Today I am thrilled to be interviewing the very talented San Francisco-based interior designer, Scot Meacham Wood. I had the pleasure of meeting Scot last year while seating on a social media panel discussion at Kravet in San Francisco. Immediately, I was charmed by his smile, humor and positive attitude. His beautiful design projects have appeared in several publications including SF Examiner, Rue Magazine and Style at Home. Scot also is a fellow design blogger {The Adventures of Tartanscot} and I encourage you to drop by to find out what’s inspiring him today.
Simplified Bee: Scot, your designs are sophisticated, inviting and timeless. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?
Scot Meacham Wood: There was a gentle hint at my future in design when I was still quite young and would rearrange my bedroom at the age of 10, almost monthly. “Mom, can I move my bed to this wall?” “Mom, could I have new lamps for my side tables?” “Mom, I want new bedding.” But, I really began to understand the power of design while working for Ralph Lauren. I was with Polo for over 13 years - working in the Northern California stores - and it was amazing watching these beautiful spaces re-imagined each season. The same space that was a New York loft one fall would be a French chateau the next.
SB: Your portfolio is beautiful and includes a range of styles. Which one is closest to your personal style?
SMW: I always find the greatest inspiration for any one of my projects from my clients themselves. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have worked with some truly amazing people on the transformation of their homes. People always seem to be willing to transform their lives - and being in the front row (as it were) seeing people discard unneeded things from their pasts and seeing their lives from a fresh new perspective – never ceases to inspire me. I guess the space that most represents me is my own home. But it is also the space that is in almost continuous evolution. Furniture is constantly on the move. Paint colors get changed.
SB: Who are your favorite designers?
SMW: Michael Smith. Charlotte Moss. Miles Redd. Ralph Lauren. Joe Nye.
SB: What are you favorite design magazines, books or blogs?
SMW: On the magazine front - I’m a huge fan of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Rue, and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. For blogs – I love All the Best, Tobi Fairley’s blog, Grant Gibson’s blog, and the beautiful writing of Mrs. Blandings.
SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?
SMW: Paint colors are part of such a delicate dance. So much depends of the orientation of the house, and the quality of the light, I try not to have any pre-conceived ideas about specific colors. What I DO love are people who are willing to go dramatic. Dark colors. Saturated colors. And, frankly, I love using wallpapers.
SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?
SMW: “Trends” in design are somewhat of a misnomer for me - maybe because I gravitate towards more classic designs. But, because most interior design installations have such lengthy time span - sometimes 18 months to 2 years - most ‘trends’ have come and gone over that time period.
SB: Your designs showcase beautiful textiles, furnishings and home accessories. Would you share some of your favorite collections or resources?
SMW: I really love to shop. Really. I firmly believe that it’s a genetic marker from my mother’s side of the family. For textiles, I love Jim Thompson’s textiles, Lee Jofa’s collections, and the bright fabrics from Carleton V. When in New York - you’ll find me shopping through Thomas O’Brien’s shop in SoHo - and well as several places along Lexington Ave.
SB: What is your favorite room in your house and why?SMW: I love my drawing room. It’s the room where I entertain guests, the ‘heart’ of my home. It also contains many of my favorite things. My custom tufted silk-velvet sofa. My Chinese needlepoint botanical rug. And most of my collection of portraiture is displayed there.
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ReplyDeleteFabulous interview of Scot. I am always inspired by him and love his design aesthetic. It is timeless. I love that he isn't afraid to say that he loves deep color and wallpaper. It's ok! And of course I love tartan plaid, and he is the king of tartan. Thanks for a great interview of Mr. Wood. I hope to meet him someday!
ReplyDeleteI always love reading interviews with the great minds and talents behind my favorite blogs! No surprise that Scot's inspirations and style are so bi-coastal - East and West (with some across the pond in there too).
ReplyDeleteI love the term drawing room - reminds me of my British mother, who has been gone for over 10 years, but so many of my foundational vocabulary were from British lexicon.
OK - correcting a grammatical issue - so much of my foundational vocabulary was from British lexicon. (Sorry, I was an English major, and I hit send before proofing)
ReplyDeleteScot's the best of the best. He's all heart - and I think it shows in his rooms. Nice to see his interview here, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Scot, his design work is amazing and it is always nice to get a little insight behind the designer. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone - thank you all for your sweet comments . . . I'm truly grateful.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Scot
Cristin, I really enjoy this series on San Francisco designers. So interesting to see what each thinks. Mr. Meacham's classic style is refreshing in this trendy design world.
ReplyDelete-Camille
This was a great interview, Cristin. I love Scot's classic style. I also appreciated what he said about color and that it is a delicate dance Beautifully said. Is that fourth photo with the pale blues and whites with the dark hardwood floor a room Scot has designed or his home? It is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDelete@Allison -
ReplyDeleteThought I'd chime in here - that particular photo is from a home I designed in East Hampton a few years back. It's always been one of my favourite projects.
Cheers,
Scot
Cristin,
ReplyDeleteGreat interview I have Scot on my blogroll so not so familiar blog guests can learn about him as well. He's one of the best talents around.
Bette
Love his varying styles, particularly the one with the cushion of British flag!
ReplyDeleteCristin, what a wonderful interview! I am definitely a fan of Scott's blog and know I like him even more!!! I agree with his inspiration sources and take on trends. He's so right...when it takes so long for some rooms to be completed (are they ever?) how can you target a certain trend?
ReplyDeleteI also just think he'd be great fun to chat with over cocktails! Maybe some day!
xo Elizabeth
@ pretty pink tulips... come to San Francisco and we will all go out for drinks with Scot!
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
@Elizabeth - I'll echo Cristin's invitation- come on out!
ReplyDeleteI adore this quote from Scott's interview: "Paint colors are part of such a delicate dance. So much depends of the orientation of the house, and the quality of the light." I could not agree more! Paint colors are one of the major "bones" in any good design, and I love how he made that come to life in his interview. Enjoyed reading his insights very much! You blog is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteScot is just the best....in design, in charm, as a friend....don't get me started!
ReplyDeleteWe all adore Scott!
ReplyDelete(minus the extra "T" that I just added to his name).
ReplyDeleteThe design work of Scot is timeless and beautiful.The way he layer a rooms just works.The drawing room and the handsome bedroom are our favorites.
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