5 Signature Style Elements Of Mary McDonald In Her New Fabric Collection

I had an awesome design moment recently meeting interior designer Mary McDonald when she visited Atlanta to introduce her new fabric collection for Schumacher fabrics.

If you’re unaware, Mary McDonald is an internationally acclaimed designer based in Hollywood who creates elegant, whimsical and beautiful interiors that stand out because of their over the top dramatic look.   You may know her from Bravo TVs Million Dollar Decorators (which I have never seen but hear it was quite an experience to watch).

The new fabric collection exhibits the best of Mary McDonald’s signature style elements I adore.  Let’s take a look at the collection and 5 elements of Mary McDonald’s Style.

1. Select a theme and play it to the max. 

Mary’s style is always bold and dramatic – Love the black accents.

2.  Bold Patterns inspired by YSL’s L Afrik collection

There’s beautiful details in the fabrics – this one has trim & beads

I was pleasantly surprised to learn Mary McDonald inspiration for the collection came from one of my favorite fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent.  To see the reference checkout my post of YSL L’Afrik collection here.  by her design interest grew out of her love for fashion

There are 2 extraordinary color ways brown/black/tan and blue/white/tan extraordinaire.

Through conversation I learned Mary’s new fabric line was inspired in part by the L’Afrik collection by Yves Saint Laurent, one of my all time favorite fashion designers.  You can see the relationship in the bold patterns, color story, and use of beading in the fabric, trims and the strong textural components to the designs.

Mary McDonald with rug collection by Paterson Martin Flynn

3. Seagrass Rugs

French Conga rug in seagrass by Mary McDonald

Her rug collection is reminiscent of patterns she’s created on painted floors.

Mary McDonald has expanded her rug offering in this collection.  The rug designs are her signature bold geometric patterned reminiscent of the painted floors she is known for.  The original collection was wool rugs as you can see an example below.  The current collection includes seagrass rugs in new patterns.  And they are quite lovely.

4. Dressmaker Embellishments

Mary McDonalds Madame Wu appliques by Schumacher

Dressmaker embellishments such as appliqué and embroidery show up in her trims, pillows and furniture.

Fabrics from Mary McDonald’s 1st collection – Vanderbilt velvets & trim

5.  Layer Layer – When you think it’s enough add more

One of the reasons I love Mary McDonald is her artful layering.  She describes it as – layer, layer, layer when you think it’s enough then add some more.

Hotel lobby & Living room by Mary McDonald

 

Now that’s decorating Hollywood style and that’s Mary McDonald.

Hope you enjoyed it.  I’m looking forward to using her fabrics.

Until next time …