What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
We're thrilled to be joined by Emily Eerdmans, a design historian and author who opens up about her insights on the legendary decorator, Mario Buatta, aka the Prince of Chintz. Emily first talks about the process of writing Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator, and how it’s different from Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration. And yes, Mario fans should have both books in their collection. She then takes us through the fascinating journey of Mario, a trailblazer who incorporated personal branding into his design work, seamlessly adapted the English country house style to suit the American market, and crafted stunning designs using color and antiques. We dive deep into the heart of Mario’s design mantra with Emily, understanding the role of the four C's: chintz, curtains, color, and collections. 

How Mario’s humble roots played into his design. 

Why it’s so important for the next generation of designers to remember this icon. 

The four C’s: chintz, curtains, color and collections. 

 The power of design history and how it shapes our choices when creating timeless spaces. 

More about Mario’s ingenious use of color and antiques to create mesmerizing designs. 

Some of the challenges in writing an intimate biography and working with strong personalities. 

The importance of curtains in modern apartments. 

Mario's love for the English country house style. 

Mentioned: 
Ballard Designs
Emily Eerdmans
Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator 
Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration