Mandy Cheng
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Mexico City.
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Earthy 2. Color-forward 3. Personal.
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was cozy and sweet, but functionality trumped aesthetics, which is maybe why I am design-forward now. But as a kid I wasn’t afforded many luxuries as far as decorating my room. But I did have one of those Fisher Price playhouses in the corner of my room, though, and I loved it.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A vintage Persian rug.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? He’s not an interior designer, but Wes Anderson.
No room is complete without plants!
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Baby’s breath
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Pickles
A bar cabinet: Nothing
A song for:
Dinner at home: “Anything” by The Band.
Working at your desk: Lofi beats (I love having music playing, but I can’t have music with words, otherwise I start typing the lyrics).
Going for a run: “Heroes” by Alesso.
Biggest Vice? French fries.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Coffee table books. I love books for all that they offer, but coffee table books are so lovely to have.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility? If so, how? I’ve never really thought about the correlation, but probably, yes. They are high-end but understated, with hints of unexpected color or patterns.
What is the thing you would never do on a project but don’t detest when you see others do it? I try not to impart the same design style twice, but I commend the designers who have made a name for themselves by creating a signature look for their brand.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? The January 2022 issue of Architectural Digest. It was the first year I was named AD100, and that never stops blowing me away.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Diversity.
A Few Favorites:
Movie: North Shore
Book: Becoming
Scent: Patchouli
The fabric you always come back to: Linen
Dream project: My own boutique hotel
Meal: Sushi
Drink: Pinot Noir
Hotel: I have about 50 favorite hotels if we’re talking worldwide, but if we’re staying local, I would say Hotel Covell in Los Angeles or the Palihouse in Santa Barbara.
Travel Destination: Italy
Artist: Taylor Lee
A cause near and dear to me: Cancer research
Thing to collect obsessively: Chairs
Era in the history of design: Arts and Crafts from the 20’s and 30’s
Museum: The Getty
Paint Color that always looks great: Green
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Cedric Grolet
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs and cats!
