Marie Flanigan
photo by Julie Soefer
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? The beauty found in nature is my constant source of inspiration and when I go to Colorado, I’m always in awe of my surroundings. Getting to live amid so much inspiration would be the ultimate indulgence. I recently got back from Telluride and returned with a parcel full of stones I picked up while hiking. The spectacular colors and interesting textures are serving as muses for my next textile collaboration.
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Timeless
2. Authentic
3. Luxurious
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I had an eye for design early in life because my room was always changing! My adolescent vision started out very girly with pink, ruffles, and a canopy bed. It was so dreamy. In an unexpected twist, I painted the room a graph black and white with green accents. Though small in size, my room became a laboratory of experimentation and expression.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first investment piece I purchased was a well-made dresser. This piece is still incredibly sentimental as it was one of the first large purchases my husband and I made as newlyweds. I still encourage my clients to invest in finely crafted case-pieces and upholstery that stand the test of time. My first fine art purchase was a piece by Michael Dines; I believe collecting art is always a good investment.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? John Saladino
No room is complete without a statement light fixture.
People think of me as only an interior designer, but I am really a mom, wife, entrepreneur and architect too!
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Carnations
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that takes two hands to eat. I prefer having one hand to eat and one hand to hold my cocktail!
A bar cabinet: Peppermint Schnapps. I wish we could ban it from holiday cocktails.
A song for:
Dinner at home: Nora Jones, Come Away with Me
Working at your desk: Anything Bon Iver
Going for a run: Lady Gaga, The Edge of Glory
Biggest Vice? Spicy Margaritas
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? I think I would overindulge on the copious amounts of Instagram ads that find me! I’m truly amazed and slightly scared of how accurate and enticing the ad products can be. Boutique clothing stores have filled my feed lately and the shoe ads are hard to resist.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I believe that fashion always informs design. I like to keep my designs understated, without much excess; I’d say that my wardrobe reflects that mantra. I always look for modern silhouettes with classic lines and a touch of femininity.
Who is your star crush? Ryan Reynolds. What’s not to love about a guy who’s handsome, hilarious, and a great dad?
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I live in a “less is more” world, but I admire and love a designer who believes “more is more.” Pattern on pattern, color on color – louder interior can be exciting and dynamic.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? The first test run of my book, The Beauty of Home. It’s very sentimental and something I’m incredibly proud of!
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? This is a great question and there are different facets of my work that I’d want remembered for various reasons. I hope that my design work enhances the lives of the people who live and work in the spaces we’ve created. It’s my absolute pleasure to add beauty to their day-to-day lives. Through my book, The Beauty of Home, I love the thought of it being referenced and used as inspiration by design enthusiasts for years to come. Lastly, through my firm, Marie Flanigan Interiors, my goal is to continue our culture of bringing on talented women who inspire each other personally and professionally. I’m constantly amazed at the creativity they bring to the table while constantly pushing their design work forward. I hope that our environment remains challenging, exciting and rewarding.
photo by Julie Soefer
Your Favorite:
Movie: About Time
Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Scent: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
The fabric you always come back to: A cotton velvet or slubby linen
Dream project: The White House
Meal: Mexican Food
Drink: A Spicy Margarita
Hotel: Hotel Emma
Travel Destination: Greece
Artist: Richard Serra or Agnes Martin
A cause near and dear to me: Children’s literacy
Thing to collect obsessively: Art
Era in the history of design: Post Modernism
Museum: Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth
Paint Color that always looks great: Farrow and Ball Hague Blue
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @thedailytay
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs
