So, if we are gonna talk trendsetters, we must be sure to discuss Charlotte Moss. A Manhattan resident, Moss has been part of the design world for decades. Her style is elegant, mostly formal, and lived in.
New York Social Diary (this site is the best for interviews of designers!) toured her Manhattan townhouse. The townhouse was indulgent and full. When inquired about the livability of a space (and to express disdain for minimalism): “I don’t understand it and I don’t mind saying it. I love beautiful objects. I think with some people it is a hoax because you can tell it is forced and it’s so contrived. Some people might look at this and say ‘well you’ve got too much stuff in here’, and I’ll go ‘well, it’s my stuff and ... it just sort of happened!’” Does this resonate with you? Oh, how it does for me. Most spaces start scant and then life happens and this card or that book, or this picture ends up throwing off and warming up what was symmetrically pleasing but utterly un-lived in.
Her blog(s), including A Flair for Living, are delightful. The stylized posts cover recipes and interior design. I adore the vintage pages of recipes--endearing excitement over croquettes. C’est Inspire (“What is Inspiring”) compiles photographs around a stated theme, with no words. So much to savor!
She packs a crew of 13 for any given decorating job and apparently has no more than 2 jobs going simultaneously. In addition to her work as a personal designer, she has published seven books and has a slue of licensing relationships: a fabric line with Fabricut, furniture line with Century Furniture, carpet line with Stark Carpet (these are incredible), and enamels for Halcyon Days (just to mention a few)
HER WORDS
On finding inspiration for design: “You must learn how to restore yourself and your creativity by stepping away from it. By doing something completely different. And to be really good, you have to get outside of this business altogether. Get outside of the business of design. Travel. Study. Garden. Meet new people. Embrace new ideas (emphasis added).”
On housekeeping: Moss was asked, “What is Ugly?” She replied: “Bad housekeeping. Clean! Givenchy said ‘Elegance is a bar of soap.’”
On being inspired: STORY BOARDS (a couple below from her most recent publication, Charlotte Moss Decorates)
HER WORK
A Manhattan pied-a-terre for a cultured couple:
Her own Manhattan space:
Photos courtesy elledecor.com; newyorksocialdiary.com; and thestylesaloniste.com
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