Also, I ask to see their five favorite things. These don’t have to be design related but they can be. I have had people show me antique watch collections and shoes and college sweatshirts. Each of these items reveals a little bit about what is important to the client that they might not be able to completely articulate. And finally, I give them a stack of my favorite magazines and ask them to tear out pages they love and pages they hate. Hate can be particularly instructive.
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?
My favorite projects are ones that begin with a fantastic art collection. It sets the vibe for the space and informs all of the color selections. Of course, as much as I love it, this isn’t always the case. If I begin a project and the clients have no art to speak of, I encourage them to work with an art consultant. I want people to purchase pieces that mean something to them, not ones that are bought to match the sofa. If that isn’t in the budget, I search for pieces that augment the style and flavor we are creating in the space.
In your opinion, what makes a great room?
Personality. I want to walk in and know who lives there. If the homeowner is a bachelor then I want the space to be swanky and comfortable and masculine. If the home is for a family, I want it to be chic but kid-friendly – full of soft places to land and few sharp edges. I loathe any space that feels like a showroom.
7 Comments
A wonderful interview and what a great idea to give the client homework at the beginning of a project. Not only does it afford the designer insight, but it also actively involves the client in the process.
Molly-I loved the wallpaper in the dining room and the bright yellow console! Browsing through your portfolio, I can see that you have an excellent eye for color and color pairings. Thanks!
Molly, We love your use of color and bold patterns! Also, really appreciated your ability to articulate your design process and the future of our industry. Best from Castel!
LURVE!!!!!!!
One of the best Decorati interviews yet! Luetkemeyer’s use of bold color & pattern in small spaces is fascinating. Particularly impressive is her vision of the changing role of the interior designer as curator.
a fantastic interview….. thanks for sharing this wonderful interview….
Source of fantastic vibrations!!!!!!. Just good mood!!!!. Good interview but amazing interior pictures!!!!
Nuria | Interior Designer Consultant |Know-How.ie Designer Furniture Dublin Ireland