Mario Buatta
September 17, 2008
Mario Buatta
Designer We Love
More Information
Interior Design Hall of Fame bio, NY Times article
Quotable Quotes
"I really care about how a house looks on the inside and outside; I could care less about how it's structured."
"Everything I've ever bought has always reminded me of something I've already seen, someplace, sometime."
Background
Born in 1935 in Staten Island, NY
Ditched architecture studies at Cooper Union and switched to Parsons School of Design
Influenced by John Fowler and his accessorized-to-the-max English country decorating style
Dubbed the "Prince of Chintz" in 1984 by a NY television news reporter, and it's stuck ever since
High-profile commissions like Washington's Blair House and homes for Mariah Carey, Nelson Doubleday, Billy Joel, and other celebrities and socialites
What We Love
He still answers his own phones; that strikes us as practical, hands on, and no pretense.
His designs are comfortable, highly decorative, and whimsical -- and we love any decorator with a sense of humor (he's said to carry around a plastic joke cockroach in his pocket everywhere he goes . . . and he's even named the cockroach Harold).
We lust after the enormous and elegant dressing room complex he designed for Mariah Carey. Lucky her.
Buatta appreciates good collections and eclectic mixes in his interiors, but he also has an appealing humbleness and sense of humility in his philosophy concerning "things." He realizes that objects are really only "on loan" to us during our lifetime. We should provide beautiful objects with a kind and loving place to be displayed and used during our lifetimes, then have them passed on to others for further enjoyment. For this sentiment alone, we are eternally grateful to the amazing Prince of Chintz.
Mario Buatta Sampler
Photo credits: Framed Picture, Art and Living, New York Magazine, Architectural Digest, Cote de Texas, Glamour, Providence RI, Architectural Digest
Design2Share
New York Social Diary
We loved the recent New York Social Diary photo essay and interview with Mario Buatta. Lovely mix of modern and traditional design elements, and a very personal, luxurious space. Well done, as usual, Mr. Buatta!
Reader Comments (13)
Personally, I find his design horrifically ugly...definitely not the King! And as for his personal manner, quite rude. I guess when people call you the king, it makes for a big head. Lets all just stop calling him that.
I remember when the Kips Bay blue bedroom first appeared in the magazines. I thought I had gone to heaven. Still have the clipping. I still love the style. Thank you for posting these images.
To Mario Buatta,
I first saw the blue bedroom many years ago on the cover of House Beautiful. I have saved it all these years. I think it is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. You are the best!
To Mario Buatta,
I first saw the blue bedroom many years ago on the cover of House Beautiful. I have saved it all these years. I think it is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. You are the best!
WHEN WILL MARIO BUATTA PUBLISH A BOOK WITH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF HIS SPECIAL PROJECTS, ESPECIALLY BEDROOMS????? PLEASE DO SO!
Mario Buatta is a connoisseur of green, intelligent design. He is able to create a garden interior environment even in an urban center. This is now called sustainability. This concept may sound simple, but is not something everyone can envision.
I LOVE MARIO BUATTA WHO I DON'T FIND RUDE AT ALL, BUT FUNNY AND FRIENDLY, AND WHOSW WORK, WHETHER OR NOT YOU LIKE VERY TRADITIONAL, IS A TEXT BOOK ON WONDERFUL FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT, USE OF COMBINATIONS IN DESIGN, AND GENERALLY HOW TO MAKE A ROOM INVITING. ALSO I LOVE YOUR BLOG WHICH IS QUITE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF. SINCERELY, LETA AUSTIN FOSTER
Mario Buatta is the owner of a gothic style house which was built in 1845 and is located on Chase Road in Thompson CT. This house is known in the area as the Mason House and is a cherished historical home. I am curious as to why Mr. Buatta does not take care of his property. I am a local photographer and often find myself drawn to this house, only to stare at it from the road and find it still sitting there falling into further disrepair. I realize Mr. Buatta does not care about the structural aspects of a home, but this house of his, along with the "garage" which was built in 1760, is a masterpiece and it breaks my heart to see it not being cared for. Mr. Buatta, I beg of you to hire someone to come help save your own house. I love it so much, it makes me so sad to see it all alone, cold and uncared for. Please save it.
I have been a fan of Mario Buatta for as long as I can remember. His rooms are always filled with warmth and classic elegance. Each room is a feast for the eyes, and I have always especially enjoyed his use of color. Bare and beige is boring. His rooms make me smile!
I've dealt with Mr. Buatta in a professional manner. While I admit his work is fantastic. He is the single most rudest, arrogant, selfish person I have met and it really depreciates his value. History does not judge arrogant and rude people well.
I see a lot of complete arseholes commenting here. I know Mr. Buatta personally, and he is the kindest, witty, warm and generous man I have ever met. You hideous cowards under screen names on a personal level make me sick.
This is pure world class design. So classic and genius.
My inspirational furniture line: www.bocadolobo.com
I was so thrilled to come across this interview that I practically climbed into my computer so as not to miss one word Mr. Buatta had to say!! He is such an amazing talent and I always look forward to opening the pages of a magazine, etc to have my heart skip a beat again with another room he has decorated! And, such a gentleman he is with so much wit and kindness. Oh what I would give to have him decorate just ONE room of my home! I just know I would feel as if I've died and gone to heaven!!