House Crush: Designer CRUSH: Interview with JARLATH MELLETT

Seasoned fashion designer turned interior designer, Jarlath Mellett is a current major CRUSH of mine {see my previous post on his gorgeous interiors}! His ability to take hip, modern forms and transpose them with traditional and antique pieces make for sophisticated spaces with major longevity. He's not a "fad"... he's the real deal... and I'm giddy over the opportunity to share my exclusive interview with all of you...

House Crush: I knew I wanted to be an interior designer when...

JM: After a great career in fashion, I decided to indulge myself in my second passion, interiors. Have always loved doing my own interiors, it was only natural for me to take it on as a second career.

House Crush: If I only had $1,000 to refresh a room, I would...

JM: To me it would be something like wallpaper or paint because it is a quick fix. You can do anything by doing an accent wall, a band of color, stripes. You can totally transform a room with color on the walls or wallpaper.

House Crush: I have a good day when...

JM: I have found the perfect piece for a project and when we're conceptualizing a home and it finally comes together.

House Crush: Currently coveting...

JM: Anything COLOR! I am dying for anything colorful. I want color, color, color. Raspberry wool chairs, all that, you name it.

House Crush: My favorite cocktail...

JM: Bombai and tonic with lemon - It has to be Schweppes tonic and has to be lemon... no lime.

House Crush: This Fall, my wardrobe needs...

JM: As many huge chunky sweater cardigans as I can get. A huge sweater, Bottega Veneta, worn-tailored corduroys and chunky boots. That's what I'll be wearing!

House Crush: I recently met...

JM: Well, Sir Paul McCartney came into my store and bought some chairs in Amagansett. That was pretty amazing.

House Crush: The biggest decorating no-no...

JM: Just following something that isn't yours. Trying to replicate a picture in a magazine and it doesn't have your personality.

House Crush: I could not live without...

JM: Betty, my black lab

House Crush: My dream client...

JM: A Russian heiress with a fabulous palace outside of St. Petersburg that she wants just totally done in the Jarlath Mellett style. That crazy mix of modern and vintage and personalized pieces.

House Crush: A trend no one is talking about in the design world...

JM: Color is back. Mixing of patterns is back. Everyone is so afraid of color and I think that is one of the biggest things that is taking off. A total explosion in that arena.

Another sampling of Jarlath's style...