In addition to her distinguished career in interior design, Martha Angus studied at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts in France, Carnegie Mellon University and Sotheby’s Restoration in New York. Martha began designing interiors in New York City for Naomi Leff & Associates where she worked on projects for well known clients including Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and the Lauder family.
Today the seasoned designer, leads the full-scale San Francisco firm, Martha Angus, Inc. Her fresh, classic and refined approach to interior design attracts clients from around the world.
Simplified Bee: Your designs are inviting, sensible and timeless. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?
Martha Angus: After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in painting I panicked because I had no way to make a living. My AHA moment came from my mom’s suggestion; she asked me why not go into design?
SB: How would you describe your personal style?
MA: Classic mixed with fun, strong art. This also describes my wardrobe – classics mixed with fun strong jewelry!
SB: What type of architecture are you personally drawn to?
MA: Neoclassical or clean Modern.
SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
MA: Jeff Koons!
SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?
MA: Absolutely. I always go straight to my Farrow and Ball paint deck.
Skimming Stone #241 – Hallways and/or trim
Charleston Gray #243 – Kitchen and/or dining room
Light gray #17 – bedroom (I used this for my bedroom in my old apartment and it created an instant serene feeling)
Middleton Pink #245 – feminine office or a girl’s room
Charlotte’s lock #268 – this makes the most fabulous accent wall
Tunsgate Green #250 – children’s room – it’s perfect for boy’s or girl’s
Arsenic #214 – powder room
Blue ground #210 – bathroom and/or powder room
SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save?
MA: Splurge on great art! Save on the items like end tables and desks.
SB: You are embracing social media and are on Facebook, Twitter and recently started blogging. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets?
MA: I prefer blogging and reading other blogs. My Silicon Valley clients kept telling me that I needed to do this! Throughout the years I’ve always saved cool ideas by tearing images from magazines and taken tons and tons of pictures. Post + Grant is the perfect place to use all of these fabulous ideas.
SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without…
MA: Something that makes you smile.
SB: What’s next for Martha Angus Inc.?
MA: A lot and it’s a bit of a secret…I’ll keep you posted.
*all photos used with permission from Martha Angus, Inc.
Follow
6 Responses to Interview with San Francisco Interior Designer Martha Angus