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Fresh and Easy Living
An Interview with Melissa Makris 
Where did you grow up? What influences did you have growing up that made you become a designer? Tell us a bit about your business: I launched MELISSA MAKRIS INTERIORS in 2006, based in Westport, Connecticut, after a successful career in corporate communications and publications. As Creative Director for BANKERS TRUST, I was designing and developing brand identity, and annual reports, as well as Art Director for TIME and NEW YORK MAGAZINE. With this design and brand development experience, I naturally draw out my clients visually. This creates a very personal expression reflective of who they are. It’s their own personal brand, so to speak. My work is primarily residential, historical properties, with clients in Fairfield County, Nantucket and New York City. 
What would you consider your design style? Fresh, with an easy living elegance. I don’t really have a specific design style, but rather a design philosophy. Design and style must have a raison d’etre. For example, infusing vintage pieces with classic modern, (not to be mistaken for mod). I love working with what the homeowner may already have. One of my favorite chmakrisges in evolving a space is to add an object discovered somewhere else in the home, (like the attic or basement), which may have a special family history or significance. Cultivating the energy potential within the day-to-day flow of the home, and nurturing the lifestyle of the homeowners are the true treasures. How long have you been designing? Where did you study? I have been designing since infancy really. It is in my genes-- nature and nurture. I lived in my parents’ studios, art galleries, and museums. I studied at the UNIVERSITY of CONNECTICUT, and PARSONS SCHOOL of DESIGN. I’m always studying and discovering-- joie de vivre! 
How do you define "home"? Home is the heart and soul of our lives. What are some questions you ask your clients before you begin a project? We have tea and an informal input session. I look to their personality and lifestyle for inspirations to bring out into their personal spaces. We discuss the history, location, and significance of the property, how they intend to use the space and what feeling or mood they would like to evoke. 
What can you tell about a person when you walk in a room? A lot actually. Visually cued in, I feel it right away. I can tell what is important to them, how they think of themselves and what is currently happening in their lives. There will always be at least one exciting detail that will connect the dots. 
 
Who are some designers that have influenced your work? I create individual style for my clients and get inspirations from so many sources, experiences and travel. I adore the brilliant work of such designers as: RALPH LAUREN for his graceful ability to balance timeless classics of exquisite quality with favorite, but different pieces, (i.e.: turquoise beads with a black evening gown, a white vintage linen blouse paired with the just right worn in blue jeans). VICTORIA HAGAN for creating beautifully understated elegant and livable environments. PHILIP JOHNSON for fully integrating architecture, art and the land in his ultimate, innovative Glass House property. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT for his visionary spiraling structure of the Guggenheim Museum. ALBERT HADLEY for his premiere sophisticated rooms, and unique graphics presented on his wallpaper collection. 
What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular colors?
Go GREEN-GREEN-GREEN!!! Whenever possible use sustainable materials and energy. These are becoming more available generating a harmonious and health promoting environment in which to live. Keeping us all mindful is MIES VAN DER ROHE’s mantra: “Less is more”. 
Who is your dream client and why? I thrive on developing an individual style. Someone who knows what they like, and particularly what they don’t like, someone who tells it like it is, as I do and runs with it. 
Melissa Makris InteriorsWestport ConnecticutTel: 203.226.4159 • www.melissamakris.com |
