RR Styles Interview: Featuring Lindsay MacRae
"Every client is different. I pay special attention to how they want their rooms to feel, look, and function."
- Lindsay MacRae
Interior design aficionado Lindsay MacRae runs a full-service firm out of Manhattan, New York, Lindsay MacRae Interiors, which she established in 2013 after more than ten years working in the industry. She specializes in mixing traditional design sensibility with fresh styles, using color and fabric patterns in deliberate applications for maximum impact.
RR Styles asked MacRae to share her sources of design inspirations and wealth of industry insight, as well as images from some of her favorite projects.
RR Styles: How did you develop your style of using bright, eye-catching accent colors in the spaces you design?
MacRae: I am naturally drawn to vibrant colors and patterns. I honestly didn't even know I was developing a style until others pointed it out to me. I was just using elements that I love.
RR Styles: When you're working on a project, where do you draw your design inspiration from?
MacRae: Fabrics and wallpapers. I know I am supposed to start a room by selecting the flooring first but I am so inspired by fabrics and wallpapers that I usually start with them. I get so excited about different patterns and colors. When I nail down that fabrics and/or wallpapers, everything else falls into place.
RR Styles: What piece in your portfolio are you most proud of?
MacRae: It's hard to pick just one, since I have so many different designs. A powder room in New Jersey and a vestibule on the Upper East Side come to mind because they are two of my happiest spaces.
RR Styles: What is your process for beginning a new project with a client?
MacRae: The start of the process varies -- some clients require trips to showrooms to sit in different pieces of furniture for comfort. Some clients trust me to select everything for them. Once we nail down the function, floor plan, and furniture requirements, I can move on to what I consider the fun part: fabrics.
RR Styles: What has been a particularly challenging project for you?
MacRae: Last year I had a carpet installation go very badly. The wall-to-wall carpet arrived in a color that was much different than the sample and the mill was no longer able to match the original sample. Of course the entire bedroom was designed around this carpet and we could not find an alternative that had the same look we were going for. I had to call in some favors with some of my best vendors and have the bed headboard and box springs remade in a new fabric that worked with the new carpet color. I was fortunate to have such great relationships with my upholsterer and fabric suppliers and they really pulled through. The final result was lovely!
On occasion, there are problems with products and installations but as a designer, I am an advocate for my clients and I take responsibility for making sure all problems are resolved.
RR Styles: What's the biggest difference for you between designing for residential and commercial clients?
MacRae: Everything. I expected my commercial background to translate to residential projects but I learned quickly that they are two almost two different industries. Everything is different including the clients, codes, vendors, processes, styles, etc.
RR Styles: Is there any interior design trend or style that you find yourself gravitating towards?
MacRae: I love and am drawn to traditional interiors. I am currently getting inspired by Art Deco styles and obsessing over all things Dorothy Draper & Company. I don't dislike any styles as long as they are done well, but in general I find super sleek and modern interiors run the risk of being cold and uninviting.
RR Styles: How do you keep up with industry changes?
MacRae: I am constantly reading magazines, following other designers and manufacturers on Instagram, and listening to design podcasts. I also try to stay connected with other local designers.
RR Styles: What's next for you in your design career?
MacRae: I would like to start taking on remote projects. A big goal of mine is to do work in Florida or anywhere with a coastal vibe. I love coastal design and welcome the opportunity to escape the cold NYC winters.
To learn more about Lindsay MacRae's work and browse her entire portfolio, visit www.lindsaymacrae.com.
