Mark D. Sikes
photo by Amy Neunsinger
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Montecito
What are three words to describe your style? 1. All-American 2. Timeless 3. Beautiful
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It was blue and white, not a surprise I’m sure. Blue and white striped wallpaper, Navy romans and a navy coverlet. Matchbox cars displayed on my bookcases, all slightly turned right.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? An antique chinoiserie Armoire bought from a favorite dealer in San Francisco.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? I’ve thought about this a lot actually over the years. I’d have Mark Hampton do my city house, Renzo Mongiardino my country house and Roderick Cameron my beach house.
No room is complete without a touch of blue and white.
People think of me as a rule follower, but I am really a rule breaker.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Bows
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that smells badly
A bar cabinet: Unattractive bottles
A song for:
Dinner at home: ‘Until you Come Back to Me’ Aretha Franklin
Working at your desk: ‘You Give Good Love’ Whitney Houston
Going for a run: ‘Here You Come Again’ Dolly Parton
Biggest Vice? French Fries
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Vintage books, Save Khaki Tees and Chinos in Navy, and Sabah slippers
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes, my wardrobe is mostly blue.
Who is your star crush? Jackie Kennedy
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Minimalism
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Bunny Mellon’s Sotheby’s Catalogs
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Being beautiful
photo by Matthew Millman
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Out of Africa
Book: Right now reading and loving ‘The Glossy Years’ by Nicholas Coleridge
Scent: Santa Maria Novella Acqua di Colonia Angeli di Firenze
The fabric you always come back to: My new favorite fabric is Fermoie’s ‘Tented Stripe’
Dream project: The White House
Meal: Hamburger and fries from Mel’s Diner
Drink: Iced Tea
Hotel: Le Sereno in Saint Barths (it’s casual and easy) and The Ritz in Paris (I know that’s predictable but it is fabulous)
Travel Destination: Saint Barths always - I was looking forward to going to Portugal and Morocco this year, but that will have to wait for the time being. Until then I’ll have to vacation in my garden.
Artist: Cy Twombly
Thing to collect obsessively: Books, Boxes, Blue and White Porcelain, chairs, Navy tees and navy cotton sweaters.
Era in the history of design: I like mixing them all
Museum: The Met
Paint Color that always looks great: Farrow and Ball Pointing
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: As of late Carlos Mota- He’s naughty, super funny and has wonderful style.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs, I have a soft spot for Frenchies.
