Martyn Lawrence Bullard — 52 Weeks of Design

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Rome - I love Rome. From the passion in the streets to the beauty of its people, Rome is for me a legendary city. Every corner you turn reveals another piece of history and breathtaking beauty. Probably a good job I don’t live there however as I would be as fat as a house from eating all that delicious Roman food, some of the best Italian cuisine in the world.

What are three words to describe your style? Eclectic, Passionate, Fun

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My bedroom was situated in the eaves of a Victorian house that had once been the servants quarters. By age 11 I had (using a staple gun) created an upholstered bed cove draped in a burgundy and gold printed cotton in an arts and crafts damask that I had convinced my mother to buy me at a closeout sale. Mountains of decorative boxes were mounded on the floor into graduated towers, a fascination with collecting boxes is still one of my passions. Not your average kids' bedroom that’s for sure!

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first piece I ever bought of importance was an Italian late 18th century inlaid ebony collectors cabinet, sometimes known as a curio cabinet. I love black and white furniture and this piece sparked a collection of like pieces that adorned my homes for the past two decades.

In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Renzo Mongiardino - his dramatic, theatrical style is my all time favorite.

No room is complete without a dimmer switch.

People think of me as an extrovert, but I am really quite shy.

Things you omit from:

A flower arrangement: Gysophilia
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Onions
A bar cabinet: Anything that tastes of aniseed like Perinod.

A song for:

Dinner at home: Girl From Ipanema by Astrid Gilbertos
Working at your desk: Kiss From a Rose by Seals
Going for a run: Freedom by George Michaels

Biggest Vice? Chocolate

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Gucci Trainers

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? My clothing style changes with my mood, sometimes I like high fashion other times classic tailoring, however, I believe in the mix and match. A high and low combination that makes my look my own, and I guess that’s how I view interiors also... it’s all in the mix!

Who is your star crush? Diana Ross

What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Beige Rooms

If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? The Private World of Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Berge.

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? It’s passion, exuberance and fearless reflection of each clients personality.