In Conversation with Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn Lawrence Bullard is currently one of my favourite interior designers, we feel very fortunate that we got an interview with him for our blog. His work and his creativity thrives on diversity. Martyn Lawrence Bullard can navigate comfortably in any style from contemporary to traditional. He has a quality that I have always admired. He works for the client and brings the client’s vision to reality while maintaining a sense of style in each of his projects.

” Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Design, the multiple award-winning Los Angeles based interior design Company is renowned for their broad range of styles and eclectic, sophisticated yet always comfortable interiors. Martyn’s extraordinary attention to detail and commitment to quality has won him international clientele and acclaim. His work has appeared in over 70 publications worldwide including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House & Garden, Interior Design, W, Vogue, House Beautiful, both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times and currently 10 coffee table books.

His clientele includes Cher, Emmy winner, writer, producer Aaron Sorkin, Edward Norton, Christina Aguilera, Mr. and Mrs. Vidal Sassoon, Kid Rock, Rebecca Romaijn, Roca Fellas Records and Rocca Wear CEO Damon Dash, Felicity Huffman, William H Macy, both Residential and Corporate commissions for Jimmy Choo CEO Tamara Mellon, executive offices at both Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios, Patti La Belle, the Colony Palms Hotel, jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, Cheryl Tiegs, David Furnish and Sir Elton John “.

I am so happy to share Mr. Barnes’ thoughts on design with you…

Martyn Lawrence Bullard – My first design experience on a professional level was when I was 18 my sister and I decided to open a unisex designer fashion store called Temptation. I had always loved interior design so my sister looked to me to design the 2 floor shop. I chose to tent the ladies floor in cream Irish muslin and had hand wrought iron rails made to display the clothing. For the mens floor I had it paneled in walnut and a 19th century row boat hung from the ceiling with antique shop fittings and brass accessories.

Martyn – My style has been influenced mostly by my travels. I was very lucky as a child to vacation around the world with my parents and I believe that had truly inspired me to take up design in my adulthood. I believe to see new countries and experience new cultures is the finest design education one can get.

Martyn – The most unusual request I ever had was to ‘ gold leaf ‘ the interior of a garage for a new client. I actually believe a garage should look clean and as stylish as a utilitarian space can be , but to gold leaf it , well it was a little too over the top for me so I declined the job!

Iván – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness?

My weakness is my love of Photography. If I see a magnificent piece I just have to add it to my collection , even though I have no where left to hang anymore.

Martyn – I have always admired the extraordinary work of the Italian master decorator Renzo Mongiardino. His designs were so theatrical yet breath taking in their scale. Of course the work of the great David Hicks is always inspirational. His use of color and quirky twists were always wonderful and have taught me much. A current favourite of mine is the New York designer Steven Gambrel. I think his choices are always so beautifully thought out and his color palette always fresh and crisp.

Design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Iván – You have had the opportunity to work with several celebrities, have you ever been star struck?

Martyn – I have worked for Many celebrities of many kinds over the years however I have to say that growing up in a theatrical family has allowed me to avoid being star struck. That being said I consider myself so lucky working for such luminaries at the moment as Sir Elton John and Cher. Both of whom I admire and enjoy there work enormously and am happy to include them both as close friends now.

Interiors by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn – My favourite books of current include ‘ follies of Europe ‘ a wonderful book on the 18th century architectural fantasy of the landed gentry and aristocracy. I also love the assouline book ‘ so far , so Goude ‘ a fantastic compilation of the works of Goude including his marvelous studies of Grace Jones. The new photographic retrospective book of the works of Mathew Rolston is really beautiful and would grace any coffee table with style.

Martyn – For the 5 things I can’t live without :

1. Music would be the most important , it relaxes and inspires me constantly. I never tire of Mozart , Al Green and Seal.

2. I always keep with me a bottle of Vetiver cologne by Guerlain. I’ve worn it since I was 15 and it has become my trade mark.

3. My Lieca camera goes with me everywhere to record all things beautiful and inspirational.

4. I am permanently attached to my blackberry. It has become my life force as I can always be in touch with my office anywhere I am in the world and can send pictures of objects I may want to buy for a project directly to my clients for approval to purchase. Its the best tool.

5. Lastly as I travel so much I always take with me a Duxiana travel pillow. Its the greatest luxury to have ones own little down pillow on a plane or to make familiar an otherwise strange hotel bed.

Interiors by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn – The most practical thing I own really is my blackberry. It has become my work horse and instant communicator in a business where speed and efficiency are key to delivering a quality product.

The rarest thing I own is probably a 17th century branch of red coral mounted on a silver and ebony base. Completely useless , but utterly beautiful.